We are His Priority; all the Bible proves this. Man is the crown of all His creation. God had heaven in mind when He made man. Heaven and earth will pass away. There will be a new heaven and a new earth and the man and the woman will live there forever.
What are your responsibilities? Your position in life requires that you study the Word and take notes. What are your priorities in the area of your responsibilities? "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (Ephesians 6:16) What does above all mean? It means: Above everything else, quench doubt. Stare at the word until Faith appears.
In Luke 2:49-51, we read that Jesus was subject to His family. We are the family of God. Be subject to it. God is our Father. We are brothers and sisters. "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (I Peter 5:5) When I was a pre-teen I hoed the corn to keep the weeds from taking nutrients from the soil. My father resisted my pride, kept me humble, and we ate delicious sweet corn during the Great Depression. What is God asking you to do?
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17) My area of authority, in God's family, that I will submit to is my newsletter. I will preach the Word. My protection in this authority is determined by my obedience.
In Luke 2:49-51, we read that Jesus was subject to His family. We are the family of God. Be subject to it. God is our Father. We are brothers and sisters. "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (I Peter 5:5) When I was a pre-teen I hoed the corn to keep the weeds from taking nutrients from the soil. My father resisted my pride, kept me humble, and we ate delicious sweet corn during the Great Depression. What is God asking you to do?
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17) My area of authority, in God's family, that I will submit to is my newsletter. I will preach the Word. My protection in this authority is determined by my obedience.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1) If there is anyone we should submit to, it is our Father who watches for our soul. Find your place under Him. Shield yourself with faith. Stare at the Word and faith will appear! When you leave this umbrella of authority you throw away your protection.
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare Thy Name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee. And again, I will put my trust in him [my brother]. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given Me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Hebrews 2:9-15)
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare Thy Name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee. And again, I will put my trust in him [my brother]. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given Me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Hebrews 2:9-15)
Now we are responsible. We are no longer under the fear of death. We know there is life after death. To give our life for the cause of Christ is the thing He is asking us to do - because - there is a resurrection of the dead. Three score and ten or if by reason of strength four score is a good long life. But - life has to end - finally.
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27-28)
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." (Ecclesiastes 9:10) Whatever you are going to do, do it NOW!
Editor's Note: Albert Friend is a retired pastor fromHamilton, Ohio, who has devoted his retirement years to writing articles and books to encourage, enhance and uplift the family of God. His books (available at the Pentecostal Publishing House,) and newsletter, "The Apostolic Cutting Edge," are a blessing to all.
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