I felt impressed to put in a 'bulletin board' here in the coffee break room. Maybe we could share a 'thought for the day' or a scripture that The Lord has given and we think it would be encouraging and edifying to others. Something to meditate upon during the day. This scripture was impressed upon me this morning as I was looking up at a small mountain and giving The Lord thanks and praise for His wonderous works. I started singing to myself the song we used to sing from this verse and allowing The Holy Spirit to minister to my heart; He promised to NEVER leave us or forsake us, and this is just another way He tells us... " As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so The Lord is round about His people from henceforth even for ever." Psalms 125:2 Hope it blesses ya'll as much as it does me, james
We have SO much to be thankful for, and it's all made possible by The Blood of Jesus, freely shed for us. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom The Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." Ps.32:1-2
JUST A REMINDER: God's Word doesn't change with the seasons and times, the promises He made in the days of Abraham, King David, Isaiah, until the N.T. promises Jesus made; they're all yea and amen. The calendar changing doesn't effect Mk.11:24 or John 3:16 or Ps.91 or Isaiah 53:5 or Acts 2:38-39. Isn't it great to have this confidence in Him who made these great and precious promises, to be able to enter into a place of rest as Paul wrote of in Hebrews chapter 4. "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus The Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
" The name of The Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Proverbs 18:10 THERE IS POWER IN HIS NAME...
" And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." I John 5:14-15 Faith is not some magic formula, or a secret code that allows christians to abuse God's promises; with name it, claim it doctrines, such as the false 'prosperity message'. Faith is trusting; believing; having confidence in; knowing in our hearts; that He who made the promises, God, will perform that which He promises. And 'prosperity' is a promise from God...but not as it's being taught by 'seed' and 'give to get' teachers, who are only seeking after personal financial gain.
"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." II Corth.4:18 "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand." "But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear." Matt. 13:13&16 "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." II Peter 3:13
"But they that wait upon The Lord shall renew their strengh; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
" It is of The Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul: therefore will I hope in Him." Lamentations 3:22-24
" One thing have I desired of The Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of The Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of The Lord, and to enquire in His temple." Ps.27:4 AMEN...
" I WILL bless The Lord at all times: His praise SHALL continually be in my mouth. My soul SHALL make her boast in The Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify The Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." Psalms 34:1-3
" For whatever is born of God overcometh the world. And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is The Son of God." 1 John 5:4-5 " He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son." Rev. 21:7
Earlier this week some of us were talking of the desert and the comparison between a literal desert and the spiritual desert many of us feel we've been in for the past 20 years. We're not the first people to feel this way, King David wrote of his wilderness experiences in Psalms 63. We can take heart in knowing God delivered him, remember Ps. 23 as well as Ps. 91. Remember the promise of the latter rain in Joel 2:23 and the promise to restore the years that the locust, cankerworm, catepiller, and palmerworm has eaten. Joel 2:25 All of the book of Joel is prophesying of what God promises to do in the end-times to restore us unto Him. " O God, thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary. Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee. Thus will I bless Thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in Thy name." Ps.63:1-4 " And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of The Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as The Lord hath said, and in the remmant whom The Lord shall call." Joel 2:32
Good post Brother James I was reflecting yesterday on the pilgramage of the children of Isreal and I think I have hit on something. Isnt it interesting that there was NO Idolatry while they were in the 40 year pilgramage? As soon as they became affluent and satisfied in the riches they had is when the Idolatry started. They didnt have to depend on the Lord any more. Leeds me to the conclusion that the most dangerous time in a christians life is like the Jews. We become independent (or so we think)and seemingly no longer need God. Jesus said to the church of Laodicea " because thou sayest ,I am rich,and increased with goods and have need of nothing, and knowest not that thou art wreched, and miserable and poor and blind and naked" How many people that you know of are driven to their knees in a time of plenty. Jesus knew the dangers. We must constantly be on guard against unthankfullness and not givin the Lord the Glory for everything we receive. Lord bless Dick
He that has my commandments, and keeps them,he it is that loves me. And he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14.21
"Freedom in Christ is not the right to do as we please, but the liberty to do as we ought."
Sorrow is better then laughter, for by the sadnest of the countenace the heart is made better.
A thankful heart produces a humble spirit.
" O give thanks unto The Lord; call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him: talk ye of all His wondrous works. Glory ye in His holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek The Lord. Seek The Lord, and His strength: seek His face evermore. Remember His marvellous works that He hath done; His wonders, and the judgements of His mouth; " Psalms 105:1-5
Forrest Gump said, 'My momma always said', " Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." And while there is a bit of truth in that statement, WE can ALWAYS KNOW who's in charge of our lives and that nothing is going to happen that HE hasn't ordained. And ultimately we can rest in the promises He's made and have peace in our hearts, reguardless of the times we live in and in the midst of chaos all around us. His name is JESUS. Remember Psalms 91 verses 7-8 " A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; But it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shall thou behold, and see the reward of the wicked."
Spurgeon on Preaching Jesus Christ "I believe that those sermons which are fullest of Christ are the most likely to be blessed to the conversion of the hearers. Let your sermons be full of Christ, from beginning to end crammed full of the gospel. As for myself, brethren, I cannot preach anything else but Christ and His cross, for I know nothing else, and long ago, like the apostle Paul, I determined not to know anything else save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. People have often asked me, "What is the secret of your success?" I always answer that I have no other secret but this, that I have preached the gospel,—not about the gospel, but the gospel,—the full, free, glorious gospel of the living Christ who is the incarnation of the good news." Maybe we could substitute messages for sermons.
As I drove in to work this morning I was listening to Carl Seitz; and the words to this song, he wrote 30 years ago, just spoke to my spirit. I'm going to try to write part of them down, they were so encouraging... "For there's another flood acoming, it's a flood of end-time evil and like a mighty wave, it shall soon engulf all people. But although the sky above you looks so dark, for God's people, there's an ark you alone my friend decide whether you will be inside, you alone can pay your price, to be a living sacrifice upon the alter, brother don't you falter... For when the world in tribulation is crying loud, you can be with The Lord Jesus dwelling in the clouds."
JUDGEMENT IS COMING UPON AMERICA, AND IT WILL BEGIN WITH THE CHURCH... If God spared not Israel for their iniquity, the apple of His eye; but poured out His wrath upon both young and old, women and children, sparing only those who had been crying out unto Him for the abominations going on around them, what makes America think God doesn't see? Yet 'the church' has those speaking, 'thus sayeth The Lord, America's best days are ahead'; these are false prophets speaking lies, giving false hope, preaching false doctrines, covering over sin. But God sees.... and He has a remnant, crying out saying, 'don't listen to the false pleasers of man, who are speaking great swelling words which God hath not spoken.' Ezekiel 9:4-6 " And The Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others He said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity. Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; AND BEGIN AT MY SANCTUARY..." verse 8-10 "And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord God! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in Thy pouring out of Thy fury upon Jerusalem? Then said He unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The Lord hath forsaken the earth, and The Lord seeth it not. And as for Me also, Mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head."
