JC Blog

In many states, when you adopt a child a new birth certificate is issued. The adoptive parents are listed as the birth parents and the original birth certificate is sealed only to be opened again by court order. This is done so the adoption child can obtains every right that a naturally born child would possess. What an amazing thing adoption is. The good news for today, is the same is true for us as born again believers. God has adopted us into his family and we have received every right and privilege as His child.

In Romans 8, Paul has written extensively that we are God's children, testified by the Holy Spirit living within us ( Romans 8:16 ). In yesterday's passage, Paul wrote to us that God foreknew us and predestined us to be conformed to the likeness of his son ( Romans 8:29 ). Today, Paul is reminding us what that entails. As adoptive children, we have received every right and privilege that His own son has. Jesus has been glorified and seated at the right hand of the father in heaven and everything was place under his feet ( Ephesians 1:20-22 ).In the same manner, as God's children, we too share in this amazing position of authority. "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus" ( Ephesians 2:6-7 ). Not only did he determine and appoint us before hand but he called, justified and glorified us in the process.

This is an amazing truth, but not understanding who you are in Christ Jesus and what is yours by your right as his child, will keep you from experiences this. The first thing that you must understand is that through Christ Jesus you are justified before God. Justification means that it is just as if you had never sinned. Through faith in his blood you are acquitted, made righteous and put into right standing with him. Understanding this will give you confidence before God, knowing that you face no condemnation from him ( Romans 8:1 ).

Next, it is important to understand that God has glorified you. He has raised you up to a heavily dignity and you currently exist in this condition and state of being. You have received every right and privilege as his heir and you are seated far above every principality in existence ( Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 2:6 ). Paul prayed for the Ephesians so that they would understand this truth because he knew it would empower them to fulfill God's will for their life. The same is true for us. God desires for us is to fulfill the purpose to which we have been called. Grasping this position of authority will propel you into fulfilling it because you will understand that every resource is available to you as God's heir.

Today, I pray that you spiritual eyes may be opened to understand this powerful word. I praise God that we have been foreordained, called and chosen to be God's children. I am thankful that we have already received every privilege of that association with him. Today, may you understand this truth and may it change your heart, amen.

It is amazing to me that God chose us. His desire has always been to be in relationship with you. Peter said, that God is "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" ( II Peter 3:9 ). The Amplified Bible says that he is hoping that all should turn to repentance, denoting that this is a choice of free will. God does not force you to choose him. However, he has made it possible to be reconciled to him through the death and resurrection of His son Jesus. He did everything possible to restore you to the state mankind was in before the fall and then he left you with a choice. Deuteronomy 30 says, "...choose life, so that you and your children may live" ( Deuteronomy 30:19 ). He has even given us a choice, but in His mercy He has also given us the answer to the question... choose life so that you may live.

Many people get hung up on the predestination election debate, struggling to reconcile in their own minds this idea that God only chooses certain people. But the Bible clearly teaches that God's desire is for everyone to come to him and said yes to his calling. John said, speaking of Jesus, "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world" ( I John 2:2 ). He has offered this gift to the entire world even knowing that not everyone would choose him. However even with this knowledge, he still chose to be the propitiation for all sins, for all time, for everyone. Hebrews speaks of this when it says, "And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin" ( Hebrews 10:18 ). He took care of the sin problem for all time, so that we could be reconciled to God the Father through the gift of his grace. Understanding how this gift extends to everyone even when people do not choose him, will settle this question in your heart and mind. God's desire is for everyone to come to him, but he leaves the decision to us.

In today's passage Paul gives us an encouraging word, he tells us that "for those God foreknew he also predestined..." ( Romans 8:29 ). It is amazing to know that God thought about me in the beginning of all time. He knew who I would be and what it would take to bring me unto himself. This is part of the Holy Spirits function before salvation. Jesus said in John 16, "When he [Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned" ( John 16:8-11 ). This is a powerful statement. The Holy Spirit convicts and convinces the world of its guilt before God in hope that mankind will come to Jesus and receive grace and mercy. Once we have done that, he speaks righteousness to our hearts because we have an advocate with the Father through Jesus ( Hebrews 9:24 ), so we will never stand in condemnation ( Romans 8:1 ). And lastly he speaks of judgment, but this judgment is against his defeated foe, which already stands condemned. So before Salvation, the Holy Spirit was given to show the way to Jesus. He shows, convicts and drives the desire to know God. Even in children this is evident from the earliest of ages. God not only choose us but sent the Holy Spirit to show us the way, "for those God foreknew he also predestined...", what an amazing blessing this is.

