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Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Luke 21:26 “Men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

In Luke 21:26 it says men’s hearts will fail them for fear because of all things coming upon the earth in the last days. It’s often portrayed as this referencing to unbelievers, or those without the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Greek word for men in this verse actually refers to mankind as a whole, the old-adamic race. If we parallel it with the verse in Psalm 73:26 it even includes the righteous. So in other words all men’s hearts will fail them in the great tribulation to fall upon the earth INCLUDING the righteous.

So what hope do we have then? … “BUT God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” This is what will separate the overcomers from those taken in judgement. Where is our strength? It is in the Lord Himself.

Take heart weary one because even if your heart fails, God is the strength of your heart. Fear not, for He has overcome the world. You will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

1 Cor 4:14-21

“I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?”

Of all the problems Paul was addressing in the church of Corinth, this is possibly one of the most relevant for the church today. We have more instruction (sermons, books, etc.) than any other time in church history which often leads to envy, strife and division. We often have neglected the simple foundational truths such as having the Father’s heart for His people and building upon Jesus Christ. There is one body under one head.

To understand what Paul is stating in 1 Cor 4:14-21 it needs to be read in context of the entire letter. In the previous chapter, which is connected to his thoughts in chapter 4, he is directly addressing the sin of sectarianism. Some said they were of Paul, and others said they were of Apollos. He compares this to spiritual immaturity and being carnal. Is our allegiance to a denomination, church, organization, apostle, prophet or pastor? Does this allegiance puff us up and cut us off from other blood bought believers? If that is the case, we may be in danger of being carnal Christians according to Paul’s letter. The moment we build our foundation on a servant of the Lord, instead of the Lord Himself we are in trouble. Paul states, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” May we build upon that foundation with gold, silver and precious stones.

Paul continues his thoughts to address the pride many of the Corinthians were walking in. He boldly states we must become fools in order to become wise and tries to reiterate the foolishness of God through the struggle of being an apostle. This all leads us back to the verses in 1 Cor 4:14-21

The word instructors (strongs 3807) in verse 15 refers to a servant whose office it was to take the children to school. It was a legally appointed overseer, authorized to train (bring) up a child by administering discipline, chastisement, and instruction. This is in direct opposition to Paul referring himself as a father. Paul is not demanding the Corinthians call him father as a title, or position over them, but he’s making an elaborate point using this illustration. He giving a subtle reference to the Law and New Covenant. The letter (Law) disciplined us and showed us our wrong doing. It is a rod. When we came of age, we were adopted and given a place to access our inheritance in Him. He set us free from our instructors. The Father shows us love and gentleness.

He then says he is sending Timothy, his beloved and faithful son to remind them of his ways in Christ. Timothy had the Father’s heart. Throughout all of this Paul is showing sectarianism is a form of bondage, and the love of the Father will set them free from it. Though Paul had to speak harshly with the church of Corinth at times, he was showing he truly cared for them as a father cares for a son. Not just discipling as a schoolmaster which they were accustomed to.

So why does this matter to us? Like the church of Corinth we have many instructors, but few fathers. Imitate the ways of Paul in Christ. Become a father to the fatherless.

Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,

Matthew 21:11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the Prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Hebrews 13:20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel (Evangelize) to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

Matthew 23:10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.

There is a revival of five-fold ministry within the church. However, like with everything there is a need for discernment. These ministries were never meant to be titles, or even positions within the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:7-8 it states, But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” Many times we fix our eyes on these ministries, no matter how true they may be, and miss what the true purpose is for them. These ministries are given by Christ, as gifts for a specific purpose, as scripture states:

Ephesians 4:11-16 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors (shepherds) and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Any true five-fold minister is there for one reason alone, to equip and bring each member of the body to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. To grow up all things into Him who is the head, Christ. There is an emphasis that EVERY PART does it share, which causes growth of the body for the edifying itself in love. We can not enter the fullness of Christ without having EACH member in the body function how they were meant to. May we see the body.

