And God spoke all these words, saying: 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image — any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

7 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
Exodus 20:1-17 NKJV

There are many hundreds of commandments given to God’s people from Exodus to Deuteronomy. All of them can be summed up in just ten main commandments, which can be fulfilled by doing just two things – loving God and loving your neighbor.

And one of their number, a lawyer, asked Him a question to test Him. 36 Teacher, which kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light–which are heavy?] 37 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). 38 This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. 40 These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets.  Matthew 22:35-40 AMP

Jesus said that the Law and the Prophets all depend on, and are fulfilled by, these two commandments and these two commandments sum up all the others. God is love. He loves us unconditionally and all He asks is that we would love Him in return. We show our love for the Lord by obeying Him and His word. He loves each and every one of us so much and He expects us to show love to one another. Many people do things in the name of love that are not love – they are manipulative and controlling. If it is selfish, it is not love. Love is unselfish; love gives; there is no fear in love. If in everything you do, you demonstrate your love, honor and respect for the Lord, and your love and caring for people – then you will not break any of the commandments and you will have fulfilled the Law.

Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to one’s fellowmen, meeting all its requirements]. 9 The commandments, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet (have an evil desire), and any other commandment, are summed up in the single command, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. 10 Love does no wrong to one’s neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law.   Romans 13:8-10 AMP

I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. 35 By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].  John 13:34-35 AMP

Romans 5:5 says that the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. As believers, washed in the blood of Jesus, we have no excuse not to walk in the love of God. Not only have we been placed into fellowship with God, but we also have a relationship with Him. If we want to continue in unbroken fellowship with Him and if we want to maintain our relationship with Him, then we would be wise to not do anything to jeopardize that relationship. If we love God, we will do things that please Him so that we can have a good, clear conscience and be able to come into His presence with no sense of guilt or condemnation.

And have you [completely] forgotten the divine word of appeal and encouragement in which you are reasoned with and addressed as sons? My son, do not think lightly or scorn to submit to the correction and discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage and give up and faint when you are reproved or corrected by Him; 6 For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart and cherishes. 7 You must submit to and endure [correction] for discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not [thus] train and correct and discipline? 8 Now if you are exempt from correction and left without discipline in which all [of God’s children] share, then you are illegitimate offspring and not true sons [at all]. 9 Moreover, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we yielded [to them] and respected [them for training us]. Shall we not much more cheerfully submit to the Father of spirits and so [truly] live? 10 For [our earthly fathers] disciplined us for only a short period of time and chastised us as seemed proper and good to them; but He disciplines us for our certain good, that we may become sharers in His own holiness. 11 For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness–in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God].  Hebrews 12:5-11 AMP

Verse 11 says that God’s discipline yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Discipline:

The word “discipline” means instruct, train, correct. God’s discipline is administered to us by His Word and His Spirit. God does not force it on us – we must submit to it (verse 9). The fruit produced in us is fed and watered by God’s Word and His Holy Spirit.

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.  John 16:7-14 NKJV

Fruit:
Discipline yields fruit. Righteousness is a fruit – the fruit of obedience. Fruit grows naturally only in the right conditions. You can’t force or fake fruit – you can’t make or manufacture fruit in a factory – you can only grow it. Natural growth and production of fruit, occurs on a tree or a bush that has food, light, soil, and water. Fruit trees also need to be pruned and cut back or the fruit will be weak and unhealthy. Some plants or vines need to have a frame to grow on or be attached to a straight piece of wood to make them grow straight. They are “trained” in a certain direction. We are God’s branches; attached to His vine; producing His fruit. Unless we receive the Word of God and submit ourselves to it; unless we allow the working and training of the Holy Spirit in us, we will bear no good fruit. Receiving the Father’s discipline and correction in your life will produce the fruit of righteousness in you.  

Righteousness:
The fruit or result of discipline is righteousness. The fruit of righteousness is produced in those who are trained by God’s discipline – not in those who resist God’s discipline and correction.

Peace:
If you are rebellious, you will have no peace and no rest. When you submit to God’s discipline and allow Him to correct you and train you, the peaceable fruit of righteousness is the result. Discipline produces righteousness; righteousness produces peace.

