Godly Praise

Steps to a Victorious Life

2012-11-07T18:39:00.001-08:00

STEPS TO A

VICTORIOUS LIFE

To live victorious, there is no self-help program but only a “God help me” program. James, the brother of Jesus, details 4 steps to help us to live as a victor and not a victim.

Step 1-Submission to God
· Submit means to yield or surrender oneself to the will or authority of another.
By honestly looking at your life, what or who are you submitted to?
· Areas of life we need to submit:
a. Spiritually
b. Mentally
c. Physically
d. Socially
e. Financially
· We are called to submit ourselves to God, all the time and everywhere.

Step 2-Resist the devil
· Resist means to keep from giving in or yielding to.
· Step one must be done before we can do step two.
· We can’t submit to God totally without resisting the devil fully.
· The result of resisting the devil is he will flee from you.
What area in your life are you not resisting the devil?

Step 3-Draw near to God
· We must understand that we can’t come to God just an old way, God has given us procedures to draw close to Him.
a. Worship
b. Prayer
c. Discipleship
· The result of us drawing near to God is He will draw near to us.

Step 4-Cleansing and purifying
· Cleanse means to make clean or free from dirt.
· Purify means to rid of foreign or objectionable elements.
· We are cleanse and purify the whole man.
a. Outward purity-cleanse your hands, ye sinners
b. Inward purity-purify your hearts, ye double minded.
· Double minded are people who divided the loyalty between God and the world.

God has given us the tools to be a victor

in our spiritual and physical life

but we must follow the steps.

To omit one step is to continue to be the victim.

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Why Obey God?

2012-11-07T18:01:00.005-08:00

Why obey GOD?

by David A. Depra

Why should a Christian obey God? That is really like asking,

"Why should a child love a parent?" There really isn't any WHY to

it. The love simply happens because of a relationship.

One would think that we could say the same thing about our

relationship with God, as our Heavenly Father. Instead of asking

WHY we ought to obey Him, almost as if it is some kind of imposed

obligation, we perhaps ought to ask WHAT to obey. Sometimes

we act as if God is at our disposal, rather than we at His.

Obedience is, in fact, a fundamental part of our Christian walk.

But what part? This is an especially important question to ask when

you consider that we are saved by grace, kept by grace, and walk

in the grace of God. So where does obedience fit in?

This, of course, brings up the issue of law vs. grace and also that

of license. It must. Christians need to get this straight. We are

talking here, not only about the gospel of salvation, but the gospel

and Truth by which we must live after we are saved.

Unto Good Works

One of the scriptures which best describes the place of works,

or obedience, in the life of a Christian, is found in Ephesians. There

Paul, in a nutshell, describes the impact of the gospel on the

Christian life:

for by the grace are ye saved through

faith; and that not of yourselves,

it is the gift of god, not of works,

lest any man should boast.

for we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus unto good works,

which god hath before ordained that

we should walk in them.

(eph. 2:8-10)

Here Paul says that we are saved solely by grace, and not our

works. That's simple enough. Yet before we say, "I already know

all of that," and go on, let's READ what is being said here. It may

contain a bit more than we ever noticed.

Paul is, in this verse, drawing a contrast. Yes, he is saying that

our works haven't a thing to do with our salvation. He says, "Not of

works, let any man should boast." In other words, if salvation were

of our works -- even a little -- then we could take some credit. But

it is not based on our works -- even a little. So we cannot boast.

So far so good. Nothing new there.

BUT --- that is not the end of the thought. Paul then draws a

contrast. He gives the REASON WHY we cannot boast. He says,

"FOR we are HIS workmanship....." In other words, THAT is why

our salvation cannot be based on your works." We are HIS

workmanship.

Can we possibly see what Paul is saying here? Ask it again:

WHY is our salvation NOT based on works? Because we are

GOD's workmanship. Get that. Rather than US doing works for God,

Paul is saying that GOD is doing a work in US. THAT is grace.

THAT is why salvation is not based on works. THAT is why

NOTHING is based on works. GOD is the one doing the work. Not

US.

Paul goes on to make this even more clear. He says, "For we

are HIS workmanship...." --- and then he describes that

workmanship. He describes exactly what God is doing. He says,

"Created in Christ Jesus UNTO good works, which God has

ordained that we should walk in them."

Here we see that God does a work in us to create us, or birth us,

in Christ Jesus. But UNTO something. UNTO what? Good works.

In other words, the RESULT of salvation in Jesus Christ is good

works.

Now, you and I usually have it backwards. We think the good

works are supposed to come first. We think that good works will

create us in Christ Jesus -- either by saving us, or by earning us

something once we are saved. Some of us still think that God

accepts us based on our works, and that we must maintain our

standing with God through those works even after we are saved.

Paul says no. That is error. It is really what it means to be "under

the law." The Truth states that rather than US doing works for God,

God is doing one in US -- that is -- we are HIS workmanship. We

are created in Christ Jesus solely by the grace of God. But not so

we can "sin that grace might abound." No. Rather, "unto good

works." These good works are ordained of God that we might

walk in them.

This passage from Ephesians is so simple, yet contains the

essence of the Truth of grace. It is hard to believe we could read

it and miss the point.

A Good Tree

Now, there is a reason why things have to work this way. Never

think that Christianity is simply a matter of God saving us and then

handing us a bunch of rules to obey. That is not the Christianity of

the Bible. It is dead religion.

The Christianity of the Bible is a changed life, full of good works,

because it is a NEW BIRTH. New creations in Jesus Christ do

good works. But we do them because we have a new nature -- not

because we have a list of rules to obey.

This is vital to see. It goes back to something Jesus said. He

said:

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt

fruit; neither doth a corrupt

tree bring forth good fruit.

For every tree is known by his own fruit.

(Lk. 6:43-44)

The Bible sends us a clear message: We cannot obey God.

We cannot. Indeed, God gave us His law to PROVE it to us. The

law continually shows us we cannot obey God, and exposes us as

dead sinners. The more we try to keep the law, the more we find

that we are a "bad tree."

The only solution is to BECOME something other than a "bad

tree," -- i.e. -- a GOOD tree in Christ Jesus. God must do that. He

must create us in Christ Jesus, solely by His grace. Then, and only

then, are we a new creature -- God's workmanship -- created in

Christ Jesus. Then, and only then, are we created "unto good

works."

A Christian, therefore, obeys God -- not because the law

demands it -- but because it is his nature to obey God. He wants

to obey God -- despite all of the failures along the way. There is

a CHANGE as to desire and motivation.

Not to Earn

If you were told that your obedience to God earned you nothing,

what would your response be? For some of us, it might be, "Well,

then why obey?"

THAT is, of course, the question, isn't it? For if we are obeying

God simply because we think it is earning us something -- whether

it be His increased favor, some eternal reward, or some better

standing in the kingdom -- then how can we tell Him we love Him?

Imagine our children obeying us as parents simply because we

pay them a weekly allowance. What love is there in that?

Obedience to God is supposed to be the outcome of a LOVE

relationship with Him. It is supposed to be the outcome of being

created in Christ Jesus. This is the Christianity of the Bible, and

thank God it is. As Paul said, "I am what I am by the grace of God."\

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HOPE

2012-11-06T05:08:00.000-08:00

Hope means "to desire something with confident expectation of it's fulfillment." The state of Hopelessness has been aptly described as a type of "Hell on Earth" filled with endless despondency and despair.

Today, more and more people are finding themselves alone and depressed, and few of us have not at one time or another felt the sting of despondency and despair.

But Good news! Help is available, not the kind the world has wherein it wishes for the best. It is one thing to wish, and quite another to have faith based on the promises of God.

God is Our Source

Paul wrote that when you place your trust in God He will fill you with peace, joy, and assurance (Rom 15:13). Throughout the bible God proves His faithfulness to His people by leading them safely through, or delivering them from all their predicaments and troubles. He will never leave or forsake His people; His plans are to prosper, not to harm them (Jer 29:11).

People and things will always let us down. In Psa 33:17, the horse, often used as a symbol of power, is declared a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. In Jer 17:5 God sternly warns against placing our dependency in man, and calls it a curse.

God wants us to trust in Him. Psa 147:11 tells us that He is delighted when we put our trust in Him, and in Heb 10:23 we are told to rely on Him for He who promised it is faithful."

Finding Help

In order to reap the benefits of the Christian life and to have protection, guidance, and comfort from the Holy Spirit one must first be born again and become a child of God.

The born again child of God has the unique privilege of talking to, and hearing from God, but this, the greatest resource available, is often neglected. We should always pray! Even in the darkest moments, when you don't feel His presence, or think you will never smile again, pray anyway, because He is there; He is listening, and is an "ever present help in time of trouble" (Psa 46:1)

"He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us" (2 Cor 1:10).

When we place our faith in God and in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we then trust Him to take us to Heaven. If we can trust Him with our eternity surely we can trust Him for our earthly/daily cares.

Jesus said that as God clothe's the grass of the field, so will He clothe us all the more. He tells us not to worry about what we shall eat or drink or how we will be clothed. The "heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things" (Matt 6:30-32)

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Cor 2:9).

Hope in Difficult Times

Even if you reach what you consider to be your lowest point, God's word say's He will never leave or forsake you (Matt 28:20). He will give you peace and comfort even in the worst of circumstances, then lead you through, over or around the muck and mire of your situation, and again set your feet on solid ground.

Our God is the God of new beginnings, and with Him nothing is impossible. Whether you are very young, or considered to be very old, trust in Him because with Him it is always just the beginning.

You may even find yourself in such a situation through divorce, death of a spouse, loss of health, finances, or whatever, that forces you to begin all over again, but is that so bad? Trusting God in difficult times forces us to seek His guidance, and to trust in Him.

