You Have the Same Life That Jesus Had on the Earth Pt. 2

Here’s a simple question that will help you to better understand Part 1 of this topic: Since Jesus is our Head, and we are His Body, why wouldn’t we, as the Body, have the same life as is in the Head? The answer is, of course, that we do have-as the body of Christ-the same life as Jesus, the Head had on the earth, and has today, in Heaven. Remember that just because we can’t grasp the reality of this truth doesn’t make it a lie.

If we, as the Body of Christ, don’t have the same life in us that Jesus had in Himself, on the earth, then who’s life is in us? II Corinthians 5:17 states that all persons in Christ are new spiritually,, including having a new spiritual life. That being said, who’s life is now in that new creature, in Christ? Where did that life come from?

The simple answer is, of course, that our spirit’s life comes from God’s life, from His very being. In the natural, a child has the same life in him/her that the parents have. My natural life came from my parents, not someone in the neighborhood. My DNA came from my parents. Spiritually, our DNA comes from God Himself, not an angel or other entity. Let that thought soak in your heart. Let it percolate in your mind. And then act on what you believe. Doing so will change your life. It certainly has changed mine, day by day.

What Does God Sound Like?

Most people, perhaps even you, have wondered, “what does God sound like?” Does He have a distinct voice, one that rises above all others? Is there a recording of what God has ever said? If so, what was said?

In answering the question, I’l let God give His answer, using words from, well, His Word. Let’s start with Psalm 103.20, “Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Notice the phrase “the voice of his word.” God’s word has a voice. His voice is heard through His Word, which the angels are listening and responding to.

Oftentimes it’s through the voice of good pastors, feeding their sheep. But, notice that the verse says that angels hearken to the voice of his (God’s) word”-no matter who’s doing the saying-you, me, or the pastor. Angels aren’t looking on the outside, and neither should we. They don’t care how the person who spoke God’s written Word is dressed. No, they’re listening to what’s being said, not what the vessel looks like.

Which is what God does. He hears His Word being spoken and sends answers to prayers based on His Word. God never considers how the mouthpiece looks, for He always looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). God’s not impressed by volume either, for Kings 19:12-13 tells us that God speaks through a still small voice-a delicate whispering, if you will. That’s why our minds need to be quiet, so our hearts (spirits) can hear from God, by His Spirit within us. Quiet has a place in our lives.

Instead of asking God to speak louder our focus should be on getting our minds quiet, on God’s written Word. While there’re times to shout, there’s something about being quiet that has its own explanation, that comes by doing. Psalm 46:10 says to be still, and know that God is, well, God.

How long will this process take? It depends on the person. Some folks already have a fairly quiet mind. For them, probably not as long, but it still takes months of daily practicing keeping our hearts filled with God’s Word. As an encouragement, It takes time and discipline to bring our minds quiet where we can hear God speaking to us, through our inward person-our spirits. If you haven’t yet begun, today is a great time to start the process of acquiring a quiet mind before God.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2024

Where’s Your Dependency?

There’s a lot of debate going on about government’s role in people’s lives. Many decry what they consider an over dependency on government in every area of life.

Sadly, I see a similar trend in Christian circles today: a growing dependency by Christians on what someone else says about the Bible. What someone else has written about how to ______________. You fill in the blank. 

While I certainly recognize ministry gifts in our midst, such as teachers and evangelists, they are not to take the place of our own personal time with God and His Word. 

The Bible says that the entrance of God’s Word gives light (Psalm 119:130). Light is knowledge. God’s knowledge is worth having.

Here are three suggestions for receiving the knowledge of God:

First, get alone with God. Talk to Him as you would to someone who knows everything about you, which God already does. 

Sometimes, talking to God is easier than hearing from Him. Just remember that God also has things He wants to say to us.

My second suggestion is get into God’s Word for yourself. Just you, God, and His Word. The more you do this the quieter your mind will become. With a quiet mind you’ll hear better from God.