And The Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others He said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity. Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; AND BEGIN AT MY SANCTUARY..." Hey James, I have been really thinking about this Word you had. It is sobering and I would like to ask your opinion on something. Dr. Freeman, in his Revelation teachings, said that he believed that a group of people would be kept during Tribulation. These people had a mark upon them, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but did not totally die out or go all of the way, as he put it. Therefore, they had to be purified, somewhat, during Tribulation. Do you think this passage in Ezekiel is talking about this mark? What does this prophet mean by mark, etc. Is it also referring to our times, as well, concerning this mark? Also, the slaying stuff is serious too! Do you think that all of this refers to Tribulation and persecution of the denominational saints, etc.? I know that me and my household have tickets on the first load going up! These are really serious times we live in. Thank you for sharing this with us here at OO. I just need a little more input. I don't think I need anymore sobering up, but if that is the case, than so be it. I am going to post all of the Revelation outline. It may take a little time, but these issues are all mentioned. Blessings, GWB
INFORMATIVE DVD: AMERICA, FREEDOM TO FASCISM This link will allow you to view a film about the erosion of America. It was released in 2006 and in view of what has happened over the past year with the banking system, as well as other problems that have come to light, it gives some insight to how it was set up to bring America to the place we are now. It's not bibically based and in the original film there is only one reference to the bible in it, and that is Rev. 13:16-18. But it is informative and shines light on the coruption in government, as well as exposing the IRS, The Federal Reserve, the power that the banking system has over the people and how it was first set up. Interesting info about tax laws and filing income taxes? ( No, I'm not avocating for people to stop paying income taxes, after all...lol) The DVD original is almost 2 hr. long, but the internet version is a good bit shorter. The link is http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1656880303867390173
Thank you James for this very interesting video, although I have not seen all of it. About 20 years ago I worked in a restaurant where we had some customers who were handing out this same kind of material and telling us we did not have to pay income tax because the 16th amendment was never ratified. There was a christian financial advisor on the radio, whose name escapes me, that was asked about this, and I believe his response was, yes it is true the 16th amendment was never ratified, but our highest court in the land, The Supreme Court, told us we had to pay tax, and therefore we must. The Lord is just using all this to bring about his plans and purposes with all the corruption in the government. There is an excellent writer, who was involved in the Indiana government years ago, who sheds some very interesting light on some people and things that have happened and are happening. I saw this man speak before he wrote his first book. His name if Gary Kah. He wrote an excellent book called "En Route to Global Occupation." He has a website, so if you get a chance I would recommend looking at it. I haven't looked at his site for a while, but you bringing this video out, I will have to see what he is writing about now. Also we can't be naive to think that sites like this are not being monitored, as we know how the the christian will be hated. I can remember someone saying how christians are the reason we have so many problems in this country. It was just an off the cuff comment during the Clinton years, but it stuck with me. May God's peace be with us all.
Hey Sue, I just finished listening to one of Bro. Freeman's earlier teachings on, 'The Day of The Lord'(the introduction); Hombre shared it with me, and it is SO appropriate for today.(remember, he taught this message over 30 years ago) The text is from I Thess. 4:13-18. There were many scriptures he used to point to the fact that we're in the last days; but what stands out to me is the false prophecies today coming out about how America is yet to see our best days and how we are God's special nation. Exactly what people want to hear...yet NOT at all what God is saying. In Jeremiah 28, Jeremiah had prophesied that God said, Israel would go into captivity for 70 years due to their sins and rebellion. Yet, Hananiah prophesied that it would only be 2 years. Not only did God vindicate His TRUE prophet, He smote Hananiah for prophesying false prophecy unto His people. We have Hananiah's standing up all across America proclaiming blessings. OH! For prophets of God to speak TRUTH unto this nation, JUDGEMENT IS COMING UPON AMERICA. Just in case someone wants some biblical references that point to the SIGNS that are everywhere around us, as to the Day of The Lord being at hand...here are a few, there are many more... I Thess.4:13-18 5:3 II Thess.2:1-12 I Tim.4:1-5 II Tim.3:1-9 Matt.24:3-28 Luke 17:26 He's coming, as a thief in the night...LOOK UP!
" For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven." Ps. 119:89 If God's Word is SETTLED in heaven, FOR EVER, and He said it was; then it seems to me that if we'll settle it in our hearts, that what God says is true, we have made a HUGE step towards walking in fellowship with Him. He said ALL His promises are yea and amen, we believe John 3:16 but wrestle with Isaiah 53:5; with I Corth.10:13; Rom.13:8; James 5:14-15; II Corth. 6:17 II Corinthians 7:1 " Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
I AM THE LORD THAT HEALETH THEE... Ps. 107 verses 17-19 speak of fools who because of their transgressions and iniquities, are afflicted. But verse 20 reveals the LOVE of God, because He sent Jesus(who is The Word...~John 1:1-2)and healed them. " He sent His WORD, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." ~Ps.107:20 "...Who HEALETH all thy diseases." ~Ps. 103:3b
A friend loveth at all times. and a brother is born for adversity.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit." ~Ps.51:10-12 "...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." ~Ps.30:5b What a great and merciful God we serve, His mercys' are new every morning...Hallelujah
James, I love that verse and the Song Ps 51:10-12 I'll upload the Song from Shelbyville,Ky Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice ! Phil 4:4 Ron
Back in the old days when i was growing up in the denominational church we sang that every sunday after the sermon.. To this day I love that song. I never get tired of hearing it. Create in me a clean heart. Yes do it Lord.
" So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." ~Isaiah 55:11
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
FAITH "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." ~Heb.11:1 Faith comes by hearing and believing the Word of God. "...faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." ~Rom. 10:17 Faith is believing that God will do for, in, or through you what He promises in His Word. "God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?" ~Num.23:19 Faith is believing God, and acting accordingly. " But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." ~Heb.11:6 " But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." ~James 1:22
2 Peter 1:2-8 2) Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3) 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: 4) 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. 5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtrue knowledge: 6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowlege of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:17-25 17) But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18) How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19) These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20) But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21) Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22) And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23) And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Isa 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Isa 29:20 For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: Isa 29:21 That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.
" The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me..." ~Psalm 138:8 This scripture is today's verse to meditate upon, in the "Morning by Morning" daily devotions written by Charles Spurgeon. The writter writes: "The Psalmist was wise, he rested upon nothing short of The Lord's work. It is The Lord who has begun the good work within us; it is He who has carried it on; and if He does not finish it, it never will be complete. If there be one stitch in the celestial garment of our righteousness which we are to insert ourselves, then we are lost; but this is our confidence, The Lord who began will perfect. He has done it all, must do it all, and will do it all. Our confidence must not be in what we have done, nor in what we have resolved to do, but entirely in what The Lord will do."
Ps 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
How do we 'overcome' the human tendency to become anxious and fearful, when facing the many decisions of day to day life? When all around us people are reacting in negative ways to the stress of 'living in the last days', without hope, without a personal relationship with Jesus; turning to drugs, alcohol, escapism; or attempting to deal with it by going to therapy... God's Word is filled with promises, promises to give us the victory regardless of what we're facing...we just need to apply them by faith and rest in Him who made them... " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." ~Isaiah 26:3 " Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6
Amen, James! I love how Philippians 4:6-7 gives us both God's command that we shouldn't be anxious and the means by which we can obey His instruction: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." It also tells us the result of our asking the Lord to take away our anxiety and work everything out--the peace that surpasses all understanding! Also for those who trust in the Lord: "He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; He will not be afraid..." (Psalm 112:7-8) I am so thankful for the Lord and His Word!
"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." ~Matthew 12:35-37 Words of Jesus...seriously sobering...
Todays devotional form A.W.Tozar June: Worship The whole import and substance of the Bible teaches us that the God who does not need any thing nevertheless desires the adoration and worship of His created children. Whatever Happened to Worship?, 37. June 10 Worship: Our Reason for Existence Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. --Psalm 29:2 Yes, worship of the loving God is man's whole reason for existence. That is why we are born and that is why we are born again from above. That is why we were created and that is why we have been recreated. That is why there was a genesis at the beginning, and that is why there is a re-genesis, called regeneration. That is also why there is a church. The Christian church exists to worship God first of all. Everything else must come second or third or fourth or fifth.... Sad, sad indeed, are the cries of so many today who have never discovered why they were born. It brings to mind the poet Milton's description of the pathetic lostness and loneliness of our first parents. Driven from the garden, he says, "they took hand in hand and through the valley made their solitary way." Whatever Happened to Worship?, 56-57. "Oh Lord, we live in a world that has so totally lost its way! How few have any concept at all of their reason for existence. How sad to see so many all around us who 'took hand in hand and through the valley made their solitary way.' Use me today to direct at least one to the right path. Amen."
