Acknowledging God pt. 2

Some may think acknowledging God is doing the basic things like thanking him for our food at mealtime or at nighttime before we go to bed and that is good but acknowledging God is deeper then that.   Acknowledging God is not patchy or a sporadic faith but a constant faith.  

When I was young I could recite my prayers, probably in my sleep, but I gave no thought to what I was actually saying.  “God is great, God is good, and we thank Him for this food, Amen.”  “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Amen.” 

Those prayers were good… simple… prayers but I must admit, I wasn’t genuinely acknowledging God most times I said them so they weren’t really prayers but just words.  At times they were just as necessary to my little mind as tying my shoes before heading outside to play or washing my hands before I ate…  They had no real significance. 

They were a routine task not a genuine conversation with the living, powerful, great, holy God.  Thank my parents and grandparents who prayed such prayers with me for God is good!  God is great!  And it was good to know (at least in my mind) there was a good and great God.  And growing up in some difficult times I needed a great and good God talk to. 

Later I would only go to him or acknowledge him when I found myself in some trial or difficult situation.  He would help me and I would go on with life as usual and forget many times to thank him.  As the word says, "Your kindness to the wicked does not make them do good.  Although others do right, the wicked keep doing wrong and take no notice of the LORD's majesty." (Isaiah 26:10)  This is about the same time I began to formulate who God was in my mind but God wasn’t GOD I prayed to as a little child but some false “god” I made up to justify my sinful actions and make myself feel good.

And just because I fooled myself into believing such a lie, it didn’t change the reality of who God really was and is.   God isn’t just love but also a just, righteous and Holy God who judges people and sends people to hell for believing such false ideas as I had of Him.  Who you believe God or god to be will determine how you act and live. 
  
Jesus said makes an illustration of those who believe (see) in God and those who believe (see) in some sort of other god that is man made or created in our mind to justify our sinful actions.   "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body.  When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it bad, your body is filled with darkness.  Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness.  If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light." Luke 11:34-36

A salad bar god or a buffet god of “our” choosing is a lie.  If GOD isn’t the GOD in the bible then it isn’t GOD… and I am not talking about some of God in the bible but all of God in the bible. If our "god" isn't the GOD in the bible then it does us no good in our life.  It's a lie! 

I did as people do today, “Yes they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks.  And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like.  The result was that their minds became dark and confused.  Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead.  And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people, or birds and animals and snakes.  So God let them go ahead and do whatever shameful things their hearts desired….” Romans 1:21-23

“When they refused to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their evil minds, and let them do things that should never be done.   Their lives because full over every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip.   They were backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful.   They are forever inventing new ways of sinning and are disobedient to their parents.  They refuse to understand, break promises, and are heartless and unforgiving.   They are fully aware of God’s death penalty for those who do these things yet they go right ahead and do them anyway.  And worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.” Romans 1:28-32

That is precisely what God did with me.  I had walked away from God for so long he allowed and watched me dig a deep dark hole I could not possibly get out of.  Some of us must learn the heard way.

People try everything in their human strength and might to climb out of the holes they dig but there isn’t some magic ladder or rope or trampoline to get them out of the hole they dig themselves into.    After they literally wear themselves out and seeing their life as worthless or meaningless God’s faithfulness is like stone monuments standing in bleak hard dry landscape of their mind.   

They have a choice.   To stay in that hole of death and decay (because of stubbornness and pride) not wanting God’s intervention or hand over their life to God where God takes it and restores it.  As the word says, “ When the people return to their homeland, they will remove every trace of their detestable idol worship.  And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them.   I will take away their hearts of stone and give them tender hearts instead, so they will obey my laws and regulations.  Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.  But as for those who long for idols, I will repay them fully for their sins, says the Sovereign LORD.”  Ezekiel 11:18-21

Yep the "god" I created in my head was an idol.  The idol I created in my head was made by my own foolishness, blindness, stubbornness and pride.  God, the one who was kind was the only one left to help me.  His kindness was the only thing left in my barren landscape of my life.  I had to turn to him.  I had to acknowledge the one true God- Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit.  Thank God for his mercy and grace and goodness he did not only take my life but transformed it!   
If you think you’re too macho for God’s help you are only fooling yourself.   You are merely only breathing you are not living.  The things you fill your life with are worthless and false my friend.  And if you think you aren't worth saving think again.  God Himself came down from heaven and paid for our sins so we could approach his throne and be accepted by Him but it's a choice to accept Him or reject Him. 

Acknowledging God is a relationship and dependence on God of the bible, the creator of the heavens and earth.  (Genesis 1:1)  Acknowledging God is a commitment to God and it is the most important choice you will make everyday of your life.

I can have beliefs in something but it means nothing if that something isn’t true.  I can have religion but then it is just religion.   When God comes into your life you “know” it.

 CONDITIONAL

We are all called by God but not everyone comes.   
Jesus gave this story to illustrate this point.  "A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations.  When all was ready, he sent his servant around to notify the guests that is was time for them to come.  But they all began making excuses.  One said he had just bought a field and wanted to inspect it, so he asked to be excused. Another said he had just bought five pair of oxen and wanted to try them out.  Another had just been married, so he said he couldn't come.  The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was angry and said, 'Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the city and invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind.'  After the servant had done this, he replied. 'There is still room for more.'  So his master said. 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.  For none of those I invited first will get even the smallest taste of what I had prepared for them.'"