He chose us to be conformed and molded into the likeness of his son Jesus. This is an amazing product of salvation. We have been given the Holy Spirit as a deposit living inside of us so that we would inwardly have his likeness. Paul said in Ephesians, "to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" ( Ephesians 4:24 ). We have been made completely righteous and holy through Jesus. Everything God is, he has placed inside of our new born again spirit so that we would experience the victory that Jesus accomplished. Not only did God choose us, not only did God bring us to the point of choosing him, but once we did, he has given us an amazing gift so that our physical present realm would be transformed in the likeness of our born again spirits, the likeness of Jesus.

Through Jesus we can be confident in all of these things. We also know that since he is the firstborn among the dead, we too will experience a bodily resurrection and this is cause to rejoice ( Romans 8:11 ). Today, I praise God the father through Jesus that we have been called, sanctified and redeemed. I am blessed to know this encouraging word and to let it penetrate deep into my heart. Today, I pray that the eyes of your spirit are opened to receive this wonderful truth. Knowing how God has called and set you apart for his precious kingdom, amen!

What marvelous grace is this that we should be called sons and daughters of the living God? What a wonderful thing to be called not only from among the Jews but from the Gentiles as well. God's amazing redemption plan has provided a way for us to come to him and receive grace and mercy when we alone were hopeless. Paul started this chapter with a desire that his own people of Israel would recognize Jesus as their Messiah and come to him ( Romans 9:1-3 ). However as a whole they have rejected this and so Paul lays out evidence that only those who belong to Jesus belong to the promise spoken to Abraham ( Romans 9:8 ). Paul shows the severity of rejecting salvation through Jesus and demonstrates Gods patience towards them in turning away from such a gift ( Romans 9:22-23 ).

In today's passage he shows from Old Testament scripture that the Gentiles redemption through faith in Jesus has always been a part of the plan. God has called and chosen a people both from the Jews and from the Gentile nations. Hosea prophesied this very thing, "I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called 'Not my loved one. ' I will say to those called 'Not my people, ' 'You are my people'; and they will say, 'You are my God.' " ( Hosea 2:23 ). What an amazing truth this is. God calls the nobodies and makes them some bodies. Previously everyone outside of the Jewish nation was disregarded as completely separate and incapable of being part of the promise. But God looked upon us and called us His beloved and then went one step further and called us sons of the living God.

This is a hard thing for the Jews to understand and reconcile in their hearts. They do belong to a wonderful heritage of covenants, promises and patriarchs but this alone does not save ( Romans 9:4-5 ). John the Baptist told the teacher of the Law who questioned him, "And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire" ( Matthew 3:9-10 ). It is not the natural children that are Abrahams seed and heirs of the promise, inclusion in the promise only comes by faith in Jesus ( Romans 9:8 ). And God has opened this offer to all of humanity and has raise a people set apart for himself.

There is a parallel for us today, many people think that just because they go to church and recite liturgies, the Apostles Creed and the Lord's prayer that this is all that God desires from them. Many rest securely in belonging to a church and attending regularly. However Jesus said in Revelation, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth" ( Revelation 3:15-16 ). What an awakening this will be. God does not desire your rituals and obligation, he desires your heart. He looks over the multitudes of people which cannot be counted and says to those who put their trust in him, you are my children ( Hosea 1:10 ). He has redeemed us from and empty way of life such as this, Peter said, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God ( I Peter 1:18-21 ). Our hope is in Jesus not in attending church and responsive readings, belonging to God only comes through faith in Jesus and in a changed heart.

Today, I am blessed to be counted among God's children and among his chosen people in the world. It is my prayer that you understand your position of grace in His kingdom and that everything you do flows out of a heart for the Lord. May you continue to grow in His grace, amen!

