Orderly Diligence – Part 7

March 31, 2021 ~ Sharon R Moorefield ~ Leave a comment

There is much to be said about the tempering of the steel God has made you to be.

2 Peter 1:2-4 – Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

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Today we take yet another step forward in the process leading to the possession of the “divine nature.” So far, we’ve realized we must give “all diligence” to grow faith, and then add to faith virtue, and knowledge, and in that order. Today we make the next step and add to our knowledge temperance. The word “temperance” is the Greek word, “engkratia,” meaning “self control (especially continence): – temperance.” (from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). This points to an element of character that prevents one from going too far off-track in any direction; to being tempered, as one would temper a master sword; of being rigid, but not too rigid; of being flexible, but not too flexible; of being honed to a sharp edge, and being able to keep that edge, even in inhospitable environs.

By this time, we should be recognizing that that point-by-point addition of each element we introduce is truly an orderly progression. Without faith you cannot please God. Without virtue (manliness) there will be weakness and lack of courage to use that faith. Without knowledge there will be no clear truth upon which to base one’s actions. And today, we see that without temperance, there would not be the balance needed to keep things moving forward properly.

The Word of God is called the “sword of the Spirit.” With that in mind, think of the tempering of a master sword blade. The blade needs to be rigid and strong enough to allow a keenly sharp edge to be taken and kept with use. At the same time there needs to be enough flexibility in the blade so it is not brittle and stiff, easily broken under stress. To achieve such a blade requires the touch of a master sword maker who knows how to skillfully blend those characteristics. To be a master sword maker, one must understand the use of different degrees of hardness in the iron used, the proper use of fire and levels of heat, the proper use of oil and water, and the proper understanding of blending all that under the smith’s hammer to make a blade that meets the desired qualities of rigidity and flexibility, while being able to hold a keenly sharp edge. In the matter of tempering one’s self, there must be knowledge of the Scriptures, as well as the ability to clearly hear the voice of Holy Spirit. When that is blended, temperance will result.

Manna for Today – 2 Peter 1:1-15; Proverbs 4:20-23; Joshua 1:6-9; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 3 John 2; Jeremiah 29:11

Orderly Diligence – Part 6

March 30, 2021 ~ Sharon R Moorefield ~ Leave a comment

Someone is willing to give you a fortune. Are you willing to learn how to handle it properly?

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In our process of growing up into the divine nature, we come again today to 2 Peter 1:5, where we read, “giving all diligence . . . add to your virtue knowledge.” So, our focus today will be the process of adding knowledge to virtue. The Greek word for knowledge in this passage is “gnosis.” According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, it means, “knowing (the act), that is, (by implication) knowledge: – knowledge, science.” I find it extremely interesting to see “science” as a part of the understood meaning of “gnosis.” You see, while knowledge can be attributed at certain points as knowledge received by revelation from the Lord, it can also apply to accurate and factual knowledge that is learned through the application of truly scientific principles attained by scientific methods of learning. In our study of “gnosis” today, we are referring to that kind of knowledge that requires your personal investment of time, energy, and resources in the gaining useful knowledge through you own diligence. And once again, I stress the importance of the application of “all diligence” being applied by you personally in the process. It should be clearly understood that the matter of “all diligence” is important indeed to the Lord.

Allow me to use this example. Suppose you received notice that in one year from today, you would become the recipient of a multibillion-dollar textile corporation, and that on that date, the running of that company would become your responsibility. Don’t you think it would be a wise thing for you to endeavor to learn all you can about that company, its products, and the knowledge you need to lead it properly?

Now look at our Text for Today. Look at what has been made available to you if you will simply do one thing – give “all diligence” to add sound, accurate knowledge, along with the other requirements to becoming a partaker of “the divine nature.” Do you see it, my friend? The “divine nature,” that is the very nature of God, has been offered to you. But to be able to manifest that divine nature, there are certain things you need to add to your life. Are you willing to learn, to study, to grow? Are you teachable, disciplined, and focused enough for this to happen? God believes you are, there He has commanded that you give “all diligence” to this endeavor. The choice belongs to you. Choose wisely. Time is not stopping for you.