Eternal life in heaven and living a life in the power of Jesus Christ is conditional on acknowledging God in your life.  

Making a difference in your family, friends, neighbors, community is conditional on acknowledging God.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

With all this extra worthlessness and falsehood negative “noise” of the political season, this is important to remember.   The candidates for President are not the ones who will make a difference for America (or in any other country for that matter).

Look what God says…  “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 
Christians -the healing of our land is conditional on us seeking him, turning from our lack of conviction and walking in his ways.  It’s standing up to what is wrong and speaking out against what is wrong…. Of course if you don’t do it in love it is pointless and no value whatsoever. (Refer Corinthians 13, Colossians 3:12-14)

 CHANGE

We hear a lot of presidential candidates promises for “change” but no positive, meaningful and lasting change can happen unless God is in it and remains in it.  The same is true as individuals.

Meaningful lasting change in an individual happens when:
 1. We turn to God. (Give our life to God/ acknowledge God and he will meet us where we are at.  If you never acknowledge God then he can’t help you.)

2. Jesus becomes Lord and Savior of our life.  (We Receive God’s Holy Spirit who gives us the ability to read and understand the bible.  God teaches and matures us through his Holy Spirit as we continue to look to and acknowledge God in our life.)

3. We are changed from glory to glory by God. (We continue to acknowledge God. We fuel up and draw from God’s goodness and godliness everyday and throughout the day.   The Holy Spirit enables us to change, receive spiritual nourishment, grow, mature and live in the power of Christ Jesus.)  “And all of us have had the veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord.  And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.”  2 Corinthians 3:18

BUT if there is no acknowledgement of God then there is only spiritual decay and death.  No building maturing of faith can take place without the continual acknowledgment of God.

Jesus says: “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance.  But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away” Matthew 25:29

“But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted.  They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.”  2 Peter 1:9

“But you, dear friend, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith.  And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20

“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales.  Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness.  Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. “ 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Words are just words until there is action.  Words are deemed foolishness unless there is godly action stemmed by the individual acknowledging God... God is working in that person.  That person is dependent upon God/Christ.  Which gives them the conviction to live a godly and holy life.

God isn’t just looking for words but action.  He is looking for his people to turn to him and trust in him.  

It may seem that Christians are a small minority but they are not.  73% of Americans consider themselves “Christians”.   Yes God has preserved thousands of others in his name.  You and they are a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see.   But you can't glow and grow unless you acknowledge God -not just in your head but also in your heart.    

But that being said, let us say we as Christians were a small minority, God would still work on our behalf for he is faithful to those who are faithful to him.  God would expect us to continue in faith even when things looked dismal and grim.   Look at all the times in the Old Testament where things looked dismal and grim and God did awesome and wonderful works.  He would confuse the enemy to turn on themselves.   He protected Daniel in the lion’s den.  He protected and was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they were thrown into the raging and burning furnace when they wouldn’t serve other gods and worship the golden statue that Nebuchadnezzar set up.   “God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.” Matthew 5:3  

No positive “Godly” change can happen unless God’s people who are “Christians or Jewish Christian,” humble themselves and pray and seek his face and turn from their wicked ways, then God says he will hear us and forgive us and heal our land.

Change is conditional on our faithfulness.  The world may never change but those in the world who are touched by God do change.  They make a difference in those around them as they acknowledge God. 

We are responsible.  We are accountable.   We have the choice.  The church has not stood up in the Holy Spirit and spoke and lived the truth to the world because they have forgotten who God is…  they have not acknowledge Him as he really is.    We have not spoken the truth to our neighbor so how do we expect them to behave?  We have feared mere men and compromised in the things of the world so how is a person to see us anything different then the rest of the world?     

God is not in the “religious” church.  He has walked through those types of churches, just read in the book of Revelation and see what he says.   He is in the body of Christ that seeks his face to meet every need and obeys him through the strength and power of the Holy Spirit.   He is in the church that lives “in” their salvation, which is Christ Jesus.   He is not in the church that just has a word of God only in the mind for it is only on their lips not their heart.  However he is in the church and individual that has and wants the word of God living and growing in their heart.

Judgment awaits a countries’ people that has given themselves to the ethics, morality, understanding and captivity of the world and not to the captivity of Christ. 

The world’s captivity is made and created by the foolishness, falsehood and worthless ideals of man.  You can’t take what the world values with you when you die and you waste precious time and resources to acquire and trying to acquire it only to be a slave to what you have and want to have.  And even then once you acquire those things you are still unsatisfied.

Ask a rich man who has had power, popularity, possessions, what did he want to gain or attain through his worldly wealth?   The world continually cheats him and makes him thirsty for peace and joy.   Everything he acquires in hopes to make his soul rich seems to slip through his fingers.  His life is empty.   He is the poorest of men and those seen as poor but have faith in God are the richest of men.

Don’t be fooled by those who preach prosperity of material wealth.

