Thursday, December 10, 2015

Christianity by Sevens





First Section:
Bible reading by 7s Read 7 chapters a day.

OT Genesis - Song of Solomon
A chapter a day.

Psalms
A chapter a day

Proverbs and key Bible chapters
A chapter a day. Read Proverbs a chapter a day. When you get through the book of Proverbs then read one chapter a day from your list of key Bible chapters.

Here are my list of key chapters. Change this list to fit your needs.
   Joshua 1               Romans 4, 8, 12
   Judges 6,7            1 Cor 13,14        1 Samuel 17        2 Cor 4,5
   2 Kings 4             Eph 1,3,6   Nehemiah 4         Phil 2,3
   Isaiah 6, 35, 40, 42, 49, 52, 53, 55, 58, 60
    Jeremiah 12,18,23     1 Tim 6    Hosea 6      2 Peter 1
   Ezekiel 22                  Heb 3,4,10,11
     Daniel 3                     James 1 2,3 4 5  
     1 Jn 2,3  Matt 5, 6, 7, 25           Psalm 91
    Luke 12,16, 18            Psalm 34    John 14,15,16
When you get done with the key chapters go back to reading Proverbs.

Prophets Isaiah - Malichi
A chapter a day

Matthew - Acts
A chapter a day

Romans - Revelation
2 Chapters a day

This does not have to be all at once. Sometimes I read like the list below.
Read 2 chapters when you get up.
Read one at breakfast.
Read one at lunch.
Read one at supper.
Read one after supper.
Read one before bed.

When you get through a section just start it over again.

Second Section:
Commit to praying each day of the week.
1 In your Bible reading pray over an area that speaks to you.
2 Pray for your family and friends.
3 Pray for Missionaries you know.
4 Pray for yourself, your health, your job and ministry, your finances, your future and your walk with the Lord.
5 Pray for your leaders.
6 Pray for the world in the news.
7 Pray for God to speak to you at night when you sleep.
Write down what you hear from the Lord when you wake up.


Third Section:
Commit to meditating on a verse for 7 days.
Read that verse multiple times in a day and have it memorized at the end of the week.


Forth Section:
Share your faith with 7 people a week.
Evangelism, acts of kindness, hand out gospel tracts.


Fifth Section:
Write about your faith in Christ. Journal your thoughts from your Bible reading.
Study a passage of Scripture and write your study out.


Sixth Section:
Get and stay in fellowship. Go to church each week. Worship and give thanks to God daily.Seek to have close friends.


Seventh Section:
Give at least 10% of your gross income to God.
Church, missionaries, charitable outreaches


None of this makes me worthy. I am worthy because of the blood of Jesus. All this is done to come closer to God.








































Saturday, September 26, 2015

Freely Give

Romans 8:21
“that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”

When Christians walk in freedom they walk in God's glory. Walking in God's glory is walking in God's power. Living in God's glory and power will give us victory over the problems that we face. The earth itself can be changed by faith. John 14:12; various Scriptures of Jesus having power over this world.

Always remember that having power without the willingness to live through the suffering (Romans 8:17) of the gospel negate faith and express selfishness. We can't live in the power of God and live in selfishness at the same time. (Also unforgiveness Mark 11:25; Pride Habakkuk 2:4 John 5:44)

The freedom that comes from Jesus will give us the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. When we learn to freely receive from Christ we can freely give. Matthew 10:8

Romans 5:1-5 teaches that God's grace comes by our accepting it by faith. Faith accepts God's grace and also looks to Christ instead of the flesh when trials come. We rejoice in Christ in the trial Romans 5:3 not because of the trial but because of the confidence that we have in Christ. There is victory in life. We don't fear an evil report, because  of our trust in God. Psalm 112:7 Trials just bring us into more glory and victory.

Our hope will not disappoint because the love of God brings us victory. Romans 5:5; Rom 8:39; Love brings the ultimate victory. Jesus overcame the world by His love expressed on the cross. The baton has been passed to us and we overcome the world by living in the spirit and not the flesh. Romans 8:5-13. We live in the Spirit Rom 8:13 and bring this life, John 6:63 taught in the Scriptures and experienced by having a relationship with Christ. And the relationship with Christ is expressed by loving others with faith in practical ways.

Understanding Scripture is not just mental assent. Our minds need to be renewed with the Scriptures so that when we go through trials of life we respond from our hope in Christ and the promises from the Scriptures instead of our minds and natural selfish defense or desires. Trials are a test of faith. How we respond shows if we are passing the test (2 Cor 13:5) or not. If I am not passing the test, I continue to renew my mind in Jesus. Romans 12:1,2.

If I am passing the test, I should continue to renew my mind as I meditate on Scripture. Psalm 1:2,3; Joshua 1:8; John 15:7

Freedom comes from knowing the truth. John 8:31,32. But again knowledge of Scripture is not mental assent but is spiritual knowledge which is expressed by works. If we don't use spiritual knowledge we really don't know what we think we know. James 1:22 We come to know by hearing and doing not just by hearing. Faith without works is dead. James 2:17 The way to learn spiritual knowledge is to hear and believe and apply what we believe with love towards others. Sunday morning church often times does not provide this outlet for learning. After the morning teaching the word they heard is plucked out of their heart Matthew 13:19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5  (notice I did not say out of their mind) and becomes just a vague memory or for the diligent a point of arrogance. 1 Cor 8:1.

Let us not be sluggish or arrogant, but instead let us respond to Christ and His teachings in love for others. Freely you have received, freely give.

Hebrews 6:11, 12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end,so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.




Thursday, September 3, 2015

Mercy and Abiding

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Lightening shredded wood fibres.

 So here is the idea of Hebrews 4:16 of coming to God to receive mercy and grace not on the basis of works but on the basis of Christ's blood. We don't come to God on our works but on Christ's blood. So how does that line up with John 15:7 that if we abide in the Word and in Jesus we can get our prayers answered?

There are 2 points here. One is if a person is sowing to the wind, and sowing to the wind, and sowing to the wind and reaping the whirlwind and their life is crazy and confused and turned over, they can go to God for help. But you are not going to go to God after spending years of sowing to the wind and come out of prayer and be an on fire evangelist with miracles following the next day.