Trusting God through these uncharted waters takes faith and courage but is worth every effort. The path of His choosing is the only one that leads to true happiness,

Isn't this a wonderful promise "...those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Is 40:31).

Even in the Worst of Situations

A shining example of living with hope is Victor Frankel, a former prisoner in a Nazi prison camp.

"As a long-time prisoner in bestial concentration camps he [Viktor Frankl] found himself stripped to naked existence. His father, mother, brother, and his wife died in camps or were sent to gas ovens, so that, excepting for his sister, his entire family perished in these camps.

How could he - every possession lost, every value destroyed, suffering from hunger, cold and brutality, hourly expecting extermination - how could he find life worth preserving?" Frankl clearly saw that it was those who had nothing to live for who died quickest in the concentration camp."

(Excerpts from Victor Frankel's Book "Man's Search for Meaning")

In one of his darkest moments while digging in a cold icy trench, he writes: "In a last violent protest against the hopelessness of imminent death, I sensed my spirit piercing through the enveloping gloom. I felt it transcend that hopeless, meaningless world, and from somewhere I heard a victorious 'Yes' in answer to my question of the existence of an ultimate purpose.

At that moment a light was lit in a distant farmhouse, which stood on the horizon as if painted there, in the midst of the miserable grey of a dawning morning in Bavaria. 'Et lux in tenebris lucent'--and the light shineth in the darkness."

(From one of His Counseling Sessions)

"This young woman knew that she would die in the next few days. But when I talked to her she was cheerful in spite of this knowledge. 'I am grateful that fate has hit me so hard,' she told me. 'In my former life I was spoiled and did not take spiritual accomplishments seriously.'

Pointing through the window of the hut, she said, 'This tree here is the only friend I have in my loneliness.' Through that window she could see just one branch of a chestnut tree, and on the branch were two blossoms. 'I often talk to this tree,' she said to me. I was startled and didn't quite know how to take her words. Was she delirious? Did she have occasional hallucinations? Anxiously I asked her if the tree replied. 'Yes.' What did it say to her? She answered, 'It said to me, "I am here--I am here--I am life, eternal life." (Thanks to "www.rjgeib.com/thoughts/frankl/frankl.html" for the above quotations.)

Jesus is Our Solid Rock

Christians often find a depth of peace that passes understanding during times of crises and trials; times that may even drive others to drink or suicide. This is the blessed comfort of the Holy Spirit who indwells each and every born again believer.

Through Him, even in the midst of terrible devastating and humiliating experiences we can have the peace, joy, and hope that passes all understanding (Phil 4:7). God's promises can be our genuine source of hope that does not disappoint.

Hope for Eternity

Jesus is our solid rock, and because of Him death is not the end! Even when we are carried by the angels to our glorious home in Heaven we can know that He is with us, and that it is just the beginning!

Claim His promises for it is in His promises you will find everlasting life and confident hope. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ" (2 Cor 1;20).

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put yourhope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God" (Psa 42:5)

Blessings,

Samuel Mills

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Stop Playing with SIN

2012-11-05T17:54:00.004-08:00

STOP PLAYING WITH SIN!
(The David Ewart Story)

At the present time, I am the inmate pastor at the prison chapel. God is in the restoration business. I know...I am being restored every day. I pray for my children and the rest of my family that I have hurt beyond belief. You do have my permission to use my testimony in whatever way you feel will glorify the name of Jesus Christ.
My incarceration is the direct result of my sin; not one great huge sin, by a change of my behavior. It took Satan time to destroy my value system and my strong beliefs. My temptation, subsequently my fall from grace, was like the frog that is placed in cool water with a very low flame under the container, as time goes by, the water heats up and the frog is cooked, never knowing what happened!
I am incarcerated in a California prison, with a sentence of 34 years to life. The first time that I will be eligible for the parole board, will be the year 2015, which at that time I will be 71 years old. I am a first time offender.
My heart feels concern for the individuals that are hearing this testimony, and what I feel compelled to say is: Stop playing with sin; God will not be mocked. He will not be mocked now or tomorrow. There is always going to be a consequence for your sin. I do not care how smart you think you are - He is much smarter. I do not care how clever you are - He is more clever. I do not care what your IQ is - He created your IQ!

My crime of murder was committed in 1993, 17 years after I had given my heart to Jesus Christ. After my conversion, I sold my clothing business in Southern California, and went to Bible College and Graduate School. I felt I had been "Called" into the ministry. I grew in human knowledge about the "Word of God" and the vocabulary that goes with being a Christian. There were times that I could hear His voice and great signs and wonders happened around me. My family and I would pray and doors would open, people called us the "perfect" family. After my graduation from Graduate School, I became a schoolteacher and a lay minister. For years I followed this path.
Then I let Satan rob my joy. Through some circumstances that are not important now, I became bitter towards the Church. I had taken my eyes off of Jesus and became very prideful in my accomplishments. I felt I could do it on my own; why couldn't I? I was an educated man, who was a teacher and a minister. I even made it to the ranks of college professor - I was teaching in a graduate school at the time of my arrest.
My two beautiful children had both grown and married. My wife and I had just celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. I had been faithful for all those years. Then, while I was at a conference, the oldest story in the world happened to me - older man meets younger woman. It was infatuation from the first moment we laid eyes on each other. It seemed we had everything in common. We talked and talked for the duration of the conference, which was one week long.
We both were married and not happy in our relationships with our spouses. My mind ran with the emotional and fulfilling attention that she poured out on me. I had in my mind ... made myself like a sponge for any type of attention. I had changed my beliefs! I told myself that I owed myself a new relationship. What deception!
I never committed physical adultery with her, but my mind certainly did. We lived about 800 miles apart, so we only saw each other three times face-to-face in the next eight months. However, we did communicate almost every day via phone or fax. My thought patterns were being readjusted as the time went on. I had considered divorce, but then my Christian values would kick in. This was a time of extreme anguish and I thought I had lost my mind. I was truly the double-minded man that James talks about in his letter in the New Testament of the Bible. I had such an inner battle going on; I felt I was going to explode at any time.
As time continued I became more and more confused about who I was - the whole time thinking that I was on top of things. Talk about deception! Remember, I knew what the Word of God said about marriage, temptation, sin and adultery. Even though I never committed the physical act of adultery with this woman, it still had me taking my wife's' life - literally.
My consciousness of the situation finally came to a point of decision. For the first time in months I prayed and I felt the Lord tell me to confess my sin to my wife and repent for my behavior. I did, but then we argued, and my anger got out of control. It resulted in my murdering her.
I know my thought patterns are what controlled my behavior. I left myself wide open for satanic attack. I did not resist the devil's temptation, as James 4:7 says to do, and my anger turned into uncontrollable rage before I knew it. There is no one to blame except myself. I am not looking for sympathy either. I simply feel God wants me to express how important it is to keep your eyes on the Lord and seek to obey His Word - in all things. We are under attack all the time. Our society has become obsessed with sexual pleasure. It seems no matter that where you turn you are bombarded with individuals selling sexual pleasure.
If I were with you right now, I would have an altar call for men to come forth and repent. I would ask the Father to give us the strength as men to stand with integrity. I would challenge us to make a commitment to our wives and family, to be the Priest of our homes, and to study the Word of God and be convicted by the Holy Spirit.

Yes I have lost everything that was dear to me. My two grown children do not communicate with me. I have never seen or touched any of my grandchildren; I have three and one on the way! (At the time of this writing). I robbed my children of ever being kissed or hugged by their mother. I robbed my grandchildren of ever knowing their grandmother. I have lost all my material wealth. I have lost almost every friend that I had. I have lost contact with almost all of my family.
But I now know who Jesus Christ is! He came to my cell and forgave me of my sins. He set me free, inside! He called me again to preach His mighty message. I now have a captive audience here in prison. He has called me twice now; He will not have to call me again. I have received the invitation into my heart.

I pray that my testimony will help just one person not to make the same mistake that I did, to think that your sins would not be found out, and that you do not let God help you if you have an anger problem. Remember that God will not be mocked! If you do not believe me, read the Bible. It is full of God's judgment on disobedient people all through history.

In His Love & Service,
David Ewart

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How to Find Victory through Life's Tirals

2012-11-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

HOW TO FIND

VICTORY THROUGH LIFE’S TRIALS

By: Norm Rasmussen

Trials are inevitable in this life, especially for the born again child of God. We commonly hear that there are two things we can be certain of in this life: Death and taxes. That is not a complete statement. Someone left out trials. Trials visit us all. Little trials bringing minor irritation to major trials bringing life-long pain for some – we aren’t going to go through life without experiencing them.

However … God wants to teach us how to be victorious in our trials, so it doesn’t shipwreck our faith. Many of the trials we each face need to be considered “spiritual terrorist attacks to try to somehow shipwreck our faith in God.” Thus we need to learn all we can in how to remain victorious in our trials, so our confidence in God and His Word is not shaken, and we don’t become overtly discouraged.

The most important thing God wants to teach us … the most important thing we can learn to do QUICKLY, when a trial comes our way, is go to God in prayer and ask Him this question:

“What am I to learn from - through this trial?”

Keep asking and keep trusting until you get your answer.

Trials rarely are sent directly from God. Most trials originate from demonic powers – demonic assignments upon our life (spiritual terrorist attacks). When God directly sends a trial our way, it isalways because of His love for us. When Satan sends a trial our way, it is always because of his hate for us. If you have a true, sincere heart for the Lord Jesus Christ, you above all people are hated by demonic powers above all others. Never forget that.

Let’s also make one other thing perfectly clear. God is 100% sovereign over what demonic powers are allowed to do in our lives. He always has been. He always will be. Every trial demonic powers launch against a child of God first must pass through the screening of our heavenly Father. We see this fact clearly - long before Jesus Christ defeated Satan at the cross - in the Old Testament Book of Job.