Manna for Today – 2 Peter 1:1-15; Proverbs 4:20-23; Joshua 1:6-9; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 3 John 2; Jeremiah 29:11

Orderly Diligence – Part 5

March 29, 2021 ~ Sharon R Moorefield ~ Leave a comment

Ladder climbing, even in a competition, is a process.

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When I was in high school, I was part of the track and field team. My events were called field events; shot put and discus throw. Though each point of competition required only seconds of personal action, each one required a process if I was to be in any way truly competitive. There were members of our team who competed in track events that could take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, and long-distance runners may even have taken hours to finish their event. While each competitive endeavor was called an event, process was still involved. Running in the 440-yard hurdles did not happen suddenly. It took some time, or process, one step after another, one hurdle after another, crossing the finish line ONLY have completing all the steps. 2 Peter 1:5 tells us, “giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue.” Remember, at each step of this process, we are to apply “all diligence.” There is never a time to save strength for the next step, or to use less diligence at certain points. This is an “all diligence” process at every point. So, apply “all diligence” to add to your faith “virtue.”

When the woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus’s garments, He perceived that virtue had gone out of Him. In that instance, the word virtue is the Greek word “dunamis,” meaning “fierce, miraculous power; mighty working; miracle violence.” This is the power of God that one receives when filled with Holy Ghost. But in our study today, virtue in 2 Peter 1:5 is the Greek word “arete,” meaning “manliness, valor, and excellence.” While “dunamis” is power that comes only from God, and cannot be produced by man, “arete” is the character of a person that is developed over time through diligent process. Consider the following three statements:

You’re a male by birth (You had nothing to do with your gender; that is genetics).
You’re a man by choice (You have everything to do with your personal identification; that is choice).
You’re a son of God by the grace and power of God (You are who God made you to be; that is divine).

You have dunamis-virtue solely by the hand of God. You have arete-virtue by your own choice of diligent application of Godly principles. If you don’t give diligence to develop it, you would have it.

Manna for Today – 2 Peter 1:1-15; Proverbs 4:20-23; Joshua 1:6-9; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 3 John 2; Jeremiah 29:11

Orderly Diligence – Part 4

March 26, 2021 ~ Sharon R Moorefield ~ Leave a comment

There comes a time when one must put process to work, otherwise the process is never engaged.

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Some diligence is NOT all diligence. In the process we’re examining, God requires “all diligence.” It’s time now to engage the process. Take a close look at 2 Peter 1:5. We read, “giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue.” Today, we consider the first element to which we are to give all our diligence in incorporating it into our life, and that element is “faith.”

First, consider some truths that every Christian should know about faith. They are foundational to faith and should be taught to every believer within a week of receiving Jesus as Lord.

You are saved by grace through faith – Ephesians 2:8
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God – Romans 10:17
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen – Hebrew 11:1
Without faith it is impossible to please God – Hebrews 11:6
The spirit of faith calls things that be not as though they were – Romans 4:17 & 2 Corinthians 4:13
Faith releases power through the speaking the Word – Mark 11:22-24 & Romans 10:6-10

Every child of God should pursue the study of faith for a lifetime. Being the agent that pleases Father, the believer should understand the imperative of a living, active, vital, and powerful faith in his life. It should be applied to every facet of life; spirit, soul, body, domestic, professional, financial, and social. The life that one can live when pleasing Father in each of these arenas through faith goes beyond what any person can imagine. The Scripture has declared it. My friend, when Father is please, He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work within us. That power is the Word of God, for the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and it is that Word of God that is the foundational building block of faith in the life of every believer. Take hold of this process, my friend, for when you do, the best is yet to come.

Manna for Today – 2 Peter 1:1-15; Proverbs 4:20-23; Joshua 1:6-9; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 3 John 2; Jeremiah 29:11

Orderly Diligence – Part 3

March 25, 2021 ~ Sharon R Moorefield ~ Leave a comment

Generally speaking, one does not nap in the middle of a race. Those who do are called losers.

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You’ve heard the story of the tortoise and the hare. It was a race. Of course, the hare was much swifter than the tortoise. He was therefore naturally expected to win the race. However, you know the story. The hare was so much swifter than the tortoise that he decided to stop for a restful nap partway through the race. It was at that point that the tortoise’s diligence got the best of the hare’s swiftness, and diligence prevailed over speed. What I am saying is that diligence does not take naps.