Quote of the Day We need a day of repentance for the way we sing songs that we do not mean. Plenty of people sing: “My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the follies of sin I resign…” without any thought of giving up their sins. Lying is still lying when set to music. We ask the Lord to “hold o’er our beings absolute sway,” with no thought of consenting to His control. Then there is that old favorite, “Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee,” but most people who sing it mean it as it reads in the index, “Take my life and let it be”! Can you ask God to take your hands and let them move at the impulse of His love – at a card game? Can you ask Him to let your feet be swift and beautiful for Him – on a dance floor? Can you invite Him to take your voice and let you sing only, always, for your King – and then sing the evil songs of this world? Can you ask Him to take your silver and gold, affirming “not a mite would I withhold” – when you hold onto it with all your might? Vance Havner
Kinda neat video. Hope it blesses you as it did me. http://www.openmyeyeslord.net/godforgiveusthepowerofprayer.h tm Grandom
Jesus, our High Priest... " Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus The Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." ~ Hebrews 4:14-16 The Lord had put upon my heart this morning this passage in Hebrews, and was reminding me about prayer and how Jesus, through His shed blood, gave us access unto the throne of God. I had started this post when I saw Grandom post the above presentation on 'prayer'. I think what The Holy Spirit is saying, well at least one thing is, we have access to God through Jesus' shed Blood and we can reach Him from any place, any time... Prayer, is one thing that cannot be taken away, maybe verbably in a public place, or in certain areas they can restrict 'public prayer' but ANYONE, saved, has a blood bought right to enter into The Holy of Holies and commune with our Father. Prayer is from the heart and that communication can't be stopped by anyone, except us. We can enter whenever we want, God is never too busy to hear our prayer, or receive our praise and thanksgiving. All made possible by Jesus, our High Priest. Are we blessed or what? Think for a moment of Israel and the purifications, sacrifices, and rules of obedience they HAD to follow, just to OFFER unto God...That didn't get them an audience with Him, only the appointed high priest could enter The Holy of Holies. We don't have to kill lambs or go through 'man'; we can come boldly before the throne of grace, into the very presence of God, and commune there with Him...for as long as we want...Our Father, The God of all creation, will hear us and give us the petitions we desire(I John 5:15 ) I don't know about anyone else, but sometimes I need to stop and reflect on just what all my Lord and Savior has done for me. Thank you, Father for your great love wherein you loved us, and displayed this great love throught the willing sacrifice of your Son, Jesus....Thank You Jesus.
Thank you James for being faithfull to post what the Lord had put on your heart this morning. I am always blessed when I see confirmation when I know the Holy Spirit is saying some thing to me and I see He is saying the same thing to another Brother. Especially when that Brother is half way across the world in another country (ala.) Bless you. Grandom
Jesus, the author of our Faith... " Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." ~Hebrews 12:1-3 Yesterday The Holy Spirit started giving me some definitions of what Jesus is to Christians. He is our High Priest, giving us access unto The Throne of God. Today He pointed me to Heb.12 and there we see that He, Jesus, is the author AND finisher of our faith. That should be comforting, knowing that the faith we have was given us by Jesus, and that He will 'finish' it. I'm not a Greek scholar but I can look word meanings up in a concordance and Lexicon, and the word 'finisher' can also mean to bring to completion or make manifested. So we see that not only is He the author of our faith but that He will complete it. Faith is described in different ways in Gods Word...We're told if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, we can move mountains(Mt.17:20) And I haven't ever moved a literal mountain, yet I KNOW I have faith, (it takes faith to come to God...Heb.11:6 " But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him") but that faith to believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths(Rom.10:9-10), comes from Him. He chose us before the foundation of the world unto salvation(II Thess.2:13 "...because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:" Hopefully these words from Gods Word encourages and strenghens our faith...because after all, this is how our faith grows. " So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." ~ Rom.10:17
Jesus, our redeemer... " In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" ~ Col.1:14 " Accordingly as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;" ~ Eph.1:4-7 Webster defines the word redeem as, 'to purchase back; to regain, to ransom, to deliver from sin; to make good; to recover.' Not one promise given in Gods Word would be applicable unto us without the redemption we received through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We, through sin, was alienated from God and had nothing to offer on our behalf to restore us unto fellowship with Him. ( The atoning sacrifice for sin, HAD to be spotless, without blemish, perfect...ONLY Jesus' shed blood could redeem us ) Jesus willingly took upon Himself our punishment ( Is.53 ) to deliver us from sin and the effects of the curse( hell, sickness, disease, poverty ) and restore us or recover us from eternal damnation unto eternal life. And the benefits ( ALL the promises given throughout The Bible ) are available to us, ONLY because Jesus' redeeming us from the curse. ~ Gal.3:13 " Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:" Thank you Jesus...
Sometimes, 'in the past', I have wrestled within myself as to whether or not 'a word' is from God for others , or if it's just The Holy Spirit quickening something to me, for me. I'm sure no one else has ever experienced this before. While I know that any time it is God's WORD that's being given, then of course it has to be for somebody at some point in time; after all, every scripture we read has already been read by millions of people before us. So any given scripture has ministered to the hearts of countless numbers of saints throughout the ages. Anyway, my point being is to encourage one another to not be self conscience concerning sharing what God puts on our hearts; because while we may think we know what's being said and for whom, it might be that God will have someone read what He is telling us to post today, 5 years from now...someone not even saved yet... So that's what I believe The Lord has shown me... This passage of scripture has been coming to mind lately and I believe The Lord wants me to share it; and I'm confident that He will accomplish that which He sends it forth to do. " As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus The Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." ~ Col.2:6-8
Jesus, our healer... "...If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of The Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am The Lord that healeth thee." ~ Ex.15:26 "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and by His wounds we are healed." ~ Is.53:5 "Who in His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." ~I Peter 2:24 This promise of healing, and even better, divine health; is every bit as valid as the promise given in John 3:16. The same simple child like faith that it took to receive Jesus into ones' heart is all that is required to receive of the other promises He's given. If one can believe that God gave His only Son, Jesus, out of love for us; and that if we'd believe in Him we wouldn't perish, but have everlasting life...Then the promise of healing and health HAS to be true as well; did He not say that He was NOT a man, that He should lie? and that what He has spoken, He would make it good? "For ALL the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him A-men, unto the glory of God by us." ~ II Cor.1:20 Are there conditions that must be met, Yes...Hearken to the voice of God; do that which is right in His sight; listen to His commandments; keep all His statutes. Just as there are conditions we must meet for salvation, we must be DOERS of the Word...James 1:22 "But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 2:19-20 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" NO, we aren't saved through 'works'; but salvation will produce 'good works' or fruit. Salvation is a free gift from God, paid for by The Blood of Jesus...just as healing is....by His stripes, ye were healed. Praise You Jesus
BOLDNESS TO ENTER GOD'S PRESENCE Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:19–20, 22). There are two sides to Christ’s work at Calvary. One side is to the benefit of man, and the other side is to the benefit of God. One benefits the sinner, while the other benefits the Father. We are well acquainted with the benefit on the human side. The cross of Christ has provided us with forgiveness of our sins. We are given the power of victory over all bondages and dominion over sin. We are supplied with mercy and grace. And, of course, we are given the promise of eternal life. The cross has given us the means of escape from the terrors of sin and hell. I thank God for this benefit of the cross to humankind, and for the wonderful relief it brings. I rejoice that it is preached week after week in churches all over the world. Yet there is another benefit of the cross, one that we know very little about. And this one is to the benefit to the Father. You see, we understand very little about the delight of the Father that was made possible by the cross. It’s a delight that comes to him whenever he receives a prodigal child into his house. If all we focus on about the cross is forgiveness — if that is the end-all of our preaching — then we miss an important truth that God has meant for us about the cross. There is a fuller understanding to be had here, and it has to do with his delight. This truth provides God’s people with much more than just relief. It brings liberty, rest, peace and joy. In my opinion, most Christians have learned to come boldly before God for forgiveness, for supply of needs, for answers to prayer. But they lack boldness in this aspect of faith — an aspect that is just as crucial in their walk with the Lord. David Wilkerson Devotional
I, certainly, have been a prodigal child at one time. His mercy is so awesome to behold and experience. Praise Him for His everlasting mercy on me, and my family, when I got off track. He called me back to Him, in His still, gentle voice. It is the least we can do for those we see getting off of His path as well. He is faithful and His delivering powers are mighty to behold. Blessed be the Name of the Lord; Jesus. Blessings, GWB
Judge Gently ============= Pray, don't find fault with the man who limps Or stumbles along the road. Unless you have worn the shoes he wears Or struggled beneath his load. There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt Though hidden away from view. Or the burden he bears placed on your back Might cause you to stumble too. Don't sneer at the man who's down today Unless you have felt the blow That caused his fall or felt the shame That only the fallen know. You may be strong but still the blows That was his if dealt to you In the selfsame way, at the selfsame time Might cause you to stagger too. Don't be too harsh with the man who sins Or pelt him with word or stone Unless you are sure - yea, doubly sure That you have no sins of your own. For you know, perhaps, If the tempter's voice should whisper as soft to you As it did to him when he went astray It might cause you to falter too. ~Author Unknown
Praying in tongues Just a reminder for us all... " But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." ~ Jude 20-21 Praying in The Spirit builds us up in our faith and prepares us for the day ahead. We don't know what we will encounter throughout our daily walk, but The Holy Spirit does. By praying in The Spirit ( our prayer language...tongues ) we are allowing The Holy Spirit to interceed according to the will of God. " Likewise, The Spirit also helpeth our weakness: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of The Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." ~ Romans 8:26-27 Many times we don't know what a brother or sister is going through, but we have a burden within our spirit concerning them; praying in The Spirit is the only effective way to interceed on their behalf since we don't have knowledge of what they're going through ( unless we receive a word of knowledge ), so interceeding in tongues is one of the purposes we have received this gift for. Just an encouragement and reminder, it's easy to get caught up in the daily routine and overlook the importance of praying in The Spirit (until we are going through something ourselves). We are all faced with an enemy who is going about as a roaring lion, seeking to devour us...I Peter 5:8 ... One of the ways we resist him and overcome him, is by praying in The Spirit...