Now here is the important point to grasp from this fact. Just because Satan is allowed by God to launch a painful attack upon us does not mean that God delights in it happening. On the contrary -- many things God permits … but He doesn’t take personal delight in the pain it causes those who are suffering.

Case in point. In every war, innocent children are painfully affected one way or the other, as are older men and women, not to mention those of ages in between. God doesn’t take delight in these innocent people suffering. He hurts right along with those who are hurting. Yet he permits war because in permitting Satan and his demonic hordes to have their way on this planet, war is just one of many expressions of evil that God must contend with yet for a season. Permitting evil to flourish doesn’t mean God delights in its flourishing, anymore than God delighted that Jesus Christ had to suffer on the cross for our sins, nor all His demonic suffering that took place from day one of His ministry.

God will deal with evil as His plan unfolds to deal with it and destroy it, in accordance with His written Word. God has a plan alright to destroy evil on this planet – it just is going to get executed on God’s timetable, not ours.

To drive the point home about what God permits the devil to do: If Satan’s attacks against us somehow secretly please our heavenly Father, then why is God going to one day in the future seal Satan’s doom in the eternal lake of fire? Why doesn’t God just keep Satan and his demon hordes around through all eternity to be with us in heaven to continually attack us – try us – inflicting pain upon us? Saying it a little differently – if demonic attacks against God’s people are so beneficial, why has God promised in His Word that heaven will be a place of eternal joy and peace, free from all evil?

No … demonic attacks against God’s children does not give God secret pleasure. A part of Him hurts every bit as much as we hurt when trials come our way. It probably hurts Him more than we hurt, if the truth be known.

Yet here is what God wants born again believers to see and be at peace with. Every trial that we go through in this life … God promises that He is going to use those trials to ultimately work for our eternal good! Because most trials against Christian believers come from Satan, God still promises us from His Word that He will use those trials – painful and unfair as they may be – to work for our eternal good! Precious one … this is a win-win situation!

Here is our absolute assurance that God is using our trials to one day become our blessing:

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

While we do not look at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NKJV

I hope you can grasp this awesome promise God has assured us of in the above scripture. Our trials in this life … in light of eternity, is but for a moment … and are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory! Beyond our salvation, this is perhaps one of the greatest demonstrations of God’s miraculous power we could fathom. God will use our pain and misery and turn it into an eternal blessing for us! Can you shout “Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!”

We have incredible comfort knowing that our suffering as Christian believers is not in vain at all, in light of eternity! Yet God still wants us to be in tune with His Spirit when a trial comes our way. Hestill wants us to inquire of Him as to what we are to learn from the trial while we’re going through it. Nine times out of ten He will reveal to us that the trial is not only coming from Satan, and NOT God, but how to be wiser from then on to spot a similar demonic attack in the future and stop Satan dead in his tracks before the attack can gain momentum.

Our human nature wants no conflict – no pain – no suffering. (It’s not all that stupid, is it?!). However … that desire will not be granted until we get to heaven, or until Christ returns to earth to eradicate evil. Until then, we are in a spiritual battle that is only going to steadily intensify. As each day passes, Satan knows his time is running out. Satan knows that once Jesus Christ returns to earth in all His power and majesty for the whole world to marvel at … his defeat will come. Thus as God allows … Satan is going to make an all-out effort to take to hell as many as he can while he’s able to do so.

Satan’s sole motivation to take as many to hell as he can is to simply express his jealousy and hatred that he will never be able to live in blessing with God for the rest of eternity like you and I will, if we don't walk away from God but continue to persevere in Christ. If Satan can’t have God’s blessing … Satan and his demonic hordes doesn’t want anyone else receiving it either. Hatred for God and jealously of what born again believers will be given through eternity fuels his passion to take to hell as many as he can take there to suffer for eternity with him. Seeing other people suffer gives him the greatest satisfaction he is capable of experiencing. Even that will be taken away from him once final judgment has been pronounced upon him, but until that time comes … he’s going to do everything he can to try to keep as many people from getting into heaven that he can.

Even if he can’t manage to get you angry with God so you will stop serving the Lord … he wants you to be the most miserable person on this planet. Sending trials your way is his means of inflicting pain upon you. Setting you up to walk into his terrorist ambushes is his jealously being expressed. God wants to teach you how to be wiser and wiser to discern these “terrorist ambushes,” so you will not fall victim to them like you have in the past.

When a trial comes your way … ask God what you are to learn from this trial. In so doing, it will make you a more fully trained and equipped soldier of Jesus Christ to help snatch other souls out of Satan’s grip. In so doing, it will make you more a victor … than a victim.

God tells us plainly that we must be constantly on our toes to spot terrorist attacks about to be sprung on us:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:7-8)

God also wants us to not be surprised nor shaken when terrorist attacks from Satan come our way:

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

The “sufferings of Christ” in the above scripture speaks of demonic attacks against Jesus Christ. If Jesus was not exempted from demonic attacks during His ministry … neither should we somehow assume that we will be exempted from demonic attacks.

Yet here is the crucial point to understand in all this. Jesus Christ knew fully where his suffering was coming from; it was coming from Satan. Our heavenly Father wants us to know every bit as much as Jesus knew where our sufferings are coming from. Why? Because Satan’s strategy is to deceive us into getting upset and mad at God for allowing the trial to happen in the first place … rather than get upset at Satan for being the source of our trial. Ephesians 6:12 makes this fact perfectly clear. Yes - as God uses people to help expand His Kingdom in the lives of other people ... Satan also uses people to help do his bidding. However, the source of all evil originates first from the spirit world.

Satan is the most ruthless terrorist known to all creation. Never underestimate his ability to launch such subtle ambushes against you that you grow demoralized in serving in the Army of our Lord Jesus Christ. Don’t become Satan’s victim – become his living nightmare! The more he attacks you, let your anger not be at God, but channel your anger into becoming more determined and more diligent than ever before to take as many souls to heaven with you that you can!

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Make Yourself Ready!

2012-11-05T03:13:00.001-08:00

MAKE YOURSELF READY! (The Richard Madison Story)

Is there REALLY a God? Maybe you have asked yourself that question many times, yet still are not sure. Or perhaps you have chosen to believe there must be a God, but just aren't sure what to believe about Him. Possibly you've read a variety of literature about what others believe about God and about all that has done is trigger more questions. Which religion is right? Which is wrong? Are all right for those who believe they are right? Or, is a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ the issue to focus in on? Questions abound, don't they, about God, and the things of God?
So - what am I going to share about God that you probably don't already know? I'm going to tell you how I experienced God. Perhaps as I do so, your desire will increase to experience God as well.
Like many others, my childhood had its challenges. For instance, at six months old, I rolled off a couch and laid in a coma for six days. Then at age five, one of my great uncles lost his mind and shot at me several times. I ran into my grandmother's house and hid under the bed. He shot my grandmother four times and later committed suicide. My grandmother lived though, and she credits it to the healing power of God.
At age 12, I gave my heart to Jesus Christ, and was water baptized at the local rock quarry. But as I grew older, I forgot about the Lord, and went my separate way. God simply calls it rebellion. Not surprisingly, I got into alcohol, drugs, and just plain riotous living. For ten years, I ignored what the Bible has to say about the consequences that will come for people like me who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, but make no effort to keep His commandments. As parents must discipline rebellious children for their own good, God also disciplines His rebellious spiritual children. (Read Hebrews 12:5-11).
During those rebellious years, there were times when I faced great peril, and I would call out on Jesus to come to my rescue, and He would. But when I wasn't in trouble, I'd forget about Him.
However, on April 13, 1986, at 6:45 AM, I was unable to call upon Him. I was involved in a head-on collision. I went to sleep at the wheel and crossed the centerline. My 1984 Ford truck struck a 1985 Delta 88 head on. The engine of my truck was pushed into the cab, pushing my left leg up through my hip and pelvis. My right leg was pinned in under the dash, crushing my right ankle. The steering wheel crushed my chest, breaking all my ribs in front. One rib went into my right lung. Another rib cut the aorta artery in my heart. My spleen was ruptured. My left jaw was broken along with a vertebra in my neck. My right eye was knocked out of its socket. I was in bad need of a Band-Aid or two. Forty minutes passed before I was removed from the wreckage and transported to Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

I was considered DOA, but the main trauma doctor later told me a voice from out of nowhere told him to try and save me. My aorta artery was repaired twice; my spleen was removed. I was considered brain dead since I had no blood carrying oxygen to my brain for 40 minutes. I was given a total of 124 units of blood.
To give the doctors a greater challenge, I got double pneumonia, blood poisoning, yellow jaundice, and hepatitis. My left hip, right ankle and left jaw remained broken for 25 days. Doctors felt it was useless to repair my bones when I was not going to survive anyway.
As I lay there in that hospital bed, teetering on the brink of death, three Christian believers in my family anointed me with oil and prayed the prayer of faith over me, believing God to heal me, in accordance with James 5:14-16 in the Bible.
On the 27th day of my comatose state, my liver and kidneys stopped working. I laid in this condition with infections, swelling, and a fever of 104 degrees for 10 hours. The doctors called all of the family in one last time and advised them to make funeral arrangements. But the three determined Christians whom the Holy Spirit had given faith stood on this promise:

All things are possible to him who believes. (Mark 9:23)

Members of my family went to the prayer chapel. While they were praying, I either had a vision, or my spirit left my body. I saw myself leave the ICU and walk down a hallway. I entered a door, realizing I was in some sort of a church. I saw my family praying. I heard my name mentioned. I saw the color of the carpet and counted the number of the pews. While watching my family pray for me, I spoke to my mother, but she could not hear me. This was the end of my life ... it seemed.
Then I had this knowing that I was not walking in right-relationship with Jesus Christ, nor had I been in nearly ten years. Was Jesus giving me one last chance to call on His name?
Suddenly I looked up and called on the name of Jesus. All of a sudden, I felt a huge hand cover the top of my head. A voice said:
"I am Jesus. I am giving you another chance. Go and tell my people I am the same yesterday, today, and forever, and I change not. Tell them I still perform miracles, and I am coming SOON."
I tried to look up at Him but He would not let my head turn. As I pushed against His hand . . . I sat up out of the 27-day coma.
I reached for the nurse at the foot of the bed. I had a tracheotomy and my jaw was wired shut, so I wrote on paper the color of the carpet and the number of pews in the church. The nurse realized I was describing the prayer chapel and hurried down and found my family praying. She told them I was awake and okay, and that they must be praying to the REAL God.
After five days without medicine, the main trauma doctor came in my room and told me that he had never seen anything like what had happened to me. He said there must be a God in heaven, and He was watching over me.
I left the hospital in a wheelchair - told I would never walk again. The sciatic nerve was severed and three bones were removed in my right foot. But after eight weeks from the time of leaving the hospital, Jesus spoke to me and told me to arise and walk. I knew I was delivered from drugs and alcohol and even virtually raised from the dead, but to walk on legs I could not feel? My mind said it was impossible!