And it shall be that whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord [invoking, adoring, and worshiping the Lord–Christ] shall be saved.

 

22 You men of Israel, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man accredited and pointed out and shown forth and commended and attested to you by God by the mighty works and [the power of performing] wonders and signs which God worked through Him [right] in your midst, as you yourselves know—

 

23 This Jesus, when delivered up according to the definite and fixed purpose and settled plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and put out of the way [killing Him] by the hands of lawless and wicked men.

 

24[But] God raised Him up, liberating Him from the pangs of death, seeing that it was not possible for Him to continue to be controlled or retained by it.

 

25 For David says in regard to Him, I saw the Lord constantly before me, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken or overthrown or cast down [from my secure and happy state].

 

26 Therefore my heart rejoiced and my tongue exulted exceedingly; moreover, my flesh also will dwell in hope [will encamp, pitch its tent, and dwell in hope in anticipation of the resurrection].

 

27 For You will not abandon my soul, leaving it helpless in Hades (the state of departed spirits), nor let Your Holy one know decay or see destruction [of the body after death].

 

28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will enrapture me [diffusing my soul with joy] with and in Your presence.  Acts 2:21-28 AMP

 

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter stood up to address the people of Jerusalem and in the course of his speech, he quoted King David: “Therefore my heart rejoiced and my tongue exulted exceedingly; moreover, my flesh also will dwell in hope” and the Amplified Bible expands on this statement, adding the words: “will encamp, pitch its tent, and dwell in hope in anticipation of the resurrection.” A tent is a temporary dwelling – it is not meant to be a permanent dwelling.

 

Today we use them to go on a camping vacation; people use tents in emergencies, as temporary housing; in turbulent parts of the world, tents are used to house refugees. Except for certain peoples like the Bedouin, a tent is not where we ultimately aspire to be – it is not permanent – it is just something we have and use on the way to our more permanent and fixed habitation.

 

Hope is like a tent – it is not our house, but it is an appropriate temporary habitation on the way to our permanent house – the fulfillment of the promise. We may not have the promise – we may not be living in the house yet – but we know its coming! Not only is hope the tent, but hope is a tent pitched in a particular place – the place where it expects the house to be built.

[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go. 9 [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.  Hebrews 11:8-10 AMP

Abraham was prompted by faith to leave his home and family and live as a temporary resident in a strange land, while he expectantly and confidently waited for a city with fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God. Abraham pitched his tent, and lived in it, in the land, promised by God to his descendants. This is the land in which his children and grandchildren would be born and the land they would eventually occupy. Abraham never built a house there – he lived in his tent until he died – because Abraham was not only looking forward to an earthly city – he was looking forward to a heavenly city! Faith confidently expects God to answer prayers and fulfill His promises. Abraham’s faith was his tent while he patiently waited and looked forward to his permanent habitation in the glory of God.

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].  Hebrews 11:1 AMP

Our faith is the proof that we have what we are believing for. We cannot see it yet, but the answer to our prayer of faith is on its way. We live in our tent of hope and faith while the house is being built for us and before long we will move into the house and experience the blessing we hoped for and confidently expected!

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”‘ 14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ — and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked — 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.  20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  Revelation 3:13-20 NKJV

The Lord had to rebuke and chasten the Laodiceans because they were over-confident because of self-deception. They called themselves Christians, but they were only lukewarm. They were not totally cold, but they were definitely not hot. They believed that they were on fire for God and they believed that they had everything they needed. They said, “We are wealthy and rich and we don’t need a thing!” but God said to them, “You are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked!” Their trust was in themselves and their own abilities, but God warned them to open their eyes to realize how they needed Him and to repent and turn to Him again, trusting only in Him.

People who trust in money and things as their security are full of fear when they don’t have it and over-confident and arrogant when they do have it. People who trust in God are humble people. They appreciate everything God does for them and they pass the blessing along.