Diligence is that forward moving, never ceasing striving towards the finish line. Diligence does not nap on the way to the finish line; it naps when the race is ended. It should also be noted that diligence does not need competition to win. When it is true diligence at a personal level, diligence is that driving force in one’s heart that has the necessary work completed, with the worker resting with his feet propped up awaiting the time for presentation of his work. The diligent person is the one who is always ready, work completed ahead of schedule, and able to present it completed on time. I am often puzzled that so many people think God is holding something back from them for a certain point in time. The reality is that God is not holding back for a certain point in time, but is waiting for us to arrive where He has been waiting with the answer. That process, dear one, is diligence.

The process through which we are to journey on our way to the divine nature requires diligence; steadfast, ongoing diligence. Be sure to take time to read the first fifteen verses of 2 Peter 1. In verse five, we see that the Lord requires us to give “all diligence” to this process, and that level of “all diligence” is in addition to us having knowledge of verses two through four. Once again, I urge you to take the time to read the first fifteen verses of 2 Peter 1. It is keenly important for every believer to be aware of the process revealed in that passage. The things of which I write are NOT things into which you will stumble. You get there by a journey that is on purpose, deliberate and determined. Delay no longer. Begin that journey today. At the close of that journey are rewards far in excess of anything you can imagine.

Manna for Today – 2 Peter 1:1-15; Proverbs 4:20-23; Joshua 1:6-9; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 3 John 2; Jeremiah 29:11

Orderly Diligence – Part 2

March 24, 2021 ~ Sharon R Moorefield ~ Leave a comment

There is a process one needs to follow for growth in Christ. Do you wish to grow? Follow it.

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1 Peter 2:2-4 – Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

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One of the most powerful statements that can be found in Scripture is the opening portion of our Text for Today. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you…” Read that statement once again, and think of this. The grace of God saves you through faith. That is eternally powerful at a supernatural level one’s mind finds it hard to grasp. Peace is that place of relationship you have in Christ in which there is nothing missing, and nothing broken. That is a wonderful place to stand in Him. Now think for a moment. That is GRACE and PEACE at what might be called their primary level. Now look at the seven noted words once again. What do the last four words say? “…be multiplied unto you.” The Lord desires to go so far beyond adding something you your life that He chooses to multiply it, and that exponentially. His intention is not to ADD grace to the grace you have received, but to MULTIPLY the grace you have already received. Hold on to that truth as we delve deeper into our Text for Today.

Not only does the Lord want to MULTIPLY the grace and peace that has been given to you, but He goes on to tell us precisely how that can be accomplished. That multiplication of grace and peace takes place in the believer who knows he/she has “been given all things that pertain to life and godliness.” He then takes you yet higher in this work by revealing to you HOW all the things that pertain to life and godliness have been given to you. They come to you “through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” He then goes yet deeper. He tells us that when we have the “knowledge of Him” existing in us, that we receive “exceeding great and precious promises” from Him.

Ah, but let us not stop there. His next statement is God’s personal rationale for doing all this. It is by all this being accomplished in the life of the believer that we are made able to “be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Oh, what a joyous place to be found in Christ, having our grace and peace multiplied through the knowledge of God and Jesus by His divine power, and that from this we receive ALL THINGS that pertain to life and godliness, ultimately making us to be partakers of His divine nature. My friend, YOU ARE OF GOD!

Manna for Today – 2 Peter 1:1-15; Proverbs 4:20-23; Joshua 1:6-9; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 3 John 2; Jeremiah 29:11

Orderly Diligence – Part 1

March 23, 2021March 23, 2021 ~ Sharon R Moorefield ~ Leave a comment

God has a divine order that requires diligent following.

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At this writing, and in my nearly 72-years of life, I have observed as many people often seek after the same prize in life. I am not referring to competition, but in broader terms. The thing they seek may be success or significance in life. For one it may be sports, for another business, for another medicine or law. Perhaps you have witnessed the same thing. It seems that some attain to their chosen prize much more quickly than others, even in the same field, and that some never seem to attain their chosen prize.