Jesus, our strength... " And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness....~ II Corinthians 12:9 " The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" ~ Psalms 27:1 " For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." ~ Romans 5:6 When we come to the place of realizing just how hopeless we are without Jesus; how of ourselves we can do nothing; and learn to be totally reliant upon Him for everything...THEN, we become as clay in His hands, willingly yeilding to be made into whatever He desires of us. Could it be the reason the church (for the most part) is failing today, is because everyone is running around instituting 'programs' that rely upon the efforts of man; rather than acknowledging their inadequacy and seeking to be lead by The Holy Spirit... We must confess our weaknesses and our utter dependence upon Jesus to be our strength, and He promises to perfect HIS srength in our weakness.
Zacharias...a priests' prophecy. I was reading in Luke about Zacharias; the priest who didn't believe the words of Gabriel, the angel sent from the presence of God, to tell him that he and Elisabeth were to have a son named John. And because he didn't believe Gabriel, he was struck dumb, unable to speak until after the birth of his son, John The Baptist. But once John was born, his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed and he praised God. Now Zacharias was not a prophet, he was a priest; but The Holy Spirit came upon him after John's birth and he prophesied...one of the most wonderful prophecy's recorded in The Bible. "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant; The oath which He sware to our father Abraham, That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." ~ Luke 1:68-79 I found it interesting that God didn't use a Prophet for this important prophecy, but a Priest. From which I see as another example of how God uses different ways to communicate with us; while He could have used a prophet with the calling of that office, He chose to use a priest and anoint him with the 'gift of prophecy'. The prophesy didn't make Zacharias a Prophet, he remained a Priest...who prophesied.
July 9, thanksgiving day... If you're taking the time to read this today, take time to thank God that you can...read, see, comprehend. Let today be thanksgiving day for the goodness and mercy of God unto us; let us thank Him because He has given unto us the knowledge and understanding that we are supposed to give THANKS unto HIM. "Make a joyful noise unto The Lord, all ye lands. Serve The Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that The Lord HE is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations." ~ Psalms 100
Thank you James for reminding us of how we should continually give thanks for all the Lord has blessed us with. There are so many things we seem to take for granted, such as having fresh drinking water, transportation, trees, flowers, a bed to sleep in, a place to live, food, books, freedom to worship (at least freedom for now), computers where we can be blessed by such sites as this, and any other thing you can do or enjoy that glorifies the Lord. We as believers and followers of Jesus should be most thankful. 2 Timothy 3:2 says that in the last days perilous times shall come and one of the signs is unthankfulness. Just take a look around and see how God has blessed you. Most of all He has promised us eternal life with Jesus, which we should give thanks for every day of our lives.
Anyone going through a trial; maybe coming out of a period of dryness, battling sadness or depression? While there are many scriptures that offer encouragement, and remind us of God's love, and that it's through trials and tribulations that we enter the Kingdom of Heaven; these couple of verses from Psalms speak from a thankful and joyful heart. We used to sing it and I still do, it blesses and lifts my spirit every time I do. " Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto Thee for ever." ~ Psalms 30:11-12
I have not thought of that song for a very long time. I really need it at times too. Thanks for your posts and for sharing. I come to this site, many times, for strength. Praise Jesus, because that is what I exactly get! Blessings, GWB
Lately The Holy Spirit has really been allowing me to see just how blessed we are. In talking to others who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior, they seem to have hardly any understanding of, or relationship with, Jesus. And anything beyond John 3:16 is written as historic records, just to be read (if even that); and certainly not believed and acted upon. And when read, the truth of it all just goes right by, as if it was all written in code. (maybe to them it is, could that be the reason for all the code breakers, and seeking of truths by sets of numbers that seem to be the fad today?) I don't want to portray a sense of false modesty, nor do I want to come across as proud; because the revelation of this into our spirits, brings humility...especially when we examine ourselves in light of God's Word, remembering how in times past we behaved and even still fall so far short of what He has called us to...Being Christlike... but we are blessed! Jesus said it Himself in Luke 10:23-24 "...Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." Do we know everything and have all the answers? NO! But we know who does and where to find them; just the fact that Jesus PROMISED not to leave us alone but that He would pray that The Father would give us another Comforter, The Spirit of Truth, shows how extremely BLESSED we are. "And I will pray The Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even The Spirit of Truth: whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." ~ John 14:16-18 Again I say, Thank You, Jesus
I know what you mean... the verse that comes to mind is: Luk 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. You mentioned yesterday in another note that it is hard to see a real purpose in meeting together with that group of "explorers" or something to that effect. While we aren't able to see God's plan as clearly as we would like, how many times have you found yourself around people just "living your life" as they say, and find out later that something you said had a major impact on someone else? We almost never realize the circumstances surrounding those we come in contact with, but the Holy Spirit knows, and in His providence He can use us even when we don't realize we are being used -- to say something or do something that we wouldn't think anything about yet this word or action may influence another's life dramatically. Of course it works both ways... I've been influenced many times by being around a conversation where something is said that gets me to thinking, and this interaction ends up affecting an area of my life that otherwise would not be enlightened! Blessings, William
I agree William, I'm believing that The Holy Spirit will direct my interaction with these folks and that He has a purpose for this door opening and will bring about His desired plan.
I am going to be very open and share that I have been very down today. I just read this entire thread. Through tears of joy, the heaviness is gone. The Word is alive and sets us free when the world, the flesh, and the devil try to overcome us. It is no telling who has been, or will be, blessed by this site. Thanks for your faithfulness in sharing. Blessings, GWB
Hi Gillyann, Thanks for sharing your heart and thoughts, I too hope that this site can and will be a blessing to people. It's my prayer and hearts desire to encourage, edify, and point people to JESUS. And any praise or thanksgiving be focused on HIM, because He is our source of strenght and comfort. That God would even consider using me to be a vessel to bring His Word to anyone, by whatever means, is humbling beyond my ability to fully comprehend. But I am thankful, because I know the road I've traveled and it's not always been the straight and narrow...It just proves to me, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that God's Word can indeed transform a man. I'm reminded of Carl Seitzs' song, "Sweet Water of The Word" and how it ends, '...it's doing a work in my heart.'