While all Scripture is good, our main focus should be on the Epistles-letters written to fellow Christians, from Romans to Jude. It is in the Epistles that we learn why Jesus died, as well as our rights and responsibilities as sons and daughters of God.

Thirdly, Get a pad of paper and something to write with. God will share truths with anyone who’ll quieten his/her mind to hear what He saying to that person’s spirit, including yours. Simple, yet rewarding.

Again, God put good teachers and preachers in the Church universal, to inform and inspire us. But not at the expense of us hearing from God for ourselves, in times of prayer and study.

If you’re already doing these three things, you are to be commended. If not, perhaps seeing these suggestions will help you-or someone you know-to hear from God for himself/herself. All while still being blessed from the preaching and teaching from those gifted of God to do so.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 1989-2024

Words Matter

Over the years I've attended 25 or so weddings, not including my own. All had at least one common thread: the words "I do." Every bride and groom responded in the affirmative when posed the question, "Do you take ______ to be your lawful wedded (husband/wife)?" No exceptions; both my wife (thankfully) and I also answered in the affirmative. When it comes to weddings, "I do" matters. Saying "No" or "We need to talk" aren't moving the ceremony to its anticipated conclusion. Now, if only "I do" guaranteed a successful marriage but, alas, it takes more than two words to accomplish this.

If people only knew the value of their everyday words, vocabularies would instantly change. "That just tickles me death" may sound harmless but who really wants to depart this life by tickling? " I'm scared to death that....." are words which give permission for fear to harass, torment-even cause death in the one whose tongue is producing the fruit of death, rather than of life (Proverbs 18:21). Apparently God takes words pretty seriously.

There are ditches on both sides of any topic you want to name: eating, exercise, diet, cleanliness, dress, to name a few. The same is true concerning our words, those things which we say on an everyday basis. One ditch is to say anything you want; the other is devoid of any humor whatsoever. Pharisees love this side, for sure. While there's certainly a balance, the Bible says much about guarding what comes out of our mouth.

For myself, if the Bible has something to say about words, I want to hear it, then do it.

As over simplistic as it may sound, words matter-and not just in weddings. Words matter in everyday life.  Words are containers; they contain faith or fear, love or hate, belief or unbelief. The words we speak can bless or curse, encourage or discourage, build up or tear down. And it's always by our choice.

Do you really believe that you'll get the flu? Do you really believe that money runs out before the end of the month? Do you really believe that so and so will be the death of you? Then why permit those words to take root in your life? If God's Word can take root in your life (Mark 4:20), then so can other words, but in a negative way.

I'm not saying that we can't tell a clean joke or gently tease someone once in a while. What I am saying is that the importance of our words is something worth learning. Not just the importance of speaking God's Word, but those words we speak in everyday life.

Check out your words to see how they can be improved, in content and/or tone. I did, with measurable results. I haven't arrived yet, but life is better. Who's willing to do the same? Who's willing to ask God for His help in being a greater blessing to the world around you?

Now, do I really believe that, with God's help, this is not only possible, but well worth it?

I do.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024

The Most Valuable Commodity

By definition, a commodity is something useful or valued. It's often found as a product or a service. Today's post focuses on the word "commodity" as a product, specifically words. That's right, words; things we use to communicate information on an everyday basis. Some commodities are better known, like gold, silver, and oil. Some are small, such as corn or wheat. but none are as valuable as words. Allow me to explain.

Motivational speakers get paid to do what? To speak words which are designed to inform and/or inspire their audiences to more productive thinking, action, and results. Results which, hopefully, profit both the sponsoring company (ies), as well as those listening.

Top motivational speakers command six-figure fees for hour-long speeches. No stunts, tricks, or personality (well, maybe some),   Motivational speakers motivate with words.

W O R D S.

