Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Deliverance from Depression
Why do Christians get depressed? The same reason that the world gets depressed… thinking (meditating) on things we have no business thinking about. You might think it’s simply because of something you did but in reality it’s what you think about what you did! Now I'm not speaking about medical conditions that may bring on depression but I'm referring to those of us that find ourselves depressed over situations that have taken place. Take a look…
In 1st Sam 29 we find David in the land of his “once” enemies because he had fled from Saul. He offered to go and fight along with the Philistines but they refused his help not knowing whether or not David would turn on them during the battle. When David returned to his camp in Ziklag this is what he discovered.
1Sa 30:1-3 Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive.
Can you imagine, when you left everyone was having a good time, healthy and not a care in the world, but by the time you get back all hell had seemed to attack you without mercy. Yes, you know exactly what I mean. Here David is faced with a hopeless situation… that is in the natural, but remember …you serve the Lord God who is not bound by the natural. (see my teaching “the unseen option”). As they think about what has happened the result is depression. It’s not based on what happened but how they judge what happened.
1Sa 30:4 Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep.
Our thoughts control our imagination.
1Sa 30:6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
David went from being ‘depressed’ because of the loss of everything too being ‘distressed’ because of the threat against his life. What we meditate on controls our emotions. It’s not what happens but how we judge ourselves in what has happened. When we allow our thoughts to condemn us we get depressed… it is in our control. In the message bible the end of that 6th verse says “David strengthened himself with trust in his GOD”.
How can we walk free of depression? By 1st remembering our value in God’s eyes (not in our own eyes). Think about it. The only way to measure your own self worth is to look at how much you cost. Jesus said “Father, if there is any other way to get your children back to you let this cup pass from me”. But there was no other way. You see… Jesus was the precious price for God’s precious prize… You and Me! Stop measuring yourself by yourself and don’t allow anyone else to dictate to you what your self-worth is. God is your maker!
Rom 8:31-34 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won't He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one—for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.
Even though terrible events may have occurred that you are responsible for, mistakes have been made that could have been avoided, God is not holding those things against you. Did you deny Christ? I didn’t think so, but even if you did so did Peter. Peter repented and became a pillar for the church! God saw everything we were going to do even after we got saved and still chose us. “Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes”. (Eph 1:4 nlt)
As you read on you’ll find that God gave David a solution in the midst of a terrible situation because David took the time to seek God. God has given us a precious promise… Heb 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
God’s instructions for deliverance from depression is as follows:
Phi 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
Phi 4:7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Phi 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Be Blessed.
In 1st Sam 29 we find David in the land of his “once” enemies because he had fled from Saul. He offered to go and fight along with the Philistines but they refused his help not knowing whether or not David would turn on them during the battle. When David returned to his camp in Ziklag this is what he discovered.
1Sa 30:1-3 Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive.
Can you imagine, when you left everyone was having a good time, healthy and not a care in the world, but by the time you get back all hell had seemed to attack you without mercy. Yes, you know exactly what I mean. Here David is faced with a hopeless situation… that is in the natural, but remember …you serve the Lord God who is not bound by the natural. (see my teaching “the unseen option”). As they think about what has happened the result is depression. It’s not based on what happened but how they judge what happened.
1Sa 30:4 Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep.
Our thoughts control our imagination.
1Sa 30:6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
David went from being ‘depressed’ because of the loss of everything too being ‘distressed’ because of the threat against his life. What we meditate on controls our emotions. It’s not what happens but how we judge ourselves in what has happened. When we allow our thoughts to condemn us we get depressed… it is in our control. In the message bible the end of that 6th verse says “David strengthened himself with trust in his GOD”.
How can we walk free of depression? By 1st remembering our value in God’s eyes (not in our own eyes). Think about it. The only way to measure your own self worth is to look at how much you cost. Jesus said “Father, if there is any other way to get your children back to you let this cup pass from me”. But there was no other way. You see… Jesus was the precious price for God’s precious prize… You and Me! Stop measuring yourself by yourself and don’t allow anyone else to dictate to you what your self-worth is. God is your maker!
Rom 8:31-34 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won't He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one—for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.
Even though terrible events may have occurred that you are responsible for, mistakes have been made that could have been avoided, God is not holding those things against you. Did you deny Christ? I didn’t think so, but even if you did so did Peter. Peter repented and became a pillar for the church! God saw everything we were going to do even after we got saved and still chose us. “Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes”. (Eph 1:4 nlt)
As you read on you’ll find that God gave David a solution in the midst of a terrible situation because David took the time to seek God. God has given us a precious promise… Heb 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
God’s instructions for deliverance from depression is as follows:
Phi 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
Phi 4:7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Phi 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Be Blessed.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Got Wisdom?
God has made wisdom readily available to all who would seek her. It is through the wisdom of God that the world itself was framed (Pro 8:22-31). But wisdom must be discerned. It cries out but only to those who have ears to hear. Let me share with you from “The Book”.
Pro 8:1-3 “Can’t you hear the voice of wisdom? She is standing at the city gates and at every fork in the road, and at the door of every house”.
So you see, right when we need wisdom (at the fork of the road) she is there to give us instruction about which way we should go. Wisdom is at the city gates so before you enter in that job interview or that courtroom or wherever the place that you need wisdom, she is there to give instruction. Isn’t that exciting! We are encouraged to ask God for wisdom as often as we need it (Jam 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking). Let’s continue…
Pro 8:6-7 “Listen to me! For I have important information for you. Everything I say is right and true, for I hate lies and every kind of deception.
So the way to discern the wisdom from God is ‘everything it says is true’. In other words, it can stand the test of being brought to the light because there are no shadows in it. So when you are contemplating a decision you can know whether the way you are considering is from God because there will be nothing hidden in it that would make you ashamed if someone knew. Okay, let me break it down. Say you are trying to figure out how to get out of a debt. The thought comes “why don’t I just call the company and tell them I just can’t pay them… the bill is to high etc”. But if that company looked at what you’ve been spending money on you would be ashamed because of the clearly unnecessary stuff you’ve been buying. That would not be the path of wisdom.