Encouraging scriptures, James. Sometimes when I am trying to encourage a depressed person, I point out that the Psalmists cried out to the Lord in their depression sometimes, and God breathed out his written Word through that experience. Take Psalm 13 for example: How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? (I love his raw honesty with God) However, it does not end with him complaining in despair. He is determined to trust the Lord in spite of how he feels-- verse 5, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me." He did not end his prayer in doubt. He made a decision to trust the Lord through it all. Psalm 61:1-2 is another one. We used to sing this song in church a lot: "Hear my scream, O God! Pay attention to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I will shreik to you! When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I am, for you have been a shelter for me, a strong tower against my enemy." Yes, my understanding is that "cry" in this passage would best be translated "scream". "Cry" refers to a loud wail. It's not just a sob, it is a scream or shreik. Have you felt like screaming lately? You have a Biblical precedent for doing so. Just make sure that no one else is around when you do, or they will think that you are losing it. Maybe you are, but in a good way. We need to lose our sense of cool sometimes. David sure did in this passage. Or in Psalm 55:17, "Evening and morning and at noon I will scream out loud in distress, and He will hear my voice." Sometimes you just need to pour out your heart to the Lord and forget the nice, pat approach to prayer. Be honest to God. He already knows what is on your heart, anyway.
I will now take this post, along with the entire thread, and the "Who Is Israel" posts and joyfully study in my cave when I get the time! Blessings, GWB
Those are some good points as well as applicable scriptures to encourage anyone battling depression or 'feel'n down'. Two things I'd like to say, one, I am NOT a counselor; though through The Holy Spirits' guidance and wisdom freely given me, I can give godly advice. And second, I had no clue GWB was having a bad day or depressed, I was only posting what I believed The Lord was giving me to share. He took care of the timing and details, as well as using His Word to encourage her...I just got to witness how He works when we will seek Him and ask to be used by Him. I believe, as I have stated before, this forum can be used to reach people for Jesus, as well as encourage and lift up one another. This is possibly the only connection some of us may have with other believers; and then again I also believe that God can and will, use what He directs us to share with someone who may read this 5 years down the road, to touch their lives. Ministry can take on more than one form, some have the gift to boldly proclaim The Gospel to huge crowds; while others may be better equipted to share one on one...either way, only The Holy Spirit can convict a person of sin and lead them to repentance, we can only plant the seeds.(and even that, is by the Grace of God) And while I'm on this subject, I do believe God has directed me to share words of encouragement and scriptures from time to time as He leads or gives it to me, so if it sometimes appears that I keep posting biblical principles, admonishments, encouragements, and warnings; without anyone responding or commenting, it's because I believe He has a purpose in directing me to do it, so I will continue as long as I am lead to do it...( and no one needs to feel pressured to respond unless you want to...) obtw: a simple awesome truth: JESUS loves me, this I KNOW, for The Bible tells me so... Blessed be the Name of The Lord...for ever
" Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises..." ~ II Peter 1:4 Yesterday's devotional by Charles Spurgeon really was encouraging and put into simple words God's faithfulness to fullfill His promises. He, Spurgeon, speaks of how when dealing with anyone making us promises, we should look at their character and ability to fullfill those promises. 'Besides meditating upon the promises, seek in thy soul to receive them as being the very words of God.' That it is God Himself, who cannot lie, who speaks to us. He is unchangeable, and He has not altered the thing which has gone out of His mouth, nor is He lacking in power to perform His Word. He, who framed the very heavens and earth, has given us these great and precious promises. 'Therefore, seeing that it is The Word of a God so true, so immutable, so powerful, so wise, I will and must believe the promise.'
Jesus, our peace... " Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." ~ John 14:1 " Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." ~ John 14:27 " These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33 There is nothing like walking in peace, KNOWING that the peace of Jesus dwells in our hearts. The opposite of peace is fear, anxiety, and worry; when we allow fear in, peace leaves. We can't be in fear and be in faith; faith and peace go together. When we're walking in relationship with Jesus,(which only comes through faith) we have peace. Allowing fear, worry, anxiety, doubt into our hearts means we've taken our eyes off Jesus and The Word of God. What did Jesus say in John 16:33? "In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." I bear witness that His Word is true; I have personally experienced anxiety and worry; and had no peace until I repented and sought mercy from God(which He graciously gave). We serve a God who loves us enough to die for us, overcoming the world and all it's fears, worries, and problems; though we live in it, we can have the peace of Jesus if and when we're "in Him"
" I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel... I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell(sheol); neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." ~ Psalms 16:7-11
PRAISE JESUS Jesus is SO worthy of our praise, He works in the hearts of man to turn them as He desires. I want to encourage anyone reading this, that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us; even when we stumble, He is there to lift us up. The Word speaks of us 'taking heed' lest we fall, which is God trying to help us so that we don't fall, but even if we do, He is faithful and just to forgive us of all our unrighteousness. "There is therefore NOW no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." ~Rom.8:1
Jesus, our liberty... "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." ~ Gal.5:1&13 Many Christians struggle with what Jesus came to do, The Word tells us that He came to set the captives free. We were the captives, captive to our carnal lust, captive to sin, captive to the law that we couldn't keep. Paul wrote in Romans 8 verse 6, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.(John 10:10) Some use the word liberty to justify carnal actions, saying that Jesus has set them free and they're free to do as they pretty much please. And often times those who are seeking to obey The Spirit and walk a separated, holy life before The Lord, are charged with being legalistic and under bondage. And that's not to say that many are under bondage and walk in legalism, believing that by their works they are justified, making the Grace of God of no effect in their lives. Being set free and given liberty, is not freedom to sin, God forbid. It's not freedom to go back to the carnal ways of the world and the flesh, from which Jesus died to liberate us from. We're set free to be able to FREELY chose righteousness. We're free to follow Jesus; to, in love, serve one another; to walk in holiness. Romans 8 verse 1 is not there so we can do as we please and tell ourselves we're free in Christ and our sins don't condemn us; the second part of the verse qualifies who are not condemned...those who are IN Christ Jesus, and walk NOT after the flesh, but after The Spirit. We can't walk after the ways of this world and use them as the standard of righteousness. Our standard is God's Word and The Holy Spirit guiding us, revealing to our hearts that which is holy and unholy. As Christians, we shouldn't be trying to see how closely we can emulate the world, without losing our salvation; but rather, we should be striving to see how much like Jesus we can be. Will that bring perscution? Yes, it will even bring false accusations from the religious community, with charges of legalism and bondage. But to walk in liberity is to walk in The Spirit, and we know that ..."For as many as are lead by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Rom.8:14 Do we all struggle with the temptations and cares of this world, yeah, to some degree. What did Paul say in Rom 7 about wanting to obey God and the battle between the flesh and the spirit? It's only by walking in the spirit that we can overcome the flesh, and we're only able to to that because of the LIBERTY we have in and through Jesus.
Excellent post James! I very much enjoyed the balance in Christ you presented. As some would say there are certain freedoms we have as citizens of the United States, but as christians, followers of Jesus Christ, we do not have those same freedoms. For example a person is allowed to get drunk as long as they don't drive or endanger someone, but as a christian we are not free to get drunk and have it be okay. Our Lord requires us to walk in purity and holiness, and be separate from the worlds and its ways. Romans 8: 2-6 "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and by a sacrifice for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." And it is peace when you can walk away from someone sharing a dirty joke, or from not going with the crowd and laughing and making fun of someone who isn't where everyone else is. There is a joy and peace when one can minister and be kind to the ones rejected by the world, just because they are different. Did not Jesus say in I Cor. 1:27-31 "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; Ahd base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chose, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." Truly, Jesus is our liberty to walk as He walked, and to minister to those for whom he died.