We approach God for mercy and grace by the blood of Jesus. But we don't advance the kingdom of God by just being humble. God wants faith. Heb 11:6; Col 2:6; Hab 2:4. As we spend time with God and His word faith is built. We can from this faith get answers to prayer if we still approach God in humility not from our works and of study and prayer and meditation but still on the basis of the blood of Jesus.

So on the one hand we are working, meditating and seeking God. And on the other hand we approach God on the basis of His blood, not our good works. That does not mean our good works are for nothing. Our works of faith with love from obedience advance the kingdom. This only happens as we pray and pave the way with prayer from approaching God from our humble approach trusting God because of the blood of Jesus.

The 2 go hand in hand. Humble prayer trusting in the blood of Jesus. And aggressive works of faith from obedience, coming from being with God and His word. And you don't have these aggressive works of faith without a fight in prayer. There is the humble prayer for guidance with mercy and grace and there is the prayer of fighting to gain the victory. Now if you are like I have been you go out without fighting in prayer to gain the victory and you get beat up by the enemy. I have learned you have to fight in prayer also.

Romans 8:11 IF. If is a big word in this verse. Do we assume we have the Holy Spirit living within if we have our mind in the gutter watching TV. Do we assume we have the Spirit living within if we are lusting after material things instead of meditating on God's word. Do we assume we have the Spirit of God, the creator of the heavens and the earth living within if we are complaining of some puny problem? Or do we have the Spirit of God living within when we are wasting  time instead of utilizing the gift of time God has given us? Can we have the Spirit living within if our mind is on the flesh?

Just as there is a difference between getting the Spirit of God at salvation, Ephesians 1:13 and getting the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:4. There is a difference between having the Spirit of God from salvation and having the Spirit of God live within Romans 8:11; John 14:23 John said in Revelation 1:10 that he was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. Meaning that it was possible for this apostle to not be in the Spirit at times. This is the question of Romans 8:11 Are we in the Spirit now? The simple prayer of Hebrews 4:16 gets us back in the Spirit. Faith on the other hand, takes some effort and focus and does not flow from a lukewarm heart.

People reason that we have the Spirit Eph. 1:13 and we approach God because of the blood Heb 4:16. Therefore we can pray and get anything we want. That we are OK with God and living the lukewarm life is fine. Now people don't say then are living the lukewarm life. But they are deceived if they think they can watch movies and TV 10 or 20 hours a week and many more hours in amusements and pray 10 minutes and just read a couple of chapters of the Bible a day. NO. To live this way is not living humble before God. James 4:6 says that God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble people will repent from living a lukewarm life. Humble people will change to serve God from fear and then continuing on to serve from love. If we don't repent of our lukewarmness we are continuing in pride. We can't serve God effectively with pride. Pride needs to be done away with and then faith will grow.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Victory


Stay in peace. Stay in the Word. Go about your work and shout victory.

Praying through to a breakthrough. Philippians 4:6-9; Luke 18:1-8; 1 Kings 17:41-46;
Pray with faith Matthew 17:20
Take risks from your prayers Heb 12:14 Holy living (living for the purpose of God) brings us to    God. With God we have the victory.

Thankfulness brings us in union with the Spirit.
Phil 4:6
Elisha asking for music 2 Kings 3:15
David playing the harp 1 Sam. 16:23
Army with singers in front 2 Chronicles 20:21
Church people will (should) encourage you. Hebrews 10:25

Letting the Word richly dwell within you. Colossians 3:16; Romans 12:1,2; John 15:7; Josh 1:8; Ps 1:3
Meditate; follow & live it;

Let God's Word bring peace. John 16:33; Psalm 29:11; Ps 119:165; Isa. 26:3; John 14:27; Phil. 4:7;
Go with this peace Isaiah 55:12

Go about your work:
If your living the Word and have peace, go about your work.
Joshua marching all night. Joshua 10:9
Nehemiah building the wall. Neh. 4:15,16
Arise and shine for Christ. Your light has come. Isaiah 60:1

Shout Victory
Marching around Jericho Joshua 6
Crossing the Red Sea Ex 15
Psalm 91:2
Shouting grace Zech 4:7
Psalm 40:1-3

If you can't accomplish this break it down into smaller steps until you can do it.

Stay in peace. Stay in the Word. Go about your work and shout victory.

























Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Psalm 91 video

http://www.crosswalk.com/video/must-see-version-of-psalm-91-has-taken-us-by-storm.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fbpage&utm_campaign=cwupdate

A good video of Psalm 91, but they stopped at verse 9. Should have done the whole Psalm.

Monday, August 3, 2015

Psalm 91:1 Abiding

I twisted the camera to get this picture of this twisted sycamore. An unusual tree looking for light.

The  actions of Psalm 91

Psalm 91:1" He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

The promises of Psalm 91 are not given to all. They are given to the people that are described in the Psalm. Reading the Psalm shows what we can become part of this protection God is offering.

Where we live speaks volumes about us. It talks about our values our personality our ability and our life and how we live it. Where we live shows where we work. We are identified with that part of the country. A person living in Indiana is called a Hosier. Israel's tribes lived in different parts of Israel. Psalm 91:1 Talks of living with and abiding with God.

4 Areas of Abiding
1 Read/Study
Daily devotions, reading the Bible and listening to the Holy Spirit in your reading. Studying the Scriptures and gaining insight on life. This reading and studying as we comune with God is part of abiding and dwelling with God.

2 Pray/Seek
Stay in the Word with an attitude of prayer. This is not an intellectual activity but is a relationship with God. John 5:39,40; Eph 6:17,18
Pray, commune with God about your day and about your needs.
Seek God for His direction for you. Eph 2:10

3 Worship God for His goodness, and for the life He has given you.

4 Serve God by bearing fruit. 1 Cor 15:58

John 15 is the abiding chapter. We are energized by living with Jesus and relying on Him. For without Him we can do nothing. The Father is the vine dresser and will prune us and mold us to His liking. Jeremiah 18 is of the potter that fastens a pot according to his liking. God wants to mold us but if we don't respond we will be broken. Why not yield to the Lord and His direction so that we may escape the discipline on those who rebel.