Mankind has free will and God will not override our choices in life. Throughout our entire life time we are presented with the opportunity to accept the gospel message, which has the power to save us, or we can reject it. The outcome of this choice is based solely upon us. God does not choose for us, nor does he predestine some to be saved and some to be damned. Predestination rests solely upon His foreknowledge of our acceptance of His grace ( Romans 8:29, I Peter 1:2 ). He knew who would accept his message and so he also chose them based upon that foreknowledge. In the same way, He knew who would reject him and so they were prepared for destruction based upon that foreknowledge of their free will and choice.

In today's passage Paul writes to us that God endured with exceeding patience the objects of his wrath. These are the individuals that have rejected his salvation message and the payment for their sin. These individuals are destined for destruction of their own volition because they have chosen this path for their life and have rejected Jesus. It is easy to struggle over a statement such as this and focus on the wrath of God towards them, but what about his enduring patience concerning them? They are clearly enemies of cross and yet God is patient with them. He tolerates and endures those who have rejected his salvation and forgiveness of sins.

Hebrews says, "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God" ( Hebrews 10:26-27 ). Once we have heard the truth and know that the only way to be reconciled to God is through faith in Jesus' atoning work on the cross, we have to make a decision whether or not we accept this payment for our sins. If we do not, there is no other sacrifice or payment option left to us, only judgment. Hebrews goes on to say, "Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ( Hebrews 10:28-31 ).

It is severe to reject Jesus and his incredible gift of salvation. God's wrath was fully satisfied through his redemptive work on the cross. However, if we do not accept this payment for our sins, then eventually those accounts will be called overdue. Payment will have to be rendered and how do you thing that God will respond to someone who has blatantly rejected his very own Son. There will be no acceptable alternative payment and it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God when it is God's very own precious Son that has been trampled and rejected in the process.

The amazing thing about a passage such as this, is that it shows an incredible facet of God's nature when you fully understand it. God is not dealing unfairly with mankind, the opposite is actually true, He is showing incredible mercy and grace in tolerating their rejection of Jesus. He does this to demonstrate to believers His incredible wealth of mercy. It shows us the depth of his love and grace that has no bounds. It is important to get revelation of the this truth because this will change the way we look at life. If we can understand how patient and loving God is towards even those who reject him we will know how accepted and loved we are in Christ Jesus. God even uses his enemies to show his incredible love towards us. When we stand before Christ and see his majesty and splendor we will fully understand how offensive and awful it is to reject such a gift. We will understand the severity of it and the depths of the mercy displayed in patiently enduring His enemies.

Understanding this truth is pivotal in understanding the nature of God. He grace and mercy knows no end and his loving kindness extends to the ends of the earth. Today, it is my prayer that you recognize the awesomeness of Jesus and how he can saved you from destruction and hell. The good news for today is that he also saves us from so much more, he has come to give us eternal life which starts the moment you come to Him and accept his free gift of grace. May you understand how blessed you are in Christ Jesus, amen!

As humans we like to hold God to human standards. We think it only fair that he treat everyone the same. If God chooses to show extra mercy to an individual in certain situations is this unfair to the rest of mankind? Paul knew this question would quickly follow his previous statements about election in Romans 9, that is why he addressed this question himself, is there injustice on God's part by electing the people who have chosen him first?

In today's passage, Paul is heading off anyone from taking his statements and misinterpreting them. "What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all!" ( Romans 9:14 ). Is God unfair in choosing, predestining and electing those who by their free will chose him first? Not at all. Paul is reassuring us that God is completely just in offering mercy and compassion on those he chooses. Just because he chose to grant us extra mercy doesn't make him unfair or unjust to others in the process. This is one of the things that he spoke to Moses in Exodus 33, "And God said, I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, THE LORD, before you; for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy and loving-kindness on whom I will show mercy and loving-kindness" ( Exodus 33:19 Amp ). Not everyone was able to witness the Lord passing by in the cleft of the rock. But Moses witnessed it because God told him he was pleased with him and knew him by name and because Moses asked to see him face to face ( Exodus 33:17 ). God showed Moses extra mercy and favor in revealing himself, in the same way he also bestows this grace and mercy upon us.

