Dear Sisters and Brothers in Jesus the Christ,

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? . . . But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 9:25; 12:31 (NIV). As Ambassadors of Christ, taking up the cross daily (Luke 7:23) means striving to do that which the Lord asks by the Holy Spirit. It means triumphing over the flesh: when the alarm clock rings and the preference is to keep sleeping rather than commune/communicate with God through prayer; when the preference is to keep watching television rather than study the Word of God. It means seeking God’s face even when there is no crisis; having a relationship with Abba father through Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul spoke to triumphing over the flesh in terms of training as to get the gold (read Philippians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 9:24-26). Now, the reward which is The Blessing (read Galatians 3:6-9,13,14,25-29; 4:1-7) is to be enjoyed here on earth through Christ Jesus; and what it will be with Him in the highest Heaven is beyond ability to imagine (read Isaiah 55:8-9; Ephesians 3:20). Seeking first the Kingdom of God requires triumphing over the flesh which is doable because He Who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Abba Father said to listen to His Only Begotten Son (read Luke 9:35). Jesus said He came to save the lives of humankind; He told Believers to freely give, heal the sick, leave peace, and to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves (read Matthew 10:1-16). Such is the work of bricking God’s Kingdom of Light on earth. Believers endeavor to triumph over the flesh in order to strengthen our recreated human spirits as we are nourished by the Spirit of God; and for the continual renewal of the soul/mind as the Spirit of Truth teaches us. Believers can do all things by Christ Jesus Who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). It is through Jesus because whoever welcomes Jesus welcomes God (read Luke 9:48a). The last thing the evil one wants is for sons and daughters of the Most High God to exercise any semblance of discipline; especially spending quality time in the Word and/or communicating with Abba Father. Otherwise one would come to understand that he is a defeated foe; Christ Jesus dethroned him and all his cohorts at The Cross (read Colossians 2:15). The goal of the evil one is to keep one too preoccupied and distracted to understand that you’ve been redeemed. Trials and tribulations are of the evil one; his intent is to keep one focused on problems. However, God gives His sons and daughters the “tools” to overcome every obstacle. The feet of Believers have been taken off the road to Curseville (as termed by K. Copeland). Believers have been placed upon the road of Righteousness; a road full of light and power in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Believers are the offspring (read Acts 17:24-31) of God Who first loved us. Desire to put all attention on Abba Father; delight in Him.

Speak the promise . . . Harriet