Willingness to be molded by God shows a trust and belief in Him. There is great protection for those who choose to believe.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Light Shines in Darkness


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2 Corinthians 4:6 “ For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” NASB

For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). Amplified

 It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.   Message

For God who said
“It all starts with what God says. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word. Genesis 1:3 “Then God said, “Let there be light and there was light.”” It is the same with us. Job 22:28 “You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you;
And light will shine on your ways.”

It all starts with what we say. Or does it? True we need to say what needs to be done first. Yet go back to Genesis. God spoke and light became. Yet before God spoke, in verse 2 the Spirit of the God was moving over the surface of the waters. We can't speak with authority unless we are moving with the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God moves then we move as He is moving. We speak as He wishes us to speak.

Jesus did not speak on His own initiative.
John 12:49 "For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak.”

We speak as we are led by God. That is the same as praying in Jesus name. We can pray with authority and we can speak with authority. We can pray with confidence and we can speak with confidence. We can pray with power and we can speak with power. Just as Mark 11:23,24 teach. But just as in Mark 11:23,24 there is a prerequisite of faith before there can be power. We can also speak when we have faith first. And where does faith come from? It comes from hearing God's word with our spiritual ears. Revelation 2 & 3 says 7 times he who has ears to hear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Do we have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying? We can with the willingness of living for Christ and not for ourselves. The context of 2 Corinthians 4:6 is death to self. We don't live for ourselves, but we live for the purpose of God. John 6:38 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

We can have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying when we have a desire to do the will of God.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Faith Laws Revised



I posted this list in November 2011. I went back over them with revisions, and now I have 97 laws. 

Faith Laws Romans 3:27

1. Each of us are given faith Romans 12:3
2. Forgiveness enables faith to work, while unforgiveness cancels faith. Mark 11:25
3. Our speech has the power of life and our speech has the power of death. Prov 18:20,21 
4. Faith is a decision. We decided to have faith. Or we continue in the natural. Mark 11:22 
5. Faith is a decision on our part, or why would we be commanded to have it. Deut 30:19,20
6. Command the problem to go. Or cower under the problem Mark 11:23
7. We can believe what we command or doubt our command. Mark 11:2 The answer will come for those who command with belief. Mark 11:23
8. Believe what you ask for and you receive. The answer comes for those who believe they have received. Mark 11:24
9. Search for God with all your heart. Faith is not half-hearted. Jer 29:13
10. Praying night and day builds faith. Luke 18:1-8
11. When your prayer of worry turns to praise. Your prayer is building faith. Philippians 4:6-9
12. Humble prayers bring the answer while self righteous prayers are useless. Luke 18:9-14
13. Praying in the Holy Spirit (tongues) builds faith. Jude 20; 1 Corinthians 14:14
14. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit our prayers build faith. Jude 20
15. Faith comes by hearing the word of God. Romans 10:17 Spiritual hearing is facilitated by an eagerness to obey what we hear.
16. Faith works through love. Galatians 5:6 The purpose of faith is to help others.
17. Hope does not disappoint because the Holy Spirit pours out love to us. Romans 5:1-5
18. Faith is sown in peace. James 3:18 Faith is content not contentious. 
19. Faith has God's peace. John 6:63
20. Faith needs works. James 2:17
21. Faith goes out with joy and peace. Isaiah 55:12
22. Faith can't coexist with a double mind. James 1:5-8
23. Faith works to prepares for the future. Noah Genesis 6:22
24. Faith works for what in the natural would be a waste. Noah Genesis 6
25. Faith endures. James 1:2-8
26. Faith understands authority.  The Centurion Luke 7:1-9
27. Faith does not give up with the lack of an answer. Matt. 15:21f;  Mark 4:24f
28. The poor are rich in faith. James 2:5
29. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2
30. Jesus is the author of our faith. What He has written in the Bible brings faith. Hebrews 12:2
31. Jesus is the finisher of our faith.  We can trust Jesus to give us our faith. Hebrews 12:2
32. Pride and faith can't coexist Habakkuk 2:4 Faith looks to Jesus, while pride is looking at yourself. 
33. If you seek glory for yourself you are not lifting up Jesus and belief is voided. John 5:44
34. God opens a door for faith. Acts 14:27 Jesus is the door. (John 10:7)
35. Serve with no thought of self, increases faith. Luke 17:5-10
36. Faith is assured of the promise. Hebrews 11:1
37. Faith does not consider a report against God's promise. Eph. 6:16; Isa. 53:1
38. Praising God, defeats unbelief. Romans 4:20,21
39. If you can rest in God for the answer, you have faith. Hebrews 4:1
40. You have to fight for faith. 1 Tim. 6:12 If you can't rest, fight to get to rest in God.
41. Faith works in Jesus not the understanding of the promise. 2 Corinthians 1:20
42. Faith is kept. 2 Timothy 4:7
43. Hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering. Hebrews 10:23
44. The fear of man brings a snare. Proverbs 29:25 The solution is to fear God. Luke 12:5
45. An evil report does not shake faith. Instead he continues to trust God. Psalm 112:7
46. Faith does not get disappointed. Faith continues to believe. Romans 10:11
47. Faith is required because, whatever is not of faith is sin. Romans 14:23
48. Faith is made strong in weakness. Heb. 11:34; 2 Cor. 12:9
49. Find people that had a good outcome to their life and imitate their faith. Heb. 13:7,8
50. You can't try faith, you need to believe. Because the test of faith will cause those who try faith to quit.
51. Faith is perfected by works. James 2:22
52. When we make Jesus Lord with belief is the beginning of faith. Romans 10:9,10
53. When faith is lacking, love is lacking.
54. Oral Roberts 3 steps of faith. God is your source Phil 4:19. Sow into your need 2 Cor 9. Expect a miracle Mark 11:22-24.
55. Speak about what you believe in. I believe therefore I speek. 2 Cor 4:13
56. God answers prayer. John 14:14
57. Faith is content in the present and believes for the future. Phil. 4:11
58. Our fleshly desires void faith. James 4:3
59. Friendship with the world voids faith. James 4:4
60. Faith grows mighty in the battle. To grow stronger we need to be in the fight. Heb. 11:34
61. Pray for your faith to be increased. Luke 17:5
62. I must die to myself if I am to live by faith. Galatians 2:20
63. We can't please God if we don't have faith. Heb.11:6
64. Faith believes God rewards those who seek Him. Heb. 11:6
65. If you have faith you will live by your faith. Habakkuk 2:4; Matt. 4:4
66. Faith overcomes the world. 1 John 5:4
67. Faith is ours and we can grow it. 1 John 5:4
68. Prayer and fasting builds faith. Matthew 17:20,21
69. Faith lives by the word, has a dream, is adventurous, and is not affected by the world. Cho
70. Faith needs courage. 2 Cor 5:6-8
71. Faith stands before God. Jeremiah 15:19; Heb. 4:16
72. Faith defeats Satan by our actions. Romans 16:19,20
73. Faith is strengthened by encouragement from others. Hebrews 10:25
74. Faith is bold. Eph. 3:12
75. Faith is not led astray by the enemies success of power. Deut 13:1-3
76. Faith withstands a test from God. Judges 20:18f
77. Faith continues after defeat. Judges 20:18f
78. Faith trusts God. Proverbs 3:5,6
79. Your faith will be tested. 1 peter 1:7; James 1:2-4
80. The alternative to faith is rational thinking.
81. Start in the flesh and look for the Holy Spirit to help you, when God has already told you to do something in the Word. Wigglesworth
82. Faith is based on the hope of the Scriptural promise. Hebrews 11:1
83. Faith will continue to the end, it will hold fast. Heb 3:6; 3:14;James 1:2-4; Rom. 5:1-5
84. Faith thrives as you are in communion with God.
85. Faith is NOW. Hebrews 11:1
86. Faith is like a mustard seed. Faith starts small and grows with the right start and use. Matt 17:20
87. Faith starts with God not with works. Works won't build faith if faith is not there to start with.
88. Faith is perishable Hebrews 2:1 Use it or lose it Roy Hicks
89. Faith is not presumption. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. 
90. Faith is confident. Phil. 1:6
91. Scripture will not profit if it is not united with faith. Hebrews 4:2
92. Faith and fear can't co-exist. Faith believes and fear doubts Luke 8:50
93. Doubt will kill faith if left unchecked. 2 Cor. 10:3-5 So counter doubt with the promise of God.
94. Meditation enriches our understanding of the Word of God. Psalm 1:3; Josh 1:8
95. Faith is maintained by keeping your mind on the Word and rejecting the problem 2 Cor 10:3-5 Phil 4:6-9
96. Faith does not fear death. Dan 3:16-18; Matt 10:28
97. Christ dwells in your heart through faith. Eph. 3:17
98. Faith works as we look to Jesus relying on the love of God. Galatians 5:6; Hebrews 12:2
99. Faith is given to us, but it is our responsibility to use it. Rom 12:3, 2 Peter 2:1; Mark 11:22
100. Expectation & anticipation. Faith expects and anticipates God's answer. Zeph 1:12
101. Saying, "yes sir", to God's direction, will empower you with more faith to do it.