Pro 8:8-9 “My advice is wholesome and good. There is nothing of evil in it. My words are plain and clear to anyone with half a mind --- if it is only open!”
So wisdom tells us that no matter how dumb or smart we think we are, wisdom is available. Once you pray and ask God for wisdom you must open your heart to hear. Many times what wisdom will instruct us to do is not comfortable to our flesh. Wisdom will say “go back and tell them the truth” after we fabricated some story or ‘enhanced’ another but our pride doesn’t want to budge. Well, look at this…
Pro 8:13b “For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption and deceit of every kind”.
When it says “wisdom hates pride” it means that if you are in pride you cannot discern what wisdom is telling you to do. Many times the issue is not whether I have wisdom but rather am I willing to follow wisdom. But look at the rewards.
Pro 8:10 “My instruction is far more valuable than silver or gold. For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding.
When we make up in our minds to seek and to follow wisdom it will bring better results than you getting a load of money! The bible says “in all your getting get an understanding” (pro 4:7)… well wisdom knows where to discover understanding! Stop worrying about what people will think or say when you finally decide to follow wisdom. The people who will criticize you when you make those “hard” decisions because of wisdom don’t like you anyway. It’s time to “MAN UP” (or woman up depending on your gender) and follow wisdom!
Pro 8:17-21 “I love all who love me. Those who search for me shall surely find me. Unending riches, honor, justice and righteousness are mine to distribute. My gifts are better than the purest gold or sterling silver! My paths are those of justice and right. Those who love and follow me are indeed wealthy. I fill their treasuries.
Go ahead with your plans to follow wisdom. Don’t let the pressure turn your head from the path you know you should take. Walk in wisdom.
Pro 8:1-3 “Can’t you hear the voice of wisdom? She is standing at the city gates and at every fork in the road, and at the door of every house”.
So you see, right when we need wisdom (at the fork of the road) she is there to give us instruction about which way we should go. Wisdom is at the city gates so before you enter in that job interview or that courtroom or wherever the place that you need wisdom, she is there to give instruction. Isn’t that exciting! We are encouraged to ask God for wisdom as often as we need it (Jam 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking). Let’s continue…
Pro 8:6-7 “Listen to me! For I have important information for you. Everything I say is right and true, for I hate lies and every kind of deception.
So the way to discern the wisdom from God is ‘everything it says is true’. In other words, it can stand the test of being brought to the light because there are no shadows in it. So when you are contemplating a decision you can know whether the way you are considering is from God because there will be nothing hidden in it that would make you ashamed if someone knew. Okay, let me break it down. Say you are trying to figure out how to get out of a debt. The thought comes “why don’t I just call the company and tell them I just can’t pay them… the bill is to high etc”. But if that company looked at what you’ve been spending money on you would be ashamed because of the clearly unnecessary stuff you’ve been buying. That would not be the path of wisdom.
Pro 8:8-9 “My advice is wholesome and good. There is nothing of evil in it. My words are plain and clear to anyone with half a mind --- if it is only open!”
So wisdom tells us that no matter how dumb or smart we think we are, wisdom is available. Once you pray and ask God for wisdom you must open your heart to hear. Many times what wisdom will instruct us to do is not comfortable to our flesh. Wisdom will say “go back and tell them the truth” after we fabricated some story or ‘enhanced’ another but our pride doesn’t want to budge. Well, look at this…
Pro 8:13b “For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption and deceit of every kind”.
When it says “wisdom hates pride” it means that if you are in pride you cannot discern what wisdom is telling you to do. Many times the issue is not whether I have wisdom but rather am I willing to follow wisdom. But look at the rewards.
Pro 8:10 “My instruction is far more valuable than silver or gold. For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding.
When we make up in our minds to seek and to follow wisdom it will bring better results than you getting a load of money! The bible says “in all your getting get an understanding” (pro 4:7)… well wisdom knows where to discover understanding! Stop worrying about what people will think or say when you finally decide to follow wisdom. The people who will criticize you when you make those “hard” decisions because of wisdom don’t like you anyway. It’s time to “MAN UP” (or woman up depending on your gender) and follow wisdom!
Pro 8:17-21 “I love all who love me. Those who search for me shall surely find me. Unending riches, honor, justice and righteousness are mine to distribute. My gifts are better than the purest gold or sterling silver! My paths are those of justice and right. Those who love and follow me are indeed wealthy. I fill their treasuries.
Go ahead with your plans to follow wisdom. Don’t let the pressure turn your head from the path you know you should take. Walk in wisdom.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Water Baptism: The confirmation of your Faith.
Mar 16:15 And He (Jesus) said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Jesus declares that once a person believes he needs to be baptized in water. There are many different beliefs and religions throughout the world. Most say they believe in God (or should I say “a god”) but once you name the name of Jesus it separates you from every other religion in the world. When a person confesses Christ as their Lord and savior they are saying that they no longer depend on their own works to save them or give them favor before God, but they are saying that they wholly depend on Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross for salvation.
Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
When a person confesses Christ they are saying they believe in their heart that God sent Jesus as a sacrifice for their sins and God raised Him up from the dead on the third day.
Act 10:40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly,
Rom 4:24-25 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, (v25) who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
(Also see: Acts 3:13-15, 4:10, Gal 1:1, Eph 1:19-20, Col 2:12, 2Tim 2:8).
What part does water baptism play in your confession? Once a person is baptized they are making a public confession before God and man that they believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s irrefutable and God honors it. Its part of our obedience to Christ, the one who we say is Lord over our lives. Take a look as Peter gives instructions to those who heard and believe the gospel.
Act 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
Act 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is like putting your name on a membership role. You decide you want to be a part of a group and you sign your name on the membership role to make it official. Now everyone knows that you are a part of that group because with your signature comes your commitment to the laws that govern that group. If it’s a bowling league you are saying you’ll be there when called upon according to their requirements. Baptism is like signing a marriage certificate. Yes, you loved your spouse before you got married but the certificate made it legal. The ring comes with the certificate that says to you and everyone else that you’ve made a commitment and you are not ashamed of it. Take a look at Paul as he talks to those whom John the Baptist had ministered too.
Act 19:3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism."