Jesus disciplines the church of Laodicea by saying, “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold.  I wish you were one or the other!   But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!  You say, ‘I am rich.  I have everything I want.  I don’t need a thing!’  And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and power and blind and naked.  I advise you to buy gold from me- gold that has been purified by fire.  Then you will be rich.  And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness.   And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.  I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love.  Be diligent and turn from your indifference.” Revelation 3:17-19

God’s prosperity is priceless and pure.  In and under God, one is constantly clothed in the prosperity of peace, love, hope, joy, grace, mercy, humility, kindness, gentleness, patience and self-control.   Remember what Jesus said about the birds and lilies.   Matthew 6:26-33.  

 What do we Christians convey?  How is God represented?  Is he a God that satisfies or not?  Is he a God that approves of coveting?  Where is the emphasis being put?  Is there a genuine acknowledgment of God for godly change and growth in our lives to reach and touch others or are we being pulled and becoming captives to the world?

No wonder why word of God says,  “For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin first among God’s own children.   And if even we Christians must be judged, what terrible fate awaits those who have never believed God’s Good News?  And ‘If the righteous are barely saved, what chance will the godless and sinners have?’  1 Peter 4:17-18

Has Jesus returned yet?  No.  So why do you quit working the soil looking at only the conditions when there is still more to do in yourselves and to encourage others.   It comes down to acknowledging God.

God is greater then the conditions....

Hope this has blessed you. 

Acknowledging God pt. 1

God has been talking to me about the focus of acknowledging Him.

First, is it the true God we believe in or just some diluted and watered down and version of God?  Is it just some of his attributes we believe in and not all of them?  It is easy to believe God is love but how about God that sends people to hell, even people we consider “good”?  We forget “For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious stand.”  And “we are only made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins.  And all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.” Romans 3:23, 22 

Second, there is a difference between “where” and “how” we acknowledge God.  Is it only in the head or is it in the heart as well?

Hope lives in the mind but in order for hope to be a steadfast convinced hope not a wavering hope, it must be combined with the faith and love of God that lives in the heart/soul.  Think, no one can genuinely truly praise God with no heartfelt praise for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.    

David says, “Praise the LORD!  I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.  How amazing are the deeds of the LORD!  All who delight in him should ponder them.  Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.  His righteousness never fails.  Who can forget the wonders he performs?  How gracious and merciful is our LORD!  He gives food to those who trust him; he always remembers his covenant.”  Psalms 111:1-5

The manner in which we acknowledge God will either bring honor to his name or not honor to his name.  Is He held up in reverence and respect in our life?

The way in which we acknowledge God will not only affect and impact our personal life but will affect things in the present and what’s to come- in a magnitude and scale that we can only imagine.   Some things most of us don’t even think about because we consider ourselves so…“small” when it comes to the scope and magnitude of the world at large but in reality our role is much greater then we can even grasp.   If we just live in God (that trust in God) then we will shine because we are trusting “in” the source of light. 

Jesus says: “I am the light of the world.  If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”  John 8:12

“I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

The “quality” and “quantity” of acknowledgment we give to God in our lives will echo in positive and negatives ripples like a stone being dropped in a large quiet pond.   The positive and negative ebb and flow of the ripples are conditional on the acknowledgment that is given to God by the maker and receiver of the ripples.   If one meditates very little on who God is and what he had done and what he is capable of accomplishing then what do you thinking the quality of their mindset will be?

A marriage won’t last the difficult times if there is a lack of acknowledgment in God.   A lack of acknowledgment in God causes selfishness, compromise and acceptance of worldly ideals to creep in.   And before you know it, the gremlins multiply and take over.    

The lack of acknowledgment in God opens wide the gates in which sinful wants of the flesh and temptations by Satan are allowed to roost and play.  The effects are destructive and harmful.

Acknowledging God is a commitment and trust in God and that commitment and trust helps a couple endure many difficult times BUT if there is not commitment and trust in God by both husband and wife, the marriage will not endure and will fail.   A failed marriage will have negative affects on their children and these affects may even be passed down to their children’s children -IF there is no acknowledgement of God in those generations.   Acknowledgement of God brings about obedience in God and breaks the curses of the previous generations and brings about blessings.   

The current condition of United States is another example of acknowledging and not acknowledging God.  It was built on the principles and morals of God but has not only stopped acknowledging God for fear of a small minority but has taken down anything that has to do with the one true God.  Ten commandments, crosses, prayers and scriptures have been taken down from government buildings and presidential and war memorials.   This nation has continued to compromise in the principles and morals God has set up for a successful nation which the founding fathers of the United States wished for us to keep so it would remain strong. The founding fathers were Christian.  They would want their nation to continue acknowledging God so the freedoms they dearly cherished would be kept for … Their quotes can be found at http://www.wallbuilders.com

And since we (as a nation) have not acknowledged God, the freedoms God has given us- have now started to turn to curses.  The major lack of acknowledgement to God has allowed our government and individuals to twist laws for mere human sinful wants - resulting in a moral, ethical and financial decay and the break down of our nation.   

The book Deuteronomy, Chapter 28 in the bible says it “all” to what will happen to nations built on God and what will happen to that nation that stops acknowledging God.  