God would be just in calling all of our accounts due. He is righteous and holy and mankind is the complete opposite. Because of this, he would be completely righteous in bringing judgment against us. However, because of what Jesus did for us, he extends mercy towards us. He is patient and loving and has chosen to extend grace to us instead of judgment. There is no injustice upon God's part on account of his mercy.

Today, I am so thankful that God is so gracious towards us. I am glad he has extended mercy instead of judgment. Today, my this revelation of God mercy bless you, amen!

It would be easy to read a passage of scripture such as this and misinterpret the intent of the author and the context of the passage. Election is a doctrine that many people argue fiercely, stating that God chooses some people for salvation and others for damnation. However the scriptures teach that election is based upon God's foreknowledge of the person and their free will to choose him. Peter said, "...who [elect] have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood..." ( I Peter 1:2 ). We have a choice whether or not we choose God. God's desire is that we choose him and he has made it possible to be reconciled unto himself, but God does not go against or override our freewill in choosing him. Rather in His foreknowledge, he knows who will choose him in this life and so based on that, he also elects and predestines them according to his purpose.

Peter tells us that God is "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" ( II Peter 3:9 ). But it was Jesus who said, "For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" ( Matthew 7:13-14 ). He began this statement by saying "Enter through the narrow gate" ( Matthew 7:13a ), and yet He knew not everyone would. This is because we have a free will in choosing the path for our live. He choose us, but in his grace he lets us choose him, our choice wasn't predetermined for us.

In today's passage, Paul tells us some important truths, he starts out by letting us know that God's election is not based upon performance but by choice. "before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad-in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls" ( Romans 9:11-12 ). God foreknew both Jacob and Esau before they were born. He knew the choices they would make and he chose Jacob based on that knowledge. Jacob was called to be the inheritor of the blessing of the firstborn son although it would have been Esau's birthright. Esau had every opportunity to have walked with the Lord, he chose not to. Jacob was called to succeed the promise spoken to Abraham because God foreknew this was the right choice. Esau wasn't destined for destruction by God's choice, his own free will and path in life determined that.

Even in the account in Genesis, it was apparent that both Jacob's and Esau's choices in life would determine their paths. While Rebekah was pregnant with the twins they wrestled inside of her. She inquired of the Lord and he said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger" ( Genesis 25:23 ). He knew that from these two men, two nations would emerge. One would serve the Lord and one would not. Both children came as a result of the promise spoken to Abraham, but only one remain in the promise because they choose God and as a result He chose them.

The two nations that emerged was Israel and Edom. Israel was God's chosen people because they chose to follow God. Edom was a godless race and caused Israel problems through out their entire history together. Paul records in today's passage that it was written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." ( Romans 9:13 ). This reference refers to Malachi 1 and not the account in Genesis. Meaning that God did not hate Esau the man and predetermine him for destruction, it is referring to the descents of Esau and the nation of Edom. It is showing that God's foreknowledge of Jacob was right when he chose him to be the inheritor of the promise. He was a man of God and taught his descents to be the same, while Esau despised the things of God and taught his descents to do likewise. Both were born out of the promise, but only one remained in it.

So God's purpose in election is to confirm our free will and chose us as we have chosen him. Romans 8 says, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers" ( Romans 8:29 ). We can rest assured that if we have chosen God, he had foreknowledge of this and he also chose and predestined us to be conformed into his likeness. Today I am bless that God chose me. I am so thankful that he gave me the option to choose him as well. As I enter into this relationship by my own free will I am blessed to know I too belong to the promise spoken to Abraham and continued by Isaac and Jacob. Today, may you also choose God through the precious blood of Jesus and walk in his walks, amen!

It says in the Psalms, "For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance" ( Psalm 94:14 ). God is pleased to call us his own. He has made for himself a people comprised of sons and daughters. It's marvelous to know that we are His inheritance. He has chosen and predestined us to be a part of his family. He foreknew us and accepted us on the basis of Christ. What a glorious thing. In today's passage Paul is explaining that this true even in the midst of Israel rejecting the Messiah.