I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. 13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].  Philippians 4:12-13 AMP

Paul tells us that he found the secret of facing every situation – being content no matter what. Paul made a decision to control his feelings and emotions and to keep his eyes on Jesus at all times. When your happiness is based on your circumstances, you will always be an “up and down” Christian, but when your total confidence is in God, and you are not moved by your circumstances, you are able to be joyful ALL the time, no matter what your actual condition. If your total confidence has been in yourself and you now realize this, then you need to repent for your lack of faith and trust in God alone and start to meditate on the scriptures that confirm that Jesus is your ONLY Lord, Provider, and protector.

Come now, you rich [people], weep aloud and lament over the miseries (the woes) that are surely coming upon you. 2 Your abundant wealth has rotted and is ruined, and your [many] garments have become moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are completely rusted through, and their rust will be testimony against you and it will devour your flesh as if it were fire. You have heaped together treasure for the last days. 4[But] look! [Here are] the wages that you have withheld by fraud from the laborers who have reaped your fields, crying out [for vengeance]; and the cries of the harvesters have come to the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5[Here] on earth you have abandoned yourselves to soft (prodigal) living and to [the pleasures of] self-indulgence and self-gratification. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and have murdered the righteous (innocent man), [while] he offers no resistance to you.  James 5:1-6 AMP

These rich people are also very selfish people. They have not treated their neighbor with the respect that is due them. All through the Bible, the Lord emphasizes our responsibilities toward one another. We are to love God AND love our neighbor – they go hand in hand. These people were not using what they were blessed with to help others – they weren’t even paying them what they owed them for their labor! They are confident in their wealth and position, thinking that they can do whatever they want and get away with it. Some people arrogantly think that their wealth is a sign of favor with God, and therefore they do not need to straighten out their attitude. God says that there will be a day of judgment and accountability that no amount of money can avert. It is not a sin to be wealthy, but it is a sin to be arrogant and self-confident!

What should our attitude be? 1 Timothy 6:17-19 AMP tells us, “As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others], In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed.” 

So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples.

 

32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

 

33 They answered Him, We are Abraham’s offspring (descendants) and have never been in bondage to anybody. What do You mean by saying, You will be set free?

 

34 Jesus answered them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Whoever commits and practices sin is the slave of sin.

 

35 Now a slave does not remain in a household permanently (forever); the son [of the house] does remain forever.

 

36 So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free. John 8:31-36 AMP

 

Jesus said that if you abide in His Word you are truly His disciple and you are truly free. Abide means that you believe His Word and you commit to His Word. It means you conduct your life according to His Word. God’s Word shapes your decisions and your choices. You become a doer of His Word. When you have done this, you will know the Truth and this Truth will set you free.

 

People in the world think that being free is about the liberty to do whatever you want to do – to sin without guilt or restraints – but Jesus said that if you continually sin, you become sin’s slave. The rule of thumb is this: whatever God wants you to do will bring you into more and more freedom, but whatever the devil wants you to do will bring you into more and more bondage.

 

In John 17:17 AMP Jesus prayed to the Father, “Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.” God’s Word is the Truth and it will sanctify and purify your heart. The Truth of God’s Word will set you apart and make you what you ought to be. You can’t do it yourself – you need to be washed with the water of the Word (Ephesians 5:26).

 

For all flesh (mankind) is like grass, and all its glory (honor) like [the] flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower drops off, 25 But the Word of the Lord (divine instruction, the Gospel) endures forever. And this Word is the good news which was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:24-25 AMP

 

A lie has a short life, but the Truth will go on indefinitely. The Truth does not change – it is always the same. The Truth will stand up from age to age – it will stand forever. You can trust the Truth – you can stake your life on it.

 

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

 

13 And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12-13 AMP

 

The Truth of God’s Word cuts down through all the junk and exposes what is real – the truth – even those things that are hidden from sight. Nothing is hidden from God’s eyes – everything is open and bare to Him. God requires that we be truthful and honest with Him. Honesty is liberating in itself. The power of sin is in its secrecy. Secrecy binds you to your sin. Being open and honest – acknowledging your sin – breaks its hold on you. Telling the truth brings freedom from the bondage of sin.