Act 19:4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
To be baptized simply means fully wet. To be immersed in water. What does it show? As you go down in the water you hold your breath. You stop breathing for a moment which signifies you died with Christ. When you come back up out of the water you begin to breathe again which shows you are risen with Him. It’s an outward sign of an inward decision.
Col 2:12-13 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.
Act 8:35-38 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
Haven’t been baptized since you believed? Then get baptized in the name of Jesus.
If this teaching has been a blessing to you, please let me know.
Mar 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Jesus declares that once a person believes he needs to be baptized in water. There are many different beliefs and religions throughout the world. Most say they believe in God (or should I say “a god”) but once you name the name of Jesus it separates you from every other religion in the world. When a person confesses Christ as their Lord and savior they are saying that they no longer depend on their own works to save them or give them favor before God, but they are saying that they wholly depend on Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross for salvation.
Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
When a person confesses Christ they are saying they believe in their heart that God sent Jesus as a sacrifice for their sins and God raised Him up from the dead on the third day.
Act 10:40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly,
Rom 4:24-25 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, (v25) who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
(Also see: Acts 3:13-15, 4:10, Gal 1:1, Eph 1:19-20, Col 2:12, 2Tim 2:8).
What part does water baptism play in your confession? Once a person is baptized they are making a public confession before God and man that they believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s irrefutable and God honors it. Its part of our obedience to Christ, the one who we say is Lord over our lives. Take a look as Peter gives instructions to those who heard and believe the gospel.
Act 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
Act 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is like putting your name on a membership role. You decide you want to be a part of a group and you sign your name on the membership role to make it official. Now everyone knows that you are a part of that group because with your signature comes your commitment to the laws that govern that group. If it’s a bowling league you are saying you’ll be there when called upon according to their requirements. Baptism is like signing a marriage certificate. Yes, you loved your spouse before you got married but the certificate made it legal. The ring comes with the certificate that says to you and everyone else that you’ve made a commitment and you are not ashamed of it. Take a look at Paul as he talks to those whom John the Baptist had ministered too.
Act 19:3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism."
Act 19:4 Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
To be baptized simply means fully wet. To be immersed in water. What does it show? As you go down in the water you hold your breath. You stop breathing for a moment which signifies you died with Christ. When you come back up out of the water you begin to breathe again which shows you are risen with Him. It’s an outward sign of an inward decision.
Col 2:12-13 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.
Act 8:35-38 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
Haven’t been baptized since you believed? Then get baptized in the name of Jesus.
If this teaching has been a blessing to you, please let me know.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Tithe: God’s protection for the home.
Gen 2:9 says "And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil".
Gen 2:16-17 says "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
I want you to use your imagination... Say God gives you a home, furnished, puts a lamp in it and says, “everything in the house is yours but the lamp belongs to me. Keep in the midst of your home”.
What does He mean by saying “keep it in the midst of your home”? Keep it where it can’t be missed.
Why would He have something in the midst of your home that he says leave it just the way I put it? Well consider this. It would be a constant reminder to you that He was the one who gave you the entire house.
Keep on imagining. Satan appears in the form of a house decorator. The 1st thing he says… “the lamp really doesn’t fit in this home. You need to get rid of that”.
The one thing in your house that is a reminder of God's provision (the whole house and furnishings) Satan wants you to get rid of. Why? Well what if someone broke in. If they thought to take everything they would be taking God’s stuff also, so God Himself would have the right to rebuke the devourer and you would benefit from it.
So the promise from the word of God...
Mal 3:11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," Says the LORD of hosts;
Concerning offerings: That’s something you give that show’s your heart toward whatever you give to. When it comes to God He wants you to do it out of love of a desire to help concerning things He loves also. Such as missions, giving to the poor etc, but it’s your stuff. You can give if you want but you don’t have to. God just gives us a promise.
Pro 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.
2Co 9:7amp Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving]. [Proverbs 22:9]
2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].
And a law goes into effect… 2Co 9:6 msg Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop.
But the tithe is different. It belongs to God. You take that out of your house and God has no right to rebuke the thief because He no longer has any personal possesions in your home.
Leave the lamp alone. In other words, The thithe belongs to God.
Mal 3:8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.
(By the way... robbing God in offerings is making a pedge and then not fulfilling it. (see Acts 5:1-10)
Gen 2:16-17 says "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
I want you to use your imagination... Say God gives you a home, furnished, puts a lamp in it and says, “everything in the house is yours but the lamp belongs to me. Keep in the midst of your home”.
What does He mean by saying “keep it in the midst of your home”? Keep it where it can’t be missed.
Why would He have something in the midst of your home that he says leave it just the way I put it? Well consider this. It would be a constant reminder to you that He was the one who gave you the entire house.
Keep on imagining. Satan appears in the form of a house decorator. The 1st thing he says… “the lamp really doesn’t fit in this home. You need to get rid of that”.
The one thing in your house that is a reminder of God's provision (the whole house and furnishings) Satan wants you to get rid of. Why? Well what if someone broke in. If they thought to take everything they would be taking God’s stuff also, so God Himself would have the right to rebuke the devourer and you would benefit from it.
So the promise from the word of God...
Mal 3:11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," Says the LORD of hosts;
Concerning offerings: That’s something you give that show’s your heart toward whatever you give to. When it comes to God He wants you to do it out of love of a desire to help concerning things He loves also. Such as missions, giving to the poor etc, but it’s your stuff. You can give if you want but you don’t have to. God just gives us a promise.
Pro 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.
2Co 9:7amp Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving]. [Proverbs 22:9]
2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].
And a law goes into effect… 2Co 9:6 msg Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop.
But the tithe is different. It belongs to God. You take that out of your house and God has no right to rebuke the thief because He no longer has any personal possesions in your home.
Leave the lamp alone. In other words, The thithe belongs to God.
Mal 3:8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.
(By the way... robbing God in offerings is making a pedge and then not fulfilling it. (see Acts 5:1-10)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
What does the wind have to do with it?
In Mat 14 chapter we find Peter in an interesting predicament, sinking in the water he had been walking on.
Mat 14:28 And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."