What changed people's lives during Jesus's earthly ministry was not His looks, personality, or where He liked to go shopping; it was His words. Jesus said the following:

"By your words you'll be justified, or condemned." -Matthew 12:37

"You'll have what you say, out of a believing heart" -Mark 11:23 (my paraphrase)

Wind was stilled, bodies healed, and false doctrine corrected. Not with what was written, but said. Words of authority, power, and ability.  And life.

Words of life. Both Proverbs 4:20 and the words of Jesus, in John 6:63, tell us that God's words are life. Not mere mortal manuscripts of collective philosophy, but LIFE. Speaking God's words is speaking life (Proverbs 18:21)  and health (Proverbs 12:18),

Those who understand the value of their words (eventually) become invaluable to those around them. Speaking for myself, I'd much rather have someone around speaking words of life, health, encouragement-something uplifting, then hearing words of doom, gloom, agony and despair-the usual fare of the evening news. And most conversations.

Words are a result of choice. We choose to speak what others will be hearing. Will our words be cheap sounds of despair, disease-even death, or the most valuable commodity on earth: words of life, peace, victory, success, health, and wisdom, just like God's words?

Speaking words of value won't pay you a six-figure fee every time you open your mouth. But something far more valuable can happen: you can change a life, starting with yours.

Yes, words are the most valuable commodity in existence. How much are yours worth?

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024

Watch Where You're Stepping

For those unfamiliar with cow and horse pastures, both species "do their business", whenever the occasion arises, resulting in the fall of manure upon the ground. Regardless of what you're wearing it pays to watch where you're stepping. The same is true in life. There's a lot of "stuff" that can fall along our life's path, things which the devil wants us to step in, so to speak,  things which God wants us to avoid. The only way to avoid the devil's messes is to watch where we're stepping, taking corrective action whenever necessary. So, how do we do this? How do we keep our steps clean?

Psalms 37:23 states that the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord. In other words God has a plan for each person to fulfill, one planned step at a time. God never shows His whole plan to anyone, He reveals it one step at a time, expecting us to trust Him step by step. This is faith: taking the step you know to take without knowing where it will lead.

As I mentioned earlier the devil has "stuff" he wants us to step in along our way. Stuff like sickness, disease, poverty, unforgiveness, strife, doubt, and pride. None of these are good; none come from God. Being all wise, all of God's (wise) ways are ways of pleasantness; all of wisdom's paths are peace. Not always easy; not always simple.

Life isn't easy, nor is it always fair. God's ways, stepping where He says to, will sometimes seem too hard or just not worth it. Remember this, though: God always provides the way-the steps if you will-to accomplish His plan for your life. What may seem to be impossible to you may be the very step that God wants you to take, trusting Him to show you each next step, Yes, your shoes may stink at times, but God will clean you as you go, plus provide everything you need, including the right footwear.

If we're not careful, we can get sidetracked from the steps God has ordered for us. Steps which start out more convenient can quickly turn to regret. If this is you, don't go another step. Ask God to forgive you for stepping away from His path, then show you where/how to get back to walking in the step He's ordered (prepared) for you to walk in.

Watching where you're stepping doesn't mean ignoring what's around you. It means not letting anyone or anything keep you from being focused on stepping where/when God says, from walking in the way He wants you to go.

So, what's your next step? If you don't know, ask God to show you. If you do know, be obedient to to take it, trusting God with the outcome. And watch where you're stepping.

© Hubert Gardner Ministries 2017-2024

How Are Your Supplies?

If you've read much about Civil War history, you'll recall that, at the Battle of Gettysburg, in Pennsylvania, the Confederate armies were led by General Robert E. Lee. But General Ulysses S. Grant, commander of the Union forces, wasn't there. So, where was he? While General George Meade commandeered Union troops at Gettysburg, General Grant was at the Battle of Vicksburg, in Mississippi.  Fought over a nearly two-month period, the battle resulted in a Union victory. One significant result was that the Union now controlled the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy in two. Supplies for Confederate troops, once readily available, were no longer close to those in need of food, medicine, clothing, weapons, and ammunition. Without supplies men were put at risk of starvation, sickness-even death. The Confederacy was never the same.

