Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Real Estate Business
Thanks for the post, Vernon Lowe
I am in thereal estate industry but it’s hard enough as it is in this market. The good thing is that here in Alaskathere just aren’t all that many agents so I don’t have to fight for territory like I may have to, otherwise. I am sort of the expert in my area and I offer my clients a lot of extra when it comes to their experience when they buy a home or a vacation home. For example, if they ask me about things like home Security anchorage, I want to know what to tell them so I try to get really involved in my community and know what’s going on. My mother says I’m the “real estate whisperer!” which I think is just the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. I really just want to make my clients happy and know that I did such a great job that when they buy or sell their house the next time, they’re going to come to me for all their real estate needs.
I am in the
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Bible Study 16: Genesis 17: Name Change and Confirmation
In the seventeenth chapter of Genesis, God establishes the Jewish rite of circumcision, but not before again assuring Abraham, by now all of ninety-nine years old, of his calling and promises:
This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! What';s more, I am changingyour name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations. I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them! (Genesis 17:4–6)
God had made a promise, an agreement with Abraham and with all those who would come after him. Abraham';s part in the deal was that he and all of his male descendants be circumcised, an act that would have great spiritual significance:
From generation to generation, every male child must be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. This applies not only to members of your family but also to the servants born in your household and the foreign-born servants whom you have purchased. All must be circumcised. Your bodies will bear the mark of my everlasting covenant. Any male who fails to be circumcised will be cut off from the covenant family for breaking the covenant. (Genesis 17:12–14)
In giving this command, God had appointed circumcision as a special symbol for His chosen people, a badge of their dedication and devotion to Him. And though Abraham was nearly a century old, he and his son Ishmael, who was thirteen years old at the time, were circumcised (Genesis 17:24–27).
The change from the name Abram to Abraham for the father of the Jewish andChristian faith is very significant because the name Abraham means “the father of many” or “father of a multitude.” That was in keeping with God';s promise that his descendants would number in the millions.
Though there were still episodes ahead in Abraham';s life (for example, his intercession for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their destruction as recorded in Genesis 18–19), he would live to one day see the miraculous birth of the son God had promised him.
Study Questions
Read 1 Corinthians 7.:17., Galatians 6:15, and Colossians 3:11. What is the New Testament approach to circumcision? What, if anything, has taken its place in the life and heart of the believer?
Read Genesis 18:23–33. What does this tell you about the importance of praying for others, even those who don';t seem to deserve it?
From Obstinate Hillbilly to Faithful(although far from perfect) Man of God...My Testimony Part Three
At the beginning of this year, I was in such bad health and really felt as though I had little time on this earth. I will never forget being rushed into the Intensive Care Unit at Crittenden Hospital here in Michigan. The medical team there was excellent but I saw fear in their eyes. My blood sugar was close to 800 and my breathing was very shallow. Yet, I was not in Intensive Care for very long. Something happened and my blood sugar levels began to go down gradually but steadily. I did not know what that something was at that time.
The next day, the doctors let me know that it was a miracle I survived. At the very least, they said I should have been in a diabetic coma. I was treated so well the entire two weeks I was there. It was a shock to adjust to a "new" life as a diabetic but they made it so much easier. On the tests results, it was shown that my blood sugar levels had been dangerously high for quite some time. The hospital care there I would say was second to none I have ever seen. What really drew their attention though was the fact I was not expected to survive. The nurses who believed in God knew that Jesus had spared my life.
Crittenden, I discovered, has a physician that is considered the best in the world at treating diabetes. He tried everything he possibly could to release me without the need of insulin shots daily. This was not to be the case at that time. However, this was the beginning of a new awakening and new journey with Christ.
God brought me to my knees during this time period. He had been speaking to me for a while and I was being hard headed and not listening. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with severe and chronic degenerative arthritis. So bad they said that I would be in a wheelchair long before now. My lungs were so bad with COPD that my lung capacity was at 40 percent on a good day. Then the whole issue with the diabetes. I was written off by not only doctors but those who were around me at that time. God never wrote me off though. God never stops loving us our turns from us. Instead, we get caught up in life and the world and turn our backs on Him. If I had a nickel for every single time that I was "back slidden", I would be very well off right now. If I had an additional nickel for every one I have worked with, ministered too, or seen come through our church that was "back slidden" just during the past few months, I would have the funding to open homeless shelters throughout the world.
The Holy Spirit brought me too my knees during this time period and let it be known that either I was going to open my heart, ears, and eyes and serve Him or I was going to be taken out of this world that I seemed to love so much. For far too long, I was professing to be a "Christian" but living with one foot in the world and the other half going through the motions of following God. God does not play and to play with God is the most incredibly foolish and ignorant thing we can ever do. Trust me, I know this very well because I was playing with God too and not even wise enough to realize this. It took a whole lot of hell to get me to the point of being able to preach about a Heaven so wonderful that it can not truly ever be fully visualized and appreciated by our human eyes.
While in the hospital, my brother Sean told me that he had a dream that seemed so real that he felt like it had actually happened. He said that God had a vision to reveal to me and it sent chills through me because I just knew that the Holy Spirit was at work. I did, in fact, receive that vision the very same day. The Holy Spirit told me to start a worldwide ministry right here on Facebook and to establish Facebook Christian Alliance. This led to helping lead a team of Kingdom Warriors to take down a few cult groups, and the imprisonment of cult leaders who were operating out of an orphanage and abusing the children in their care, all this is glory to God and through the power of the Holy Spirit. I have been blessed to meet some amazing, wonderful, and unwaveringly faithful to God brothers and sisters on this platform. I no longer spend time in the groups and am asked about this all the time. God led me away from the groups and I know that He has placed others to lead these groups to heights that I never imagined. It was my job to help lay the ground work.
Through Brother Randy Wyatt, I discovered NACM and how they help those who receive the calling to be Ordained Ministers. I prayed long and hard about entering a physical ministry. If it was God's will that is what I wanted. It was not long after that I met Bishop Johnnie Moore and became an associate Pastor at Soaring Eagle Ministry. I can not begin to say how blessed I am that Bishop Moore is not only my mentor but also the dad that I never had. It is a tremendous blessing to be under his wing and a part of Soaring Eagle Ministry.
The devil has placed many, many obstacles and stumbling blocks in my way along this journey. As I reveal this part of my testimonial, please remember that when I talk about others it is the spirit of darkness which leads them...our battle is not against the flesh. My biggest revelation is that so many who claim to be "Christian" do not even know what it means to walk with Christ. We can know someone for years and not know them at all. Such was the case with Shelley. We were together for five years. The last two years were very draining to say the least. I was trying so hard to concentrate only upon the Lord and doing His work but it was nearly impossible at times because all hell was breaking loose all around me and to make matters worse, my son was showing the effects of not only a loveless union but also a union in which dark, dark spirits were controlling her. I discovered that for the past two years Shelley was dating other men..many other men despite the fact that we were engaged. When my health faltered, she was not there because she was with others. When she had the valve replacement in her heart, I was the one there leading her through every step but as soon as she was out of the hospital, she was on her way to Canada to see her boyfriend there. The day after our engagement was broken, all of these things began to come to light. It was not so much a feeling of hurt as much as pure rage and I had to back up and give it all up to God to deal with and to let that rage go. This was especially difficult when I discovered she had been forcing my own son to lie to me about where she was so much of the time.
All the five years that we had been together, I had stood by her side and supported not only her but also many of her children and grandchildren. This became so very difficult when I was unable to work and my income became reduced to a monthly disability check. I was further devastated and enraged to find that the oldest of her sons whom I supported was using heroin in my home.
I sit here without a drivers license right now because I was working out of state and had sent Shelley the money to pay the car insurance which she never did. There was an accident and a law suit. Because of no fault laws here in Michigan, the entire 25,000 settlement fell on me. With the inability to pay it, the state simply took my license away. While there are plans in process to get that license back soon, that alone has been hell on earth. Yet, I know now that God does provide and this too through Him shall be overcome.
When my son, Robert, and I first moved into this apartment we had little more than two worn out twin mattresses on the floor. I was hurting really bad and unable to function for a period but it was not because of lost love. If I ever loved
Shelley, that was lost so long ago that I do not remember. There were many things that happened which I shall not mention here. The point is I was hurting because I gave five years of my life and every bit of money and material things to someone I truly never knew. I was hurting because I had so little to give my son and he deserved so very much. I was hurting because I saw the deep, deep pain in his eyes and he saw me in such a bad shape. It was gut wrenching to say the least.