 

For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 AMP

 

Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. John 14:6 AMP

 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom). 2 Corinthians 3:17 AMP

 

Jesus is the Truth. Truth comes only through Him. The more you embrace Jesus, the more you become acquainted with the Truth and with true freedom. Anything else is nothing more than feeling around in the dark. God created you with a free will – free to choose whom you will serve. You are free to believe anything you choose to believe about life and the meaning of life, but anything outside of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will not bring you into the Truth or into true freedom.

 

Only when you believe in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God, who shed His blood for you, died and rose for you, will you experience the Truth and the freedom of walking in the Truth. By faith, you embrace the Truth, and with Truth come both light and freedom. If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed!

 

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalms 46:10-11 NKJV

 

Be still and know that God is God! Acknowledge that He is the Creator and that He is over all the earth. Know that nothing or no one can be exalted over Him. He is Almighty God and the Mighty King; Ruler of everything. Be still and know that He is in control of your life. Be still and know that no one who fights against Him will be successful.

 

Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.

 

8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself–it tends only to evildoing.

 

9 For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait and hope and look for the Lord [in the end] shall inherit the earth.

 

10 For yet a little while, and the evildoers will be no more; though you look with care where they used to be, they will not be found.

 

11 But the meek [in the end] shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

 

12 The wicked plot against the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright in right standing with God); they gnash at them with their teeth.

 

13 The Lord laughs at [the wicked], for He sees that their own day [of defeat] is coming. Psalms 37:7-13 AMP

 

God commands us to be still – it is not a suggestion. Be still and rest in the Lord. Being still requires a rest. Slow down your pace; slow down your body; slow down your mind. Wait for Him to do what He said He would do. This requires patience. Impatience tries to force God’s hand; impatience tries to make things happen, but patience trusts in God; patience steps back and allows God to take over the steering wheel.

 

Being still and resting in God does not mean that we do nothing; it does not mean that we get out of the vehicle entirely; it means that we stay in the process, but we give God the control.

Some people like to be in control and they get angry when they feel like they are losing control. They get angry when they do not see results quickly enough or they get angry when they do not see the results they expect.

 

Some people get angry when it looks like other people are getting the very things that they wanted. Some people get frustrated because it seems to them that the evildoers are rewarded and get what they want, while the righteous struggle. The devil will use envy and jealousy to frustrate you and cause you to take matters into your own hands. He knows that nothing will work out right for you if your motives are wrong.

 

God tells us to cease from anger and forsake wrath; He tells us not to fret and worry, because if we do, we will make the wrong decisions do wrong things. God reminds us that evil doers will be cut off – you won’t even be able to find them. However, the meek – those who wait and hope and look for the Lord shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

 

The wicked might plot against the righteous, but they will not succeed. God laughs at the wicked because He knows their day of defeat is coming! Therefore we can laugh too, because God is in charge and God is on our side!

 

So they read from the Book of the Law of God distinctly, faithfully amplifying and giving the sense so that [the people] understood the reading.

 

9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all of them, This day is holy to the Lord your God; mourn not nor weep. For all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.

 

10 Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.

 

11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, Be still, for the day is holy. And do not be grieved and sad.

 

12 And all the people went their way to eat, drink, send portions, and make great rejoicing, for they had understood the words that were declared to them. Nehemiah 8:8-12 AMP

 

In Nehemiah, on the day God’s people celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, the priests told the people to “Be still!” because they were weeping and wailing. They told them, “Today is Holy – so rejoice and go enjoy yourselves!”

 

An important part of “being still” and knowing that God is God is that we must take time to rejoice. Unless we cast our cares on God and stop worrying, we cannot laugh or rejoice. Laughter and joy can bring us to a place of resting in God that nothing else can. Having faith in God – being still in His presence and resting in Him – requires that we walk in God’s peace and also in His joy.

 

And all your [spiritual] children shall be disciples [taught by the Lord and obedient to His will], and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children.

 

14 You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God’s will and order): you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you.

 

15 Behold, they may gather together and stir up strife, but it is not from Me. Whoever stirs up strife against you shall fall and surrender to you.

 

16 Behold, I have created the smith who blows on the fire of coals and who produces a weapon for its purpose; and I have created the devastator to destroy.