I encourage you to read Deuteronomy 28:1-67.  Circle the things that United States used to do and what they don’t do and how it relates to acknowledging and not acknowledging God.   The unfortunate part is some people are too young to even remember when United States didn’t have to barrow money from other countries.   They don’t remember when the “alternative” lifestyle (gay and lesbian) was kept out of sight and view and considered shameful.   They don’t remember when abortion wasn’t spoken about as a common practice.  They don’t remember when United States used to “win” wars instead of give up.   They don’t remember when there wasn’t AIDS and HIV.   They don’t remember when United States wasn’t worried about terrorist threats.  They don’t remember when United States used to manufacture it’s own products.  They don’t remember when business used to be closed on Sundays for the “Lord’s Day” to go to church and spend it with family.  They don’t remember when God’s name was respected on television and not used as a curse word.    

See the affects of not acknowledging God?  Old fashion it is not but sinful and more sinful has this nation has become with little if any acknowledgement of the one True God – Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit.

Remember to Vote

Tuesday, November 6th is the day to vote.   There is a link on the right side of this blog page to help you choose the government officials that go along with what you believe and stand for.   The link is called Vote Smart.  It is very helpful and handy!

Satan Comes to Kill, Steal and Destroy

Those who have read this blog for a while have probably read my personal account on Satan.  So I will not go over that again.   Let me just say, I was foolish in believing Satan wasn't real and thinking he was some fictitious being.   The bible says there is a Satan- just believe there is a Satan.  (No he doesn't have a tail and horns as most of us see him being portrayed.)  He's in total honesty no joking matter.  He is a threat.  1 Peter 5:7  says "Watch out for your great enemy, the devil."


Yes, we all fall into Satan's traps, tricks, tactics and threats every once in a while and we have to shake our head afterward- he's been doing this kill, steal destroy thing for a long time and he's really good at it.  Just remember before he betrayed God, he was God's top angel clothed and decorated in God's glory.  He has a real gift at discouraging a Christian and building up people with pride and watching them fall.  He has whispered convincing mixed trues and lies that have caused some to take their own lives.   He's slow and methodical in his tactics so many don't even know what they are falling into. 

Christians, you have God's Holy Spirit living in you so be diligent to Him instead of Satan.

The word of God says, "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.  Stay alert!  Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.  Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are." 1 Peter 5:6-9

In order for one to be diligent we must have a deep, trust, love and hope in God.  We must not be slip into the discouragement of what is going on around us.  WHO IS YOUR GOD?  IS ANYONE HIGHER AND POWERFUL THEN HIM?  NO!

Satan can't work unless you let him play with your mind.  You let him mess around with you.  You let him put those things that discourage you and manipulate until he has worn you down and make you forget your lasting hope in God.   If he can get your mind off of Christ he can undermine your faith and your ability to work effectively in the Spirit of God.  The Holy Spirit, not only shows you what Satan is up to but empowers you how to stand up to him.   SHUT UP SATAN! I have to say that a lot.  I don't have patience for Satan.  Either did Jesus....

IF you are GOD's kid,  God lives in you and has given you power.  Use it for the glory of God.  

Remember the account of Job.  He didn't have the benefit of having Holy Spirit inside of him as we as Christians do today.  Satan did everything is his power to undermine Job's faith in God and he suffered what most of us don't even want to try to imagine if the same came upon our own life..

Satan can cause many problems.  He can manipulate others and use them as puppets but who is greater...  people or God?  Circumstances or God?  God is is GREATER! 

The word already says, "... Be strong with the Lord's mighty power.  Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against the strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

Again remember to hate the sin.  Hate what the sin is doing to that person but don't hate the person.  Hate for hate does nothing.   Pray for Holy Spirit to open their eyes so they would be set free from their captivity and manipulation of the flesh and Satan.  Pray that the dark puppet strings would be severed along with their hooks.  Be in constant prayer and give every situation that wants to build and mount to God.  

Here is an example: You hear a fellow Christian gripe and complain after God has warned us all not to gripe and complain, then someone does something that makes you feel disrespected and that builds on first situation and then a loved one acts as if you don't do enough for them and what God gives them isn't enough and then that builds on top of the other... and then this important person in your life - you want to share something that you find interesting that God has shown you and they trample over your thoughts and feelings as if they are stupid and not well thought out.  All these little things can add up quite quickly and make one very discouraged if we don't hand over every situation to God in prayer.  

They can robe us of what God has done for us that day.  Yes Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy.
   
Please don't miss understand me.  I am not waging a war on Satan.  I am no demon hunter.  And I am not encouraging anyone to go after Satan.  If you are doing the Lord's work or really considering coming to the Lord- he will come after you.  You don't have to go looking for him he will come after you.   He has so many people chasing worthless and meaningless things so their attention won't be on God.   

As my father-in-law says, "Satan is like drug junkie".  A drug junkie has a miserable life but still he/she encourages others to join them.   Satan is a junkie and he wants as many to share in his miserable doomed fate as he so he entices people with things of this world ( popularity, power, and pleasure.).  "Come and enjoy this!" he encourages.   Think of what some of those things are... and what they cause:  Addictions, coveting, illness, disease, a harden heart. 