In verse 1 Paul explained that it was against God's entire nature to reject those he has previously chosen. He concluded that this was impossible. 'May it never be.' Today's passage gives more insight to this truth. Paul reflected back to the scriptures about Elijah when he was faced with a similar situation. Elijah learned an important truth about God in the midst of these circumstances.

Jezebel was seeking Elijah's life because he has just defeated over 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel putting them to death by the sword. He then fled for his life because she had sworn an oath to kill him. He has just had an amazing victory with God as his backer. He spoke and acted in power and authority and proved to the entire nation that God was the God of Israel and not the "no count" Baal. But, at the threat of the queen he fled in fear. The Lord came to him and asked him what he was doing and this was his reply, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too" ( I Kings 19:10 ). Look at the Lord's reply to Elijah, "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel-all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him" ( I Kings 19:18 ). What an amazing thing to tell and encourage him during the time he was afraid. There is a small number of Israelites who have not bowed to Baal. I have reserved for myself a remnant who have remained true to my covenant. In other words, you are not the only one left.

At this time, Israel had rejected God to worship idols. But God still did not reject them. He sent his prophets to them to remind them of everything that he had done for them. He spoke to them about their future and about what he would do for them. This is how wonderful our God is. He is so patient, loving, forgiving and encouraging. Some remained, walking in his covenant and some turned away, but neither of these things changed God. He remained the same; true to His promises.

Modern day Israel has rejected Jesus, wishing to remain in the Law and in the ritualistic application of its precepts. But still, this does not change God. He does not reject those he foreknew. Now, he sends his Holy Spirit to show them the way and to reveal to them the Christ. But still he reminds us that there is a remnant chosen by grace. There is a small believing minority in Israel who has accepted God's unmerited favor and graciousness through Christ Jesus. He is telling us that we are not alone.

Paul said in Romans 9, "not all who are descendants from Israel are Israel" ( Romans 9:6 ). He went on to say that true descendants are those who belonged to the promise ( Romans 9:8 ). The promise was Christ. Through Christ, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" ( Galatians 3:28-29 ). Through faith we join with the remnant of Israel that remained true to the promise and believed the message of grace. Like them, we have become heirs to the promise and have been grafted into this holy race of God's chosen people in the world today. May this truth speak to your heart and encourage you that God does not reject the people whom he foreknew. He is faithful to the promises he has spoken and watches over them to see their fulfillment ( Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 1:12 ), what a blessing this is!

At the start of chapter 11, Paul asks an important question given the previous two chapters, did God reject his people? Did he finally get fed up at their obstinacy and hard heartedness? Was their rejection of His Son the last straw whereby he gave up on them? Paul's answer, absolutely not, may it never be!

Paul's response to this question was an emphatic no! In fact, the Greek words he used for this statement were the strongest meaning he could apply, indicating that it was far from the truth in case anyone tried to misinterpret what he was saying. By no means, literally meant there is an entire absence of possibility that God would reject His people. The King James Bible translated it as, "God forbid". It is inconceivable because these are the people that he foreknew since the beginning of time. He marked out and appointed them from the foundation of the world to be his chosen people. So it goes against God's entire nature to even consider the possibility that he would reject them after choosing them.

The book of Samuel gives us some insight into this. "For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own" ( I Samuel 12:22 ). We learn two important truths through this verse. First, it was God's pleasure to create a people for himself. Secondly, God won't reject His people for the sake of His name. His name carries the weight of who he is. His name is great and greatly to be praised. In fact his name is so wonderful that is was given to Jesus to be the name above every name. If God uses His name to exalt, honor and glorify Jesus because of the completeness of his redemptive work, then his name holds incredible power. Jesus is the only name given under heaven whereby we can be saved ( Acts 4:12 ). So for the sake of it, he will never reject Israel or those he chooses.

Paul uses his own testimony to validate his statement." I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin" ( Romans 11:1 ). Paul described himself as a Hebrew of Hebrews ( Philippians 3:5 ). He knew first hand that God did not reject his people because he had accepted the message of grace and he saw multitudes of people, both Jews and Gentiles, come to the Lord when he preached. Paul was speaking from firsthand knowledge that God still called the Jews. Jesus said that he was sent to the lost sheep of Israel first and foremost ( Matthew 15:24 ). This testified to the fact "that God's gifts and calls are irrevocable" ( Romans 11:29 ).