Mat 14:29 So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
Jesus gave the word to Peter… “Come” and because it was a word from God, the power of that word (and Peter’s faith in that word) cause him to defy natural law. Heb 1:3 says Jesus who being the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power…
Peter was being upheld by the power of the word!
What happened next is what happens in all our lives. Whenever you take a step of faith the enemy of your soul, Satan, stirs up circumstances to distract you.
Mat 14:30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"
Please tell me… what did the wind have to do with God’s word? Is the word He’s given you governed by outside circumstances?
What does that pain have to do with God’s word to you… “You Are Healed” (Is53:5, Ps 103:2-3)?
What does that past due notice have to do with “My God shall supply all your need’s according to His riches in glory” (Phil 4:19)?
What does a thousand lay off’s have to do with the good work He already prepared for you to do (Eph 2:10)?
What does your feeling alone have to do with His promise to you “I’ll never leave you or forsake you” (Heb 13:5)?
Stop being distracted! Remember…
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Jer 1:12 amp…I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.
Isa 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Look at what happened as soon as Peter got back in the place he had left.
Mat 14:32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
The enemy of our soul simply wants us to stay in the place that we are. If we get out he’s knows we will tell others that they can get out too and he can’t afford to lose people he’s been controlling by fear to wake up. When we wake up to who we are and what we can accomplish by the Holy Spirit within us we destroy (bring to nothing) Satan’s kingdom (his influence, his programs).
Jesus is asking you the same thing he asked Peter… Mat 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Be sure to let me know if this is a blessing to you.
Mat 14:28 And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."
Mat 14:29 So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
Jesus gave the word to Peter… “Come” and because it was a word from God, the power of that word (and Peter’s faith in that word) cause him to defy natural law. Heb 1:3 says Jesus who being the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power…
Peter was being upheld by the power of the word!
What happened next is what happens in all our lives. Whenever you take a step of faith the enemy of your soul, Satan, stirs up circumstances to distract you.
Mat 14:30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"
Please tell me… what did the wind have to do with God’s word? Is the word He’s given you governed by outside circumstances?
What does that pain have to do with God’s word to you… “You Are Healed” (Is53:5, Ps 103:2-3)?
What does that past due notice have to do with “My God shall supply all your need’s according to His riches in glory” (Phil 4:19)?
What does a thousand lay off’s have to do with the good work He already prepared for you to do (Eph 2:10)?
What does your feeling alone have to do with His promise to you “I’ll never leave you or forsake you” (Heb 13:5)?
Stop being distracted! Remember…
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Jer 1:12 amp…I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.
Isa 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Look at what happened as soon as Peter got back in the place he had left.
Mat 14:32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
The enemy of our soul simply wants us to stay in the place that we are. If we get out he’s knows we will tell others that they can get out too and he can’t afford to lose people he’s been controlling by fear to wake up. When we wake up to who we are and what we can accomplish by the Holy Spirit within us we destroy (bring to nothing) Satan’s kingdom (his influence, his programs).
Jesus is asking you the same thing he asked Peter… Mat 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Be sure to let me know if this is a blessing to you.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Conquering your Giants
The giants in your life (those things that seem insurmountable) are only there to bring glory to God. Their end result will be strength for you… if you believe.
What are giants? A giant is something you don’t have the resources needed to meet or overcome the situation.
· David didn’t have the physical strength to conquer Goliath (1Sam 17:33).
· Sarah (Abraham’s wife) didn’t have the ability to bring forth children (Gen 18:11).
· The children of Israel didn’t have the man power to overcome the Amalekites, the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites (num 13:20). And if that weren’t enough the children of Anak lived in the land God had promised to them… literal giants! (num13:33)
What giant are you facing right now? Is it bills due that you don’t have the resources to pay? Is it sickness your body doesn’t have the resources to heal? Is it a relationship you don’t have the answers to fix? Whatever it is God wants to show Himself more than enough to handle your giant. Look at what He tells the children of Israel.
Deu 11:23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess greater and mightier nations than yourselves.
Your heavenly Father likes a good fight!
Psa 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle.
The Lord your God loves to “show off” on your behalf!
2Ch 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (loyal = to trust His word)
He enjoys it when you place your total trust in His ability, He’s wants the Glory!
Jdg 7:2 And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'
What is God’s instruction to us concerning the insurmountable things in our lives?
Mar 11:22-23 "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.
Do you have God’s promise concerning the situation you’re faced with? Did He say He would deliver you? Didn’t He tell you…
-Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done (Phi 4:6).
-God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble (Psa 46:1).
-Come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most (Heb 4:16).
Now know this... To see God’s deliverance you must know what He promised you.
Is it children you and your spouse desire? (see Ex 23:26, Is 66:9, Deut 28:4).
Deliverance for a child in trouble? (Is 49:25, Is 54:13)
Employment? (Eph 2:10, Ecc 3:13)
Healing? (Ps 103:2-3, Is 53:5, 1Pet 2:24)
There are over 3000 promises given to you from God that cover every situation in life. Search out His promise to you and then stand. Don’t cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of patience, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: (Heb 10:36-37)
Finally,
Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Jos 1:9)
Let me know if this has blessed ya
What are giants? A giant is something you don’t have the resources needed to meet or overcome the situation.
· David didn’t have the physical strength to conquer Goliath (1Sam 17:33).
· Sarah (Abraham’s wife) didn’t have the ability to bring forth children (Gen 18:11).
· The children of Israel didn’t have the man power to overcome the Amalekites, the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites (num 13:20). And if that weren’t enough the children of Anak lived in the land God had promised to them… literal giants! (num13:33)
What giant are you facing right now? Is it bills due that you don’t have the resources to pay? Is it sickness your body doesn’t have the resources to heal? Is it a relationship you don’t have the answers to fix? Whatever it is God wants to show Himself more than enough to handle your giant. Look at what He tells the children of Israel.
Deu 11:23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess greater and mightier nations than yourselves.
Your heavenly Father likes a good fight!
Psa 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle.
The Lord your God loves to “show off” on your behalf!
2Ch 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (loyal = to trust His word)
He enjoys it when you place your total trust in His ability, He’s wants the Glory!