I am a living testimony to the fact that when we are faithful to God He rewards us and provides for all of our needs. Two weeks after moving in here, I received a check large enough to furnish this place very nicely, provide the things we needed, and have funds left over. Interestingly enough, Shelley tried to come back into our lives when this check came. She cried and begged and pleaded for me to consider the two of us getting back together. To be quite frank, and I did tell her this, I would rather jump head first into the firey depths of Hell itself than to ever let that happen. Yet, she did touch me by crying and pleading that she had nothing with which to pay her bills and I loaned her one-thousand dollars which she promised to give back within 5 days and I still have not seen and will never see. It was ignorant on my part to loan her that money. Yet, it was worth a billion times that amount to have her out of my life for good. It was interesting that this woman who claimed to be such a "Christian" did not open her bible for at least a month. I remember going back to our old home to get the rest of my things a month later and her bible sat in the floor collecting dust. When I told her about this she said she could care less because her new man was atheist. I don't wish ill will on her and I would ask that you all pray that one day God will bring her to her knees and she will find true salvation before it is too late.
I have spent very little time in my adult life without being in a committed relationship. Therefore, shortly after moving here, I started looking for someone. I figured if my criteria were right and above all to find a "Christian" woman all would be well. That proved to be wrong as well. Of the two women I dated between that time and finding my girlfriend, one I discovered to be full of racial prejudice and the other was in the same mold as I have been accustomed to all of my life, beautiful on the outside but shallow, fake, and lost inside. Truly, there is no such thing as a beautiful woman or person that has no substance or depth on the inside. It has taken this ole stubborn cowboy preacher all these forty something years to realize that.
God has been very good to me and provided all my needs and so very much more. There is not enough praise or thanks and worship in the world for me to truly express my gratitude to our Father in Heaven. I am very thankful that I am part of a true Five Fold end times ministry. In the short time, that I have had the blessing of being placed there by God, I have received prophecies from true prophets of God. The first was that I was going to meet the love of my life and this man even described her. Yet, I missed the part that I was not to be focused on looking....it was to come to me through God, by God, and when I least expected it to happen.
For all those who have asked my girlfriend's name, it is Rhonda Miles. She and I became friends on Myspace a couple of years ago. To be honest, I always thought there was something unique and special about her even since the early days of our friendship. It had been months, at least, since we had corresponded through myspace email. I rarely go on myspace anymore and it is the same with her. Yet, one day we were both on and it caught my attention immediately. We soon began texting on our cell phones and talking. It took little time for us both to discover that not only did we have an incredible amount of things in common but also that we could so often complete each others sentences literally. There was a strong connection from just the phone but a great deal of nervousness on both sides of meeting in person. Yet, that was soon wiped away and it was undeniable that the strong connection and bond is very real. Things are flowing for us in ways that are beyond comprehension.
Yesterday, I was a bit blue because there is about 60 miles between Rhonda an I and I missed her before she really left. I had been praying that if this is God's will we would be given a way to bridge the geographical distance between us. So it was with great amazement and glory to God when I was given the word and vision of starting a church in Ann Arbor under the direction of Bishop Moore. Ann Arbor cuts the distance between us in half and is also the city she works in as well. We have only just begun but I can tell you that she is certainly the very special woman in my life and I pray to always be able to make her smile.
Finally, I have become molded enough as to not be so hard headed and truly listen to and appreciate the voice of God.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Don't Be a Fool: Wake Up Before It Is Too Late
What are we doing here? What business do God's people have trying to mimic and compete with the world for glory and monetary success? How do people justify living one way and teaching an entirely different one?
Welcome to the world of hypocrisy that has overruled this earth since the days of Adam and Eve. Of all the traits God longs to find in His people, purity has to be at the top of the list. For most people the word pure conjures up images of Puritans, nuns and ultra-religious sects which forbid their adherents to breathe. The world has so twisted the definition of purity around that those who attempt to live a pure and undefiled lifestyle are nothing but the butts of comedian's jokes.
There will be a day coming, far sooner than anyone wants to believe, when the joke will be on the scoffers. All those who today sit back and deride those of us totally committed to speaking and living the truth of God's Word will be the ones facing an extremely angry God. "That will never happen" they say, but deep down inside they have to know their day of reckoning approaches.
The most grizzly, rude and rank old codger on earth will many times decide to get saved on his deathbed. A person who spent his whole life harassing, slandering and backbiting those who tried to live holy lives suddenly finds himself a few hours from meeting his creator. Isn't it amazing how fear of eternal torment changes a person?
Haven't we all known someone who was mean and vile and was more than willing to tell the world that there is no God, only to be the first in line praying to the God they claimed to not believe in as certain death was ready to sweep them away? "Oh God help me" is the cry of saint and sinner alike. "If you will save me I'll live my life for you" is the plea both the rank unbeliever and strongest believer make to God as their life passes before their eyes.
This is all well and good if a person has the time to cry or make such a plea before their demise. Did the astronauts on the space shuttles that disintegrated have time to utter such pleas? Did the trucker who crashed his tanker truck full of gasoline have time to utter such a cry before an inferno vaporized him instantly? Did those people scrambling down flights of stairs in the World Trade Center really have time to bargain with God as those towers crashed upon them?
God has stated emphatically over and over again in His Word that when the time of destruction comes, rarely will there be time to repent at the last instant and escape the eternal torments otherwise earned. Why should God listen to a person who had a lifetime to repent and chose not to just because he knows his life will be gone in 10 seconds? Maybe God will listen, but I wouldn't stake my eternal future on it.
Being saved is far more than a onetime prayer thirty years ago. Being saved is a matter of the heart being turned to God in true repentance and loving Him with every fiber of one's being. Being saved is living in a way reflective of the inner commitment that God is your Father and you are His child and Jesus is your Savior and Lord. Those who think they can live just like the world and do all the same things as the world and still be saved are sadly deluded.
The lies are coming as swarms both from the mouth of the world and the pulpit of the churches. Compromises have been made and deals have been struck between men of the cloth and the god of this world. Untold wealth and power of unimaginable magnitude have been promised, just as they were to Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus stood upon the truth and boldly spoke to the devil "IT IS WRITTEN". Those who have compromised today have accepted the bribes offered and are basking in the temporal glory of an illusion.
No one will hear the shout but for the dead in Christ. No one will hear the trumpet save those who have truly made Jesus Lord in their lives and have forsaken this world and its promises of fame, fortune and honor in return for the heart. All but the remnant will move on to the next and final stage of God's plan of the ages. All who remain must endure the tribulation of testing and perhaps the wrath of destruction.
Do not delay dearly beloved. Do not wait expecting to repent upon hearing the trumpet blast. It will not happen that way. You will never hear it. Now is the day and hour to crawl into your prayer closet and pour your heart out to the Lord of all. Now is the hour to repent and pray for the cleansing blood of Jesus to wash away all that stains and marks you as unclean. Now is the time to confess with your mouth that Jesus is YOUR LORD. Now is the hour to break the chains of servitude to this world and your own evil and selfish desires.
Don't wait until you are trying to escape a building collapsing upon you. Don't wait until your body is already on fire and burning. Don't wait until it is too late and there remains only weeping and gnashing of teeth and wails of "if only" and "why didn't I" fill this world. There is still time, but the time is quickly running through the hourglass. Please, don't wait until the clock strikes midnight to make the decisions that you still have time to make NOW.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Meaning of You
A word only has meaning when it is defined. Without definition a word is simply a meaningless sound.
Our life only has meaning when it is defined, and we define ourselves by what we believe. If we believe in unproved ‘theories’ of evolution, we believe our life is merely the result of many miraculous mishaps. We define ourselves and our children as cosmic accidents with no high purpose – born simply to reproduce and then to die. If we believe in ‘nothing’ sadly we are defined by our belief (ironically, evolutionists spend their life trying to prove that life is meaningless). As a word is a meaningless sound without definition – a life defined by ‘nothing’ is sadly a meaningless existence.
On the flip side, God has stated in the Bible, we are not ‘nothings’. We are actually so important that the Creator of the universe took on the form of a man (Jesus Christ) and paid the complete penalty for all transgressions (sins) that any who believe on Him (Christ) will have everlasting life. God defines us as His sons and daughters, much beloved by Him.