Satan wants people to be captive and lost in the things of this world so hopefully they won't figure out that they have wasted all their life on worthlessness and false hopes.  Lost and captive to the things of this world makes it difficult to find Jesus Christ.

As Christians we do need to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves.  We need to pray for those who hurt others and those who have been hurt.  That God may draw them in by his Holy Spirit and give them a life free of Satan's captivity.  We need to trust God.  Who is a righteous, trustworthy, loving and a just God!

Remember the words God spoke to Isaiah to tell Israel "Listen to me, you who know right from wrong and cherish my law in your hearts.  Do not be afraid of people's scorn or their slanderous talk.  For the moth will destroy them as it destroys clothing.  The worm will eat away at them as it eats wool.  But my righteousness will last forever.  My salvation will continue from generation to generation." Isaiah 51:7-8

Are these words for us as well.... WHO IS OUR GOD?

We need to speak up and stand in love, humility and in the power of the salvation God gives us through Christ Jesus.  For we have been told time and time again that we can come fearlessly into God's presence assured of his glad welcome because we belong to Christ... hence the name "Christian".   (Refer: Ephesians 3:12)  Will God not supply all our spiritual needs as well as physical needs?  Have you trusted and asked Him?

"I pray that from his glorious unlimited resources he will give you might inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love."  Ephesians 3:16-17

Notice Paul says "in your hearts" not your minds.  Heart is where the faith is stirred up and and brought forth and brings conviction to do right."  Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

NO CHASING
A time ago I had a dream where Satan was portrayed as enormous cat (big as an elephant) that was causing all these fires around my house.   Tired of putting out the fires I ran inside my house to a great tall suit of armor and grabbed it's sword.   The sword was bigger then I was.   I somehow managed to run outside with the sword with my intentions to go after Satan with it.   Satan was already heading into the woods but I was stopped and told that is wasn't my job to go after Satan but God's.

Satan and his demon's will be dealt with by God.   For just as God deals justly and judges man he does this as well with fallen angels:

"And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment." Jude 1:6

Stand up to Satan but don't chase him.

God rewards people not just in this life but more importantly in eternity for remaining faithful to him.

"So you see, it is impossible to please God without faith.  Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."Hebrews 11:6

So sincerely seek God out when Satan comes at you with temptation, whispers of fears, anxieties, ideas that lack reverence towards God, discouraging and mounting situations.  Trust and give those things to God.

JESUS AND SATAN
Why are Christians a threat? They serve the God who created the heavens and earth.  THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE GOD, who so loved the world that He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins for every man and woman on earth, so those who believe in Jesus Christ and make him Lord of their life will have everlasting life in heaven instead of hell.  (Refer Genesis 1:1, John 3:16)

Why is this a threat?

Satan, prince of this world, wages war on Jesus' Name.  Ever question why Jesus name is so threatening?  People can pray to "that" god and "that" god and it means nothing to Satan but pray in the name of Jesus Christ with true genuine faith and see Satan push people to rid Jesus' name from the public arena.   Why?  Because Jesus Christ is GOD!  He is LORD!  He is the one true God.  (Refer John 17:1-5)  For GOD is Father, Son Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit.  They are not the addition of three gods but the multiplication of the one true God.  They are 1 X 1 X 1= 1

Satan discourages people from knowing the one true God.

Let's take the celebration of Christmas.   He has slowly and methodically stolen the meaning of Christmas from the world has he not?   For hundreds of years people celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day.  Then suddenly out of no where it became a problem.  Satan's time is running out and he wants to take as many souls with him to the same doomed fate he will be facing.   He wants people to miss the entire reason why people celebrate Christmas-which is Jesus.  

Remember when people used to shout "Merry CHRISTMAS!"?   Think about it... no word "Christmas" then no reason to explain the celebration of Christmas- which is Jesus "CHRIST".  The word "Holiday(s) is meaningless

Wow!  A "holiday" with no real reference.  Hum... what's the point of the holiday?   Again Satan has people chasing and accepting meaningless ideas.   Greed was never the reason for Christmas nor Easter.   But greed has made a meaningless "Holiday".   Satan essentially/basically stole the word Christmas but "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" will be planted with joy on my lips this season.

Why is it that the LORD, who came down from heaven to pay for our sins, so those who believe in him can go to heaven instead of hell, is a shame?  Think about it.

STAND
Even though Satan is toothless, we need to stand up against him when he comes against us.  Notice I said "stand".   Don't go chasing after Satan down into some dark woods or bunny hole.  And when I say "stand"  I say stand in the Spirit of God.   For you and I can not stand against him just by our "fleshly" means.  The flesh is weak but the Spirit is willing and able.

Notice the word of God even says: "Stand firm."  Ephesians 6:11  

POWER VS NO POWER
Remember... you must humble yourself before God to live "in" the power of Jesus Christ.  No one working in the flesh truly has any power.

Remember Act 19:13-16  "A team of Jews who were traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus.   The incantation they used was this: "I command you by Jesus, whom Paul preaches to come out!"  Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this.  But when they tried it on a man possessed by an evil spirit, the spirit replied, "I know Jesus, and I know Paul.  But who are you?  And he leaped on them and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and badly injured."