Jdg 7:2 And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'
What is God’s instruction to us concerning the insurmountable things in our lives?
Mar 11:22-23 "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.
Do you have God’s promise concerning the situation you’re faced with? Did He say He would deliver you? Didn’t He tell you…
-Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done (Phi 4:6).
-God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble (Psa 46:1).
-Come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most (Heb 4:16).
Now know this... To see God’s deliverance you must know what He promised you.
Is it children you and your spouse desire? (see Ex 23:26, Is 66:9, Deut 28:4).
Deliverance for a child in trouble? (Is 49:25, Is 54:13)
Employment? (Eph 2:10, Ecc 3:13)
Healing? (Ps 103:2-3, Is 53:5, 1Pet 2:24)
There are over 3000 promises given to you from God that cover every situation in life. Search out His promise to you and then stand. Don’t cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of patience, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: (Heb 10:36-37)
Finally,
Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Jos 1:9)
Let me know if this has blessed ya
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Don’t let those distractions distract you!
Distractions are sent to harden our heart against the Word of God. You read God’s word and you decide that it’s true and set your heart to do it. Now your day gets started and before you know some unforeseen incident happens. It might simply be the coffee pot boiling over or a ticket on your way to work. Maybe the train is running late or you forgot to get gas. Make no mistake about it, the things that happen in all our lives can cause us to lose focus on the things we’ve received from God. It’s not what’s happening that stops our forward progress in the things of God but rather how we look at them! Check this out.
Mat 16:5-7 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have taken no bread."
Here Jesus is giving them wisdom that will protect them from being “taken in” by false teaching (see vs 1-4) but their hearts are distracted. They are sitting there thinking about bread they forgot to take (the report you left at home on the table that is due now) and couldn’t hear a word that Jesus was saying to them (the Holy Spirit is saying to you). Jesus rebukes them in verse 8
“But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, "O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? vs9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up?
Jesus say’s don’t you know the power of God. He says to us, “don’t you remember that God gave you that Job anyway”? Don’t you know that your Heavenly Father can cause your boss not to even remember about the report that’s due? Don’t you remember the last “impossible” (so you thought) situation that never mounted up to any of your fears. The distraction (which is always based on fear) of the disciples forgetting bread hardened their heart from hearing Jesus words (Mark 6:52).
What can we do to tear down distractions (worry, cares) in our life? Slow down and remember what God has done for you and others in the past. Once faith (trust) is restored you can hear again (you can see the answer to the situation).
Mat 16:9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up?
vs11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
vs12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Did you know we are the ones who limit God working in our behalf?
Psa 78:41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel.
How do we limit Him?
Psa 78:42 They did not remember His power: The day when He redeemed them from the enemy.
Do you need to hear God?... Start by recalling the great things He’s already done.
It will break up any hardness in your heart which free's your heart to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to you.
If this is a blessing to ya let me know.
Mat 16:5-7 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have taken no bread."
Here Jesus is giving them wisdom that will protect them from being “taken in” by false teaching (see vs 1-4) but their hearts are distracted. They are sitting there thinking about bread they forgot to take (the report you left at home on the table that is due now) and couldn’t hear a word that Jesus was saying to them (the Holy Spirit is saying to you). Jesus rebukes them in verse 8
“But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, "O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? vs9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up?
Jesus say’s don’t you know the power of God. He says to us, “don’t you remember that God gave you that Job anyway”? Don’t you know that your Heavenly Father can cause your boss not to even remember about the report that’s due? Don’t you remember the last “impossible” (so you thought) situation that never mounted up to any of your fears. The distraction (which is always based on fear) of the disciples forgetting bread hardened their heart from hearing Jesus words (Mark 6:52).
What can we do to tear down distractions (worry, cares) in our life? Slow down and remember what God has done for you and others in the past. Once faith (trust) is restored you can hear again (you can see the answer to the situation).
Mat 16:9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up?
vs11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
vs12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Did you know we are the ones who limit God working in our behalf?
Psa 78:41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel.
How do we limit Him?
Psa 78:42 They did not remember His power: The day when He redeemed them from the enemy.
Do you need to hear God?... Start by recalling the great things He’s already done.
It will break up any hardness in your heart which free's your heart to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to you.
If this is a blessing to ya let me know.
Monday, November 24, 2008
It's already been given!
Many times we as Christian’s are trying to...
Be something we already are.
Work for something that’s already been given.
Do something that’s already been done.
It is a major deception of the enemy. Think about it… what did the serpent tempt Adam with in the garden. It certainly wasn’t a piece of fruit. It was with the idea that God had kept something from Adam.
Gen 3:5 “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
The ironic part… they where already just like God.
Gen 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make human beings in Our image, to be like Us…”(nlt)
What made Adam and Eve different from God? They chose not to follow wisdom. The Lord God possesses wisdom.
Pro 8:22 "The LORD possessed me (Wisdom) at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old.
As long as person believes they have to qualify for something that God promised their life will become hard work, the door for condemnation will be opened (why hasn’t God moved for me yet?), and disappointment. Here’s the truth concerning the matter…
Col 1:12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
We have already been qualified to receive everything that God has provided for us! What has He provided for us?
God by “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2Pe 1:3).
Quick example. When I 1st got saved I was told that you must tarry (wait on God) for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Spirit is what causes you to manifest the power of God in your life. (If you want more info on that let me know). Anyway, I remember spending hours upon hours “tarrying” for the Holy Ghost. Man that was a trip. I’m standing for hours repeating as fast as I can… “hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, & yes hallelujah. Spit coming out of my mouth from saying that so many times and so fast. Blood sweat and tears and still no outward sign (speaking in tongues acts10:45-46, acts19:6). Now to add to this madness I was also told that unless you are baptized in the Holy Spirit you cannot go too heaven. That sounds so crazy to me now but I was a brand new believer then, only wanting to please God and this added lie only brought more fear and frustration in my new life. But then a friend called me and said something that ended that charade. He said “John, it is a gift… the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift from God”. Now I had read the scriptures so many times I can’t count it, but if you’ve believe a lie you will actually read the scriptures wrong. I read the passage again but read it not considering what others had said… I let God’s word speak for itself.