Thursday, June 25, 2015

Worship the Lord for His Glory




Here are some of the worship songs I have enjoyed.

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Bill Gather and other singers.

And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory! 1 Peter 1:8

We love Him because He first loved us. Our faith is expressed as we exalt in hope of the glory of God.

I Shall Not be Moved. 

Jeremiah 17:8
“For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit."

When we are by the water of God, ( His Word ) we are able to stand in faith. Why? Because we have been with Jesus.

It is a victory when we understand life when Jesus comes into our heart.

Whose Report Will You Believe?
Isaiah 53:1
"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? KJV

Many will not believe the report of the Lord. Yet faith accepts God's Word. Let us stay in the Word of God and believe what He has said.

Blessed Assurance
In assurance we praise the Lord. And in doubt we should turn to the Lord to praise Him and regain the victory.

Here is some verses on assurance that I got from the God vine website.ll

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end:

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 John 5:13 These things have I written to you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us:

1 John 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Here is an old time Pentecostal worship service. I like they way they minister and pray for each other in the worship service.


Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Fight Back






John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came
that they may have life and have it abundantly."!!!!

David and  his men lose their families while fighting and return to see
their town burned and their families captured.

All of them are devastated and morn their loss. Then their anger turns
on David and he is blamed.  David turns to God for help as the people
talk of killing him. David not only has lost his family, city and the
respect of his men. Now his own life is in danger. His life is at rock
bottom.

But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
Don't give up. Don't ever give up. Don't even think about giving up.
When you are on God's side you are more than a conquer. Nothing can
stop the power of God. Nothing can stop His love.

Then David asks if he should pursue the band? God said, "you will
overtake them and rescue all."

David goes after the band with his 600 men. 200 are too tired to continue
on to the fight. So 400 move into the attack. Remember they had been
marching to battle allied with the Philistines and then retreated back
to Ziglag, when they weren't trusted. Then they turn around and march
the other way.

By chance, but I don't believe in chance, God lets them find an Egyptian
wondering in the desert without food or water. They feed him and when
his strength returns attacked Ziglag. He agrees to lead David to the band.

David and his men find them spread all over the land in a wild party.
The attack is at twilight and the battle rages for 24 hours. All were
slaughtered but 400 that got away on camels.

God wants us to take back what we have lost to Satan. There is no power
that will stop us as we are led by God. The gates of hell can't prevail
against Godly people attacking. We can go into hell holes on earth and
take back what has been stolen.

God's ways are different now then they were in the Old Testament. But
battles rage none the less. We may conquer when we cooperate with the
Spirit of God. using His weapons.




Eph 6 weapons
Helmet of salvation - We have the mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit will
remind us whatever Christ has spoken to us. Be renewed in the spirit of
your mind. The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Let your mind
dwell on what is good. Meditate on the Word day nd night.