The son of Sceva were using the Jesus Name as child's play.  They had heard it worked when people spoke it but they didn't realize it came out of them through faith in the Spirit of the Lord.  These Jews were doing it for their own fleshly benefit and the evil spirit knew this.   Evil knows where their is the presence of Holy power and not the presence of Holy power.  They were no threat to the evil spirit because the Spirit of God was not living in them and activated in them.

In the Spirit you can stand and only stand against Satan.  In the Spirit of God we can sense fortified presences of evil.

PERSONAL ACCOUNT
Last week I had the blessing of being able to speak to the church.   Satan didn't want me to speak.  He didn't want me speak the truth.  He wanted what was in the dark to stay in the dark.  He didn't want minds alerted and awakened to God's enlightenment.  So he came at me hoping if he handicapped me in the flesh I wouldn't be able to work in the Spirit of God.   He came at me with a dream.

Your mind on anything but God turns off the switch in which we receive from God.

This attack came while I slept.   Satan can "suggest" things in your thoughts when you're awake or asleep.  A bad dream "can" put you in a bad perspective and a bad perspective can make it so you do not to receive from God.

Notice the word "can".  

Complex and twisted this tale was.  Like the smell of someone's bad breath lingering in your face- it lingered.  Like being disoriented after a dizzying amusement park ride this tale was.  In the dream it seemed like everyone was against me.   There was this sense of unknown division.  There was undermining my authority as a parent.   There was judgement and accusations.
  
Finally after a few awakening minutes of this I said, "NO MORE SATAN!  No more division!  No more digging up the past to ruin or hurt the power that would come from the teaching what the Lord wanted me to share. " He wasn't allowed to mess with my purpose God had given me.

I continued, "I will NOT let the pain and deep sorrow that surged my Lord's veins as he was crucified and the power that came from such pain to become meaningless and for nothing!"

The Spirit of Christ rose up inside of me and I said, "NO MORE!"  No this dream of a nightmare- complex and twisted will not influence my attitude this day or any other day!  You can not pass! There is a wall you cannot slither over.  I stomp on the every snake head of all this evil and it will not come to pass,   I will and shall live in the freedom that Christ has paid for in his blood.   In Jesus Name Amen!"

Gone the negative lingering and disorientation/ focus went.

I believe Satan tried to build a stronghold in my mind with this confusing and complex dream.  He knew if he undermined my thoughts with his ideas of division, I would be unproductive in teaching what God had for me to share.

That is one of the reasons why the Spirit had Paul write: "We use God's mighty weapons, not merely worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4

The Spirit of God/Christ (Holy Spirit) activated by a faith of conviction gave me power to remain mindful in the Holy Spirit and in doing so- speak in the Holy Spirit to the church.   If I had allowed the negative dream to stay there and stimulate my thoughts and feelings, my words would have been just words with no power behind them to make a positive impact.

1 Thess 1:5  "For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true."

I noticed that my spirit was quickened when I was given a moving account of Jesus.  Jesus being nailed to the cross and I witnessed his pain and hurt he was going through and it was then a conviction of power came over me to not allow Jesus' pain to become meaningless and for nothing.

Also when the Spirit took over and I didn't really know what the "wall" meant when I said it.    I didn't even question what kind of wall until I was looking in the bible at another passage.  My eyes feel upon the words, " Walls of God's Salvation." 

"In that day, everyone in the land of Judah will sing this song: Our city is strong!  We are surrounded by the walls of God's salvation.  Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful to enter.  You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:1-3

Wow my heart jumped as the words combined with the reality of such a truth!

God has built walls of His salvation around our soul if we truly trust, acknowledge, honor, fear, love, and obey Him.   Jesus Christ is the walls of our salvation.  To live in freedom, our soul must live "in" Him.  In Him is power that we can not even imagine to defeat what Satan wants to steal, kill, and destroy from us and others.

May God give you the power to stand up to Satan as you humble yourself before God and continue to pray and seek Him.    

 




  

The Heart of the Disciple of Jesus Christ.

Do you see your need in Jesus Christ?  CHURCH!  DO YOU SEE YOUR NEED FOR JESUS CHRIST?!!!  How about every moment of everyday?

Isaiah 40:3-5

 “Listen!  I hear the voice of someone shouting, “Making a highway for the LORD through the wilderness.   Make a straight smooth road through the desert for our God.   Fill in the valleys and level the hills.   Straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots.  Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all the people will see it together.  The LORD has spoken!”

These are the conditions of the heart- for the Lord's glory can not be revealed in his people unless the heart is right.  Look at these conditions of the heart.
1. Wilderness:  A heart this is sees and is filled with only the matters and concerns of this life. 