Walk By Faith, Not Feelings

But Jesus told me that I must begin to walk by faith, not by feelings (See 2 Cor.5: 7). Little did I realize at the time that He was teaching me one of the most important foundations in the Christian walk -- not to mention how to see miracles manifest. I stood up out of the wheelchair and leaned forward. There was no feeling in my legs. Then I began to run. My legs just began to operate! I gave up the wheelchair for a walker. A week later, I traded that for a cane. A week later, I didn't need anything, and I've been walking with Jesus Christ ever since!

So dear reader, if you want to experience God for yourself, don't let this moment pass without making Jesus Christ your Savior and Lord. But you must be serious about it. You must be willing to give your all to Him and be obedient to His commandments in the New Testament. When you do that, you'll have a glorious experience of your own to share . . . and it will be ONGOING! This age as we know it is winding down, and when Christ comes back for those who are sold out to Him, which He told me is SOON, we will forever be in the presence of God. No more prison, no more sadness, sickness or sorrow. Just pleasure forevermore!

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Evaluating your Past

2012-11-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

By: Neil Anderson

EVALUATING YOUR PAST

It was for freedom that Christ set us free. - Galatians 5:1

How does God intend for you to resolve hurtful, controlling past experiences? In two ways:

1: First, you have the privilege of evaluating your past experience in the light of who you are now, as opposed to who you were then. The intensity of the primary emotion was established by how you perceived the event at the time it happened.

Remember: Your emotions are a product of how you perceived the event, not the event itself. As a Christian, you are not primarily a product of your past; you are primarily the product of the work of Christ on the cross.

The flesh, which represents how you processed those events according to the world and without Christ, remains. But you are able to render it inoperative.

When a present event activates that primary emotion, many people believe what they feel instead of believing what is true. For example, people who have been verbally abused by their parents have a hard time believing they are unconditionally loved by Father God. Their primary emotions argue that they are unlovable to a parent figure. They believe what they feel and their walk is off course.Believing the truth (God's Word) and walking by faith in God's Word of who God the Father says you are in Christ is what sets us free.

Now that you are in Christ, you can look at those events from the perspective of who you are today. Christ is in your life right now desiring to set you free from your past. That is the gospel, the good news that Christ has come to set the captives free. Perceiving those events from the perspective of your new identity in Christ is what starts the process of healing those damaged emotions.

God's good news about our identity is revealed in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." This is what you must believe first in order to be set free from your past.

FORGIVING YOUR PAST

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. - Ephesians 4:32

2: The second step in resolving past conflicts is to forgive those who have offended you.

After encouraging Cindy, a rape victim, to deal with the emotional trauma of her rape, I said, "Cindy, you also need to forgive the man who raped you."

Cindy's response was typical of many believers who have suffered physical, sexual or emotional pain at the hands of others: "Why should I forgive him? You don't know how badly he hurt me!"

"He's still hurting you, Cindy," I responded. "Forgiveness is how you stop the pain. You don't forgive him for his sake; you do it for your sake."

Why should you forgive those who have hurt you in the past?

First - forgiveness is required by God. As soon as Jesus spoke the amen to His model prayer -- which included a petition for God's forgiveness -- He commented: "If you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions" (Matthew 6:14, 15). We must base our relationships with others on the same criteria on which God bases His relationship with us: love, acceptance and forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35).

Second - forgiveness is necessary to avoid entrapment by Satan. I have discovered from my counseling that unforgiveness is the number one avenue Satan uses to gain entrance to believers' lives. Paul encouraged mutual forgiveness "in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Unforgiveness is an open invitation to Satan's bondage in our lives.

Third, we are to forgive like Christ forgave in order to keep our hearts from bitterness. Paul wrote: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31, 32).

Your act of forgiveness will set the captive free ... then you will realize that the captive was you!

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Lamp Under a Bowel

2012-11-02T05:44:00.002-07:00

"Lamp Under a Bowl"

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven," (Matt. 5:14-16), also (Mark 4:21-25), (Luke 8:16-18), (Luke 11:33-36).

Once you lived in darkness, but you were born again, and now your world is enlightened by the light of Jesus; walk in this light. (Eph 5:8)

Though much of the world lives in darkness the light of Jesus shows the way to eternal life. Those who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour have His light displayed within their own life.

Christianity is not reflected by intense religiosity, but by conducting our lives in such a manner that others will see the love, hope and promises of God flowing through us. Living a life that characterizes these values will correctly present the light of Jesus to a dark World.

It can sometimes be uncomfortable to allow your light to glow in the midst of the world's darkness; yet as the moon reflects the light of the sun so are we to reflect the light of Jesus. Our light is to serve as a beacon for others in a way that will glorify the Father.

Jesus said, "...For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed" (John 3:19-20).

This tells us that just living a Christian Life can cause the unbelievers around you to become very uncomfortable. This is a natural work of the Holy Spirit as it exposes and brings them face to face with their own transgressions.

Unfortunately some "Social Christians," rather than allowing their light to shine, attempt to blend in with the crowd. But with their lamp under a bowl, how do they have anything to offer?

We all have the choice of either allowing our light to shine, or of hiding it under the bed or basket. Attempting to live for Christ and at the same time like the world may prove to be an impossible task'

Many people who are not Christians realize that Christian values represent higher standards, and can easily recognize a hypocrite. Though ironic, it has been said that, "if you want to know how a Christian should act, ask a sinner."

If you will take a moment to evaluate the people you interact with on a daily basis you may find that you are the only Christian some of them know. This means the only way these people will know about Christianity is through what they see in you.

The Beatitudes in Matthew 5 reveal much about the nature of Christ as He extends His love and concern to the poor; those who morn; the meek; those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; the merciful; the pure in heart; the peacemakers; and those who are persecuted for righteousness sake... These Scriptures offer great insight into His character.

We should make every effort to assure that our Christian example is a reflection of the humility, good deeds, and love that Jesus so valued.

In order to Come to Christ sinners must acknowledge their sins and realize they need Jesus.

The light of Jesus can unmask the darkness and illuminate the pathway to salvation. As surely as the earth reveals the glory of God so does the light within each and every born again Christian.

Your little light can help this darkened world to find the supernatural hope, love, and eternal life that is only available through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and some day you too will hear,

" Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things... (Matt 25:21KJV)

Samuel Mills
Knoxville, TN

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The Crucifixion of Jesus

2012-11-02T04:42:00.000-07:00

The Crucifixion Of Jesus
The interactive Bible

The shadow of the cross that was raised on Golgotha reaches across the centuries to offer comfort, forgiveness, and hope to us today. The story is almost unbelievable, for it is hard for us to image such love. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" is the message of the golden text of the Bible, John Chapter 3, verse 16. Jesus had to love us beyond measure to give Himself willingly to die for our sins. And we must complete the story of love by loving Him in return.

Some of the Jewish leaders hated Jesus because He condemned their sins.
They did not want to believe the truth He preached,
as He urged them to repent and turn back to God.
They became jealous of the great crowds
that followed Him and believed in Him,
and finally decided to get rid of Him by having Him killed.
Since the Jews did not have the right
to have a man killed without the approval of the Roman governor,
they had to take Jesus to Pilate.
At the trial they had no evidence of wrong-doing by Jesus,
but put enough pressure on Pilate that
he finally agreed to have the soldiers kill Jesus by crucifying Him.

The place where they killed prisoners
was outside the city of Jerusalem on a small hill
called Golgotha or the place of the skull.
Here they laid the cross on the ground while
they nailed his hands and feet to it with great spikes.
The cross was then lifted and dropped into a hole in the ground.
The entire weight of the body tore at the spikes,
and the pain was almost beyond endurance.
The blood began to pound through the body
as the shock of what was happening began to take its toll.
As the cells of the body were broken down
it became a living death that sometimes lasted for a few hours,
and could even last for a few days.
Since Jesus had been whipped before they took Him to be crucified,
He was already weak from loss of blood.
Mercifully, He lived only a few hours on the cross.

Even with all the pain, Jesus thought of others rather than Himself. His first words from the cross were, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do". Even though He could have threatened to punish them eternally when they faced Him in judgement, he did not do so. He thought of His mother, who stood by the cross weeping, and asked his beloved friend John to take care of her. On either side of Him there were two thieves crucified with Him. When one of them expressed faith in Jesus, the Saviour answered, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise". As the terrible afternoon wore on and His pain increased he finally moaned, "I thirst", and was offered vinegar, which He would not drink. God blotted out the sun as if to let us know how black the deed which was being done, and out of that blackness Jesus cried, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?". His final words expressed his complete surrender to the will of God as He said, "It is finished; Father into Thy hands I commend my spirit". He then bowed His head and died.
Even the earth could not accept the death of its Creator and Master without showing grief. There was a great earthquake which shook the countryside and made all people afraid. The only fear which we need to have, however, is that of refusing the love He showed in dying for us. The theme of our lives ought to be, "I'll live for Him who died for me, how happy then my soul shall be. I'll live for Him who died for me, my Saviour and my God".