Some more thoughts on liberty and what is a balanced approach to Christian life. We see that Jesus has set us free, but there are many warnings about becoming entangled again into bondage. So how do we stay free? What are ways we can open doors to become caught up in sin once we've been set free? "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith The Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith The Lord Almighty." ~ II Corth.6:14-18 So we see that being involved in the ways of this world, fellowshiping with darkness, we are NOT walking in the liberty Jesus purchased for us with His own Blood. We also know that we have to live IN this world; but we don't have to be LIKE THE WORLD. How do we distinguish between righteousness and unrighteousness, between light and darkness, between spiritual and the flesh? By measuring everything against what God's Word says and, this is SO important, walking in The Spirit. If we walk in The Spirit, stay filled with The Spirit, always listening to The Holy Spirit, He will lead and guide us into ALL TRUTH. There is no 'grey' area with God, it's either right or wrong, good or bad, black or white. Do I have all the answers? NO, but The Holy Spirit dwelling within me does, and I/we, have been given these precious promises and He has promised to complete the work within us that He has started. "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." II Corth. 7:1 That's part of being set free, that is the liberty that was bought for us, that frees us to walk in The Spirit and in LOVE, serve one another. If anyone is struggling with bondage or legalism, or bitterness about the past; still blaming Bro. Freeman for these problems, I encourage you to seek The Lord to open your eyes to what The Holy Spirit was and IS trying to work in our lives. We can't try to hold on the the world and it's ways and be sold out to Jesus; we can't be like everyone else, liked by everyone, be friends with everyone, and walk in The Spirit as God has commanded us. The message of the crucified life/deeper life is just as valid today as it was 2,000 years ago when Jesus taught it, and 35 years ago when we first heard it through HEF. That is LIBERTY, freedom to chose the cross, freedom to turn from sin and serve God from our HEARTS. Not because somebody TOLD us to, or because of peer pressure, but because Jesus has set us free and we WANT to follow Him. AMEN LORD, Help us to be doers and not just hears only...
Some more scriptures on what Jesus expects from us as followers of Him. " I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1-2 We can't be transformed into the image of Christ if our minds haven't been renewed; and our minds can't be renewed if we're still servants to the flesh. And we can't overcome the flesh if we're constantly exposing ourselves to, and becoming involved in, the ways of this world. And it's through the LIBERITY we have been given in Christ that we're able to walk in the spirit and overcome the lust of the flesh. Yep, we have been set free, and we DO have liberity in Christ; but it's only through and by Jesus we're truly free.... FREE to obey what His Word instructs us to do...NOT free to live as the world lives. The way IS narrow, and few there be that find it...it's not the time to be compromising the truths we've been given; it's time to ..." But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lust thereof." Rom.13:14 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Rom. 12:3
"This is the day which The Lord hath made; we WILL rejoice and be glad in it." Ps.118:24 I believe The Lord would have us be encouraged and reminded, not to become weary in well doing, and to remember that the joy of The Lord is our strenght. We become weary when we take our eyes off Jesus and start to focus on our circumstances, or become entangled with our day to day affairs. By remembering that THIS is the day The LORD has made, and rejoicing in it and giving HIM praise and worship, thanking Him for His great mercies in our lives, we become spiritually energized. Everyone is given 24 hours in each day, how do we chose to spend them?
Joe Brenneman, pastor of the current FA, has just updated his 'blog' with a response to the 'movement' and 'call' through e-mails that are going around the country asking 'christians' to pray for revival for America. Just click on PALTALK ROOM at the bottom of the page and then click on 'pastors blog' to read it. He may not post very often, but when he does....... btw: I agree with him.
We have been given SO much, the Word of God has been faithfully preached/taught/expounded to us. I was studying and contemplating about 'studying'(II Tim.2:15) and rightly 'dividing' the Word of truth. Paul, in I Corinthians 15, is reminding the church at Corinth to hold on to, keep in memory, what I have preached unto you. I believe The Lord would have us be reminded of that which we have been taught, He didn't give us this knowledge and understanding of His Word to see us slowly fall by the wayside. My heart is burdened as I see so many who once embraced the message of the Gospel, of faith, of deliverance, of divine health, of holiness, the crucified life; turning their backs altogether or compromising to the point they no longer can discern between the path God set us on and the path that the world is traveling down. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15:1-2 "Moreover, brethren, I declare into you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved,if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." How many times were we warned by The Lord through Bro.Freeman? We're to be separate from this world, we live in a country saturated with 'churches' yet there's nothing that distinguishes between believers and nonbelievers, for the most part, they all act and live alike.(Oh! The 'believer' goes to church on Sunday) The time is closer than when we first believed, Jesus is at the door...remember, the darkest hour is alway just before the dawn. Now is the time to shore up that which is weak, to make our calling and election sure, to bear down and get serious. Our adversary, the devil, is as a roaring lion seeking to devour whom he may...we must resist, steadfast in the faith. The Lord would encourage us, brothers and sisters, Eph.6:10-18 Put on the whole armour of God, for without it we won't be able to withstand the devils wiles. Again in Colossians 1 verses 21-23 Paul writes: "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard..."
II Timothy 2:15 contains a wealth of instruction and encouragemet. There are 3 things shown here that there could be in depth teachings on; 1.'studying to show ourselves approved unto God'; 2.'how to avoid being ashamed before God'; 3.'and how to rightly divide The Word of God'. I have been pondering and praying about 'rightly dividing The Word of Truth' lately because through the 'Christianity Explored' study group I've met people who have been taught that what the Bible says isn't what it means. Or that it only applied to the time frame to which it was written(and they're sincere). A student of divinity(planning to be a seminary educated pastor, currently attending the seminary) told me that the 'gifts of The Spirit' aren't for the church today, that speaking in tongues ceased around 70 AD, once the NT church had been established. He says that God 'can' heal supernaturally, but doesn't because He gave the gift to heal to the doctors. So quoting God's Word to people who have dispensationalized it, or are cessationist(believing the gifts ceased after Acts) seems to have no effect. They just say it's not for today and go on their way...to figuring new ways to 'grow' their churches, raise funds for programs, and reach the lost, sick, and suffering; without the power to do anything to help them once they get them into 'church'. They have no power because they're DENYING it.(II Tim.3:5) So when in James chapter 5 and verses 13 through 16 we're told: "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Now this Word of Truth concerning divine healing, plus the many other scriptures given werein God promises healing and health to believers who will receive it by faith, has been deemed 'not for today'. Yet John 3:16 has been decided to be believed as 'for today'. So today we find people who are 'studying', yet are going to be VERY ashamed when facing God on the day of judgement, because they HAVEN'T 'rightly divided The Word of Truth'. Could it be said that some are '...Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth' II Tim.3:7 I spent a considerable amount of time sharing my testimony of how The Lord has healed, protected, provided for, delivered, and saved me; how He placed His Spirit within me, The Spirit of Truth with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I shared how God's promises ARE for today, that when The Bible says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and for ever, it's true; but it can only be received through FAITH...we MUST believe it to be true BEFORE we see it come to life in our lives. To which I got quoted something a 'church founding father' wrote in 1800 that their denomination is based upon, thus, in his mind, nulifying the sovereign Word of God. That's a tragedy, and the seminaries and denominational system is filled with people who believe and teach this. As they go about 'planting' churches and establishing programs to draw converts, not converts to follow after Christ, but converts to their belief system. May God raise up men who aren't afraid to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing The Word of Truth...with signs and wonders confirming The Word. Mercy Father, mercy...
Jesus, our confidence... Hebrews 10:35-39 "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." My faith has been challenged lately, not by people who don't even profess Christ; but by people who believe they're Christians and confess to be. It seems that if a person actually BELIEVES what God's Word says, and lives like it, then not only does the heathen rage, but those who are suppose to be in The Body of Christ will come against the very Word of God they say they believe. But I'm not drawing back(I've made that mistake before, compromising due to either my own selfish will, or the lack of confidence to stand alone in the face of ridicule and peer pressure.) We've been given so much truth, yet many among us have departed from it. Chapter 11 of Hebrews is a reminder, as well as an encouragement, not to give in to this snare of Satan. We should be FILLED with confidence, just by what God has done and continues to do in our lives; but we not only have these experiences of God's faithfulness, we have the recorded history of God fullfilling His promises from Abel, to Enoch, to Noah, to Abraham, and all the way to giving us the Messiah, Jesus to redeem us from our sins. I believe The Lord would have us to encourage one another and pray that we remember in Whom we've believed, and to remember that He's more than able to keep that which we've commited to Him, even the saving of our souls. To exercise the FAITH we've received, to be bold in The Lord, knowing that our confidence is not in any man or systems of men, but our confidence is in The Lord and it doesn't matter if NO ONE else believes, God is faithful to perform every single promise He made...to those who will BELIEVE.