Furthermore, God has given us a higher purpose in life which to define ourselves. When we identify with His purpose, our life is filled with meaning and we become motivated to run the race that God has set before us.
On the flip side, God has stated in the Bible, we are not ‘nothings’. We are actually so important that the Creator of the universe took on the form of a man (Jesus Christ) and paid the complete penalty for all transgressions (sins) that any who believe on Him (Christ) will have everlasting life. God defines us as His sons and daughters, much beloved by Him.
Furthermore, God has given us a higher purpose in life which to define ourselves. When we identify with His purpose, our life is filled with meaning and we become motivated to run the race that God has set before us.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Before It is Too Late
St. Louis, MISSOURI. A young girl is dancing to the music on the radio. She opens a jar and takes a tablet out of it. "How many would that be now? Well, they won't be that strong altogether," she thinks. The song on the radio stops and an advert shoots through admonishing people to join the church of their choice. She laughs. "Church? I'm much too young for that! First I want to live a bit!" For the time being Rock 'n' Roll is her music, and tablets are her life. "There's enough time left for serious things later." She grabs one more tablet, then another one, and another one. Minutes later she falls to the ground. Her dizzy head realizes that she had one tablet too many, and there is nobody at home who could help her now. If she could only make it to the 'phone to call her best friend ... just a few more steps ... but she can't; her life ends just a few centimeters from the telephone. She was only fifteen years old - too young to die ...
San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. A young man is standing in front of the mirror, combing his hair for an exciting night out on the town. He is so excited that he can hardly look straight ahead. "This is the night I will really have a great time," he is saying to himself. He opens his can of beer and makes his way to the car. Now his fun has just begun! While he is driving, he notices a big advert: "God forgives. Let Him." He only reacts with shrugging his shoulders. Maybe, one day, he thinks - but not tonight. For now he is only thinking of all the girls and the party he is going to join in only five minutes. Suddenly, out of the blue, a car is coming towards him. He is driving far too fast to be able to stop in time. And there is no way out! The accident wasn't his fault really, and yet they are pulling his mutilated body out of his totally wrecked car ... This is the place of his death ...
Houston, TEXAS. A young mother is angry that she has to get up so early on a Sunday morning to prepare breakfast for the family. The eldest of her children puts the television on. Jimmy Swaggart is on the screen, singing songs of worship to God. For a minute she listens, quite interested. But then, the baby starts to cry in its chair and the three year old is pulling on her apron to get her attention. "Who, with three little kids, can find time for God?" she asks herself. There is no time to go to church or to read the Bible. Not even if you really wanted to!
The song starts to annoy her and she shouts at her eldest child to switch the television off. Finally, breakfast is over, the baby has fallen asleep and the other two are playing outside. She sinks into a chair for a little while and lights up a cigarette. She tries to rest a little bit and flicks through a Sunday magazine, but she is so exhausted that in the end she falls asleep. The lit cigarette falls out of her hand onto the paper. Before anybody can reach her she is engulfed in flames. There was a bit of smoke and fire damage in the house, but the family is without a wife and a mother ...
New York City. He smiles as he puts the last bank note into his wallet. There was no doubt - he had made himself a lot of money and he had done it all by himself. He is in the latest edition of "Who's Who in America" in case you want to read more about him. But this venture is one of the biggest so far. By accomplishing it he can have a very good life indeed for the rest of his days.
From now on he can retire from active business without facing financial problems. He is booking a flight from La Guardia to Florida. There he will meet five of the leading businessmen in the country who are interested in the deal he has set up. On board the plane he flicks lazily through a magazine which somebody must have left on the seat. He is surprised to see a drawing of Jesus on the cross. His thoughts go back to his childhood on the farm, to Sunday school, to the stories his teacher told him about Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. His heart is moved, but only temporarily. The excitement about the big deal is coming back home to him. This other thing can wait, he keeps telling himself. "I know I should do something about my spiritual attitude, but I'll have plenty of time to think about such things, whenever this big deal is settled." How was he to know that the plane would crash only thirty miles from its destination! And there were no survivors ...
A farm in Israel (2,000 years ago): He had a better harvest this year than ever before. All the barns were filled and the whole day he had been working on plans for new and bigger barns. Now he would be able to sit down and rest and enjoy life. "But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?" (LUKE 12:20).
Heaven can wait? You can live your life however you want and you can convince yourself of having much time. You can have plans to seek Christ as your Savior - but not today. There may be more important or amusing things or so you may think. And yet heaven can wait. Can it really wait? It won't be your destination unless you have prepared yourself by active faith in Christ.
San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. A young man is standing in front of the mirror, combing his hair for an exciting night out on the town. He is so excited that he can hardly look straight ahead. "This is the night I will really have a great time," he is saying to himself. He opens his can of beer and makes his way to the car. Now his fun has just begun! While he is driving, he notices a big advert: "God forgives. Let Him." He only reacts with shrugging his shoulders. Maybe, one day, he thinks - but not tonight. For now he is only thinking of all the girls and the party he is going to join in only five minutes. Suddenly, out of the blue, a car is coming towards him. He is driving far too fast to be able to stop in time. And there is no way out! The accident wasn't his fault really, and yet they are pulling his mutilated body out of his totally wrecked car ... This is the place of his death ...
Houston, TEXAS. A young mother is angry that she has to get up so early on a Sunday morning to prepare breakfast for the family. The eldest of her children puts the television on. Jimmy Swaggart is on the screen, singing songs of worship to God. For a minute she listens, quite interested. But then, the baby starts to cry in its chair and the three year old is pulling on her apron to get her attention. "Who, with three little kids, can find time for God?" she asks herself. There is no time to go to church or to read the Bible. Not even if you really wanted to!
The song starts to annoy her and she shouts at her eldest child to switch the television off. Finally, breakfast is over, the baby has fallen asleep and the other two are playing outside. She sinks into a chair for a little while and lights up a cigarette. She tries to rest a little bit and flicks through a Sunday magazine, but she is so exhausted that in the end she falls asleep. The lit cigarette falls out of her hand onto the paper. Before anybody can reach her she is engulfed in flames. There was a bit of smoke and fire damage in the house, but the family is without a wife and a mother ...
New York City. He smiles as he puts the last bank note into his wallet. There was no doubt - he had made himself a lot of money and he had done it all by himself. He is in the latest edition of "Who's Who in America" in case you want to read more about him. But this venture is one of the biggest so far. By accomplishing it he can have a very good life indeed for the rest of his days.
From now on he can retire from active business without facing financial problems. He is booking a flight from La Guardia to Florida. There he will meet five of the leading businessmen in the country who are interested in the deal he has set up. On board the plane he flicks lazily through a magazine which somebody must have left on the seat. He is surprised to see a drawing of Jesus on the cross. His thoughts go back to his childhood on the farm, to Sunday school, to the stories his teacher told him about Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. His heart is moved, but only temporarily. The excitement about the big deal is coming back home to him. This other thing can wait, he keeps telling himself. "I know I should do something about my spiritual attitude, but I'll have plenty of time to think about such things, whenever this big deal is settled." How was he to know that the plane would crash only thirty miles from its destination! And there were no survivors ...
A farm in Israel (2,000 years ago): He had a better harvest this year than ever before. All the barns were filled and the whole day he had been working on plans for new and bigger barns. Now he would be able to sit down and rest and enjoy life. "But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?" (LUKE 12:20).
Heaven can wait? You can live your life however you want and you can convince yourself of having much time. You can have plans to seek Christ as your Savior - but not today. There may be more important or amusing things or so you may think. And yet heaven can wait. Can it really wait? It won't be your destination unless you have prepared yourself by active faith in Christ.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Fathers Are
Fathers are to be honored, respected, and obeyed -- Honor and respect your fathers by obeying them (as long their commands are not against God's commands) and you are promised to "live a long life on the earth."
Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV)
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Colossians 3:20 (NIV)
Children, obey your parents in everything [as long as their commands do not contradict or go against God's commands], for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers are to discipline their children -- Do not complain when your father disciplines you because your father should discipline you out of love, and because he is commanded to do so by God.
Deuteronomy 8:5 (NIV)
Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
1 Timothy 3:4 (NIV)
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
Fathers are to instruct their children -- We are to be trained by our fathers so that we may become strong and mature Christians.
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Fathers are to love their children -- Fathers are told in the Bible to love their children.
