Dear Sisters and Brothers in Jesus the Christ,

“for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 (NKJV)

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

“That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 (MSG)

“[Not in our own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire] both to will  and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” Philippians 2:13 (AMP)

This life we live is to be a life that is all about YHWH (with inserted vowels YAHWEH transliterated JEHOVAH, commonly interpreted the LORD). Though GOD never takes away mankind’s ability to choose (free-will), the fact remains that we were created in the image or likeness or character of God for His always good purpose (Genesis 1:26-27; Ephesians 1:4-9). Those who have a re-created or reborn or regenerated spirit by the redemptive work of Christ Jesus, called out of the dominion of darkness (Colossians 1:13) have an urgent work as ambassadors of Christ regardless of whether we are of the laity or called to the five-fold ministry gifts of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher (Ephesians 4:11).

The perpetrator of evil who is the father of lies – the enemy – the thief – the adversary – is stealth at manipulating those created in the image of God to choose contrary to the desire of God for their own lives; which either has a rippling effect or a direct impact on the lives of others whether or not inadvertently. Such might be understandable for the un-saved as well as the decidedly un-repentant. But sons & daughters of God – the people of God who are kingdom citizens weren’t called out of darkness to influence the continual downfall of the lost. Therefore, we examine our own selves in asking: As a citizen of the Kingdom of God, exactly who do I represent when boasting of my own proclivities? Are the words that come out of my own mouth and my own behavior a reflection of 1 John 4:8,16?

To know the way of God (comprehension) yet choose not to do these (application) is as referenced by the Lord Jesus: “they who have My commands and keep them are they who love Me; those who don’t love Me don’t keep My sayings; and the Word is of the Father Who sent Me” (John 14:21-24). The Word became flesh (John 1:14) and only spoke & did in the way of God the Father (John 5:19 & 8:26b,28, 38 & 12:49-50 & 14:10,24b). Those rendered the people of God by the blood of Jesus are His ambassadors “as He is so are we in this world” 1 John 4:17 (NKJV).

Speak the promise . . . Harriet