As Paul states, “No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.”

Let us take an honest assessment of our churches, fellowships and our own lives. If Christ dwells in our midst, then every aspect of HIS ministry should be present. We can have the prophetic, but lack evangelism. We can have great teaching, but have no shepherding. God’s heart to let every gift flow freely. If we are to enter into the fullness of Christ, there is a need to allow Jesus Christ, The Five-Fold Minister, to fully express all aspects of Himself.

Luke 5:4-11 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

John 21:4-8 They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.

Matthew 17:27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”

Many times like the disciples we fish all night with no results. We toil and labor in exhaustion, and we don’t catch a single fish. That can apply to both our spiritual and physical endeavors. Many times the Lord waits for us to completely exhaust our efforts so we are broken enough to obey His word. When we come to the end of ourselves and fish God’s way the catch overflows with abundance!

Maybe you need spiritual, and natural provision today. Stop laboring in your own strength and go fish God’s way! He will tell you where to cast the net!

1 Peter 2:5 – “you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 2:20-22 “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

Genesis 11:3 “Then they said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.’ They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar.”

There are two temples being built. One made of living stones carved by the hand of God, and another made of bricks by the hand of men. Babylon is built with bricks, while God’s temple is being built with living stones. There are many lessons in this, but the contrast of material speaks volumes in our spiritual walks.

In God’s holy temple there are living stones which are each uniquely designed with a special purpose. Each stone is completely different. Man had no involvement in the creation of these stones, and each one is being knitted together right where they need to be by God. They are being founded on the chief corner stone, Jesus Christ Himself. This is true unity when differences are embraced. The unity comes from knowing each piece is carved by the hand of God and a vital part of the temple God is creating. Without one of these lively stones, no matter how big or small, the temple is not complete.

Men’s ideas often bring conformity. Every member must look the same like a brick. Men are the ones who sweat and create the brick, often in the same size using a mold. This is Babylon and can be seen all around us in the world and even the church. Babylon seemed to have unity, but it was false. It was built with intentions to make a name for themselves. It came from the heart and mind of men which only leads to confusion.

Just think for a second of the most beautiful garden you have ever seen in the natural. Was this garden filled with thousands of the same flowers? Absolutely not! This garden had flowers of every shape, color and size. A master piece that creates wonder in anyone who would look at it. Each flower uniquely created to give God glory in their own special way.

There is a great difference between unity and conformity. True unity allows room for differences. In fact it embraces differences, as long as it can be established the differences come from the hand of God. The unity of Spirit is always there, but it’s us who leave it. The unity of Spirit can never be created by men, but only entered into as we truly abide in the vine under the headship of Christ. God protects this unity, like He protected the garden of Eden with Cherubim and flaming swords. We only enter through an abiding life with Christ. It is never a doctrine, denomination, apostle, prophet or anything external that can bring us into this marvelous light.

God is building His temple! May we be living stones knitted together in love!

Walk in the Spirit. Those led of Spirit ARE the sons of God.

Luke 18:15-17 “Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them.

But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Matthew 10:40-42 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

We often view these verses, and many other others, naturally. There is also spiritual meaning which is overlooked. The little ones in these verses speaks of little children in the natural, but also babes in Christ spiritually. How often are we like the disciples. We have an idea of how the Lord should move. Surely we are the ones walking with Him, and most acquainted with His ways. However when things are interrupted and God puts His heart and desire towards His little ones we often resist the idea. Yet the Lord says otherwise, “Let the little children come to me.” Even as mature believers we must maintain a humble heart like a child to enter His kingdom.

We would never rebuke, judge, or look down on a little child in the natural for their immaturity. May it be the same in our spiritual walk. Are there babes in Christ in our midst? Let us give them a refreshing cup of cold water! Receive them in the name of the Lord. Let them disrupt your ideas of how things should be, and let the Lord place His hands on them. You will never lose your reward.

Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them!

But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ¹² For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

¹³ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.