 

17 But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord. Isaiah 54:13-17

 

When you establish yourself in righteousness, conforming yourself to God’s will and purpose in every aspect of your life, God will pour out all His precious promises onto your life.

 

Those who yield to the will of God and who establish themselves in His righteousness have no reason to have any fear at all. The Lord says that you will be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction and from terror. He says that it will not come near you. Even if people stir up strife against you, you don’t need to worry because the Lord will cause you always to triumph – He says that those whose rise up against you will surrender to you.

 

The Lord says that NO weapon that is formed against you will prosper! EVERY tongue that shall rise against you – you will show to be wrong! There is nothing that you need to do to defend yourself. All you need to do is to be yielded to the Lord, believe His word, and trust completely in Him. Be a doer of the word. Act on God’s word. Walk in the love of God. He will take care of everything else.

 

For the Lord will judge and vindicate His people, and He will delay His judgments [manifesting His righteousness and mercy] and take into favor His servants [those who meet His terms of separation unto Him]. Psalms 135:14 AMP

 

This is what you can expect if you are a hearer, a believer in, and a doer of God’s word:

 

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

 

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

 

3 For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

 

4[Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.

 

5 You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day,

 

6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

 

7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.

 

8 Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked.

 

9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,

 

10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.

 

11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

 

12 They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

 

13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot.

 

14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness–trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].

 

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

 

16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

 

My little children, I write you these things so that you may not violate God’s law and sin. But if anyone should sin, we have an Advocate (one Who will intercede for us) with the Father–[it is] Jesus Christ [the all] righteous [upright, just, Who conforms to the Father’s will in every purpose, thought, and action].

 

2 And He [that same Jesus Himself] is the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins, and not for ours alone but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

 

3 And this is how we may discern [daily, by experience] that we are coming to know Him [to perceive, recognize, understand, and become better acquainted with Him]: if we keep (bear in mind, observe, practice) His teachings (precepts, commandments).

 

4 Whoever says, I know Him [I perceive, recognize, understand, and am acquainted with Him] but fails to keep and obey His commandments (teachings) is a liar, and the Truth [of the Gospel] is not in him.

 

5 But he who keeps (treasures) His Word [who bears in mind His precepts, who observes His message in its entirety], truly in him has the love of and for God been perfected (completed, reached maturity). By this we may perceive (know, recognize, and be sure) that we are in Him: 6 Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself. 1 John 2:1-6 AMP

 

The way you know that you are getting to know the Lord more and more is because you keep His commandments; you do what He tells you to do; you conform to the Father’s will in purpose, thought, and action. Many people want God to speak to them by His Spirit, but they do not listen or obey when He speaks to them through His Word!

 

When you are a new Christian, the primary way you come to know God is through His Word. The Holy Spirit is the One who reveals the truths of God’s Word to you and helps you to understand it. As you walk in the ways God has ordained for you, you will grow and mature in your love walk – you are an imitator of Jesus Christ and you walk and conduct yourself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself.

 

But you have been anointed by [you hold a sacred appointment from, you have been given an unction from] the Holy one, and you all know [the Truth] or you know all things.

 

21 I write to you not because you are ignorant and do not perceive and know the Truth, but because you do perceive and know it, and [know positively] that nothing false (no deception, no lie) is of the Truth.

 

22 Who is [such a] liar as he who denies that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah)? He is the antichrist (the antagonist of Christ), who [habitually] denies and refuses to acknowledge the Father and the Son.

 

23 No one who [habitually] denies (disowns) the Son even has the Father. Whoever confesses (acknowledges and has) the Son has the Father also.

 

24 As for you, keep in your hearts what you have heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the first dwells and remains in you, then you will dwell in the Son and in the Father [always].

 

25 And this is what He Himself has promised us–the life, the eternal [life].

 

26 I write this to you with reference to those who would deceive you [seduce and lead you astray].

 

27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do].

 

28 And now, little children, abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we may have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming.