Psalm 103:13 (NIV)
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
God as our Heavenly "Father" -- We are all called the "children" of God. The Bible also shows how God can have similar roles to human fathers.
1 John 3:1–2 (NIV)
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Romans 8:16-17 (NIV)
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
Happy Fathers day especially to the greatest Father, our Father in Heaven, Happy Fathers Day to All Fathers. A blessed day to all.
Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV)
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Colossians 3:20 (NIV)
Children, obey your parents in everything [as long as their commands do not contradict or go against God's commands], for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers are to discipline their children -- Do not complain when your father disciplines you because your father should discipline you out of love, and because he is commanded to do so by God.
Deuteronomy 8:5 (NIV)
Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
1 Timothy 3:4 (NIV)
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
Fathers are to instruct their children -- We are to be trained by our fathers so that we may become strong and mature Christians.
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Fathers are to love their children -- Fathers are told in the Bible to love their children.
Psalm 103:13 (NIV)
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
God as our Heavenly "Father" -- We are all called the "children" of God. The Bible also shows how God can have similar roles to human fathers.
1 John 3:1–2 (NIV)
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Romans 8:16-17 (NIV)
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
Happy Fathers day especially to the greatest Father, our Father in Heaven, Happy Fathers Day to All Fathers. A blessed day to all.
Why Do We Suffer As Faithful Christians?
If we are Christian and try to live a life of good, it is natural to ask, “Why do bad things happen to Christians?” More to the point, if nothing happens that God does not cause or permit, why does He let His people suffer so much?
But if God does let bad things happen, then there is at least some comfort that He lets it happen. If we trust in Christ, we’re like Job because God puts a protective hedge around us (Job 1:10). And like Job, even when God lets the hedge down for a while and Satan attacks, he cannot go further than God allows (Job 1:12; 2:6). So, why let the hedge down at all?
Paul didn’t live under the illusion like we often do that becoming a Christian’s going to make your life better. From a human perspective, his life got worse when he came to follow Christ (I Corinthians 4:9, 13b; II Corinthians 1:8).
In Romans 5:1&2, Paul tells us that God really doesn’t let bad things happen to Christians—not in the end anyway—not the worst things that could happen to us. The truth is it’s all going to work out in the end, even if it doesn’t in this life. God sent his Son Jesus to the death of the cross so that we would never be eternally separated from Him.
But that’s still future. What about now? And so Paul makes a second point: God uses suffering to accomplish His will in our lives—to where we can even rejoice in our sufferings (v.3). Now, it’s ok to say, “I hate this and I wish God would take it away.” But even if God doesn’t, Paul says: that you can find great joy even in the midst of your suffering. Why? Because suffering produces perseverance and character which ultimately leads you to the hope that does not disappoint.
Through prayer, mediation on the Word, and suffering great believers are made. Paul explains in II Corinthians 1 some of his sufferings, but now he’s grown! His faith is stronger and it’s because of the sufferings (v.9).
Some believe “God won’t give us more than we can handle.” Not true. It is misunderstanding what God says about temptation in I Corinthians 10:13. God uses suffering in our lives to show us we need Him—not just to go to heaven—but to make it through each day. God doesn’t want us to figure out the answer to suffering so much as to see that He is the answer even as we suffer.
We’re never going to find a satisfying answer to this question. When God finally speaks to Job, He never really answers the question, “Why?” And yet, Job seems to be content with that because it’s personal, not theological.
God says in Isaiah 66 that as a mother comforts her child so He comforts us. When there’s pain and suffering she doesn’t lecture that suffering is for the child’s good. Instead, she picks up the child in her arms and holds it close: “It’s ok—mommy’s here.” And slowly but surely, the child feels better. The child still doesn’t understand, but it’s got mom and that’s all it needs.
So, you may not get the answer to the question “why”, but Paul says in Romans 5:5b: “God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us”—a reference to Baptism.
You’re God’s child! You can rejoice in suffering—not just because it brings perseverance and character—but because you’re still wrapped in His arms: “It’s ok. I’m here. Don’t be afraid.” He’s demonstrated His love in this: “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8b). See, if you’re suffering, God doesn’t give you answers, He gives you Himself.
But if God does let bad things happen, then there is at least some comfort that He lets it happen. If we trust in Christ, we’re like Job because God puts a protective hedge around us (Job 1:10). And like Job, even when God lets the hedge down for a while and Satan attacks, he cannot go further than God allows (Job 1:12; 2:6). So, why let the hedge down at all?
Paul didn’t live under the illusion like we often do that becoming a Christian’s going to make your life better. From a human perspective, his life got worse when he came to follow Christ (I Corinthians 4:9, 13b; II Corinthians 1:8).
In Romans 5:1&2, Paul tells us that God really doesn’t let bad things happen to Christians—not in the end anyway—not the worst things that could happen to us. The truth is it’s all going to work out in the end, even if it doesn’t in this life. God sent his Son Jesus to the death of the cross so that we would never be eternally separated from Him.
But that’s still future. What about now? And so Paul makes a second point: God uses suffering to accomplish His will in our lives—to where we can even rejoice in our sufferings (v.3). Now, it’s ok to say, “I hate this and I wish God would take it away.” But even if God doesn’t, Paul says: that you can find great joy even in the midst of your suffering. Why? Because suffering produces perseverance and character which ultimately leads you to the hope that does not disappoint.
Through prayer, mediation on the Word, and suffering great believers are made. Paul explains in II Corinthians 1 some of his sufferings, but now he’s grown! His faith is stronger and it’s because of the sufferings (v.9).
Some believe “God won’t give us more than we can handle.” Not true. It is misunderstanding what God says about temptation in I Corinthians 10:13. God uses suffering in our lives to show us we need Him—not just to go to heaven—but to make it through each day. God doesn’t want us to figure out the answer to suffering so much as to see that He is the answer even as we suffer.
We’re never going to find a satisfying answer to this question. When God finally speaks to Job, He never really answers the question, “Why?” And yet, Job seems to be content with that because it’s personal, not theological.
God says in Isaiah 66 that as a mother comforts her child so He comforts us. When there’s pain and suffering she doesn’t lecture that suffering is for the child’s good. Instead, she picks up the child in her arms and holds it close: “It’s ok—mommy’s here.” And slowly but surely, the child feels better. The child still doesn’t understand, but it’s got mom and that’s all it needs.
So, you may not get the answer to the question “why”, but Paul says in Romans 5:5b: “God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us”—a reference to Baptism.
You’re God’s child! You can rejoice in suffering—not just because it brings perseverance and character—but because you’re still wrapped in His arms: “It’s ok. I’m here. Don’t be afraid.” He’s demonstrated His love in this: “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8b). See, if you’re suffering, God doesn’t give you answers, He gives you Himself.
Broken Vessels
Fill me up, Lord,
With your Holy Spirit,
Pour your anointing oil
Into this broken vessel
And watch your love light radiate
Through my many cracks and fissures.
Let the world see
Your power and glory
Through me,
For God loves
Broken vessels, so
God truly loves me and
God truly loves you too.
With your Holy Spirit,
Pour your anointing oil
Into this broken vessel
And watch your love light radiate
Through my many cracks and fissures.
Let the world see
Your power and glory
Through me,
For God loves
Broken vessels, so
God truly loves me and
God truly loves you too.
The Bishop and I
Truly, the way God works is amazing and incredible beyond what the human mind could ever comprehend or express. To say that I was greatly impressed by the Bishop is like saying that the rain is wet. Bishop Moore was everything you would expect in a Bishop and great Man of God and then some. His presence commands an err of respect while at the same time his heart of Christ lets you know that he is not only approachable but also full of love and grace. By dress he appeared to be ready for the cover of GQ magazine. His manner of speech could go from intellectual to being able to speak to the modern teen and even a gangster and relate equally as well with all. Seldom have I felt Jesus radiating from any man as powerfully as I did from Bishop Moore. Yet, his spirit was humble, accommodating, and comforting while at the same time expressing that indeed he was human too. Refined but with others in mind is the best way to describe Bishop Moore.