The Jews must come to God the same way we do, through faith in Jesus. This has not changed. In fact they always looked forward to the Messiah for salvation. This was God's promise to Israel, it had nothing to do with the Law which came 430 years later. ( Galatians 3:17-18 ). David also saw that God would justify them apart from works and this is why he said, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit" ( Psalm 32:11-2; Romans 4:6-8 ). David saw the righteousness that came through Christ and called those who lived after the time of Jesus blessed, happy and to be envied.  This promise was opened to the Gentiles as well, but it came through Israel, in the form of God's first born son, that the entire world would be blessed through them.

It is marvelous to know that God does not change his mind ( James 1:17 ). Those he has called he will not forsake. His salvation is open to all and to all who receive him, he gives them the right to be called children of God ( John 1:12 ). And we can rest assured that nothing can separate us from His love because of what Christ Jesus did for us ( Romans 9:38-39 ). Today, I pray that this message will settle in your heart and provide you assurance through Christ Jesus our Lord, amen! 

One Sunday morning I was getting ready to teach and I was struggling because I knew that mornings sermon was intense. I was nervous not knowing how it would be received by the congregation. I knew that it was what the Lord place on my heart to teach them but I also knew that it would be hard for people to hear. All through worship I pleaded with the Lord for grace and favor with his people and the Lord spoke Jeremiah chapter one into my heart. I quickly found it in my Bible and read it. I set my face towards the message the Lord spoke to me that day and preached without fear or reservation. I know I found freedom to teach the Word inhibited as a result of this lesson from Jeremiah. Those in the congregation who chose to plant the seed that was spoken and sown, difficult as it was, also experienced freedom through that message. That sermon, yielded fruit among those who heard it because of obedience to what the Lord told me to do.

This lesson from Jeremiah was a turning point in my life. Since then I have operated with this as my mission statement: Simply speak forth the Word of God and place all dependence upon performance on the authors shoulders. I have found incredible liberty in this. Jeremiah 1 has taught me so many things and as I reflect over it, I decided to share this revelation so that others can find such freedom. Each verse holds special meaning for the mission the Lord gave me. As I walk through it I pray that His word also speaks to you and your calling.

Lesson #1 - God loves me. God created me, set me apart and consecrated me for his special purpose.

"The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." ( Jeremiah 1:4-5 )

One could say that destiny makes the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Destiny is not a preordained path chosen for you, that will be accomplished whether or not you cooperate with it. Destiny is a special calling upon your life that the Lord purposed for you before you were born. It takes full collaboration on your part. God loves you so much that created you with destiny in mind. He took great care informing and equipping you to carry it out his plan for your life. He has also been speaking it to your heart, placing a desire in you to pursue it. When you operate as God designed you, you will experience incredible joy.

If you look at the great men in the Bible, you will see that they were fully aware that they had a destiny to fulfill. They knew God had a plan for their lives. Like Jeremiah, David knew the intensity of God's love for him that is why he wrote Psalm 139, he knew that the Lord created him in the womb with a purpose in mind. Isaiah also spoke of his calling in Isaiah 49, "Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name." (Isaiah 49:1). Jesus operated in his purpose while on this earth and knew what he came to do. "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." ( Luke 4:18-19 ). Lastly the Apostle Paul wrote that he was called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God many times in the epistles. Recounting his mission to everyone he ministered to. A mission that was set apart for him alone. All of these men overcame extraordinary circumstances because they were sure of their calling. They had a destiny, they knew God loved and chose them for a specific purpose. The end result, the world was blessed.

When the Lord spoke this to me that Sunday morning, I knew that I had been set apart to teach the Word of God without fear. I knew the Lord loved me and delighted in seeing me operate in this way. He has called me to be a prophet to his beloved church speaking forth the Word in love, but also in fullness with no apologies. I took great comfort in knowing that this was what I was suppose to do in life... simply put, seek the Lord, teach the Word and watch him perform it.