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The christian Life Beings with Faith

2012-11-02T04:10:00.000-07:00

The Christian Life Begins With Faith

By Carey Dillinger

2 Peter 1:1-5a

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue... (ASV)
This Faith Is In A Person
Peter addresses this letter to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. The faith that Peter's readers had was not just some "better felt than told" emotional concept, but instead a deep-rooted system of belief in God the Father and God the Son.

Those of us today that choose to adopt this system of belief as our own will also have access unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness..., but only if we have a true knowledge of God and the Savior. The grace that pardons and sanctifies us will only come through this true knowledge. This knowledge will additionally bring the peace of conscience, reconciliation with God, and calmness of life in the face of trials.

This Faith Involves God's Power
We will be properly spiritually supplied through God's power. He manifests that power through the Word. It is through the Word that we come to believe that God's revelation is sufficient for our every spiritual need. God guarantees our access unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness..., which is our assurance that every need will be supplied. In this context "'life' refers to the spiritual vigor that the soul possesses; 'godliness' to the conduct necessary to preserve and maintain it." (Woods)

How will we be supplied? Through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue..., that is, through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. In John 17:3, Jesus prayed that "all flesh may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent." In the previous verse Jesus indicates that He had been given all authority, which includes the ability to give eternal life. God's power, through Jesus Christ, is the guarantee of our faith.

How will his "own glory and virtue" call us...? The resurrection of Christ from the dead indicates God's omnipotence and Christ's "glory and virtue." It is by the Word of Jesus Christ that the call goes out for those with open minds. (See Eph. 1:17ff.)

This Faith Involves God's Promises
The glory and virtue of Christ grants us "precious and exceeding promises." These promises are precious because of what they mean to our soul. They are exceeding because they include forgiveness, peace, the promise of eternal life, and a chance to be partakers of the Divine Nature. As partakers of the Divine Nature we become partners with God, His Son, and His Spirit in their Holy Character. It is only by partaking in this Divine Nature that we are given an escape from the corruption of the world.

This Faith Involves Our Participation
Because of the importance of obtaining the exceeding and precious promises, we should be adding on (our part) all diligence. The Greek word for adding (pareisenegkantes) literally means, "bringing in by the side of." The message to us as followers of Christ is clear: God supplies the exceeding and precious promises and He expects us to bring along side some things of our own. Of course our paltry contributions will not measure up to God's, but nevertheless they are necessary. The very fact that we are to "give diligence to add..." implies that there is something in addition to that which God has supplied which He expects us to supply. Time and again we see that God's promises are conditional and we must add our part to His part to make the promises functional.

What does this "diligent adding" involve? It is the express purpose of this series of articles to teach exactly what God expects us to "bring alongside" His promises to make them function on our behalf. The foundation of our participation in "the faith" is our faith. We must pursue these virtues diligently. Diligence involves an alignment of priorities and a tenaciousness of spirit. We must be focused on the goal and pursue it until it is accomplished.

The Hebrew writer (Heb. 11:6) says, that "without faith it is impossible to please God." Faith is the foundation on which all the other virtues are built. Faith must be more than just mental assent or it would not support the weight of the other virtues to come. It must be a lively, working faith, which will grow to become a system of belief that will not be compromised regardless. Paul told the Philippians, "Work out your own salvation... For it is God which worketh in you." (Phil. 2:12,13.) As with any building the ground must be prepared before the foundation can be laid. It is up to us to provide God with a place to build. The parable of the Sower (Mt. 13:1-9, 18-23) relates the types of ground that are available. What type are you?

The seven characteristics that follow must be supplied alongside our faith for our faith to operate properly in conjunction with God's promises.

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Magnification of the Lord

2012-11-01T03:42:00.003-07:00

Magnification of the Lord

Worshiping God is all about giving God the
glory. We should magnify the Lord, which means " to enlarge". To make God larger than anything else in our life. When in Praise we say "I magnify you Lord," we literally say, "Lord I make you bigger in my life than any problem or need that I have in my life". Over the years we all must have sung and talked about things that we do not even really understand because we do not realize the meaning behind the songs or the things we say and listen to at church. Just by saying words of Praise like "God you are wonderful, You are Great, You are Big, You are above all else and I want to praise and worship you Lord", we are giving God the place he deserves. This realization would let us get a better understand of how GREAT OUR GOD IS and that he is much bigger than any need we have.

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Protection

2012-10-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Protection

© RESERVED TO GODLY PRAISE

When we first were born into this world we must have felt like we were exposed and in danger. We must have wanted to crawl back in the womb, a place of walled coverage. The very first contact of our mother made us feel relived and under strong hands. We did not feel alone nor unwanted, a place of rest. Those strong hands watched over us every single moment stride for stride. Every single moment she has with us is with love and affection giving us herself as a shield in our pain, suffering, danger, being scared etc. Our wounds are plastered even down to the feeling of pain. The Love of a mother in this world is much more than any other. She gives us the maximum protection she can out of her strength, love and understanding. Whenever the Limit to a mothers PROTECTION starts, that's where GOD STARTS HIS abundance.

God gives his abundance of protection when we are in trouble. But sometimes we do not see GOD's hand at work, but that is because we are away from God and blind to his majestic works.

2 Kings 6:8-17

New International Version (NIV)

Elisha Traps Blinded Arameans

⁸Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”
⁹The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” ¹⁰So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
¹¹This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
¹²“None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
¹³“Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” ¹⁴Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
¹⁵When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
¹⁶“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

¹⁷And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

We tend to be scared and full of tension when we ever get into problems. We tend to start thinking the worse of a small situation. We tend to make it worse by planing our own way of getting out of that very problem, but our plans have loophole where the problem can get to us through other ways at any time. All we have to do is exactly what "Elisha" said...."DON'T BE AFRAID". All we have to do is "OPEN OUR EYES". It is high time we step away from the worlds knowledge of protection to Gods arms.We have to give our lives utterly to Gods, because he knows whats best for us and he protects us with his mighty arms surrounding us with love and his grace. He made us, so he knows the best way to keep us safe. No matter what kind of problems may arise in your life, God will sustain us and keep us from harms way.
This is not just a "SAYING" but the TRUTH about how great our God LOVES AND PROTECTS US!!!

"The Lord is my light and my salvation---

so why should I be afraid?

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger.

so why should I tremble?"

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Showers of Love

2012-10-25T06:52:00.001-07:00

Showers of Love

© Reserved to Godly Praise

Empty, Lonely, Scared, we all tend to get these feeling at one time or another. The effect it has on us makes us run to the first possible human contact to be rid of those unwanted feeling. For the time being, we might feel the extent of the love showered and poured on us mightily, but eventually it fades away like the season. Our thoughts on someone loving us have a different meaning to the very next individual. Some might be after the worldly materials calling that LOVE, while others might be after power and position in the family and world calling that love. BUT true love is all about sacrifices, learning, corrections, teaching, a shoulder to cry, a presence to be in, to talk to, to listen, one who can change situations, giving in need etc. A worldly person cannot fulfill the void in each of our heart for a longer period.

Christ has given, done and will do everything mentioned above. When we say LOVE is a complex issue, God says I give them to you FREELY. The Extent of God’s love stretched on the cross shows the immense deep want for us. Christ Showed us it does not matter what we did or what we are doing, BUT AS LONG AS WE CHANGE--- his LOVE unconditional will be moving along our lives spreading throughout ourselves, our friends, families, work, church, neighborhood, etc. This Exact love cannot be substituted because CHRIST’s Love is what made us in the first place. He formed us in the Image of God himself. This form of ours is not to be taken lightly but to be adored with reverence and love. We must cherish ourselves because we are made in the image of GOD. LOVE abides in us because GOD is LOVE and we are the image of GOD.

Next time when we feel like running to the first possible human contact, let us take a moment thinking of his GREAT LOVE and go to LORD’s presence. Tell him our problems and Troubles to fill the void of the unwanted feelings with the GOD’s LOVE. The knowledge that everything I have is taken care of God is LOVE itself.

Spreading its wings are the droplets of rain

pouring down on us like

GODS SHOWERS OF LOVE

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A Life of Obedience

2012-10-22T21:15:00.003-07:00

A Life of Obedience

Scripture: Acts 5:14-29

How do you make decisions? Do you try to determine what will benefit you the most, or perhaps you strive to please or impress others? Maybe you let emotions take control or attempt to make a logical choice. Wise men and women learn to obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him. There is nothing more important in life than following Jesus and trusting Him to care for your needs.

II. What does the Bible say about obeying God?

A. Biblical Example: When the apostles were told to stop preaching in Jesus’ name, they responded, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

B. Sowing and Reaping: Galatians 6:7 says, “Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Every action has an impact, for good or evil. Our decisions, and the choices of others, determine the quality of our lives.

C. Disobedient Biblical Characters: The Bible says, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23). Imagine how different the stories in Scripture would be if mankind knew what disobeying God would cost:

1. Adam and Eve would never have eaten the forbidden fruit.
2. The nation of Israel would have chosen to fight for the Promised Land the first time around instead of wandering 40 years in the desert.
3. After seeing Bathsheba bathing, David would have turned away and walked back inside.
4. Jonah would have willingly traveled to Ninevah to preach the Word of God.