As I have expressed many times before, I am far from the traditional Preacher. Though having lived in Michigan for 13 years now, my southern accent is as pronounced and evident as ever before. Because I have been unable to work for a couple of years now due to health issues and the fact that my weight has greatly fluctuated due to this and recently discovering I am diabetic, my wardrobe is greatly lacking. What I managed to piece together as business apparel greatly paled in comparison to Bishop Moore. Because of his refined nature and sophisticated style, the Bishop came bearing gifts. Because of being such a country boy, my idea of an awesome greeting is a big smile and a firm handshake. I did feel bad at not having gifts for the Bishop but he was kind enough to tell me not to feel that way. This definitely was in every aspect two completely different worlds coming together to meet in the middle for the Body of Christ and the glory of almighty God.
Interestingly enough, though we came today from two different worlds, the fact stood out above all that in so many ways Bishop Moore and I think very much alike and share the same Holy Spirit inspired visions. We both have experience in leadership and management and share the same philosophy on our visions, doctrine, and belief in Jesus as well as Christianity and what the Church should be in contemporary times.
Yet, it is our differences that shall be our strength moving forward. First of all, you have the obvious racial differences which are not seen as differences by the Bishop and I at all. Yet, contemporary society is still very much affected by the strongholds of racial prejudice from all races though, very thankfully, far from all people. There does seem to be a constant and unwritten rule that black people do not belong in white churches and white people do not belong in black churches. It is no coincidence that Bishop Moore has a unique understanding of the world of a white person and I have been blessed with a unique understanding of the world of black people. Most of my closest friends from childhood, especially those I still have the priveledge of calling friend today are black. God sees no differences in us but rather sees whether or not Jesus is in our hearts. It is time for society as a whole to see the same. Bishop Moore and I are going to build a powerful and far reaching ministry the likes of which has never been seen before. I can not stress enough, all glory to God.
Bishop Moore comes from a long line of Preachers. I come from the Mississippi delta and a dysfunctional family. Bishop Moore has a Masters and Doctorate in Theology. I have an Associates of Art in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Bishop Moore has been a Bishop for a number of years. I have been an Ordained Pastor for a little over a month and was called into ministry less than two months ago. Yet, the Holy Ghost brought us together to be partners and grow a ministry that is going to break strongholds, lead countless lost souls to Christ, start a Nation wide and Worldwide Revival, and glorify God at all times. How truly awesome our God is in every way and beyond what any of us can even comprehend.
As I have expressed many times before, I am far from the traditional Preacher. Though having lived in Michigan for 13 years now, my southern accent is as pronounced and evident as ever before. Because I have been unable to work for a couple of years now due to health issues and the fact that my weight has greatly fluctuated due to this and recently discovering I am diabetic, my wardrobe is greatly lacking. What I managed to piece together as business apparel greatly paled in comparison to Bishop Moore. Because of his refined nature and sophisticated style, the Bishop came bearing gifts. Because of being such a country boy, my idea of an awesome greeting is a big smile and a firm handshake. I did feel bad at not having gifts for the Bishop but he was kind enough to tell me not to feel that way. This definitely was in every aspect two completely different worlds coming together to meet in the middle for the Body of Christ and the glory of almighty God.
Interestingly enough, though we came today from two different worlds, the fact stood out above all that in so many ways Bishop Moore and I think very much alike and share the same Holy Spirit inspired visions. We both have experience in leadership and management and share the same philosophy on our visions, doctrine, and belief in Jesus as well as Christianity and what the Church should be in contemporary times.
Yet, it is our differences that shall be our strength moving forward. First of all, you have the obvious racial differences which are not seen as differences by the Bishop and I at all. Yet, contemporary society is still very much affected by the strongholds of racial prejudice from all races though, very thankfully, far from all people. There does seem to be a constant and unwritten rule that black people do not belong in white churches and white people do not belong in black churches. It is no coincidence that Bishop Moore has a unique understanding of the world of a white person and I have been blessed with a unique understanding of the world of black people. Most of my closest friends from childhood, especially those I still have the priveledge of calling friend today are black. God sees no differences in us but rather sees whether or not Jesus is in our hearts. It is time for society as a whole to see the same. Bishop Moore and I are going to build a powerful and far reaching ministry the likes of which has never been seen before. I can not stress enough, all glory to God.
Bishop Moore comes from a long line of Preachers. I come from the Mississippi delta and a dysfunctional family. Bishop Moore has a Masters and Doctorate in Theology. I have an Associates of Art in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Bishop Moore has been a Bishop for a number of years. I have been an Ordained Pastor for a little over a month and was called into ministry less than two months ago. Yet, the Holy Ghost brought us together to be partners and grow a ministry that is going to break strongholds, lead countless lost souls to Christ, start a Nation wide and Worldwide Revival, and glorify God at all times. How truly awesome our God is in every way and beyond what any of us can even comprehend.
The Time Has Come
Today I meet with Bishop Moore about our partnership in ministry and God's plans for the future. It indeed is a very blessed dream come true. Truly, I see the Holy Spirit provided goals of the Church being fulfilled and more. Bishop Moore is a great blessing and he and I share the same vision. It is a very exciting time and I can truly feel the revival starting now.
Please know that as we grow so shall other ministries because the vision is that the purpose of reaching the top of the mountain is to lift others up as well. There are many out there and indeed among us who are hurting, lives in crisis and despair, financially ruined, grieving, and feeling lost and hopeless. God is putting His plans together so that we may do something about this together as a family and as one unit under God. One nation and one world under and with God.
The vision has always been to break strongholds and barriers. It has been and is to help others from around the country and the world. To bring light to those in darkness and comfort to those in need of comforting. It has been and is to transcend all barriers of gender, race, social status, ethnicity, etc... God has brought to us some of the most faithful and Holy Spirit filled women Pastors and leaders from around the world. In terms of racial barriers, we have from the very beginning stood together without even seeing racial differences as indeed is how God wants us to be and I am so thankful to you all for and about. Now, Bishop Moore and I have formed a partnership to break those racial barriers from the street level forward. We are going to come together from all walks of life and all areas of the world to praise and worship the true Lord, Jesus Christ.
Please keep your prayers with us as we meet today and moving forward. Please know that you are all very dearly loved and a blessing beyond what words can ever say. The season has come folks and God's children from all over this globe are going to blossom, shine, and praise Him like never before. Have a wonderful and blessed day.
Please know that as we grow so shall other ministries because the vision is that the purpose of reaching the top of the mountain is to lift others up as well. There are many out there and indeed among us who are hurting, lives in crisis and despair, financially ruined, grieving, and feeling lost and hopeless. God is putting His plans together so that we may do something about this together as a family and as one unit under God. One nation and one world under and with God.
The vision has always been to break strongholds and barriers. It has been and is to help others from around the country and the world. To bring light to those in darkness and comfort to those in need of comforting. It has been and is to transcend all barriers of gender, race, social status, ethnicity, etc... God has brought to us some of the most faithful and Holy Spirit filled women Pastors and leaders from around the world. In terms of racial barriers, we have from the very beginning stood together without even seeing racial differences as indeed is how God wants us to be and I am so thankful to you all for and about. Now, Bishop Moore and I have formed a partnership to break those racial barriers from the street level forward. We are going to come together from all walks of life and all areas of the world to praise and worship the true Lord, Jesus Christ.
Please keep your prayers with us as we meet today and moving forward. Please know that you are all very dearly loved and a blessing beyond what words can ever say. The season has come folks and God's children from all over this globe are going to blossom, shine, and praise Him like never before. Have a wonderful and blessed day.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Fathers Are
Fathers are to be honored, respected, and obeyed -- Honor and respect your fathers by obeying them (as long their commands are not against God's commands) and you are promised to "live a long life on the earth."
Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV)
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Colossians 3:20 (NIV)
Children, obey your parents in everything [as long as their commands do not contradict or go against God's commands], for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers are to discipline their children -- Do not complain when your father disciplines you because your father should discipline you out of love, and because he is commanded to do so by God.
Deuteronomy 8:5 (NIV)
Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
1 Timothy 3:4 (NIV)
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
Fathers are to instruct their children -- We are to be trained by our fathers so that we may become strong and mature Christians.
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Fathers are to love their children -- Fathers are told in the Bible to love their children.
Psalm 103:13 (NIV)
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
God as our Heavenly "Father" -- We are all called the "children" of God. The Bible also shows how God can have similar roles to human fathers.
1 John 3:1–2 (NIV)
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Romans 8:16-17 (NIV)
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
Happy Fathers day especially to the greatest Father, our Father in Heaven, Happy Fathers Day to All Fathers. A blessed day to all.
Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV)
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Colossians 3:20 (NIV)
Children, obey your parents in everything [as long as their commands do not contradict or go against God's commands], for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers are to discipline their children -- Do not complain when your father disciplines you because your father should discipline you out of love, and because he is commanded to do so by God.
Deuteronomy 8:5 (NIV)
Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
1 Timothy 3:4 (NIV)
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
Fathers are to instruct their children -- We are to be trained by our fathers so that we may become strong and mature Christians.
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Fathers are to love their children -- Fathers are told in the Bible to love their children.
Psalm 103:13 (NIV)
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
God as our Heavenly "Father" -- We are all called the "children" of God. The Bible also shows how God can have similar roles to human fathers.
1 John 3:1–2 (NIV)
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Romans 8:16-17 (NIV)
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
Happy Fathers day especially to the greatest Father, our Father in Heaven, Happy Fathers Day to All Fathers. A blessed day to all.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Listen 2 My Radio / Radio Streaming - Free Account
Listen 2 My Radio / Radio Streaming - Free Account
All Christian All the Time!
All Christian All the Time!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Blog Talk Radio Show
The first episode shall be focused on what Church should be as opposed to what it has become.
These are the short term and long term goals as provided to us by the Holy Spirit:
Short Term:
Prison Ministry by what of distributing bibles and Christian Materials. Cards sent to and visits with senior citizens in nursing homes
Support of STAND ministries and their work in schools
Support of Kenn and Tj's Tent ministry
Teach people how to read and how to read the Bible
Support Political Candidates who support God and a return to family values.
Taking the word to hospitals, children's hospitals and cancer centers to read to the patients, doctors and nurses.
Long Term:
Worldwide adolescent centers for all youth that would be staffed with professional volunteers and where kids could come and not only be safe but be taught about God
To support and sponsor at least two major world missions per month
Building new senior centers that are run by volunteers and supported by ministry funds.
Funding political campaigns of those who support God and a return of prayer in schools
Fund legislation for a return of prayer in schools
Establish missions and churches worldwide
These are the short term and long term goals as provided to us by the Holy Spirit:
Short Term:
Prison Ministry by what of distributing bibles and Christian Materials. Cards sent to and visits with senior citizens in nursing homes
Support of STAND ministries and their work in schools
Support of Kenn and Tj's Tent ministry
Teach people how to read and how to read the Bible
Support Political Candidates who support God and a return to family values.
Taking the word to hospitals, children's hospitals and cancer centers to read to the patients, doctors and nurses.
Long Term:
Worldwide adolescent centers for all youth that would be staffed with professional volunteers and where kids could come and not only be safe but be taught about God
To support and sponsor at least two major world missions per month
Building new senior centers that are run by volunteers and supported by ministry funds.
Funding political campaigns of those who support God and a return of prayer in schools
Fund legislation for a return of prayer in schools
Establish missions and churches worldwide
Saturday, June 11, 2011
When God Speaks
Perhaps you are already aware of God's foundation law, Seedtime and Harvest. But for those who are not, it behooves us to start with an explanation: Seedtime and Harvest is the basis or foundation principle of all that God has done, created, is doing, or will ever do. It is without exception, the fundamental law or principle that He operates within, and all other laws of God operate within. In other words, no other law or principle operates outside of the law or principle of seedtime and harvest.
Now would be a good time to note that God always operates within laws or principles. There is a very good reason for this. For every time God speaks or makes a statement, it does two things, it becomes fact and it becomes law. It can be said that every time God speaks, He creates. For instance, if it is Tuesday and God said it was Thursday, then it becomes Thursday! God's spoken word is the creative force of the universe, but this is another subject. Suffice to say, that when God says something is so, it becomes a law.
It would therefore also behoove us to know something more about laws, or what a law is before we go any further. The most important thing to know about a law is that it is changeless. It is not a probability, something that happens sometimes. It is repeatable and finite. If a law is really a law, it is always so every single time, without fail. In other words, if it is a law, it will always be true. It is also appropriate to say that all truth, if it is in fact the truth, will be found and substantiated in God's Word. If it cannot be found and verified in God's Word, then it is not of God and therefore not true.
Let's listen to what God has to say about seedtime and harvest in His Word:
"While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
And cold and heat,
And summer and winter,
And day and night
Shall not cease."
Genesis 8:22
(New American Standard Bible)
What God is saying here is: "Here is my foundation principle and law within which I operate. It will remain in force as long as the earth remains." One could logically deduce that the reason He is telling us this is He wants us to be about the business of learning what this principle is about and operating within it. He doesn't want us to even contemplate a time when we would not consider this law, or to consider the remote possibility that we could operate outside of this law, which we can't.
It's a fact that everything we think, say, and do is a seed. It's a sobering thought that you cannot operate outside of this law of seedtime and harvest. (By the way, even the ungodly who are not a part of God's kingdom operate within the confines of seedtime and harvest. Seedtime and harvest affects everyone). So what do we know about this process and law, seedtime and harvest
?
The Multiplication Factor
First, seeds grow up, they mature. But that's not all they do, they also multiply. Think about it: Did you ever see a corn plant grow up and produce just one more corn seed? Of course not, it grows up and produces ears with rows and rows more corn seeds. Now, if you haven't made the connection yet with what this has to do with your life, let me help you. For if all that we think, say, or do is a seed, and seeds grow up and multiply, that is, produce many more of their own kind, then we'd better like the seeds we're planting, and make no mistake about it, like it or not, we're all planting. So we are all operating within this process of seedtime and harvest weather we like it or not!
Sowing Seeds Intentionally
But how does God want His process of seedtime and harvest used or applied? He wants us to use this process and law, with its multiplication factor, of sowing and reaping intentionally, for the good of His kingdom. He wants us to sow seeds according to His will. " But how do we know we are sowing according to His will" you may be asking? The answer is in the book of John:
"The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." (John 10:10) This scripture verse tells us how to identify our seed. Does the seed we are sowing come under the heading of killing, stealing, or destroying? Or does it come under the heading of life and life more abundantly? Let me give you an example: A seed of love (and God is love [I John 4:8]) is obviously a "life more abundantly" seed. It is a fact that love produces abundant life. Now a seed of hate conversely, destroys and is of the enemy.
Let's think of some other examples: If you are a Christian, what seed did you sow to get saved? You got saved by sowing a seed of faith, obviously a godly seed. If you've been a Christian for a while, you may have sown monetary seeds into the kingdom of God. These are obviously godly seeds of which you can expect a harvest, that's the multiplication factor. But what if you sowed an ungodly monetary seed, spending your money on various forms of dissipation against the will of God? I'm sure you can think of many examples of this. Well, you can expect those seeds to multiply also, but you're not going to like the resultant harvest! For an ungodly seed, just like a godly seed, can only produce after it's own kind or reproduce itself. But don't forget the one corn seed, it's not just going to produce one more of it's own kind, it's going to produce many, many more, the multiplication factor.
So first we must become aware of this process and law of seedtime and harvest. The next step we need to take is to start to sow seeds intentionally according to God's will. The beauty of this law and process God calls seedtime and harvest, is the multiplication factor. For where good seeds are sown for and into the kingdom of God, you can expect a multiplied harvest of joy and life.
Look how Jesus depicted the kingdom of heaven in the 13th chapter of Matthew:
(31) "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field;
(32) and this is smaller than all other seeds; but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches." (Matthew 13:31-32)
Be aware of the seeds you sow, are they godly seeds? Sow seeds according to God's will, and you'll be pleased with the harvest. And if you're not sure what seeds He wants you to sow? Just ask Him, He'll tell you.
Now would be a good time to note that God always operates within laws or principles. There is a very good reason for this. For every time God speaks or makes a statement, it does two things, it becomes fact and it becomes law. It can be said that every time God speaks, He creates. For instance, if it is Tuesday and God said it was Thursday, then it becomes Thursday! God's spoken word is the creative force of the universe, but this is another subject. Suffice to say, that when God says something is so, it becomes a law.
It would therefore also behoove us to know something more about laws, or what a law is before we go any further. The most important thing to know about a law is that it is changeless. It is not a probability, something that happens sometimes. It is repeatable and finite. If a law is really a law, it is always so every single time, without fail. In other words, if it is a law, it will always be true. It is also appropriate to say that all truth, if it is in fact the truth, will be found and substantiated in God's Word. If it cannot be found and verified in God's Word, then it is not of God and therefore not true.