While I am not knowledgeable of every mitigating factor in their life, one key element I have observed is that those who arrive earliest to their prize are generally the ones who not only work hard, but do so diligently and persistently in an orderly fashion. They recognize and establish priorities. They apply themselves in an orderly fashion. They work hard at their journey, not allowing themselves to become distracted. While I observe some who are not so orderly or diligent reach their prize, it usually requires much longer periods of time, and often, when they reach their prize, they have less time to utilize their skills and to enjoy them. I have come to understand that the quickest route to attaining the prize one seeks requires a very personal diligence and order in one’s life, along with an ongoing persistence in their application.

To that end I will be sharing the next several Second Milers. It is my heart’s desire to see everyone who will, not only attain their prize, but to attain to in in a manner that provides them many years of fulfillment in their own life as they pass their wisdom, knowledge, and experience on to those who follow them. In our Text for Today, we see the foundational revelation for how that pattern should be applied by the child of God as they live daily in this world. God wants you to succeed, and to do so well. He wants your life to be a witness of how Godly success will be most directly achieved. While there is not shortcut, the time of the journey can be decreased through diligent and orderly application of Father’s Word in a persistent fashion. It’s time to move, my friend, so let’s get started.

Manna for Today – 2 Peter 1:1-15; Proverbs 4:20-23; Joshua 1:6-9; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 3 John 2; Jeremiah 29:11

Past, Present, Future

March 22, 2021 ~ Sharon R Moorefield ~ Leave a comment

Oh, that we can touch that which He is.

Revelation 4:8 – And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

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It has been said, “If you will touch the past, touch a rock. If you will touch the present, touch a flower. If you will touch the future, touch a life.” I don’t know who said that, but it is a powerful truth indeed. One of the things that makes those three statements so powerful is their accurate application in identity with the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider the following.

“If you will touch the past, touch a rock.” A rock is a solid object that generally holds its shape. Of course, we can easily and accurately call Jesus a Rock. He is the Rock of our salvation. He was the rock in the wilderness from which water flowed to keep Israel alive in the wilderness. He is the Chief Cornerstone, the Rock of offence, and the Stumbling Stone. He is our Strong Tower that was built from rock. He is our Wall of defense, an everlasting and unmovable stone. Let us rejoice in His profound unshakable being, knowing that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Touch the Rock for you are anchored to Him.

“If you will touch the present, touch a flower.” A flower would be considered an object of beauty, carrying a sweet fragrance that speaks to one’s heart of love, passion, and willingness to serve others with pleasure. That is indeed our Christ. There can be no doubt that Jesus is the Anointed One, a sweet-smelling savor offered up for us. He is the Lily of the valley, the Bright and Morning Star. And let there be no doubt in your heart or mind that our Jesus is the Rose of Sharon. And as long as the church exists in this present age, it will be ever blossoming, bringing forth beautiful and fragrant flowers signify the soon coming of fruit. Touch the Lily and expose His fragrance; touch the Rose and treasure His beauty. Touch the flower and anticipate with joy the coming fruit.

“If you will touch the future, touch a life.” Jesus came to change the future of every person who would believe on Him. He came to heal the sick, deliver the captive, release the prisoner, and make whole the broken. When you, as a believer, as an ambassador of Christ, touch a life, you do so with all that power and authority, for you have been anointed to do the works He did, and even greater works. Touch a life and change it forever.

Touch the Rock and allow His solidity to settle you. Touch the Lily and Rose and allow His beauty to cover you. Touch a life and allow His life to flow through you to the future. May you hear the voice of the Lord singing over you with joy. Go ahead, touch the Rock, the Lily and Rose, and the life.

Manna for Today – Exodus 3:14; Revelation 1:8-20; Revelation 21:5-8; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8

Lamp and Light – Part 2

March 19, 2021 ~ Sharon R Moorefield ~ Leave a comment

The light of God illuminates both near and far. Enjoy the journey.

Psalm 119:105 – Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

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Yesterday we considered the Word of God as a “lamp unto my feet.” Today we go farther and look farther, considering the Word of God as a “light unto my path.” Once again, I say to you, there is a difference in purpose, while the origin of the light is the same source.