Girdle of truth. Jesus is the way the turth and the life. Jesus wrote the
Bible. The Bible is God's word. The Bible is anointed by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth.

Breastplate of righteousness. We are saved, not on the basis of our
works, but the work of Christ on the Cross. We stand not on what we do,
but rely on the blood of Jesus.

Shield of Faith - We act according to Jesus has spoken to us. We accept
not the present circumstances but what God has promised.

Sword of the Spirit - Use the Bible as directed by the Holy Spirit.

Shoes - We are prepared to share the gospel as we are led by the Holy Spirit.

We pray - There is real power in prayer.

2 Cor 10:3-5 weapons

We don't fight just in a nice church building but to bring victory where:
lost souls
sickness
despair
doubt
hopeless
weakness
desperation
fear
hunger
weariness
poverty
are ruling and destroying lives.


There are 4 points to spiritual vitality
light - truth, the Bible correct doctrines
love  - action and care for the unlovable. Not ignoring the problem but
doing something to solve it.
prayer - communion with God both talking and listening
praise - having an attitude of thankfulness no matter what is happening.
attitude of looking at the promise and not the circumstance.

This video on youtube is a great illustration of fighting back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU8DDYz68kM

Friday, May 29, 2015

Live for the Lord



Without peace and sanctification (holiness)  no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

Holiness is separation unto God and the activity associated with this. (Vines)
So I should ask before I do something, “Is this an activity for God?” “Is this an activity that God would have me to do?”

In the natural we strive for meaning and fulfillment by the things the world offers. But what the world offers was never meant to provide deep satisfaction in life.

The beatitudes (Matthew5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23) show that life does not flow from this world and what it offers, but from God. The beatitudes are talking of being blessed when we have lack in our life. Lack in itself is not a blessing, but when we have Jesus lack provides an opportunity for faith and faith in God is what brings the answer in the kingdom of God.

Our possessions are tools to use in serving others. They don't provide life in themselves. Luke 12:15

Joy of the Lord taught in  John 16:22 comes from relationship not possessions.  Material and worldly things can be taken away. No one can take Jesus from us.  This is what Matthew 7:24-27 is talking about. (house built on the rock will stand)  If our joy is in this world, our joy will fail. Our hope will fail if we trust in things of this world. If we put our joy and hope in Christ, we experience everlasting life and joy. What can man do to us, when we have Christ as our source? Psalm 118:6

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

How to Unblock the Flow of the Spirit


How to receive more of the Holy Spirit.
or How to unblock the Flow of the Spirit






Salvation Jn 3:3; Eph 1:13

HS baptism Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; Matthew 3:11

Worship Elisha 2 Kings 3:15; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19

Fear the Lord. Ps 25:12 Then we can be taught John 14:26; Matthew 11:28-30

Meditate on the Word of God. Isaiah 30:15, 40:31; Josh 1:8; Ps 1:1-3; John 6:63

Take your mind off the desires of the flesh and put it on things of the Spirit.  Rom 8:5-13

Put to death the deeds of the Body; or live from the Spirit and not your fleshly desires Rom 8:5-13; Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:1,2

Repentance will bring refreshment. Acts 3:19

Refilling Rev 1:10; Isaiah 52:1,2; Romans 12:1,2

Not Quenched 1 Thes. 5:19
Don't keep rules seek God. Matt. 11:28-30; 1 Cor 3:17

Believe and step out in faith. If we don't we quench the Spirit. James 1:5-8

Pray in tongues! Pray in tongues and then in English. 1 Cor 14:15
Pray in tongues. 1 Cor. 14:5
Gives supernatural understanding and speaks to God. 1 Cor. 14:2
Gives access to other spiritual gifts. 1 Cor 12:8,10
Spiritual war. Eph. 6:18
Reveals God's wisdom 1 Cor. 1:27-29

Prove all things that are taught and hold fast to that which is good. 1 Thes. 5:21

We receive the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:14

Obedience brings the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:32

>It is not that we get more of the Holy Spirit. It is that the roadblocks stopping the Holy Spirit to function can be removed.

Fasting, by helping the poor will open avenues for God to flow. Isaiah 58:6f

>And what is obedience? It is loving God and loving others. With this love expressed we abide with God. John 14:21,23; 15:7

Ruling in the Kingdom   Ps 103:4 Crowned with lovingkindness and compassion.

Monday, May 18, 2015

How I pray to Get Answers



I like this tree because it's looking for the light.

1 Review your position in Christ. Eph 1:3,18; 2 Corinthians 5:17 Listen to God for His direction. John 10:27

2 Give your day to the Lord denying your fleshly desires. Romans 12:1,2; Matthew 11:28-30

3 Live in the joy of relationship with the Father. John 15:5; John 16:22

4 Base your prayers on God's promises. 2 Cor 1:20
Find the will of God in the matter. Answered prayer is promised for the will of God and our submission to Jesus with the cross of Christ. Rom 12:1,2; 1 John 3:22; John 15:7; 1 John 5:14,15

5  Confess what God has shown you is His will, even before you see it. Hebrews 10:23

6 Believe you receive the answer when you pray. Mark 11:23,24; 1 John 3:22; 1 John 5:14,15

7 See the answer coming to you. Your vision in the Spirit is reliant on your relationship with God and your commitment to Christ with self denial. Deut 2:24

See yourself through the Word as a success not a failure. Romans 13:14; Matthew 6:22; Deut. 28:13

8 Hold fast to your confession and stand on the word of God. Eph 6:13, Hebrews 10:23

9 Reject doubt 2 Cor 10:3-5
speculations
strongholds
Fight off the opposition in faith and the word. 1 Timothy 1:12; Romans 5:17

10 Live in love. Faith works through love. Gal 5:6; 1 John 4:12 Let all you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 6:14
If you don't have love, stop and renew your love for God and others. 1 Peter 1:22

11 Sow to your future. Give out from your need. Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35
Don't give your time and money mindlessly. Give them in faith that God is working with you.

