"It's Time To Turn On The AC"

Part II

 July 2010

     We’ve looked at our need to be aware of God’s presence. Let’s focus on the necessity of self awareness. The famous statement, “know thyself,” is profound. Jesus knows us. “And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” (John 2:25) Man is a tripartite being: spirit, soul, and body. “And the very God of Peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Thessalonians 5:23) The real you is not what you see when you look in the mirror. The essence of man, his spirit and soul, lives in a physical body. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (II Corinthians 5:1) The Apostle Peter discussed this matter. “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (I Peter 3:4)

   
     Our society places undue emphasis on the human body. People go to great lengths to have the “right look.” Multiplied billions of dollars are spent on cosmetics, plastic surgery, diets, and exercise programs. We should take care of our body; because it’s God’s temple. “That everyone of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.” (I Thessalonians 4:4) There is nothing wrong with looking good. As Christians, we should make ourselves presentable. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (I Timothy 4:8) Staying physically fit is beneficial. We need to be in shape to effectively serve the Lord. But development of our spirit and soul is more important. The body is useful in the earth realm. Our bodies are temporal. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (II Corinthians 4:16)

     The real person, the inner man, will live forever. Man’s spiritual life has eternal value. The Apostle Paul sheds light on this subject. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (II Corinthians 4:7) The psalmist David asked God a question; that goes to the reason for our existence. “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and has crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.” (Psalm 8:3-6) Man was created to fellowship with God, and rule over the work of his hands. Human beings have the capacity to know and communicate with God. “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” (Job 32:8)

  
     If we want to be close to the Lord; we need to be honest with God, and ourselves. King David allowed God access to his inner man. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23&24) If we’ll listen, Jesus will tell us what we need to know. Let’s keep our heart right with God; then we’ll stay away from hypocrisy. “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” (I John 3:20&21) We should be transparent with the Lord; it will keep our spiritual life strong. If Jesus points something out in our life that must be dealt with, we should acknowledge it. Then our hearts will remain pure. “Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.” (Job 10:12) Take regular inventory of your life. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (II Corinthians 13:5)

 You Can Read Part I In Mike's Newsletter Archive                             Evangelist Mike Manuel

               Mike's......Newsletter Archive A New Year A New Beginning An Open Door Excellence - Pathway To Success God's Gift He's Been There And Done That Independence Day It's Time To Turn On The AC Living In Denial Maintaining A Heart Of Thanksgiving Revival Not Survival Supernatural Ministry The Five Fold Ministry The Reason For The Season The Seed You Sow In The Ground You Know