Lesson #2 - It is God who qualifies

"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. " ( Jeremiah 1:6-8 )

I am the most unqualified person. I am young, I am a women, I've never been to Bible college and I've never taken a writing class, you can't get more unqualified that that. Besides that, I have face a lot of discouragement in life from well meaning people who have told me that I am ill-equipped to accomplish such a task as I writing this Romans commentary for all of the reasons mentioned above. That is why I am so thankful that God's doesn't look for qualifications, he looks for a willing heart.

Moses pleaded several times with the Lord to send someone else to Pharaoh to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. ( Exodus 4:10, Exodus, 6:12, Exodus 6:30 ) He was not eloquent nor did he command attention in the kings presence. However the Lord chose to use him anyway. He also gave him Aaron to help accomplish the task. And because of his obedience he accomplished great things that continues to bless us today.

Like Moses, I have a helper. I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me directing and guiding as I walk out the Lord's plan for my life. The Lord has made it clear to me that I am to go and say whatever he directs me to speak forth. My qualifications can't get in the way, because I have none. I am completely reliant on the Lord for direction and for the words to speak. It is God who qualifies period. If my qualifications are based upon Him, then with that comes no fear. For I have a guarantee of the promise, the Lord said, "for I am with you and will rescue you" ( Jeremiah 1:8 )

Lesson #3 - It is God who gives me the words to speak

"Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth." ( Jeremiah 1:9 )

I am, by nature, a quiet unassuming person. I do not like confrontation and I do not like to be in the spotlight. I am not witty and I am not an eloquent speaker on my own. However, I know that I am not on my own. The Lord has given me the words to speak. He has placed them upon my heart and overflowing from my spirit. They are in my mouth, on my lips and in the forefront of my mind. These words are ready at a moments notices to teach and preach the word of God.

I am reminded of two instances in the book of Acts when people spoke as directed by the Holy Spirit. No one could refute what they were saying because it was evident that they spoke on behalf of God. The first instance is in Acts 4. "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." ( Acts 4:13 ). Both men were blue collar fisherman from an area of Galilee that was known for being uneducated. When the crowd looked at them they saw common men with no educational advantage, they considered them ignorant. However, when they heard them speak in Holy Spirit they took notice that these men had been with Jesus. The change was evident.

Secondly, a few chapters later Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin on false charges. In reality it was because they couldn't overcome him with their arguments. The Bible says, "but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke." (Acts 6:10). So they roused the crowd to stone him to death. The real reason is because they knew he spoke the wisdom of God and they could not compete with that.

I am learning to operate in the Holy Spirit and in the revelation that he gives me. I am speaking and writing spiritual words that have not originated from something I've dreamt up. These words have been given to me by God. His promise to me was that He would give me the words to speak when he qualified and set me apart for this special purpose... to preach the Word of God and let Him perform it.

Lesson #4 - You have to tear down before you can build up

"See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." ( Jeremiah 1:10 )

On of the biggest challenges to preaching the Word of God is that is contrary to most peoples doctrine. After all most people do not let the Bible get in the way of what they think. With so many denominations and so many factions of the church we see a lot of contrary ideas and notions. Doctrine is ingrained in us from a very early age and we will usually assume the viewpoints of whatever our denomination teaches. While this can be good, it can also become a stumbling block to us and our understanding of the scriptures.

I feel like the Apostle Paul. I had so many preconceived notions and doctrines instilled in me from a very early age. When I was baptized in the Holy Spirit and began to understand the scriptures in a whole new way, many of the things I was learning was at conflict with what I had learned. I spend a lot of time meditating on the scriptures, letting the Lord speak the truth in to my heart and bringing balance in the midst. Many of those doctrines had to be uprooted and torn out of my life before I could move into the fullness of Christ. It was a process, still painful at times, but so worth it in the end.

This is part of my mission. To uproot and tear down doctrines of men in order to build and plant the seeds of the Word. This is painful at times because it comes against what people think and fight to hold onto. But it is also necessary. Learning and teaching in the Holy Spirit will produced different result than teaching based on limited understanding or doctrines of men. The Lord has appointed me to do this. He has given me the understanding, He has given me the words to speak and he has told me not to be afraid.