When we talk about the light of God, regardless of what it is sent to accomplish, the source is always the heart of God. So, when we read that the entrance of the Word gives light (Psalm 119:30), or we read our Text for Today, the source is always the heart of God, for that is the point of origin of His Word that He has spoken and will yet speak; it is from the abundance of His heart that His mouth speaks. And when we read the Word, or hear the Word, we can know that the Word rightly divided can be fully applied to our lives. Yesterday we spoke about the Word that illuminates the placement of our feet as we travel, to assure that each step is taken in a sure place. But knowing that our step is being placed safely on solid ground does not mean that we are going in the prescribed direction the Lord has set before us. At that point we need more than solid footing; we need a sure direction. Remember, a lighted step tells me where I stand. A lighted path tells me where I’m going.

As a lad growing up in a rural community in North Carolina, I would often find myself out walking in the neighborhood, and sometimes out hunting in the country. When I was going somewhere I had never been, I would ask a neighbor how to find the place I sought. I cannot tell you how often I’ve heard these words; “Follow the path to…” a certain point. Often, they would add, “Don’t stray from the path or you may get lost.” To see where I was placing my feed, I had to look down, but to see where the path led, I had to look ahead. By looking down I could place each step safely. By looking forward, I was assured that each step I took was on the path I needed to follow. My source of light was the same for both, but the use of that light was different.

That’s the way the light of God works. For you, it is always from the heart of Father for your safety AND success. Your safety was held in your individual steps, while your success was in attaining the desired destination. Let God’s Word be your source of light, both as a lamp for each step to be a safe one, and as a light to illuminate the path before you, keeping you on course.

Manna for Today – Numbers 6:25; 2 Samuel 22:29; Job 22:28; Isaiah 60:1; Matthew 5:14-16; Luke 2:32; Matthew 13:43; John 8:12; John 9:5

Lamp and Light

March 18, 2021 ~ Sharon R Moorefield ~ Leave a comment

Without natural light, life as we know it ceases. Without the light of God, ALL life ceases.

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Psalm 119:105 – Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

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The Scriptures speaks much about light; the light to see, to be guided; the light we receive, the light we emit; the light that sustains, the light that causes growth. Today I want to speak to you the light that indicates where to put your foot in each step, and the light that points the direction toward which each of those steps take you. There is a difference. We certainly need light to show us where to place each foot if we are to take safe steps in our life. And while the source of light is the same, the purpose of the light is not only for where I set my foot for safety, but to allow me to see the vision of what will be our destination. You see, where I place my next step is not the same as my destination. It takes MANY steps to arrive at ONE destination. Both our step and destination need to be illuminated. Both my step and my destination need solid ground upon which to be established.

Let’s look first at the “lamp unto my feet.” Have you ever had to walk in extreme darkness? I refer to a place so dark that it is difficult to see you hand clearly two feet before your face. When you walk in such darkness, each step becomes a struggle, especially if there is ANY unevenness or potential obstacles in the path. In fact, walking in such darkness is dangerous. If you only have enough light to illuminate the point at which your foot will impact the ground, it makes it so much safer, at least at that step. But there is more to this scenario than may be realized.

What about something that may be lying in wait for you just ten feet away, something you cannot seen with simply illuminating your steps? How dangerous can that be? Imagine a deadly enemy, a venomous snake, or a potentially explosive device. Though your foot may step in the light, an enemy in the darkness could simply be awaiting your arrival so it can strike out of the darkness. We need more than a “lamp unto my (our) feet.” We likewise need a “light unto my (our) path.” There are times in our lives when stepping onto firm ground does not mean we are traveling towards a safe destination. Only when one is living by faith can one walk in the kind of light that not only assures sure footing, but likewise assures a sure destination. Once again, allow me to clearly state, unless you are standing just outside the door of your destination, you next step is just that – a step. And if you do not have both your step AND your destination illuminated, how can you be sure you’re going in the right direction?

Manna for Today – Numbers 6:25; 2 Samuel 22:29; Job 22:28; Isaiah 60:1; Matthew 5:14-16; Luke 2:32; Matthew 13:43; John 8:12; John 9:5