D. Faithful Biblical Characters: The Lord rewarded those who were willing to follow His commands:

1. Noah was asked to build a massive boat—which made him the laughing stock of his commnity. But he was ready when the flood came.
2. Moses, a desert nomad, had to appear before Pharaoh, the leader of a powerful civilization, and demand freedom for the Israelites. Ultimately, the people were allowed to go.
3. Joshua was told to march around Jericho for seven days instead of relying on the military tactics he knew. And God destroyed the enemy.
4. Nehemiah boldly asked the Babylonian king for supplies to rebuild Jerusalem and received all he needed, including guards to help him safely reach the city.
5. In captivity, Daniel and his three friends refused to eat meat because it was not prepared according to Hebrew dietary laws. Yet they were healthier than all the other young men.
6. Peter and the apostles refused to stop preaching about Jesus, even though they were threatened with flogging and imprisonment.

E. The Requirements: As believers, we must:

1. Believe that God is sovereign—He controls all things at all times (Ps. 103:19).
2. Trust that He will work for our good in every situation and circumstance (Rom. 8:28).
3. Love the Lord. The Bible says we show our love for Him by obeying His commands (1 John 5:3)—and not just when they are convenient and desirable.
4. Listen to Him. When you pray, make time to hear what He has to say.
5. Be courageous. Obeying God takes courage because following His will often leads to conflict. You must be willing to do what is right anyway.
6. Fully surrender to Him.

F. The Results of Obedience

1. You will experience personal victory if you follow His will, even if the world does not consider you a success. (See Josh. 1:8.)
2. Obedience leads to supernatural peace and joy in every circumstance.
3. Spiritual growth and maturity results when believers continue to walk with God in the midst of suffering.

G. Application

1. God may ask you to do something that doesn’t make sense from a human perspective.
2. The Father may lead you to give up a hobby or donate a valuable item.
3. He may prompt you to give financially when money is scarce.
4. The Lord might want you to serve in your church or take a leadership role although you feel inadequate.

Conclusion:

When you need to make an important decision, don’t rely primarily on your own reasoning, the opinions of others, or even what worked in the past. Get on your knees before the Lord and pour out your heart. Spend time prayerfully reading His Word. Listen for His voice, and then follow His specific guidance for your life.

Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.

If you will take to heart this one principle,

you will have the awesome privilege of watching the Lord accomplish great things in and through you.

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The way to Intimacy with God

2012-10-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

The way to Intimacy with God

1. Every individual is important to the Lord.

You might feel unworthy of the Father's attention, but the truth is, you are a unique creation and beloved in His sight. Every one of us was created in God's image (Gen. 1:26); He designed us with the emotional and spiritual capacity to have an intimate relationship with Him.

2. No one is too sinful to have a close relationship with God.

According to Romans 3:23, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (emphasis added). In other words, no one is righteous enough on his own to fellowship with God, who is perfectly holy. Instead of friendship with our Creator, we deserve death and hell—everlasting separation from Him. However, Jesus took the guilt of our sin on Himself and gave us the gift of eternal life (Rom. 6:22-23).

3. Cultivating an intimate relationship requires a commitment.

A. Choose a special place where you can meet with God.

Even if you don't have a large home, devote one section of it to your time with God. You might choose a chair, a small rug, or even a closet. Eventually, that place will take on a sacred quality. There, you will find it easy to focus on the Lord and His still, small voice.

B. Invest a significant amount of time in getting to know your Maker.

Just like a close friendship or good marriage, an intimate relationship with the Lord requires time. Biblical writers often referred to "waiting on God." By this, they meant trusting in the Lord and giving Him time to speak to their hearts, encourage them, or answer their prayers.

C. Include Bible reading.

Reading and meditating on Scripture should be a regular part of your time with God. It will teach you how the Lord thinks, remind you of His promises, and reveal areas of your life that need His correction.

Before you read from the Bible, ask God to speak to you. He will be faithful to reveal His truth and show you how to apply it to your life.

D. Humility and trust

As we approach God, we must come with an attitude of humility. Proud people don't see their need for the Lord and, consequently, resist His guidance and correction.

4. If you are willing to invest in your relationship with God, you will reap a great reward.

Read Psalm 16:11. Have you felt this kind of joy in the Lord's presence?

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The Wounded Need to Knwo there is a Physician

2012-10-22T18:21:00.003-07:00

The wounded need to know

there is a physician

When we come to Christ asking for help, we are offered a person, not a list that adds insult to injury. To the wounded, he simply offers his own wounds.

For a moment I was completely confused. Wincing, I bent down to remove what I thought was a thorn between my toes when a bee crawled out of my sandal. My immediate reaction was one of indignation. I hadn’t done anything to warrant this. But this train of thought was immediately derailed by a second sting on the opposite foot. The next thing I knew bees were everywhere. They went after my head and continued to chase me regardless of how fast or far I seemed to run. By the time I made it home, I had been stung again and again.

I can’t remember the last time I had been stung by a bee. (I was probably five or six years old, and my mom was immediately there to medicate and console me.) By the time the adrenaline stopped rushing, I was overwhelmed with throbbing limbs and digits. I had forgotten how painful a bee sting can be and I had no idea how to soothe the hurt. My husband gave me a bag of ice and set off to the Internet for information. What we discovered was half-helpful, half-maddening.

On every website that offered information on treating bee stings, there inevitably seemed to be a few thoughts on what I should have done to prevent them. The lists were always very similar: Avoid wearing perfume and bright colors. Don’t work or play around beehives or hornet nests. Don’t provoke them or disturb them. Remember that bee stings are painful and can be dangerous. The words almost seemed to make the stinging worse; the burden of fault was unbearable.

Religious people sometimes make use of similar teaching opportunities. When a person is crumbling under the weight of his or her own sin, crying out over a life of brokenness, or agonizing over a certain sting of consequence, someone inevitably steps in to offer some after-the-fact instruction. This person’s objective may be well-meaning. There may even be nothing wrong with the words or wisdom offered. But there is undoubtedly a wrong time to offer them. Before we give a lesson on all that makes us bleed, the wounded need to know there is a physician.

Luke 11:46Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.

Jesus came onto the religious scene of Jerusalem with a method that bothered a great number of people. The experts of the law were proficient in the commandments of Scripture; they wanted people to know that sin bears great consequence and that the way to God is straight and narrow. The teaching of Jesus certainly echoed these truths, and yet Jesus called out the religious leaders repeatedly as those who were “teaching human precepts as doctrines” (Matthew 15:9). “And you experts in the law,” he proclaimed, “woe also to you! For you load people down with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them” (Luke 11:46).

Of course, the advice given to me about avoiding bee stings was obviously sound. And on some level, it seems reasonable to include these principles while discussing a treatment plan; prevention is clearly the best treatment. But each time I came across this “guidance” as my entire body throbbed in pain, I naturally wanted to scream. Of course I didn’t mean to disturb the bees’ nest; I’m still not even sure where the nest was. To be fair, I didn’t see any of it coming. I wasn’t wearing bright colors and I wasn’t wearing perfume. I simply stepped in the wrong place at the wrong time and I was paying for those steps. Yet regardless: all of this was completely irrelevant at the moment I was looking for help.

There are times when sin simply comes in and completely flattens us. In hindsight we may be able to see the wrong turns and reckless steps that might have brought us there, or actions that might have prevented the heartache altogether. But in the midst of our brokenness, Jesus isn’t the one pointing this out. To the wounded, he simply says, “Come.”

All God will say is "Come to Me, I will Heal You"

Your Problem is from now Mine

Your Trobles from now is Mine

You were and will always be Mine!!

When we come to Christ asking for help, we are offered a person, not a list that adds insult to injury. To the wounded, he simply offers his own wounds. While Jesus indeed offered instruction that would load down the strongest among us, God was lifting him to the cross to help us bear the burden. In his presence the stinging may at first seem worse, but the wound, he assures us, will heal.

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Encouragements of HOPE AND BLESSING

2012-10-21T10:16:00.001-07:00

Hope and Blessing

It is Good and a blessed thing to know that we can carry all our cares, worries and burdens to GOD. He is a friend who is closer than a brother. He is the Alpha and Omega. He knows everything about us and He is everywhere. He knows when we sit and when we stand. He knows when we go and come. Every hair on our head is numbered. There is nothing that we can hide from Him. If we go to the ends of the earth He is there. If we make our place in heaven He is there. There is no escaping His love or his judgment. He is a loving father who takes care of all our needs. He is a God who knows our heart desires and finds delight in giving our heart's desire to come true. Even when we are unfaithful, Our Lord God is always faithful. He still carries us. Even when we forget to pray or give thanks. He is still there with us keeping an eye on us, so that, we won't stumble and fall. Even the 1000 times we failed, God is still there waiting with open arms. How can we reject a God so loving? How can we stop loving our master? How can we escape His love? NO! we cannot. Our Lord Jesus is always-always there. He is there like an ever present help. Though the mountains move, and the storms rise, Jesus is there to calm it down. No evil can come against us because the blood of Jesus has cleansed and covered us. Jesus is our Master and we should not take for granted the Love of God. For, One day soon, He is coming. And at that moment, we need to rise up with Jesus when the trumpet blows. There with Him, we will reign, and take dominion over every force of darkness. Jesus is king and we will be with HIM worshiping Him. O what a beautiful day that will be! The Joy is in-explainable. Folks, we must be ready and prepared for His second coming. He is the only way, the truth and life we must Follow. There is no other way but to trust and obey our Master and Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Everything we need is with GOD

2012-10-21T07:51:00.001-07:00

God the Supplier of all my NEEDS!!

Jesus is touched with every feeling of need that we have. As many as touched Him were made whole. He has gone through everything that we have.

If you have not wasted any time and have given your employer an honest day's work, then you do not have to back up and get your check in a timid way. You can walk up boldly, and get your pay.

We can come boldly to the throne of grace. That is where Jesus is right at this moment making intercession for us, He is in the presence of God now for us.

There is a reservoir full of grace of God. We can tap the resources at any time. There is enough of the grace of God to supply all our need.