12 Act on your prayers of faith. If there is never any action there is no faith. Faithless prayers are religious.  James 2:17

13 Rejoice in God through all these steps. Especially if you don't see the answer.  Neh. 8:10; Psalm 100; Psalm 150:6; Psalm 34:1f
Use worship as a way to see your answer coming.
Don't neglect to worship God for your relationship.

14 Return to God and listen for His direction.

The short version to this is: PRAY AND GO. Pray and get direction from God. Then go and obey. Then return for analysis, prayer and adjustment. Then go again. Repeat.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Healing is Promised for All.




1 Peter 2:24 Healing was a done deal at the cross.

Ps 103:3 all sickness removed

Deut 7:15 all sickness removed

Acts 10:38 Jesus healed all with no accounts of Jesus turning down healing request.

Mark 16:18 We are told to lay hands on the sick and they will be healed, when we believe.

Matt 10:8 We are commanded to heal.

2 Corinthians 1:20 all the promises are yes and amen with Jesus.

Romans 8:32 We receive with Jesus all things, no good thing is withheld.

John 15:7 We can ask for whatever we wish as we abide.

Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord him out of them all.

Ps 91:10 no sickness where we live as we abide.

Ps 91:3 If we are trapped God will get us out.

1 John 3:22 God answers all our prayers if we obey and please God.

James 5:14 Is any are sick? It's God's will to heal anyone.

John 14:14 All prayers are answered in Jesus name.

Gal 3:13,14 We are free from the curse, and sickness is part of that.


The promise for healing shows the problem of not being healed is not on God's end. We should seek God for where the problem is if there is no healing.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Use God's Word




The Word of God does the work of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”

I use the Word as vitamins or medicine in working in my body to strengthen me. I also use the Word to sooth my soul. I read over it and meditate on it and let the ideas work their way into my mind. After thinking on them new understandings come to me, many times from the Holy Spirit. I say many times because we always need to judge our thoughts and test them against God's word.

I believe God's Word is full of power and is effective in guiding and helping me. God's Words are life. John 6:63

God's Word can become a consuming fire.
Jeremiah 5:14 “Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of hosts, "Because you have spoken this word, Behold, I am making My words in your mouth fire And this people wood, and it will consume them.”

The Word of God are effective. Don't use God's Word without God's love. Faith works through love. Galatians 5:6 Speak for grace to help the people. Ephesians 4:29

The power of God's Word will shatter rocks and burn away what is between us and God.
Jeremiah 23:29 "Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a hammer which shatters a rock?”

I see rocks as like a part of a mountain (a type of obstacle to God's provision), and the Word of God shatters the rocks or  obstacles before us. Isaiah 41:15

Speaking God's words brings life.
Ezekiel 37:7 “So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.”

Here is a great prophecy of Israel's army regaining life. We also can speak God's words by the Holy Spirit to bring life to ourselves and others. John 6:63; Job 22:28; Matthew 9:21

There is power in God's word for salvation.
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Sometimes speaking Scriptures by the Holy Spirit will bring Salvation. My mom was brought to salvation by a nurse quoting Ephesians 2:8,9 to her. I was saved by John 3:16.

The Word is used as a sword to attack in battles of the spirit.
Ephesians 6:17 “And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

I tell the enemy the authority given to me by using Scriptures. Ephesians 3:10 I speak to the problems I face with Scriptures. I speak to myself with encouragement from the Scriptures.

The Word shows what is of the spirit and what is of the soul.
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

With honesty we can see by our attitude if we are right with God from the Scriptures.

Monday, March 2, 2015

God Answers Prayer




1 John 3:22 "
"And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight."

Keep the commands of God which are tied up in loving God and loving your neighabor.
Do the things pleasing in His sight. And what is that? It is effective faith. Hebrews 11:6

2 Cor 5:7 We are to walk by faith and not by sight. Do this and you will please God. To ignore this and you stay a child in the faith. A child in the faith does not overcome obstacles. 1 John 2:12,13

Solid food is for the mature but milk of the word is for babies. What is the difference in the Word? It is not the specific Scripture but our actions with the Scripture that determines if it is milk or meat. We are babies if we don't take the Word and use it with faith. Grown men and women will take the Word and use it. We overcome by faith and faith takes the Word and overcomes with it. 1 John 5:4

Sometimes I read the Word just to be soothed in my soul. But other times I read the Word for direction. It is at these times I'm eating meat. We need to obey the Word if we are to walk in victory.

1 John 5:14,15
“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”

Ask according to His will. Are the promises of God His will? Yes. 2 Corinthians 1:20 “
20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.”

God's will is the promises of the Bible.

5 Parts to 2 Corinthians 1:20
 1 For as many as are the promises of God,
 2 in Him they are yes;
 3 therefore also through Him is our Amen
 4 to the glory of God
 5 through us.

There are 5 parts to this verse, 5 parts to thus promise.
 1 All the promises of God are given to us according to the Scriptures.

 2 In Him they are yes. Are we in Jesus? 2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creation. If we are saved we are in Jesus. So yes we are in Him. Yes we are in Jesus. John 6:21 When Jesus got in the boat, immediately the boat was at the other side. When we have Jesus we have the answer.

 3 Therefore also through Him is our Amen. Can we say the amen to the promise? Can we say the promise is going to happen? For amen means so be it. Are we sure the promise will happen? For that is what amen means. Can we say as Christians this amen? Then the answer will come.

 4 To the glory of God
We can's seek glory for ourselves and believe at the same time. John 5:44 If we seek glory for ourselves it nullifies the faith and we lose out place of belief. God will not share His glory with another. Isaiah 42:8 “"I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images.”

 5 Through us. It is through Him through us. We work with God and God works with us.




Monday, February 2, 2015

Be Word Centered


 photo IMG_2826_zps22b3ae7a.jpg


Stay in the Word.
Believe the Word.
The Word brings forth life,
live that life or starve.

When you eat from the Word, rest.
Look to the spirit of the Word, not the law.
Be revived in the Word, not worldly pursuits.

Your goal from the Word is to hear,
not to check off chapters.

Act in trust of God's word.