2.  Desert: The heart that is thirsty and dry and hardened. Little if anything good grows there.

3.  Valleys:  The heart filled with doubt and/or discouragement.
4.  Hills: The heart of pride and stubbornness. 

4.  Curves: The heart of inconsistency. 

5.  Rough spots: The heart that has good intentions but is captive to religious thought and routine.

In order for God to work there must be an access of faith- a highway.  That highway of faith we must provide time for and keep well maintained.  For through faith God changes and matures the heart and manifest himself in our life
  

Faith Changes and Matures the heart:
Hebrews 10:14 (NLT) says,  “For by that one offering he perfected forever all those whom he is making holy. ”

Jesus, being the Holy offering, is "making" us holy if we are living in faith and seeing our need in Jesus.  Notice, God says, “make a highway for the Lord through wilderness”?  God just needs you to surrender, humble yourself to him, acknowledge him, show that you need him in order to work in our heart.   That is the highway of faith BUT if there is no highway of faith and no maintaining then how can GOD work in your life if you don’t give him the access that he needs to work in your life?

Remember Romans 1:21 “Yes they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks.  And they began to think up foolish idea of what God was like.  The result was that their minds became dark and confused.”

When people don’t acknowledge God, he can’t work in their hearts and minds.   And when I say "acknowledge", I don't mean just a little bit but with your entire life.)  Notice in 2 Peter 1:3-10 what happens when we do acknowledge our need for God/ Jesus Christ in our lives.

2 Peter 1:3-10 

“As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life.  He called us to receive his own glory and goodness! 
 

(We can’t receive God’s goodness and power to glorify him if we don’t allow him to work in our heart (where faith and love live).   

“And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises.  He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature.”

(God working "in" our heart (not just our mind) gives us a conviction to do what is right despite or regardless of influence of evil, human opinion, materialism, and circumstances around us.)

“So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life."

(Apply God's glorious unlimited resources in your life, which give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit!) Ref. Eph 3:16

"Then your life will produce a life of moral excellence.  A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better.  Knowing God leads to self-control.  Self-control leads to patient endurance and patient endurance leads to godliness.  Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone.   The more you grow like this the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or at least very shortsighted.  They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.”

(Salvation isn’t just about giving your life once to Jesus Christ and doing nothing to maintain it.

Salvation is your relationship with Jesus.  It's meant to be lived in.  You can't buy salvation.  Can you buy a relationship?  If you did, I would wonder if was really a relationship at all.  Jesus' relationship with us is to enrich our lives with his goodness and godliness.

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  Out of the abundance of the heart actions are done. 

 “And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so.  First he says, “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord:  I will put my laws in their hearts so they will understand them, and I will write them on their minds so they will obey them.” Hebrews 10:15

Proof that our relationship with Jesus is being maintained:

1.He is speaking to us.

2.Our words AND actions reflect and glorify Jesus.
3.God stimulates us with his wisdom, grace, mercy, love, hope, power and in return we stimulate by sharing what God has or is doing in our life. 

4.We humbly and lovingly remind other Christians how "we" ought to and should act and live.

5.We are well aware that there is punishment and judgment for those who don’t obey God for God is not just a loving God but also a God of righteousness, justice and judgment.

Hebrews 10: 21-23

“And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s people, let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him.  For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.  Without wavering, let us hold tight to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

(“True” hearts “fully” trusting him.  Holding on tight to the hope that lives in the mind, which stimulates the living faith and love from God in the heart.)

“But let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.” 1 Thess 5:

Hebrews 10:24-31

²⁴ And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,

²⁵ Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.

²⁶ For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward].

²⁷ [There is nothing left for us then] but a kind of awful and fearful prospect and expectation of divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation which will consume those who put themselves in opposition [to God].

²⁸ Any person who has violated and [thus] rejected and set at naught the Law of Moses is put to death without pity or mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

²⁹ How much worse (sterner and heavier) punishment do you suppose he will be judged to deserve who has spurned and [thus] trampled underfoot the Son of God, and who has considered the covenant blood by which he was consecrated common and unhallowed, thus profaning it and insulting and outraging the [Holy] Spirit [Who imparts] grace (the unmerited favor and blessing of God)?

³⁰ For we know Him Who said, Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the meting out of full justice rest with Me]; I will repay [I will exact the compensation], says the Lord. And again, The Lord will judge and determine and solve and settle the cause and the cases of His people.

³¹ It is a fearful (formidable and terrible) thing to incur the divine penalties and be cast into the hands of the living God!

As a disciple of Christ what are our words and actions stimulating in others? 

A love of God? A trust in God? A commitment to God? A reverent fear of God?  It should be all these.

Hebrews 10:35-39 (NLT)

“Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens.  Remember the great reward it brings you!  Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will.  Then you will receive all that he has promised.  ‘For in just a little while, the Coming one will come and not delay.  And a righteous person will live by faith.  But I will have not pleasure in anyone who turns away.’ Ref (Hab 2:3-4)  But we are no like those who turn their backs on God and seal their fate.  We have faith that assures our salvation.”

Your actions say who is and isn’t your God.

Galatians 6:1-9

Notice in the chapter 5 of Galatians, Paul points out those who "will" and "won’t" inherit the Kingdom of God.  It’s not just big things but what some may consider small things. 