Luk 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"
I saw it for the 1st time! “GIVE the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Spirit is a gift! I hung up the phone, lifted my head and said… “ Father, I thank you for your word and you said that you give the Holy Spirit to those who ask, so right now I ask in the name of Jesus and I thank you for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Now Father, I’m going to lift my hands and start speaking in tongues because you word says when they received the Holy Spirit they spoke in tongues”. I then proceeded to lift my hands and started speaking in tongues. It was so easy. Why? Because it was a gift. The moment you have to work for something it no longer is a gift. Listen, I “tarried”, asked and begged God for 2 years! 2 long years! Ignorance will stop you from receiving from God.
What have you been working for that God’s word says He’s already given you?
Healing?
1Pe 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
Finances?
Phi 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Peace?
Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Yes, God has given us all things that pertain to life. Quit working in your own strength to receive what has already been given freely to you. Know seek knowledge concerning How to receive from God. Remember…
2Pe 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.
Please let me know if this is a blessing to ya
Be something we already are.
Work for something that’s already been given.
Do something that’s already been done.
It is a major deception of the enemy. Think about it… what did the serpent tempt Adam with in the garden. It certainly wasn’t a piece of fruit. It was with the idea that God had kept something from Adam.
Gen 3:5 “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
The ironic part… they where already just like God.
Gen 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make human beings in Our image, to be like Us…”(nlt)
What made Adam and Eve different from God? They chose not to follow wisdom. The Lord God possesses wisdom.
Pro 8:22 "The LORD possessed me (Wisdom) at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old.
As long as person believes they have to qualify for something that God promised their life will become hard work, the door for condemnation will be opened (why hasn’t God moved for me yet?), and disappointment. Here’s the truth concerning the matter…
Col 1:12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
We have already been qualified to receive everything that God has provided for us! What has He provided for us?
God by “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2Pe 1:3).
Quick example. When I 1st got saved I was told that you must tarry (wait on God) for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Spirit is what causes you to manifest the power of God in your life. (If you want more info on that let me know). Anyway, I remember spending hours upon hours “tarrying” for the Holy Ghost. Man that was a trip. I’m standing for hours repeating as fast as I can… “hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, & yes hallelujah. Spit coming out of my mouth from saying that so many times and so fast. Blood sweat and tears and still no outward sign (speaking in tongues acts10:45-46, acts19:6). Now to add to this madness I was also told that unless you are baptized in the Holy Spirit you cannot go too heaven. That sounds so crazy to me now but I was a brand new believer then, only wanting to please God and this added lie only brought more fear and frustration in my new life. But then a friend called me and said something that ended that charade. He said “John, it is a gift… the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift from God”. Now I had read the scriptures so many times I can’t count it, but if you’ve believe a lie you will actually read the scriptures wrong. I read the passage again but read it not considering what others had said… I let God’s word speak for itself.
Luk 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"
I saw it for the 1st time! “GIVE the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Spirit is a gift! I hung up the phone, lifted my head and said… “ Father, I thank you for your word and you said that you give the Holy Spirit to those who ask, so right now I ask in the name of Jesus and I thank you for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Now Father, I’m going to lift my hands and start speaking in tongues because you word says when they received the Holy Spirit they spoke in tongues”. I then proceeded to lift my hands and started speaking in tongues. It was so easy. Why? Because it was a gift. The moment you have to work for something it no longer is a gift. Listen, I “tarried”, asked and begged God for 2 years! 2 long years! Ignorance will stop you from receiving from God.
What have you been working for that God’s word says He’s already given you?
Healing?
1Pe 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
Finances?
Phi 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Peace?
Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Yes, God has given us all things that pertain to life. Quit working in your own strength to receive what has already been given freely to you. Know seek knowledge concerning How to receive from God. Remember…
2Pe 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.
Please let me know if this is a blessing to ya
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The unseen option
The enemy always presents options to fix problems we face in our life. If the problem is loneliness he will bring a suggestion (a person) to remedy the problem but his suggestions always has “strings” attached. There’s always an “attachment file” that has things in it you don’t want to deal with later. The “attachment file” always has compromise wrote in it.
It’s usually a very small compromise with the promise that “it will only be for a short time” or “just this once and afterward (after you get done what you need /want) you can let go of the compromising thing”. It may be a little lie you need to tell to get to the next step of this thing you’ve been trying to accomplish. It may be this little acting part you need to do to get to the “big” acting part that you believe God gave you and will glorify Him (but you know your spirit is bothering you about it). It may be a song that they’ve (some company / some person) has given you to sing or produce that will pave the way to the success you say God has in store for you but the lyric's don't agree with your heart convictions.
Don’t get me wrong… I know God has great things planned for each one of our lives (Eph 2:10 Jer 29:11), but since when do you have to compromise anything to get the blessings that add no sorrow! (Pro 10:22)
Satan always threatens us with the thought that “if you don’t do ‘this thing’ this way (the way that involves compromise) you will lose the deal, the person, the relationship, the job, the home, the credit rating etc, But what he doesn’t want you to consider is the “unseen option”.
What is the unseen option? It’s the plan that God originally had for you in this situation. It’s the way that you can accomplish even more than you thought and there is no compromising the thing you hold dear to your heart.
Consider the 3 Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed Nego (Daniel chap 3). They where only given 2 options… “bow down” or “become barbecue”. But there was a 3rd option… an unseen option, not to compromise but trusts God's promise of deliverance to those that fully trust Him. Remember... there always is a unseen option, it's God's way of doing what you need acomplished.
The unseen option is not the popular option by far because it demands that you trust what you cannot see and many times it makes you face things you fear. It’s the option that requires you to put your trust totally in a promise from God. For Abraham the unseen option said “leave everything & everybody you are familiar with and go to a place that I will show you”. Never mind God telling him where he was headed, he had to 'just start leaving' (Gen 12:1-3).
The thought that bombards your mind says “if I don’t do what this person wants me to do I’m going to end up with nobody. Option 1 “says compromise what I believe”, option 2 says “end up with no one” but the unseen option says “Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Option 3 says “Phi 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done (msg bible).