God will supply our physical need. God supplies the food for the sparrows. He takes care of the lilies of the field. We are of much more value than sparrows. Your Heavenly Father knows what things you have need of before you ask Him, Luke 12:30.

My God is a God of abundance. He said that He gives us life and life more abundantly. He does not just barely give us enough to get by on.

God will supply all your Spiritual need. At the midnight hour, when the power of darkness is the strongest, we can look up and have cheer. We can be encouraged. Our spirits don't need to be discouraged. We can encourage ourselves in the Lord. "Delight thyself in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

Prodigal son was in a far country. He lost everything that he had. He was in need. No man gave unto him. He was down and far from home. He came to himself and saw that he was in need. He said, "I will arise and go to my father and say, I have sinned against heaven and against thee."

The father did not turn him away. he was moved with compassion. He was concerned about his great need. He restored to him all he had lost and more.

Your Father has all you need. He will put shoes on your feet and a coat on your back. The table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. He is bigger than your need.

Just put everything that you need in one package and label it "all my need" and bring it to the Lord now; it will please Him. My God shall supply all your need by Christ Jesus, Phil. 4:19.

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Impossibe to Praise God with lack of TRUST AND RESPECT

2012-10-21T07:25:00.001-07:00

Impossible with lack of TRUST AND RESPECT

Trust and respect are elements at the heart of healthy relationships. Hurtful experiences in a sick family environment undermine proper respect and damage the ability to trust. But why are these elements so vital, and what can be done to rebuild them?

Good communication is one of the most important tools. Knowing others' thoughts, ideas and feelings allows problems to be addressed and resolved. Using negative and hurtful words, and not listening attentively, will stifle attempts at communication. "But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife" (2 Timothy 2:23). Failure to show respect to other family members will undermine their willingness to express what is really on their minds. No one wants to be held up to ridicule or belittled. We only really open up to those with whom we feel safe. A dysfunctional family is not a safe emotional environment. As a result, its members do not learn healthy communication skills.

If you grew up in such an environment, then you must learn new and different skills if your current family is to have a different atmosphere than your family of origin. Much of this hinges on building an atmosphere of trust and respect (1 Peter 2:17; Hebrews 12:14). Trust is built up by consistently carrying through in many little things. People feel respect when they are paid attention to and treated with courtesy.

Your mate will never open up to you until he or she feels safe in doing so. How do you create this safe environment? First, you must ensure that private comments are never repeated in a way that embarrasses the person who confided them to you (Proverbs 25:9). Also, confessions of inner fears or insecurities must never be saved up as ammunition to be thrown back in the face of the one who said it the next time there is a disagreement.

Where there are people, there will inevitably be conflict from time to time. But when an atmosphere of trust and respect prevails in the home, that conflict will be resolved in healthy ways. Concentrate on building trust and showing respect by both your actions and your words, even in times of conflict (Philippians 2:3). With time, there will be tangible results. None of us can make someone else change, but we can choose to make changes in our own lives.

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How can Christianity be a religion of love when-------?

2012-10-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

How can Christianity be a religion of love when "Christians" so often condemn those whose lifestyle and views differ from their own?

Christianity is a religion of love because Jesus reveals God to be Ultimate Love. The spiritual journey is one of our learning to "bear the beams of love." That process of transformation is what we traditionally call sanctification, or growing in holiness. We use words like "enlightened, awake, whole, saved" to describe the same process. Our goal is union with God, ourselves, and others -- a consciousness that is as transparent to divine love as is humanly possible.

Each of us is at different stages in that process. We live within different levels of maturity.

Jesus left us a final gift. It is a peace that needs no guarantee of security. You cannot build a wall around it and it cannot be sold or earned. You cannot even attain it by the most zealous adherence to the Golden Rule. Think of the most abhorrent individual. It is not enough to forgive him, you must embrace him. Not when he is penitent, but when he is most adamant in his abhorrent behavior.

Most people love about as well as they can most of the time, given their own limitations and their own level of maturity. That's why even great atrocities of prejudice can usually be traced to some form of immature love. Nations sometimes launch unjust wars for the sake of love of country.

When Christians label non-Christians and even other Christians as infidels, it is because they love the part of the truth they have grasped but their love is still narrow and immature. Most sin is distorted love.

Knowing that, can't we be a bit more generous with each other?

"I might be a Christian except for the Christians I have met." That or a similar statement is attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. Compiling a list of individuals or groups who have misappropriated the mantle of Christianity is a monumental task. The names listed would be familiar to most. Many of the vast numbers that have pillaged, cheated, abused and defiled in the name of Christ are among the legends of our western civilization. The task is further burdened by the many more that have, with pureness of hearts and the highest standards of contemporary morality, proselytized in the name of such "Christian" causes as the "white man's burden" and "manifest destiny."

Add to the list, those groups that validate their particular brand of Christianity by distinguishing their beliefs and practices from even the slightest variance in the beliefs and practices of all others. A Christian is not someone who is "saved" through the rubrics of membership or the mere ascription to beliefs.

Being a Christian is not about exclusion. Being a Christian is not about separation or discrimination. Being a Christian is not about deciding who may be right or wrong. Being a Christian is not about securing what is rightfully yours or imposing justice on or even for others.

Admittedly, there are few among us that can pass that test. At best, we try or we struggle with the concept. Fortunately, there is no litmus test for admission to the Christian church. Christians today are burdened with the same doubts, fears, bigotry and arrogance that have betrayed and divided the church for almost two-thousand years. Still we persist in gathering in worship. We persist in calling ourselves Christians. We persist, as individuals, in the face of repeated failures.

Ultimately, being a Christian is less about answers than it is about questions. Being a Christian is less about the final destination than it is about the road we travel. Being a Christian is about a journey of discovery. Being a Christian is about taking that journey together. Discovering the way to get to the ULMIMATE DESTINATION.

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Finding JOY

2012-10-21T05:54:00.002-07:00

Finding JOY

Nehemiah 8: 9-10 "This day is holy unto the Lord your God. Mourn not nor weep. For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Go your way, eat the fat and drink the sweet. Send portions to them whom nothing is prepared. This day is holy unto our Lord. Neither be ye sorry. The joy of the Lord is your strength!"
God is a God of joy! God is a God of strength! We are His people. We are a people of strength. No man can take your joy! In the book of Nehemiah 8, we find a celebration called the Feast of Trumpets. It was a time of joyous and glorious celebration. Tonight is a night of celebration. We are not a defeated church. We are not a defeated people. We are a triumphant church. God is a triumphant God. The people of God are the people of joy.
It's time to rise up and claim the promises that God has for us! There is an awesome power in joy! The joy of the Lord is your strength. We have been given power to overcome. God is a good God. We need to be happy because he is on our team. He loves you. He is a God of joy.
In Psalms 43:4, David said, "Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy; yea upon the harp will I praise Thee, O God my God."

If you want exceeding joy, there are two things you need. You need an altar and you need a song. Too many people are going through life with man-made joy. We look forward, with joy, to the next weekend. We look forward, with joy, to the next activity. We look forward, with joy, to the next vacation getaway. But joy, exceeding joy, seems to elude us. We are losing our vision of what true joy really is. You need to find yourself an altar and get in the presence of God. Every once in a while, you need joy to come in the prayer room. You also need a song! Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Sing unto the Lord. Judah ushered in the Presence of God. Trumpets sounded with joy. Music can be a feel-good, even to a backsliden king!
In Psalms 16:11, David said, "Thou wilt show me the path of life, in thy presence is fulness of joy. At thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." What path are you on? Where is your road traveling to? We gotta get into the Presence of God. That is exactly where the fulness of joy is. Need more joy? Get in God's Presence. Go to God's house and get you some joy. Get on God's power team and you will have more pleasures than you ever thought about. Joy is being in His Presence. If we can get into His Presence, it will be ok.
Your pain will not last forever! God did not suppress or depress you. God wants to bless you and strengthen you with His joy. Put on a smile. Be happy. God's got it all under control. Psalms 30:5 says, "For His anger is just a moment, in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Joy is coming! Gird up your loins. No man, family, friend, co-workers and enemies can take away your joy. The devil is a liar. He is a miserable jerk, the father of lies and he lost what you need. God is the God of joy!
In Isiah 61, we find that we shall receive as spiritual Israel the oil of joy for mourning. Oil is a type of the Holy Ghost. There is joy in the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is a Revealer of Revelation. The more you get to know God the more joy you will have. If your spirit is heavy, He will clothe you with praise. Put some praise in your mouth and God will change your attitude. You will see things through the eyes of joy. No man can take your joy! God also says, I am gonna double what you need. Need a double portion? Worship God! Praise Him in the Holy Ghost. You will get what you need and more.
Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." The kingdom of God is within you. Don't worry about worldly possessions. Seek ye first the kingdom of God. Get in the Spirit. There is righteousness there, peace is there, joy is there. Go get it. No need to go around with your head hung low. The joy of the Lord is your strength.
In Galatians 5: 22-23, we find what the Holy Ghost should be doing to us. The first three are the keys to total victory. Before you can have anything from God, He must first give you love then joy and peace will follow. We are not a defeated people. Our God is an awesome God. He reigns from heaven and lives in our heart by the power of the Holy Ghost. It is time to manifest the power of God in our lives by releasing joy to reign forever. We are not a defeated people. We are a people of exceeding joy and praise to God.
It is time to rejoice! It is time to be happy. It is time to get some joy. We are a blessed people. You cannot curse what God has blessed. Get wild. Get crazy. God is a God of joy. He is our righteousness. He is our peace. He is our God. When sinners repent, just one, that's all it takes. It smells like a flesh flower. Heaven is full of joy. He ain't got the Holy Ghost yet. Just the fact that he sees his need for God makes heaven joyous. Wonder how heaven feels when he gets baptized in Jesus' Name? What about when they receive the Holy Ghost? What a party! We just sit here when thousands of promises are given to us from this pulpit every year. Accept them. Bask in them! Joy is in the house!