Overcoming Discouragement... I was reading in I Kings 18-19 where Elijah had gotten discouraged after he had experienced God's power and anointing when calling down fire from heaven to consume the burnt sacrifice on the altar. After the false prophets of Ba'al were killed Elijah went into the wilderness and stayed in a cave to get away from Jezebel(she didn't like him killing her prophets) In verse 14 of I Kings 19, Elijah told The Lord; "...I have been very jealous for The Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." God encouraged Elijah by first reminding him that he wasn't alone; verse 18 of chapter 19..."Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Ba'al, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." And second, by providing him with a helper, friend, and companion; Elisha. I believe there's encouragement to be found in this account of what Elijah went through, for us today. It's easy to become discouraged, but we must remember that discouragement is a snare of the devil. We must focus on Jesus, His faithfulness in our past as well as His promise to keep us unto the end. Maybe things aren't happening like they did 25-30 years ago in our lives(maybe for some they are,if they are you should be giving God the glory and testifying about it to encourage others), maybe some of us feel like we're in that 'cave' in the wilderness...but even if that's true, remember, God sent an angel to feed Elijah. And he used that time to rest and strenghten himself for what lay ahead. We, most of us, believe we're in the last days; are we using the time given us to prepare for what lies ahead? We can't become discouraged by what goes on around us, that only plays right into satans hand. I believe The Lord would have us be encouraged, we're not alone, even though it may at times seem like it, there's an end-time army that God is preparing, who have not bowed their knees to the God of this world. The time is nearer than when we first believed, let us not become weary in well doing. He promised NEVER to leave us or forsake us...Remember our promise to Him? We said we'd never forsake Him, we promised to never let go of that plow handle, we said not our wills, but thine, O Lord. Stir up that which has been placed within us, it doesn't matter what's happening to the 'left' or the 'right', if we're dwelling in the secret place of The Most High...SURELY He shall deliver thee... Remember the song we used to sing? 'Thou hast turn my mourning into dancing'. Remember how it ends? 'To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto Thee for ever.' In the middle it says, 'Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness'...This song was written by David and is found in Psalms 30:11-12 We can't be discouraged while singing unto The Lord, while praying in The Spirit, while giving thanks unto God, while sharing The Word of God with others, or while focusing on Jesus. What is the victory that overcometh the world? Even our faith.
Living Water... How many times have we confessed to being in a 'dry place' or wandering around in the wilderness. Yet Jesus said in John 7:37-38 "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." I have asked The Lord to forgive me for confessing that as well as the mindset that was behind it. If I'm 'dry', it's my own fault, I've either allowed sin to disrupt my relationship with God my Father, or have just not been 'drinking' from the fountain of life, God's Holy Word(which is also a sin). I was reading in Jeremiah chapter 2 where God had Jeremiah to go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem and ask them why they had departed from God. The children of Israel had forgotten who had delivered them from Egypt, led them through the deserts, fed them with good things; yet they were once again in a place of spiritual rebellion against Him. Verse 13 says: "For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." The only reason for us to ever experience a 'dry spell' is because we exchanged the fountain of living water for a man-made source of water, a broken cistern. We don't need to run all over the country to conferences, retreats, seminars, and read all the latest books on the latest movements; we have available to us 'The source of living water' from which if a man will drink, he shall never thirst. It's residing within us, if it wasn't, then it couldn't flow out from us. I don't think it would be too far of a jump to conclude that if we're drinking from broken cisterns(man-made water sources), then we don't have rivers of living water flowing from us. Thus when we find ourselves in a dry place, feeling like we're in a desert, God's Word tells us that we have forsaken Him and are drinking from cisterns that produce water that doesn't quench our thirst. It's amazing what The Lord will show us if we'll just set our heart to seek Him, " If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5
Yet will I rejoice... "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet will I rejoice in The Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17-18 Self-explanatory... Praise YOU Jesus! Thank YOU...Thank YOU...Thank YOU...
James, I really recieve what you are saying. I have found a wonderful web-site that has set me free from the leaglistic doctrine that was taught in FA. It is Americas Last Days.com I was a member for 14 years but I was so blinded by trying to be the perfect wife, mother, housekeeper, and was so pious and rightous it was sickening!! I am now in fellowship with God, I know I am loved and protected and cared for. I have a quite and peaceful spirit now trusting in the Word. After I left FA I have NEVER attended (church) (why)? I found this site three years ago and the live teachings are Sun Eve and Wed Eve. It is like the rest of the story!!!
Hi ineterer, I remember you mentioning this site a year or so ago, seems like I went to it and listened to some sermons. The testimonies were a blessing to hear as well. I wasn't a member of FA in Indiana, but a 'body' located in Clanton, Al. I was on Bro Freeman's automatics and considered what he taught to be the truth sent from The Lord.(STILL DO) I am aware of the legalism that people got off into, but I personally never thought it was him teaching it, as much as the members placing burdens on each other.(also, I believe several of the '5-fold' that went out from FA might have taught legalism, I'm sure there was some bondage and legalistic additudes that I have had...but I don't blame Bro. Freeman for it, more than anyone else, it was my own over zealousness) I'm glad you've found a place to be feed, and that you've been set free from any bondage you were under. I will go back and check out this site again when I have some time, but for some reason I keep thinking that there was a problem with the preachers' theology about the Godhead. I don't know if you know Bro. Tom Hamilton, but he has a web site that I posted the link to, and he has some good solid teachings on there. (it's not legalistic to me, it's pretty close to what Bro. Freeman taught, based on what I've heard so far...faith, holiness, divine healing, crucified life...the whole council of God) What I was saying in my post was a reminder for us to hold fast to that which we have received, because so many have, for whatever excuse they use, departed from the Word we once received with joy and thanksgiving. THE WORD hasn't changed, it will still set us free, deliver, heal, transform us into the image of Christ. Yeah, anything we allowed in our lives that lead to bondage should be shed, but the core teachings and deep truths God revealed through Bro. Freeman shouldn't be rejected just because some got off track and put burdens on others. Recently someone stated to me that we were basicly a few stragglers trying to 'pick up the pieces' from the glory days; I hope that isn't where everyone's mindset is, we need to put the negative things that happened behind us and move forward. It's been 25 years, most of us are in our 50's and 60's, isn't it about time we quit whinning and allowing satan to keep us focused on the negative or reminiscing about the 'glory days', thus robbing many of their faith and what God wants to be doing in our lives NOW. Living in the past isn't healthy; remembering God's faithfulness to fullfill His promises in the past is great, but expecting Him to it now is what He desires. FAITH IS, not was... God bless, james I did go to Americas Last Days, and there is a lot of truth being shared there. But I would caution anyone to be discerning whenever gleaning through what people write on web sites. There is a good bit of emphases placed on Numerics, and while I'm not discounting the way numbers line up or equal to amazing things in The Bible, Numerics DO NOT PROVE THE WORD OF GOD TRUE, The Word of God is TRUE because God says it is. It was true from the time He spoke IT, and the 'discovery' in the mid 1900's by the genius math guy, isn't a revelation by God offering mankind 'PROOF' that His Word is true.
James said: "Recently someone stated to me that we were basicly a few stragglers trying to 'pick up the pieces' from the glory days; I hope that isn't where everyone's mindset is, we need to put the negative things that happened behind us and move forward. It's been 25 years, most of us are in our 50's and 60's, isn't it about time we quit whinning and allowing satan to keep us focused on the negative or reminiscing about the 'glory days', thus robbing many of their faith and what God wants to be doing in our lives NOW. Living in the past isn't healthy; remembering God's faithfulness to fullfill His promises in the past is great, but expecting Him to it now is what He desires. FAITH IS, not was..." Very nicely put James. What is important is our relationship with Jesus today. It is good to hear that the Lord is working in peoples lives and bringing them deeper in the things of the Word. We were given some wonderful truths and it is a blessing to have the Lord help us in our everyday application of those truths, not look back and try to live in the past, but to look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
The real enemy... "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:11-12 Paul goes on to remind us of what the whole armour encompasses; our loins girt about with truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, sheild of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is The Word of God. And even with all this, he says to be praying always in the Spirit...watching with all perseverance. (remember the watchman Is.21:11 & Is.62:6 ) So he is reminding us of who our real enemies are, they aren't people, though people can be an instrument in Satan's hand, our real enemies are the forces of darkness, Satan and his demons. At this time of year with the 'celebration' of halloween and everyone caught up in it, let's not lose sight of who the enemy is and remember he was defeated at Calvary. We, as Christian who know the truth, have power over the enemy through the Blood of Jesus and by praying in the Spirit. We should be praying for one another and focusing our warfare against the real enemy, Satan; and not allowing him to distract us by warring in the flesh against flesh and blood.( which is one of his wiles )
A Defeated Enemy... "And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:15 Just a reminder for us all, while Satan is our enemy, he was defeated at Calvary. And being defeated by Jesus he has no power over us as Christians unless we allow it. We're told in James 4:7 "...Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." And in Ephesians 4:27 "Neither give place to the devil." We already have been given the victory, through the shed Blood of Jesus at Calvary... Thank you Jesus.