 

29 If you know (perceive and are sure) that He [Christ] is [absolutely] righteous [conforming to the Father’s will in purpose, thought, and action], you may also know (be sure) that everyone who does righteously [and is therefore in like manner conformed to the divine will] is born (begotten) of Him [God]. 1 John 2:20-29 AMP

 

The name “Christ” means “Anointed One,” so “anti-Christ” means anti – or against – the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The anti-Christ spirit is opposed to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is opposed to who they are and also everything that they are doing. The anointing is the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit. You cannot say that you are listening to the Holy Spirit if you are against everything He says and does.

 

The proof that you hear and obey the Holy Spirit is that you honor, respect, and obey Him. If you submit to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit will teach you His Truth and also cause you also to recognize the Truth or the lie when you see them. The Holy Spirit will teach you all the things you need to know to live a successful life in God, here on the earth. When you give the Holy Spirit place in your life by your honor, respect and obedience, you will walk in the Truth of God’s Word and in all the blessings of God.

 

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Ephesians 6:10 AMP

 

The words “be strong” mean: to acquire strength; strengthen; enable; be strong; increase in strength. In yourself you are not equipped to successfully conquer the devil or the flesh or any other trial or tribulation that comes your way. Without God’s help you would fail and be crushed by the enemies of life, but with His help and strength you can do all things.

 

Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 AMP

God’s armor is something you put on like a garment, but unlike natural clothing, you do not put it on every morning and take it off every night. It is supernatural clothing – you put it on and keep it on. Look carefully at the armor and you will see what you need to do to clothe yourself in it. As you grow in God and in His Word and Spirit, the armor will begin to cover you.

 

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Ephesians 6:12 AMP

 

Your warfare is not against other people, but against the spirits of darkness that are behind them. Look beyond the natural, see into the spirit and take authority, in the Name of Jesus, over the demons and devils that are working in that situation. Neutralize them by the power of God’s word and you will be able to make an impact in the lives of people who desperately need Jesus!

 

Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Ephesians 6:13 AMP

 

There are two kinds of armor: defensive armor for protection and offensive armor for conquest. The defensive armor is the helmet, the girdle, the breastplate, the brazen boots, and the shield. The offensive armor is the sword. “Having done all to stand, stand” is a military phrase meaning “having conquered all, stand; ready to do battle again.

 

Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, Ephesians 6:14 AMP

 

Be equipped with the truth. Be prepared to give up your will and your opinions and embrace the truth of God’s word. Allow God to do a purifying work in your life. God’s word will bring life and freedom to your life. James 4:7 KJV says “Submit yourselves therefore to God.

 

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” No army goes to war without having trained their troops. In the training process, the individual will of the soldier is broken and yielded to the will of his commanders. The army of God must yield to the Lord to be purged of all self-will and become motivated only by the Spirit and the plans and purposes of God. When you are completely submitted to God, you will walk in integrity and righteousness. Your righteousness will protect you in the same way a breastplate protects your vital organs. The enemy may come against you, but he will not be able to deliver a fatal blow.

 

And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15 AMP

 

Prepare yourself with the word of God. Know His word and be able to share this gospel of peace with those who have never heard. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings!” (Romans 10:15 AMP)

 

Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. Ephesians 6:16 AMP

 

You have a shield called faith – you must lift up and use it to protect yourself from the devil’s fiery darts. The fiery darts refer to any kind of missile thrown or launched, such as the javelin, spear, arrow, or stone from a sling. In traditional warfare, fiery darts are combustible arrowheads that set fire to the fortifications, ships, houses, and even the wooden and leather shields of the enemy. To quench these fiery darts, shield were coated with metal. As applied to Christian warfare, fiery darts refer to evil thoughts, lusts, passions, and temptations of various kinds.

 

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17 AMP

 

The Greek word translated “take” here also means “to receive” or “to accept.” Jesus rescued us and delivered us from death and sin and anything else hell has to offer. Receive and accept His salvation for your spirit, soul and body. Allow the Word of God to wash and renew your mind. Get to know God’s word thoroughly. Then, by faith, pick up the word of God and skillfully use it against the enemy. Jesus is your example. He fended off the attack of the enemy with the word of God: “It is written!” The armor of God gives you the ability to stand against all enemies, to withstand all attacks, and to quench every fiery dart of Satan. When you are properly equipped with the armor of God, you will be victorious!