Lesson #5 - It is God who performs His word

"The word of the LORD came to me: "What do you see, Jeremiah?" "I see the branch of an almond tree," I replied. The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled." ( Jeremiah 1:11-12 )

This is the most amazing promise! I have limited responsibility in my mission. If I do what I am suppose to do, then success of my mission depends upon God. I only have to speak forth what God has placed on my heart and instructed me to do. And He performs it. With obedience always comes a promise, God's promise to me is that He will perform his word. That is powerful.

Isaiah 55:11 says, "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. " ( Isaiah 55:11 ) Meaning that the word will bring forth a harvest. It will accomplish a purpose. It will not return empty or in vain, but in fullness. God told Jeremiah that He was the one watching his word to see it fulfilled. That wasn't up to Jeremiah, he only had to speak it forth.

Funny thing about a harvest, you can only harvest what has been planted. To have a crop, seed has to be sown. If seed is sown, then a crop is guaranteed because God designed it this way. That is why God has ordained me to sow the seeds of the word into my life and the others I meet. So He can have a harvest. He will cultivate it, he will grow it, then he will harvest it. This is awesome!

Lesson #6 - People and doctrine will come against You

"The word of the LORD came to me again: "What do you see?" "I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north," I answered. The LORD said to me, "From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms," declares the LORD. "Their kings will come and set up their thrones in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem; they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah. I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made. " ( Jeremiah 1:13-16 )

If I know anything, I know that teaching the fullness of the scriptures is not popular. People hate you for it. People will fight you tooth and nail to stay in bondage to sin, sickness, poverty, trials and everything thing else. They will accuse you of being a false prophet and teaching things that are contrary to scripture. However, I will remember the mission that the Lord is showing me so that I do not get distracted by it. My Mission, simply put is to speak forth the Word and watch the Lord perform it

Lesson #7 - God is my courage and won't put me to shame

"Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them." ( Jeremiah 1:17 )

Boldness is an asset to speaking on behalf of the Lord especially when the Lord is backing you up. If he has promised to fulfill his word then there should be confidence in that. I remember the first time I realized this. It was a Sunday morning and I was getting ready. I was preaching that day and my normal routine was praying something along the lines of asking God to make me humble, to make me disappear at the pulpit so people would see the Lord in me. And I remember the Lord speaking to my spirit that they couldn't see Him if I disappeared in middle of the message. They would see Him and His power if I preached the word without fear and with boldness through the Spirit. It goes back to lesson #2, it is God who qualifies. The congregation knew who I was and also knew when the Lord was speaking through me. He started encouraging me that day to enjoy teaching and to be bold in it. To put my confidence in Him and he wouldn't let me down. Everything changed that day, because the Lord taught me this lesson... He is my courage and won't put me to shame.

Lesson #8 - God has made you strong, nothing will overcome you, He will rescue you

"Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land-against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD." ( Jeremiah 1:18-19 )

Funny thing how the Lord equips his saints. I have become a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall and nothing can overcome that because that was built by God. Paul said in Romans 8, "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ( Romans 8:31-39 ). Because of Jesus, I am who I am. None of it is because of me. It is God who has made me strong. It is God who has made me a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall. It is because of God that I am allowed to stand so that nothing will overcomes me. It is God who recues me.

Bottom Line - IT IS GOD, NOT ME!

My Mission is to speak forth the Word and watch the Lord perform it
Lesson #1 - God loves me. God created me, set me apart and consecrated me for his special purpose.
Lesson #2 - It is God who qualifies
Lesson #3 - It is God who gives me the words to speak
Lesson #4 - You have to tear down before you can build up
Lesson #5 - It is God who performs His word
Lesson #6 - People and doctrine will come against You
Lesson #7 - God is my courage and won't put me to shame
Lesson #8 - God has made you strong, nothing will overcome you, he will rescue you

As I read back over my lessons from Jeremiah, it is awesome and my eyes are opened. Everything starts with God is, God has or God will do. Today I am blessed by my calling in life. I am honored knowing God has created me for a purpose and a destiny. I am thankful that he has equipped me. And I am looking forward to seeing it come to completion in Christ Jesus MY LORD! Amen and So Be IT!