- Actions or reaction
- Make change or be changed.
- Plan for renewal or wear down.
- Tend your garden or reap weeds.
- Sow for your future or starve.
- Failure is one more step to success,
if you let it teach you.
- Self-contentedness is not being humble.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Freedom




Psalm 142:7
"Bring my soul out of prison, So that I may give thanks to Your name; The righteous will surround me, For You will deal bountifully with me."

The word "prison" is used symbolically, as a metaphor for trouble and distress (comp. Psalm 88:8; Psalm 107:10-14). Pulpit Commentary

Ps 88:8 sometimes we are shut up and can't go out.
What frees us up so we can express our gratitude to God?

2 Corinthians 3:17
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

If we let it, if we yield to it's teachings, if we soften our heart and accept what it says, the teachings of the Bible with the Holy Spirit will give us freedom.

Psalm 124:7,8
“Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper; The snare is broken and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.”

Turn to the Lord, turn to His word, you will find freedom.

We were meant to live serving God. Eph 2:10 It is as we live for Christ there is freedom. To reject the leading of God because of fear of the unknown brings us into bondage. We miss out on what God has for us because of our lack of belief.

Trust in God, He will work with you.

Some turn from following God, because they think the pleasures of sin are better than living for Christ.  Yes there is pleasure in sin for a season. Heb 11:25; Phil 3:18,19 But the end of a life in sin is destruction. Not only in this age but in the one to come.

To see other people walking with Christ brings joy to your life. 3 John 4 “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”

Further reading:
2 Corinthians 13:4
1 Thessalonians 3:8





Wednesday, January 14, 2015

How to Stand on the Word




 God's word brings Stability to our life.
Matt 7:24-27

God's word is the final authority.
1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:4,5
Receive God's promise as already taking place.

Refuse doubt and unbelief.
Cast down doubt, praise God for your deliverance.
Mat 16:19; Mat 18:18

Refuse to believe what you see and feel.
2 Cor 5:7

Whose report will you believe?
Whose report will you believe? I will believe the report of the Lord. Isaiah 53:1

Meditate on God's Word.
Rom 10:17; Isaiah 40:31

Do not Fear
Luke 8:50; John 14:1; Ps 56:3,11; Rom 8:15

Praise God for the Answer.
Phil 4:6,7

Do not Waiver!
James 1:5,6; 1 Tim 6:12; Eph 6:12;
Reject doubt and chose to believe. 2 Cor 10:3-5
Use the sword to attack the enemy. Rebuke the devil with the word of God. Then praise God.

Speak what you Believe not what You See.
Mark 11:23,24; Matt 12:36; Prov 18:20,21;
Choose life by speaking the word.

Hebrews 10:23
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,
for He who promised is faithful;"

To stand on the Word of God is to confess the truth of the word in the midst of problems.
Quote the Scripture and state its truth. Read it again and thank God for its fulfilment in your life.
Rest in God that the promise of the Scripture is yours. Don't worry but instead trust in God.

God's Word will not return void.
Isaiah 55:11

When you stand on the word, when you bet your life on the promises of God, when you base your life on the direction of the Scriptures, you will not be disapointed. God will bring the answer. Romans 10:11

Don't tell Jesus about your problem, tell your problem about Jesus.
Quote Scripture, state the Scriptures that promise victory in your situation.

Know that as you go in service to Jesus you are walking in the Kingdom and God will answer your prayers. If you doubt if God will answer your prayers. Find the will of God and believe that.


2 Samuel 23:11,12
“Now after him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered into a troop where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines. 12 But he took his stand in the midst of the plot, defended it and struck the Philistines; and the Lord brought about a great victory.”

Take a stand and fight. How do we fight in the spirit? It is to take the Word of God and state it and believe it and live it and not the lie of the enemy. The lie of the enemy will tell us it can't be done. But with God all things are possible.

Fight on your knees for the promise God has given you. Don't accept the lie the enemy is saying. Fight for belief that what God has promised He will do. And when you get that belief, act on it. Act in faith.

Some would counter that God doesn't always answer.  But who are we going to believe? Those who doubt, or the Word of God? Romans 10:11”For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.'” Don't accept defeat, but instead stand and fight.

Some of this lesson came from:
http://www.wordlibrary.co.uk/article.php?id=28



Standing on the Promises - A great hymn of worship and trust in God.

  1. Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
    Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
    Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
    Standing on the promises of God.
    • Refrain:
      Standing, standing,
      Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
      Standing, standing,
      I’m standing on the promises of God.
  2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
    When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
    By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
    Standing on the promises of God.
  3. Standing on the promises I now can see
    Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
    Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
    Standing on the promises of God.
  4. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
    Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
    Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
    Standing on the promises of God.
  5. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
    List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call,
    Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
    Standing on the promises of God.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

The Coming of the Maji

T. S. Eliot reads "Journey of the Magi"


Ps 72:1-7
Give the king Your judgments, O God,
And Your righteousness to the king’s son.
2 May he judge Your people with righteousness
And Your afflicted with justice.
3 Let the mountains bring peace to the people,
And the hills, in righteousness.
4 May he vindicate the afflicted of the people,
Save the children of the needy
And crush the oppressor.
5 Let them fear You while the sun endures,
And as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
6 May he come down like rain upon the mown grass,
Like showers that water the earth.
7 In his days may the righteous flourish,
And abundance of peace till the moon is no more.
10Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents;
The kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.
11 And let all kings bow down before him,
All nations serve him.
12 For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help,
The afflicted also, and him who has no helper.
13 He will have compassion on the poor and needy,
And the lives of the needy he will save.
14 He will rescue their life from oppression and violence,
And their blood will be precious in his sight;


Isaiah 60:1-6
“Arise, shine; for your light has come,
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 “For behold, darkness will cover the earth
And deep darkness the peoples;
But the Lord will rise upon you
And His glory will appear upon you.
3 “Nations will come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.
4 “Lift up your eyes round about and see;
They all gather together, they come to you.
Your sons will come from afar,
And your daughters will be carried in the arms.
5 “Then you will see and be radiant,
And your heart will thrill and rejoice;
Because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you,
The wealth of the nations will come to you.
6 “A multitude of camels will cover you,
The young camels of Midian and Ephah;
All those from Sheba will come;
They will bring gold and frankincense,
And will bear good news of the praises of the Lord.