Jesus tells us in the book of John to keep His commandments. God owes us nothing if we will not keep His word. But if we will walk according to His word, Man will He bless us! God is a God of His word! His word is rich with promises. His promises are full of joy. Jesus said, These things have I spoken to you, that my joy might remain in you and that your joy may be full. There is a transferal of power here. It starts out with God's joy then He says my joy shall be yours and it will be all you can contain.God is full of joy.

Luke 6:20-23 Rejoice, leap for joy,

no man can steal your joy.

Claim it. Take it. Seize it.

No man can steal joy from you.

Neither can the devil .......unless we allow it!

THERE IS POWER IN JOY!!!!!!!!!!!

Lost Youth---Angry Adulthood

2012-10-20T21:40:00.001-07:00

Lost- Youth -----------------Angry- Adulthood

In Luke 15: 11-24, there is a story of a lost young boy. He was not lost by accident. No, this loss took time and many an encounter with his father and his elder brother. Luke said that a "man" had two sons. The man is every man. The son is two natures. The attitude of the younger of impatience, I've got to live now. I can't wait for time to make me ready to deal with life. I can't live by waiting. I've got to live now the way I want to live. The old nature of Adam bringing rebellion causes the young man to break free of his father’s loving arms. The parable is not in the story of go or stay, as the question races through the reader's mind. To stay home or hunt a distant land is not the center theme of this teaching. The only important fact is the "relationship" with the father.

Youth wants what is not his, things that were provided by someone else. Youth claims without second thought. He feels that whatever the father has is his at no cost to him. Selfishness is the motivation behind the statement "Give me the portion of goods that falleth to me".

Youth took what he had not worked for; thinking what his father’s was his by relationship. Youth not only was willing to take his father's goods, but he was going to journey far for the place where his needs were met. He was going to a "far country". To youth, the grass is way greener somewhere else. The problem is that the grass still has to be cut by someone. The end of these type decisions is always wasting. He "wasted" his substance with "riotous" (wrong, drunkenness, sexual) loose living.

When time has passed, Youth came to find himself in great want. That which comes easy goes easy. Youth in this story tries to deliver him. He takes a job in the "Hog Pen" and eating with the pigs. When we permit our own attitude to take a vacation from church and the things of the father, it is only a matter of time before we find ourselves in the hog pen of life. Instead of accepting his mistakes and repenting of his sins, he pushes himself to the end of his endurance and comes to harm.

Only when hunger gets so bad that it brings back memories of home does Youth "come to himself". Too often when people leave the Father and the church, people try to send them care packages. There is a danger as long as they are outside of the Father's protection and the caring of His church. Let them get hungry, real hungry and they will come to themselves. It was the hunger that drove Youth home. Everything that we as the people of God do for the outsider can never supply the hunger of the inside. Youth needs a meal of "communion" with his Father. The structure of a heavenly home life, given by the Heavenly Father. This is the only thing that can truly satisfy the deepest longing of anyone.

Before Youth started home, he was already home in his heart. The pride of his younger days gave place to the lesson of life. I will arise; everyone has to get up there they feel. There has to come a day when "Youth" said, "the servants of my father's house fare well", but he looks at me. He was accepting what he had done to himself. Everything that had happened was a direct reaction to the decision that he had personally made. I will go to my father. The point of victory is when one is willing to face the Father, with the fact of failure. I will say, Youth said, "I have sinned against you (Father) and against heaven. To go against the word of the Father is to go against the authority of heaven. Father I am no longer worthy to be your son, make me a servant. No son of God is truly a son if he is not a servant. In truth "Youth" had not been a real son before now, he was being born again into the family where the Father is the head of the house.

When Youth reaches sight of home, his father sees him afar off and comes meeting him. After the greeting and "Youth" confessing his wrong to the Father and asking to be a servant, the father says, "rejoice". My son that was dead to me is alive again. My son that was lost to me is back home safe and sound. He is found to me. All of the family should rejoice over the "lost son" being found. If not for "youth" sake then for the father's sake. If you can't be happy of the return of the wayward, then accept the joy of the father and rejoice with him. Church, for heaven sake is happy of a repented sinner. If heaven can rejoice of a sinner repenting, should not the family of God rejoice. The youth man had suffered for his decisions. He lost his inheritance. He had shamed himself before strangers and then before his father. But he did not need more pain. The father knew and understood this, but not the "elder brother".

The elder brother had stayed home, working and saving. He had labored while his "younger" brother was partying. When Junior talked the old man into giving his portion, it hurt cash flow. It made operating expenses hard to budget. There were a few months and years that the "elder" had to cut corners.

Now here he is again. Back, broke, smelling like a pig, giving "Dad" a sad story and wanting to get more of what I worked for. But, as being the "elder son", there was a double portion, which was his by law. The elder was always going to get twice as much as the younger. Right and wrong is not in who worked, who failed, who has or who has not. We all must remember it is the "father's right to do with what is his as he wished and we should rejoice over all his decisions.

If the father wants to restore any claim back, then rejoice with him.

If it pleases the father, it will also please his children.

Be happy that the father's wishes are fulfilled,

that his desire is completely known in full salvation.

No matter what a son might be, he is still his father's son.

SPIRITUAL FARMERS

2012-10-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

If a man is impatient, then he had better not become a farmer.

No crop appears overnight (except perhaps a crop of weeds), and no farmer has control over the weather. Too much rain can cause the crop to rot, and too much sun can burn it up.

An early frost can kill the crop.

How long-suffering the farmer must be with the weather!

He must also have patience with the seed and the crop, for it takes time for plants to grow. Jewish farmers would plow and sow in what to us are the autumn months.

The "early rain" would soften the soil The "latter rain" would come in the early spring (over February-March) and help to mature the harvest.

The farmer had to wait many weeks for his seed to produce fruit.

SPIRITUAL FARMERS
Why did he willingly wait so long? Because the fruit is "precious" (5:7). The harvest is worth waiting for. "In due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9). "For the earth produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come" (Mark 4:28-29, NASB).
James pictured the Christian as a "spiritual farmer" looking for a spiritual harvest. "Be ye also patient, establish your heart ..." (5:8). Our hearts are the soil, and the "seed is the Word of God" (Luke 8:11). There are seasons to the spiritual life just as there are seasons to the soil. Sometimes, our hearts become cold and "wintry," and the Lord has to "plow them up" before He can plant the seed (Jer. 4:3). He sends the sunshine and the rains of His goodness to water and nurture the seeds planted; but we must be patient to wait for the harvest.
Here, then, is a secret of endurance when the going is tough: God is producing a harvest in our lives. He wants the "Fruit of the Spirit" to grow(Gal. 5:22-23), and the only way He can do it is through trials and troubles. Instead of growing impatient with God and with ourselves, we must yield to the Lord and permit the fruit to grow. We are "spiritual farmers" looking for a harvest.

You can enjoy this kind of a harvest only if your heart is established (James 5:8). One of the purposes of the spiritual ministry of the local church is to establish the heart (Rom 1:11). Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica to establish the young Christians in their faith (I Thes. 3: 1-3); and Paul also prayed fro them that they might be established (I Thes. 3: 10-13). The ministry of the Word of God and prayer are important if the heart is going to be established. A heart that is not established cannot bear fruit.
Keep in mind that the farmer does not stand around doing nothing: he is constantly at work as he looks toward the harvest. James did not tell these suffering believers to put on white robes, climb a hill, and wait for Jesus to return. "Keep working and waiting" was his admonition. "Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing" (Luke 12:43).
Nor does the farmer get into fights with his neighbors. One of the usual marks of farmers is their willingness to help one another. Nobody on the farm has time or energy for disputes with the neighbors. James must have had this in mind when he added, "Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged" (5:9, NIV). Impatience with God often leads to impatience with God's people, and this is a sin we must avoid. If we start using the sickles on each other, we will miss the harvest!

THE PATH

2012-10-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

THE PATH

God's desire is to walk with us. He has ordered our path, watched our steps and kept us from danger. He wants communion and fellowship with us. When you are walking according to the will of God, He will direct your path and give you direction. God's way is always the right way. He knows where He is going. He knows the end from the beginning. The greatest thing you can have going for you in your Christian walk is to have God order your steps.

In our walk with God, we sometimes fall short in what we need to be. The problem is, we somehow feel removed from God because of our failures. But, according to this scripture, when we fall we shall not be cast down. God will uphold us with His hand. He will never leave us. Our steps are ordered. If God has begun a work in you, He will complete it till the day of the Lord. Order my steps, Lord.

God wants fellowship with His kids. That's exactly why He came to earth to die for our sins. He wants to restore fellowship with us so He can walk with us again. We love to talk about what we want from God but what does God want from us? He loves worship but that's not all. He wants praise but it does not totally satisfy. So what does God really want from His people? He wants relationship. He wants to walk with us and if He does, He wants to be in charge. Let God order your steps.

Good and Evil Man

2012-10-20T17:18:00.002-07:00

Good man:

1) Trusts in the Lord

2) Delights in the Lord

3) Commits his ways to God

4) Rests in the Lord

5) Shall inherit the earth

6) They shall be satisfied even in famine

7) Has an eternal inheritance

8) Has his steps ordered by the Lord

9) He shall not be cast down even when he falls

10) Is upheld by the hand of the Lord

11) Never forsaken or begging bread

12) Shall be exalted

Evil man:

1) Cut down like grass

2) Wither like herbs

3) Shall be cut off

4) Plots against the just

5) kills

6) Arms shall be broken

7) Shall perish

8) Borrows and does not pay back

9) Seeds shall be cut off

10) Seeks to slay the righteous