Continuing in the faith... Paul, in Colossians chapter one is describing what all Jesus has done, both in the creation of all thiings in the earth, as well as His sacrifice of Himself on our behalf. And in verses 20 through 23 it says; "And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreproveable in His sight: IF ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven..." Colossians 1:20-23 Continuing in the faith is not just starting out believing and then forsaking it because of the cares of this world, or because God didn't do something according to our agenda. Being grounded and settled is a requirement of true faith. Remember what James wrote; "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." Ps.119:89 "For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven." We can't continue in the faith(or for that matter, even BE in faith) unless we are GROUNDED in The Word and have it SETTLED in our hearts. Brothers and sisters, we are in the last days, as we witness the decline of America in the fullfillment of God's plan( NO, Americas' best days don't lay ahead, those are false prophecies from false prophets) and as the man made church system is exposed for what it is; we can have confidence that if we'll abide IN Him and continue in the faith that been delivered unto us, grounded and settled, that only with our eyes shall see and behold the reward of the wicked. For what purpose did Jesus do this, Reconciliation? " ... to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight."
Guaranteed Fruit ... We all desire to produce good fruit in our Christian walk; God has given us instruction on how to...and He guarantees it. Psalms 1:1-3 " Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, or sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." He instructs us to delight in His law and meditate in it both day and night. Also he promises the man who refuses to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of scornful people; that he will be blessed. We're told if we 'take heed' to this instruction, then we'll bring forth fruit in our season. I've heard Christians say they need 'down time' to relax and enjoy themselves, or as some have said, 'I get bored talking about religious stuff all the time'...I'm sure guilty of not delighting and meditating 'day and night'...Well, according to The Word of God, that, plus possibly taking counsel of ungodly men, could certainly answer the question as to why there's not more fruit being produced in our lives. My confession is that I DELIGHT in the Law of The Lord, and upon His Word do I meditate both day and night...IT refreshes and renews my mind daily, and that I'm like a tree planted by rivers of water, LIVING WATER, my roots go deep and I am blessed...Thank you, Jesus
Thank you James for the reminder of not walking in the counsel of the ungodly, but if we would meditate in the word of the Lord, and have it be our delight we wouldn't even look to the counsel of the ungodly, but rather the Lord would bring forth fruit and we would prosper. God has promised to lead and guide us on our path while in this life, but too often I have looked to man for help, rather than the counsel of the Lord. Even now at work I am in a situation where now I can see the counsel of the ungodly will only lead to empty answers, but by the counsel of the Lord and some godly friends the answer is to overcome and pray for those involved. The scripture you shared reminded of this. When you go on to read in Ps. 1:4-6 "The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungoldly shall not stand in the judgment, not sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish." Very sobering thoughts on the how God views the ungodly. For myself I needed to be reminded of who my enemy is, as it is not other people, but as we heard in another place it is the powers of darkness. I can lay claim to the promise of Ps 1:1-3, and trust the Lord to lead and guide me in His word and will, and not give in to the counsel of the ungodly, but rather delight in the law of the Lord!
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. IN every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil." I Thessalonians 5:16-22
God's Peculiar People... "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority..." Titus 2:11-15 Are we peculiar? Do we stand out as different among others? Are we looking for the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Are we sober minded, temperate, sound in faith, teachers of good things, obedient to authority? Are we guilty of crying legalism when we're confronted with something we don't want to obey? Do we use scriptures that tell us we're not saved by works to avoid doing anything for the kingdom of God? "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." Titus 1:15 Are ALL things pure to us? Have our minds been renewed abd washed by The Word of God? Do we understand what chapter 3 verse 5 means? "Not by WORKS of righteousness which we have done, but according to His MERCY He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of The Holy Ghost;" Can we comprehend and balance this scripture with verse 8 which says... "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good WORKS. These things are good and profitable unto men." Something to examine ourselves about, ARE WE A PECULIAR PEOPLE? Or do we just want to fit in with the crowd?
Giving Thanks... Thankfulness is a conscious response that comes from looking beyond our blessings to their source. We have been forgiven, healed, made to prosper, delivered from death, and adopted into the Kingdom of God; I'd say that's reason for giving thanks...EVERY DAY, to He who is the source of those blessings, Jesus. We're given so much here in this country, how many are really giving thanks unto God? Remember the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus? Only one returned to the source of his healing, Jesus, and gave thanks. "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan." Luke 17:15-16 THANK YOU, JESUS...THANK YOU.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother... The other day Sage shared about seeking God for guidance in looking for opportunities to help others, be it financial helps, emotional support, spiritual encouragement, physical needs, simple things like a phone call to tell someone you're thinking of them and appreciate them. As I was mulling over it, The Lord lead me to this scripture: "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." Ecc.4:9-10 Here's what I found so interesting about it, that scripture was the daily bible reading verses from a little devotional that I read each day. The gist of the commentary was bearing one anothers burdens, especially during times of trials and tribulation. There is a 'gift' of helps placed in the Body of Christ, I've seen it in opperation and witnessed the relief and comfort it brought to others. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we're not in this alone, and the best way to take our focus off ourselves, is to see what we can do to bring help(in whatever form) to others. There are many Christians that find themselves in a place of going at it alone(single parents, single individuals, divorced, widowed), it's not easy at all, the very least we can do is offer encouragement and remind them of Jesus' love. But we need to also remember, that His love is reflected in actions...Jesus set the example we're to follow, though a KING, He humbled Himself and became a servant, that we might, through His obedience have eternal life. helping a young mother with child rearing is a tremendous help...right GWB? showing love by spending time with the aging is as well...
..."helping a young mother with child rearing is a tremendous help...right GWB? showing love by spending time with the aging is as well..." James Absolutely! Not only is it helping others, but it does a work in the helper as well. Blessings, GWB "Be still and know that I am God"
Being fully persuaded... "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews 11:13 As I was reading in Hebrews 11, I began seeing some things in a way that I haven't thought of before, concerning the results of having 'faith'. Being persuaded is 'having faith', and when we do, our actions will reflect what we're persuaded of. All these examples of faith and faithfulness are a results of people 'believing God'("Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Gal.3:6); our persuasion is what we believe, and if what we believe is what God has spoken, then we will be like those saints who've gone on before us, persuaded and willing to live and die, if need be, basing our lives actions on those promises. And the promise of a heavenly kingdom wherein dwelleth righteousness. I also see in this why we're to be separate from the affairs of this world and the ungodliness that is embraced here. Verses 14-16 of Heb.11 "For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city." I am persuaded that this is true, and I look forward to living in that 'country', an heavenly, where God is not ashamed to be called our God. Just something to think about; I wonder if God is ashamed that Americans (in general) call Him their God and profess this to be a 'christian' nation, while iniquity abounds in every facet of this society? What does He think when He hears 'professing christians' say things like; "I'm PROUD to be an American"? or "I'm proud to be a conservative christian republican"? or imploring fellow christians to get involved in this corrupt political system, when Jesus tells us that we're not of this kingdom...That kind of shows where our allegiance really lies. Just some food (not leftovers) for thought. Where does our allegiance lie, and if we're persuaded of this, does our day to day life reflect it?