Matthew 2:1-12
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:

6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah;
For out of you shall come forth a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Respond with Faith



I was thinking about writing a short description of faith. This is what I wrote a couple of afternoons after I got home from work.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for the conviction of things not seen Heb 11:1
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Rom 10:17

The thing about these verses are that we assume we hear God with faith when we read the Bible. Which is not the case. We have 2 sets of ears. Our physical ears and our spiritual ears. It is with our spiritual ears that allows faith to be birthed. But spiritual ears can't hear if the ties to our life in the world are not cut. 1 John 2:15-17. When we do the will of God we are able to hear. Jesus referred to this many times by saying. "He who has ears to hear let him hear." Obviously we all have ears. But the physical ears aren't what receives the word of God allowing faith to grow in our heart.

The parable of the sower and the seed refers to the good soil as the person that receives the word with an honest and good heart bringing fruit to maturity. Matthew 13:1-23: Mark 4:1-29; Luke 8:4-18

This honest and good heart accepts the teachings of Jesus and seeks to live accordingly. Not making excuses and ignoring God's teachings.

How do we know if we have faith? Hebrews 11:1

Faith is always now.
Faith speaks and acts.
Faith is assured and confident.

Fear is counter to faith. Fear unchallenged courrupts faith.

Our faith falters if we don't have our eyes on Jesus in the midst of disappointment. Some say God is in control. And when disappointment comes they think it is God's will. God chooses not to control everything. Why? He lets man rule and gave man this authority in Genesis and also at the end of Jesus' ministry He again told us to go because all authority was given to Him. We are His ambassadors. 2 Cor 5:20  We are his ministers. Ps 110:1-4 Jesus is to rule, and we are given this authority in the name of Jesus. We rule under the authority of Jesus. As ambassadors we have authority. If we get out from under God's will we cease to represent Christ.

In a vacuum with no Christian operating in faith Satan takes default control. It is our job to cast out Satan and take back what he stole. Yet it is not with war or with government. Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world. Our war is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces Eph 6.

God provides the answer for us. Will we avail ourselves to take it? Or will we go to God and ask Him to do for us what He has asked us to do.

It would be like a builder that hooked up the house to the electric power. Then the owner decides to have a group over at his house. He calls the power company to come over and turn on the lights. The power company will not come over to do that. That is in our ability to do. It is the same with God. Many are asking God to do things that God has told us to do. We can act as God's representative by faith. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Phil 4:13 

God acted at Calvary. Now its our turn. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to us.

It's our turn now. 

Prayer is thought of as; going to God and asking for things from Him. And yes it is true that we should go to God in prayer. God moves when we move. James says approach God and He will come to us. God has given grace to us. Faith is responding to the grace He has given.

God sent His son Jesus to bridge a way to God. That  has been done. It is now our turn to approach God.

God has given us grace. Titus 2:11,12 It is now our job to live sensibly, righteously and godly today.

As we lead a holy dedicated life, not to get God to act but to open our ears. Our ears can hear as we reject what the world offers. And we turn to God for His life in our hearts we can then hear. But if the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and worries of many things take precedence
 , we then can't hear with our spiritual ears.

Western church puts emphasis on understanding. But to learn and to know is to act. Eph 4:15; James 1:22. It is the going that brings the learning. God and learn what this means. Matthew 9:13

Love is nothing if it is not expressed, shown, demonstrated. Faith works through love. Galatians 5:6

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Have a Clear Conscience As Your Goal





1 Timothy 1:5 "But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

1 Timothy 1:19 “keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”

1 Timothy 3:9
but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day,

Acts 23:1 “Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, “Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.”

New Creation/New Man
Ephesians 1:7 2 Cor 5:17; Rom 6:4; Rom 8:11; Isa 1:18f

1 Cor 11:31,32 Test and judge yourself.

Psalm 103:12 sins removed as far as the east is from the west. Heb 9:26;  Isa 38:17; Zech 3:9

Hebrews 10:22 “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Walk in Romans 8

Hebrews 4:16

1 John 3:19,20,21

1 Cor 4:4 “For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.”

2 Cor 1:12 “For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.”

1 Tim 2:8 “Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.”


Living With A Clear Conscience

Romans 14:20-23

The first thing in fighting for victory is to not have complaints. But  instead confess the truth of God's Scripture.

Now I come to clear conscience. A clear conscience is not being condemned or feeling guilty about our life. The past is under the blood and the present is according to the will of God and according to the leading of the Holy
Spirit.

There are times we come to a questionable activity. If we are not sure of it being the will of God we should refrain from it to maintain a clear conscience. When we do that we are ready to serve God and attack the enemy at a moment notice.

Be about what the Lord has directed you to do. Be about the basic commands of the Scriptures which are: preach the word, lay hands on the sick, care for the poor. Read and study the Bible and let it remain in you and let your conduct express it's teachings. Fellowship the believers. Devote yourself to prayer and the fight of faith.

If something comes up which you doubt if it would be good or not. Don't do it. The leading of the Holy Spirit brings peace not doubt. The leading of the Holy Spirit brings love not fear. Now yes there will be anxiety at times in doing the word of God. But cast it off with the Word of God to
maintain your clear lines of communication with the Lord.

It is not only about us, we need to be pure and clear but also of others that we should consider. If they have doubts don't cause your brother to stumble.

If there is no faith in the action get the passage of the Lord for the activity and see if the Lord will highlight it. Now we are to be doers of the Bible and not hearers only. So without other input from the Lord go for the obedience of the word with no leading. IF THERE IS LEADING, DON'T NEGLECT THE WORD, BUT ALSO FOLLOW THE LEADING.

One of the goals of Christian teaching is to have a clear conscience. So don't ignore the concern you have over an activity or lack of activity. Bring the concern to God and get it settled.

Romans 14:20-23

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Psalm 91


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Psalm 91 Amplified Bible (AMP)

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

3 For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

4 [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.

5 You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day,

6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.
8 Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,

10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.

11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

12 They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot.

14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness—trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.