The unseen option says "Psa 84:11b ...No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly".
Don’t compromise any longer, go for the unseen option. Look into you heavenly Father’s word and find the promise that says “do it this way and you’ll be blessed… without compromise”.
Finally, look at what David discovered about the unseen option.
Psa 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.
Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
It’s usually a very small compromise with the promise that “it will only be for a short time” or “just this once and afterward (after you get done what you need /want) you can let go of the compromising thing”. It may be a little lie you need to tell to get to the next step of this thing you’ve been trying to accomplish. It may be this little acting part you need to do to get to the “big” acting part that you believe God gave you and will glorify Him (but you know your spirit is bothering you about it). It may be a song that they’ve (some company / some person) has given you to sing or produce that will pave the way to the success you say God has in store for you but the lyric's don't agree with your heart convictions.
Don’t get me wrong… I know God has great things planned for each one of our lives (Eph 2:10 Jer 29:11), but since when do you have to compromise anything to get the blessings that add no sorrow! (Pro 10:22)
Satan always threatens us with the thought that “if you don’t do ‘this thing’ this way (the way that involves compromise) you will lose the deal, the person, the relationship, the job, the home, the credit rating etc, But what he doesn’t want you to consider is the “unseen option”.
What is the unseen option? It’s the plan that God originally had for you in this situation. It’s the way that you can accomplish even more than you thought and there is no compromising the thing you hold dear to your heart.
Consider the 3 Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed Nego (Daniel chap 3). They where only given 2 options… “bow down” or “become barbecue”. But there was a 3rd option… an unseen option, not to compromise but trusts God's promise of deliverance to those that fully trust Him. Remember... there always is a unseen option, it's God's way of doing what you need acomplished.
The unseen option is not the popular option by far because it demands that you trust what you cannot see and many times it makes you face things you fear. It’s the option that requires you to put your trust totally in a promise from God. For Abraham the unseen option said “leave everything & everybody you are familiar with and go to a place that I will show you”. Never mind God telling him where he was headed, he had to 'just start leaving' (Gen 12:1-3).
The thought that bombards your mind says “if I don’t do what this person wants me to do I’m going to end up with nobody. Option 1 “says compromise what I believe”, option 2 says “end up with no one” but the unseen option says “Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Option 3 says “Phi 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done (msg bible).
The unseen option says "Psa 84:11b ...No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly".
Don’t compromise any longer, go for the unseen option. Look into you heavenly Father’s word and find the promise that says “do it this way and you’ll be blessed… without compromise”.
Finally, look at what David discovered about the unseen option.
Psa 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.
Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Restoring Your good name
Pro 22:1 says "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold".
But because of one reason or the other your name may have been tarnished. You may have been falsely accused of doing something that tarnished your name or because of foolish choices and actions you may have tarnished your own name.
In my own life, because of stupid things I did my own relatives had a general warning concerning John E King... stay away because he is a bad influence. You know... the "back sheep" of the family (some of you reading are the proverbial 'black sheep'). Wow, what an embarrassment to my parents who work so hard to bring me up the right way. The truth is I chose to rebel against the good ways they taught me but once I gave my life to the Lord I changed my way of living and those same relatives now ask me to talk to others because I have become a good / positive influence. My name was restored.
It may be out of your control to have published records concerning your name changed because of crimes committed or judgements passed against you. In our legal system your name may carry an ugly record when prospective employers or credit agencies look it up.
Well if you're born again and you believe God's Word I got good news. You can stand in faith for the Lord to restore your name no matter what the record says. I want to share with you precious promises that you can stand on for restoration of your good name.
1st of all. Are you born again? If so then 2Co 5:17 describes you. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new".
Now I know you're saying, "bro john I know that but how's is that helping me in this legal situation. Okay Okay... just keep reading.
Because you are Born again there are certain promises God has made to you that will change anything (They will give you favor with God and man).
Gal 3:29 says ..."And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise".
You said you are saved. That means you belong to Christ. If you belong to Christ you are Abraham's seed (also read Gal 3:13-14).
What did God promise Abraham? Gen 12:2 "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing".
God promise Abraham to make his name great. That word "great" means 'proudly spoken' and 'excellent' (from Strong's Concordance) and you are Abraham's seed and an heir according to that promise.
How do you get a promise from God to you manifested in your life? I am so glad you asked!
Mark 11:22-23 says "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says".
You have to start confessing God's promise to you concerning making your name great.
As you meditate those promises faith comes. Your prayer might go like this...
"Father, you said that if I belong to Christ then I am Abraham's seed and heir according to what You promised him. Well Lord you promised to make his name proudly spoken and right now I claim that promise for myself. Father I repent (turn away) from any thing that would bring shame to my name and I now declare that your promise to me is true. I declare that my name from this time forward will be proudly spoken and I declare that no weapon formed against me will prosper and every tongue that rise up against me I'll show to be in the wrong (Is 54:17). From now on my name is an excellent name according to Your promise and Father I bind every negative report / record and conversation that would say otherwise (mat 18:18). Now Father i thank You for moving mightily in my behalf according to Your Word, in Jesus name... Amen!
That's it! From now on confess this only... "my name is great" " my name is proudly spoken" "I have an excellent name"! Make sure you meditate on the passages in this message. Faith comes by you meditating on what God has said. Remember...
Isa 54:17 but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar. This is what GOD's servants can expect. I'll see to it that everything works out for the best." GOD's Decree(mgs bible).
Heb 10:35-36 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
For you have need of endurance (patience), so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
1Jo 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
1Jo 5:15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Be blessed
From: John E king
But because of one reason or the other your name may have been tarnished. You may have been falsely accused of doing something that tarnished your name or because of foolish choices and actions you may have tarnished your own name.
In my own life, because of stupid things I did my own relatives had a general warning concerning John E King... stay away because he is a bad influence. You know... the "back sheep" of the family (some of you reading are the proverbial 'black sheep'). Wow, what an embarrassment to my parents who work so hard to bring me up the right way. The truth is I chose to rebel against the good ways they taught me but once I gave my life to the Lord I changed my way of living and those same relatives now ask me to talk to others because I have become a good / positive influence. My name was restored.