Let's listen to what God has to say about seedtime and harvest in His Word:
"While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
And cold and heat,
And summer and winter,
And day and night
Shall not cease."
Genesis 8:22
(New American Standard Bible)
What God is saying here is: "Here is my foundation principle and law within which I operate. It will remain in force as long as the earth remains." One could logically deduce that the reason He is telling us this is He wants us to be about the business of learning what this principle is about and operating within it. He doesn't want us to even contemplate a time when we would not consider this law, or to consider the remote possibility that we could operate outside of this law, which we can't.
It's a fact that everything we think, say, and do is a seed. It's a sobering thought that you cannot operate outside of this law of seedtime and harvest. (By the way, even the ungodly who are not a part of God's kingdom operate within the confines of seedtime and harvest. Seedtime and harvest affects everyone). So what do we know about this process and law, seedtime and harvest
?
The Multiplication Factor
First, seeds grow up, they mature. But that's not all they do, they also multiply. Think about it: Did you ever see a corn plant grow up and produce just one more corn seed? Of course not, it grows up and produces ears with rows and rows more corn seeds. Now, if you haven't made the connection yet with what this has to do with your life, let me help you. For if all that we think, say, or do is a seed, and seeds grow up and multiply, that is, produce many more of their own kind, then we'd better like the seeds we're planting, and make no mistake about it, like it or not, we're all planting. So we are all operating within this process of seedtime and harvest weather we like it or not!
Sowing Seeds Intentionally
But how does God want His process of seedtime and harvest used or applied? He wants us to use this process and law, with its multiplication factor, of sowing and reaping intentionally, for the good of His kingdom. He wants us to sow seeds according to His will. " But how do we know we are sowing according to His will" you may be asking? The answer is in the book of John:
"The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." (John 10:10) This scripture verse tells us how to identify our seed. Does the seed we are sowing come under the heading of killing, stealing, or destroying? Or does it come under the heading of life and life more abundantly? Let me give you an example: A seed of love (and God is love [I John 4:8]) is obviously a "life more abundantly" seed. It is a fact that love produces abundant life. Now a seed of hate conversely, destroys and is of the enemy.
Let's think of some other examples: If you are a Christian, what seed did you sow to get saved? You got saved by sowing a seed of faith, obviously a godly seed. If you've been a Christian for a while, you may have sown monetary seeds into the kingdom of God. These are obviously godly seeds of which you can expect a harvest, that's the multiplication factor. But what if you sowed an ungodly monetary seed, spending your money on various forms of dissipation against the will of God? I'm sure you can think of many examples of this. Well, you can expect those seeds to multiply also, but you're not going to like the resultant harvest! For an ungodly seed, just like a godly seed, can only produce after it's own kind or reproduce itself. But don't forget the one corn seed, it's not just going to produce one more of it's own kind, it's going to produce many, many more, the multiplication factor.
So first we must become aware of this process and law of seedtime and harvest. The next step we need to take is to start to sow seeds intentionally according to God's will. The beauty of this law and process God calls seedtime and harvest, is the multiplication factor. For where good seeds are sown for and into the kingdom of God, you can expect a multiplied harvest of joy and life.
Look how Jesus depicted the kingdom of heaven in the 13th chapter of Matthew:
(31) "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field;
(32) and this is smaller than all other seeds; but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches." (Matthew 13:31-32)
Be aware of the seeds you sow, are they godly seeds? Sow seeds according to God's will, and you'll be pleased with the harvest. And if you're not sure what seeds He wants you to sow? Just ask Him, He'll tell you.
Prayer Has
Prayer has divided seas, rolled up flowing rivers, made flinty rocks gush into fountains, quenched flames of fire, muzzled lions, disarmed vipers and poisons, marshaled the stars against the wicked, stopped the course of the moon, arrested the rapid sun in its great race, burst open iron gates, conquered the strongest devils, commanded legions of angels down from heaven. Prayer has bridled and changed the raging passions of man, and routed and destroyed vast armies of proud, daring atheists. Prayer has brought one man from the bottom of the sea, and carried another in a chariot of fire to heaven; what has prayer not done!
Friday, June 10, 2011
The New School Prayer
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen
If you aren't ashamed to do this, please pass this on.
Jesus said, " if you are ashamed of me," I will be ashamed
of you before my Father."
Not ashamed. Passing this on ...
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen
If you aren't ashamed to do this, please pass this on.
Jesus said, " if you are ashamed of me," I will be ashamed
of you before my Father."
Not ashamed. Passing this on ...
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Spiritual Warfare and the Christian Soldier
"The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted."
(Prov. 29:25)
Believers all over the world have become trapped in the snare of the fear on man. They are afraid to publicly show their faith; they are afraid to share the gospel with unsaved friends and coworkers; they are afraid to obey Christ when it may bring ridicule.
"Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue;
In these verses, we see some men who were ensnared by the fear of man. They would not openly express their belief in Jesus for fear of losing the privileges of their religious positions. But ultimately, this showed that they sought man's approval above that of God, and they feared man more than God.
Let's see what God has to say of the fear of man in Luke 12:4-9.
4 "I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do.
5 "But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!
6 "Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
8 "And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God;
9 but he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God."
Man only has power to harm in this life on earth. God controls eternity and has power to punish in hell and to reward in heaven.
"I, even I, am He who comforts you.
Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies
And of the son of man who is made like grass,
That you have forgotten the LORD your Maker,
Who stretched out the heavens
And laid the foundations of the earth,
That you fear continually all day long because of the fury of the oppressor,
As he makes ready to destroy?
But where is the fury of the oppressor?"
(Is 51:12-13)
Man is powerless beside almighty God. We should live our lives with the ultimate goal of pleasing God in everything. Don't be afraid of what other people say and do--fear the Lord, who controls eternity. Let us stand up for God and be the true Christian Soldiers that He has called us to be.
Matthew 16:17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
Mark 4:19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Ephesians 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Ephesians 2:2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
Ephesians 3:10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
Ephesians 6:10-17 ...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Why Spiritual Armor?
Romans 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Jeremy 46:3-4 "Prepare your shields, both large and small, and march out for battle! Harness the horses, mount the steeds! Take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears, put on your armour!"
1 Corinthians 14:8 For if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who will get himself ready for war?
Stand!
Luke 21:36 "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Malachil 3:2 But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears?..
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Jude 1:24 But to Him who is able to keep you safe from stumbling, and cause you to stand in the presence of His glory free from blemish and full of exultant joy...
James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
The Belt of Truth
Ephesians 6:14 ...fasten the belt of truth around your waist...
Isa 11:5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash round his waist.
Exodus 12:11 This is how you are to eat it [the passover lamb]: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand...
1 Kings 18:46 The power of the Lord came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.
Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, put away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor."
Ray Stedman: "No Christian has the right to a private life. Our lives are to be lived openly before all men, transparent, a spectacle unto all the world. We have no private lives and we must not expect to have. This is basically and fundamentally wrong. Christians are to be demonstrations of the truth."
John 4:24 "God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth."
Colossians 3:8-10 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
2 Thessalonians 2:10 ...They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Philipians 3:9 ...Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.
Isaiah 59:16-17 ...Then His own arm brought salvation to Him, and His righteousness upheld Him. He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head...
Exodus 28:15 "Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions... Make it like the ephod..."
1Kings 3:9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.
Psalms 94:15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Proverbs 2:7-8 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path.
Standing on The Gospel
Eph 6:15 ...your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Eph 6:15 ...as well as the shoes of the Good News of peace--a firm foundation for your feet.
Rom 10:15 ...As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
Imagine yourself standing barefooted in a rocky climate, like in the Middle East. You could move--ever so carefully--but without shoes you would be useless in battle. The weight of the other pieces of armor would only make your feet more sensitive if you had no protection. You would be a "push-over" for the enemy, as you would have no agility and be wincing in pain every time you attempted to move. This is why it is essential to have our "feet shod with the gospel of peace".
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 But let me recall to you, brethren, the Good News [Gospel] which I brought you, which you accepted, and on which you are standing, through which also you are obtaining salvation, if you bear in mind the words in which I proclaimed it--unless indeed your faith has been unreal from the very first...-- that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that He was buried; that He rose to life again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
This is the gospel as we have received it. It is foolishness to many, but life and light to those who believe in it and are willing to follow and be "included in" Christ's death. In practice, the Gospel means we are dead to our self-life with all of its lusts and instincts, and alive with new life in Christ. The good news is that by considering ourselves "dead men" in Christ, we can be put at peace with God in Christ. If we have truly died to self, then over time our instincts will be "dead" to the rocks and glass and thorns of this world which used to move us. Those standing on the gospel will not react in the flesh. Instead, we will move by God's Spirit with a protected disregard for such "fleshly" considerations, being "readied" by the "shoes" of the "death, burial, and resurrection of Christ", which is the Gospel that brings peace.