In life it's important to know where your supplies are, and have ready access to them. Like it or not you need certain supplies to succeed in your Christian walk, such as:

1. A Bible. What natural food is to your body, the Bible is to your spirit. It's faith food.
2. Time with God. It's called fellowship. You need times of worship, thanksgiving, and talking to God, your Heavenly Father, about every area of your life.
3. A good Bible-believing (and practicing) local church to attend and get involved in.     You need their supply, and they need yours. Mutual supply.
4. Fellowship with other believers. If you work around non believers, fellowship with another Christian can be an encouragement to you, as well as to that fellow believer.
5. Access to good Bible-based teaching by reputable ministers. Most of what's on the Internet is a bunch of junk, including what some ministers are teaching. There are, however, plenty of good ministries serving up spiritual food you can grow from.

Opportunities to give into the support of good organizations. This is above and beyond tithing through your local church. Giving to missions, the poor-there are qualified people and ministries out there to get involved with. Ask God to show you; ask around. One such place is The Orphans Hands, (www.theorphanshands.org), a ministry in Moldova (Eastern Europe) dedicated to rescuing girls from sex trafficking; boys from slave labor. It's one that my family supports as well.

Philippians 1:19 talks about the supply of the Holy Spirit. By the Holy Spirit, God supplies our supplies. It is up to us to use them. Be thankful for supplies. Keep them near you. Use them continually.  You keep your supplies, and they will keep you.

How are your supplies? Smart phones have a Bible app, even if you don't have a Bible of your own. Spend time with God. You need the time with Him-and so does He with you. You get the picture. If you're needing some supplies, ask God for them. He's in the delivery business, so watch for His provision. Stay near your supplies; enjoy life.

Love, yes, but Joy?

Chapter 5 of the book of Galatians offers a stark contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the human spirit (heart). Verses 19-21 list numerous works (sins) of the flesh, while verses 22 and 23 give us the nine fruits of the spirit, beginning with love. Most Christians-perhaps most people-will agree that we all can grow in love. I know I can, without having to ask the opinion of my wife, children, or others. Growing in the love of God is an ongoing process with everyone I know. Those who think that they've "arrived" are probably the ones needing to grow the most.

So, as far as growing, love, yes-but joy? How does a Christian grow in joy? How can one grow in joy, without getting goofy and weird? I mean, who wants to be one of "them?"

A Christian grows in joy just like one grows in love. How?  By hearing verses about love, believing them in your heart, and acting like they're true in your own life. Remember, if you really believe God's Word in any area, you'll begin to act like it's true in your own life. If you don't than you may mentally agree with it in your head (mental assent), but not in your heart, where faith is.

Hearing verses and messages about the love of God will cause faith to come (Romans 10:17). Acting on God's love will cause fruit to grow in your life in the area of love. Over time, people will see that fruit exhibited in your life. Like telling an apple tree by the apples (fruit) on the branches, the fruit of love will show up in us, as spiritual branches.

The same is true about joy. The Bible has numerous verses about joy, in both the Old and New Testaments. Here are some of them:

Nehemiah 8:10;  Psalm 30:5; Isaiah 55:12;  John 16:24;  Romans 14:17;  James 1:2

As you keep hearing verses on joy, such as the ones above, faith for joy will come. Then, out of a believing heart, begin to act like you have joy. Not over night, but in time, as you continue to hear about God's joy, you'll become more joyful. Eventually, what's in your heart and mouth will affect your face. The fruit of joy will grow in your life even more.

Here's a link to a joyous service that will bless you in growing in the fruit of joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7k45z3mAfY

It's a service in which people responded to what the Spirit of God was wanting to do: meet the needs of people as they responded to Him.

Enjoy.