It may be out of your control to have published records concerning your name changed because of crimes committed or judgements passed against you. In our legal system your name may carry an ugly record when prospective employers or credit agencies look it up.
Well if you're born again and you believe God's Word I got good news. You can stand in faith for the Lord to restore your name no matter what the record says. I want to share with you precious promises that you can stand on for restoration of your good name.
1st of all. Are you born again? If so then 2Co 5:17 describes you. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new".
Now I know you're saying, "bro john I know that but how's is that helping me in this legal situation. Okay Okay... just keep reading.
Because you are Born again there are certain promises God has made to you that will change anything (They will give you favor with God and man).
Gal 3:29 says ..."And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise".
You said you are saved. That means you belong to Christ. If you belong to Christ you are Abraham's seed (also read Gal 3:13-14).
What did God promise Abraham? Gen 12:2 "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing".
God promise Abraham to make his name great. That word "great" means 'proudly spoken' and 'excellent' (from Strong's Concordance) and you are Abraham's seed and an heir according to that promise.
How do you get a promise from God to you manifested in your life? I am so glad you asked!
Mark 11:22-23 says "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says".
You have to start confessing God's promise to you concerning making your name great.
As you meditate those promises faith comes. Your prayer might go like this...
"Father, you said that if I belong to Christ then I am Abraham's seed and heir according to what You promised him. Well Lord you promised to make his name proudly spoken and right now I claim that promise for myself. Father I repent (turn away) from any thing that would bring shame to my name and I now declare that your promise to me is true. I declare that my name from this time forward will be proudly spoken and I declare that no weapon formed against me will prosper and every tongue that rise up against me I'll show to be in the wrong (Is 54:17). From now on my name is an excellent name according to Your promise and Father I bind every negative report / record and conversation that would say otherwise (mat 18:18). Now Father i thank You for moving mightily in my behalf according to Your Word, in Jesus name... Amen!
That's it! From now on confess this only... "my name is great" " my name is proudly spoken" "I have an excellent name"! Make sure you meditate on the passages in this message. Faith comes by you meditating on what God has said. Remember...
Isa 54:17 but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar. This is what GOD's servants can expect. I'll see to it that everything works out for the best." GOD's Decree(mgs bible).
Heb 10:35-36 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
For you have need of endurance (patience), so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
1Jo 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
1Jo 5:15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Be blessed
From: John E king
Monday, November 17, 2008
Submitting wholly to God
You must decrease in order for the Lord to increase in your life. Submission is the key to fellowship. To submit you must 'lose' who you are in order for the Lord to work through you (mat 10:39).
Submission isn't something you plan to do when the time comes, but submission is what you do now, saying yes in your heart now is preparation to be used by God.
You cannot have any 'pre-measured' boundaries (how far you are willing to go) with God. To be truly submitted is to have given yourself over to Him wholly, no reservations, no pre-discussion concerning your own will. You can trust the one who died for you. You can trust the one who loves you! (rom 8:31-39)
Phi 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
Jesus totally surrendered his will to the will of the Father(john 14:10). His flesh, his emotions, his desire wasn't to wait in the town he was in when heard that his close friend Lazarus was sick, but he was totally submitted to the Father and trusted Him totally... even with the life of his friend (john chap11). And lets not talk about Jesus cousin John (the baptist). Think about it... even though John was in prison Jesus had to continue with the work God the Father gave him to do. Jesus had to lay his own agenda aside totally to receive the great reward for his obedience... our salvation. (Phi 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross).
Jesus, a legacy of obedience. An example of total surrender of one's self. How was he able to do it? He loved God with all his heart (he trusted God in his inner most being), his soul (renewing his mind, will and emotions to line up with God's will), and his strength (to put the will of God in operation by physically obeying God).
Our obedience is perfected by our love and trust in God.
The reward: Phi 2:9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
Phi 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
Phi 2:11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
By you submitting to the will of God He will lead you down paths of life. instead of making the same mistakes, getting into more bad relationships or living a life of worry the Lord God will cause you to live the life you've always wanted. Peace and protection is the result of submission.
A prayer of submission:
Father, I say yes to your will. I did when I gave my life to you and now I re-commit my life to you. Lead me & guide me by your Spirit that I might walk according to your will. Holy Spirit please help me to relinquish my rights that my Father's will be manifested in & through me. I pray this in Jesus name, AMEN!
Submission isn't something you plan to do when the time comes, but submission is what you do now, saying yes in your heart now is preparation to be used by God.
You cannot have any 'pre-measured' boundaries (how far you are willing to go) with God. To be truly submitted is to have given yourself over to Him wholly, no reservations, no pre-discussion concerning your own will. You can trust the one who died for you. You can trust the one who loves you! (rom 8:31-39)
Phi 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
Jesus totally surrendered his will to the will of the Father(john 14:10). His flesh, his emotions, his desire wasn't to wait in the town he was in when heard that his close friend Lazarus was sick, but he was totally submitted to the Father and trusted Him totally... even with the life of his friend (john chap11). And lets not talk about Jesus cousin John (the baptist). Think about it... even though John was in prison Jesus had to continue with the work God the Father gave him to do. Jesus had to lay his own agenda aside totally to receive the great reward for his obedience... our salvation. (Phi 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross).
Jesus, a legacy of obedience. An example of total surrender of one's self. How was he able to do it? He loved God with all his heart (he trusted God in his inner most being), his soul (renewing his mind, will and emotions to line up with God's will), and his strength (to put the will of God in operation by physically obeying God).
Our obedience is perfected by our love and trust in God.
The reward: Phi 2:9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
Phi 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
Phi 2:11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
By you submitting to the will of God He will lead you down paths of life. instead of making the same mistakes, getting into more bad relationships or living a life of worry the Lord God will cause you to live the life you've always wanted. Peace and protection is the result of submission.
A prayer of submission:
Father, I say yes to your will. I did when I gave my life to you and now I re-commit my life to you. Lead me & guide me by your Spirit that I might walk according to your will. Holy Spirit please help me to relinquish my rights that my Father's will be manifested in & through me. I pray this in Jesus name, AMEN!
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