1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.
Galatians 5:16-17 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
Romans 8:5-13 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ...the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God... But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Isaiah 52:6-7 "Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I. How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation [Yeshua, Jesus!] who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'"
The Helmet Of Salvation [Jesus]
Isaiah 59:16-17 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation [Yeshua] upon his head...
1 Thesalonians 5:8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love; and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
Psalms 140:7 "O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation [Yeshua], You have covered my head in the day of battle."
Jesus--Yeshua in Hebrew--means "Salvation". Salvation is Jesus Christ.
Colossiansl 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church...
1 Corinthians 2:16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
Philipians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...
1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Ephesians 4:14-16 ...We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
The Sword of The Spirit - The Word of God
Isaiah 49:2 He has made My mouth like a sharp sword, In the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me; And He has also made Me a select arrow, He has hidden Me in His quiver.
Matthew Henry: "To the Christian armed for defense in battle, the apostle recommends only one weapon of attack; but it is enough, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. It subdues and mortifies evil desires and blasphemous thoughts as they rise within; and answers unbelief and error as they assault from without. A single text, well understood, and rightly applied, at once destroys a temptation or an objection, and subdues the most formidable adversary."
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
2 Corinthians 6:7 ...in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left...
Psalms 149:4-6 For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honour and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.
The Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:16 ...take the great shield of faith, on which you will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the Wicked one.
Psalms 35:1-3,9 Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."... Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation [yes, Yeshua again].
Psalms 3:2-3 Many are saying of my soul, There is no salvation for him in God. Selah. But You, O Jehovah, are a shield around me; [you are] my glory and He who lifts up my head.
1 Peter 1:5 ...who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Psalms 33:20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 John 5:4-5 For every child of God overcomes the world; and the victorious principle which has overcome the world is our faith. Who but the man that believes that Jesus is the Son of God overcomes the world?
Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
Be Strong In The Lord, By the Power of Grace
1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
2 Timothy 2:1 ...Be empowered by grace in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:7 ...I was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me, according to the working of His power.
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Colossians 1:11 Since His power is so glorious, may you be strengthened with strength of every kind, and be prepared...
Philipians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
The Battle is The Lord's
1 Samuel 17:47 [David, speaking to Goliath] "Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands."
Deuteronomy 20:3-4 ..."Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be faint-hearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
Psalms 18:32-35 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
Zecariah 4:6 ..."'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."
Rom 11:36 Because of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Spiritual Warfare: The Battle for God's Glory
Winning Spiritual Warfare
The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare: Revised & Updated
Everyone's Guide to Demons & Spiritual Warfare: Simple, Powerful Tools for Outmaneuvering Satan in Your Daily Life
(Prov. 29:25)
Believers all over the world have become trapped in the snare of the fear on man. They are afraid to publicly show their faith; they are afraid to share the gospel with unsaved friends and coworkers; they are afraid to obey Christ when it may bring ridicule.
"Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue;
In these verses, we see some men who were ensnared by the fear of man. They would not openly express their belief in Jesus for fear of losing the privileges of their religious positions. But ultimately, this showed that they sought man's approval above that of God, and they feared man more than God.
Let's see what God has to say of the fear of man in Luke 12:4-9.
4 "I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do.
5 "But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!
6 "Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
8 "And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God;
9 but he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God."
Man only has power to harm in this life on earth. God controls eternity and has power to punish in hell and to reward in heaven.
"I, even I, am He who comforts you.
Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies
And of the son of man who is made like grass,
That you have forgotten the LORD your Maker,
Who stretched out the heavens
And laid the foundations of the earth,
That you fear continually all day long because of the fury of the oppressor,
As he makes ready to destroy?
But where is the fury of the oppressor?"
(Is 51:12-13)
Man is powerless beside almighty God. We should live our lives with the ultimate goal of pleasing God in everything. Don't be afraid of what other people say and do--fear the Lord, who controls eternity. Let us stand up for God and be the true Christian Soldiers that He has called us to be.
Matthew 16:17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
Mark 4:19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Ephesians 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Ephesians 2:2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
Ephesians 3:10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
Ephesians 6:10-17 ...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Why Spiritual Armor?
Romans 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Jeremy 46:3-4 "Prepare your shields, both large and small, and march out for battle! Harness the horses, mount the steeds! Take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears, put on your armour!"
1 Corinthians 14:8 For if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who will get himself ready for war?
Stand!
Luke 21:36 "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Malachil 3:2 But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears?..
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Jude 1:24 But to Him who is able to keep you safe from stumbling, and cause you to stand in the presence of His glory free from blemish and full of exultant joy...
James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
The Belt of Truth
Ephesians 6:14 ...fasten the belt of truth around your waist...
Isa 11:5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash round his waist.
Exodus 12:11 This is how you are to eat it [the passover lamb]: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand...
1 Kings 18:46 The power of the Lord came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.
Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, put away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor."
John 4:24 "God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth."
Colossians 3:8-10 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
2 Thessalonians 2:10 ...They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Philipians 3:9 ...Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.
Isaiah 59:16-17 ...Then His own arm brought salvation to Him, and His righteousness upheld Him. He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head...
Exodus 28:15 "Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions... Make it like the ephod..."
1Kings 3:9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.
Psalms 94:15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Proverbs 2:7-8 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path.
Standing on The Gospel
Eph 6:15 ...your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Eph 6:15 ...as well as the shoes of the Good News of peace--a firm foundation for your feet.
Rom 10:15 ...As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 But let me recall to you, brethren, the Good News [Gospel] which I brought you, which you accepted, and on which you are standing, through which also you are obtaining salvation, if you bear in mind the words in which I proclaimed it--unless indeed your faith has been unreal from the very first...-- that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that He was buried; that He rose to life again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.
Galatians 5:16-17 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
Romans 8:5-13 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ...the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God... But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Isaiah 52:6-7 "Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I. How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation [Yeshua, Jesus!] who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'"
The Helmet Of Salvation [Jesus]
Isaiah 59:16-17 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation [Yeshua] upon his head...
1 Thesalonians 5:8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love; and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
Psalms 140:7 "O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation [Yeshua], You have covered my head in the day of battle."
Colossiansl 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church...
1 Corinthians 2:16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
Philipians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...
1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Ephesians 4:14-16 ...We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
The Sword of The Spirit - The Word of God
Isaiah 49:2 He has made My mouth like a sharp sword, In the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me; And He has also made Me a select arrow, He has hidden Me in His quiver.
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
2 Corinthians 6:7 ...in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left...
Psalms 149:4-6 For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honour and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.
The Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:16 ...take the great shield of faith, on which you will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the Wicked one.
Psalms 35:1-3,9 Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."... Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation [yes, Yeshua again].
Psalms 3:2-3 Many are saying of my soul, There is no salvation for him in God. Selah. But You, O Jehovah, are a shield around me; [you are] my glory and He who lifts up my head.
1 Peter 1:5 ...who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Psalms 33:20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 John 5:4-5 For every child of God overcomes the world; and the victorious principle which has overcome the world is our faith. Who but the man that believes that Jesus is the Son of God overcomes the world?
Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
Be Strong In The Lord, By the Power of Grace
1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
2 Timothy 2:1 ...Be empowered by grace in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:7 ...I was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me, according to the working of His power.
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Colossians 1:11 Since His power is so glorious, may you be strengthened with strength of every kind, and be prepared...
Philipians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
The Battle is The Lord's
1 Samuel 17:47 [David, speaking to Goliath] "Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands."
Deuteronomy 20:3-4 ..."Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be faint-hearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
Psalms 18:32-35 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
Zecariah 4:6 ..."'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."
Rom 11:36 Because of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Spiritual Warfare: The Battle for God's GloryWinning Spiritual WarfareThe Handbook for Spiritual Warfare: Revised & UpdatedEveryone's Guide to Demons & Spiritual Warfare: Simple, Powerful Tools for Outmaneuvering Satan in Your Daily Life
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