He then continues into chapter 6 with this: “Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are “godly” should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.  And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”
 

(In a certain aspect you are your brothers’ and sisters’ liability partner.  Pay attention to what is being spoken in your conversations with people and what is being discipled to you and what you are discipling to others by your words and actions.   (Do they reflect the word of God? or are they something else like rolling your eyes, sighing, murmuring, gossiping, and complaining.  What is your posture?) If what is being said is not right tell them the truth in humility and love, encourage them in right thinking, don’t lie or compromise.  Encourage them in the love of God.   You are accountable in what you say and act in your actions and that is a reflection on God.)

“ Share each other’s troubles and problems, (and in this way obey the law of Christ.  If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself.  You are really a nobody.”

(We all have troubles and problems but have some discernment about who to share them with and have self-control in sharing your troubles and problems.   Be careful of the “quality” and “quantity” of the dumping and sharing.)     

 “Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.  For we are each responsible for our own conduct. 

(Notice when you have done everything according to the Holy Spirit you don’t feel guilty or lesser of a person, there is no justification that needs to be done and you don’t have to compare yourself to anyone else.) 

(Skip 6.  Because you should tithe to your church which gives a salary to your pastor and staff and pays for the utilities and needs of the church.)

 Galations 6:7 “Don’t be misled.  Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it.  You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death.  But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life.  So don’t get tired of doing what is good.  Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.

Again, what your stimulating in those around you?   What is coming out of and living in the heart?  Are you allowing Jesus to meet your need to live and love in a good and godly manner?

Ephesians 4:25-32 GOD’S WORD

 ²⁵ So then, get rid of lies. Speak the truth to each other, because we are all members of the same body.²⁶ Be angry without sinning. Don’t go to bed angry.  

 

(Hate the sin not the person.   Hate what the sin is doing to that person God created in his image. 

  ^{Love 6} It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 1 Corinthians 13:6 (AMP).   It takes God’s love and faith in your heart to do what is right and true.  Don’t bow to sin or compromise but offer in humility and in God’s love what is right and true.

²⁷ Don’t give the devil any opportunity to work. ²⁸ Thieves must quit stealing and, instead, they must work hard. They should do something good with their hands so that they’ll have something to share with those in need.

(I thought this was a strange place for this sentence but God gave me another aspect of this sentence.  We must work hard not to steal the message God is placing in someone’s heart and building in someone’s heart with our own words and actions.  Don't be a thief.  Just think if someone heard you and saw you murmuring and complaining or acting rudely, I can assure you the devil will remind those folks/ people not of the message they received from service but your words and actions.   Again I am reminded of Psalms 4.  "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.  There are many who say, 'Who will show us any good?'  LORD, lift up your light of your countenance upon us.  You will put gladness in my heart, more then the season that their grain and wine increased.") 

²⁹ Don’t say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you. ³⁰ Don’t give God’s Holy Spirit any reason to be upset with you. He has put his seal on you for the day you will be set free from the world of sin.

(God says not to stifle his Holy Spirit.  God says not to bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.  Holy Spirit brings supernatural power to your soul so you can live righteously.   Micah 6:8 says what?  I don’t know about you but first I have to walk humbly with God in order do what is right and love mercy.)

 ³¹ Get rid of your bitterness, hot tempers, anger, loud quarreling, cursing, and hatred. ³² Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ.

The Heart of the Disciple of Jesus Christ knows the word of God in his heart- which makes him aware of his speech.

James says 1:26: “if you don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”

James 3:8-11 “No one can tame the tongue.   It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison.  Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God.  And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth.  Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!  Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?”

The tongue has power!   It can start a uncontrollable fire with just a little spark can it not?    It can bring about division in families and in the body of Christ.   Instead of healing they can cause more trouble.  With the tongue you can speak blessings or curses into other people’s lives.   Just by thinking the worst of someone you can reap the worst in someone because actions follow thoughts.   Control the tongue with a reverent faith in God.   Realize it hurts your relationship with God when you don’t control your tongue.   You are either building up or tearing down with the tongue and actions.  Just think what one comment of light brings in a dark conversation.  

Wisdom in the Heart.
Proverbs 3:9 says we are to honor God with our wealth.  God has entrusted and bestowed and given us great wealth in his wisdom and we are to honor God in that wealth of wisdom not just with lip service but with wisdom that needs to live in our heart and shown in action.  

We are not people who honor God with only our lips but honor God in our hearts as well.   We are “His” people and “His” people know him in their heart because they know what God’s word say and Spirit has a open access through our faith to remind, counsel, and give us direction and discernment.

The Heart Living in the Light 
1 John 1:5-10 “This is the message he has given us to announce to you: God is light and there is no darkness in him at all.  So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness.   We are not living in the truth.  But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin.   If we say we have not sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth.

But if we confess ours sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from every wrong.  If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 

The Heart that Loves

Jesus says “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.  Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35

Your measure of commitment to the Lord will determine the measure of commitment you have for your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Is the burden heavy or is it light?

A disciple of Jesus Christ sees a need everyday for Jesus, not out of some sin conscious, but to be empowered by his love, goodness and godliness.

Do you see a need for Jesus?   

Those transformed by Jesus Christ can’t fill up with what world fills up on because it won’t satisfy them.  Born of the Spirit we need to be feed by the Spirit.

John 3:5-6 “Jesus replied, ‘The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.  Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven.”

Jesus gave those who believe in Him the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit gives us new life from heaven not just once but everyday as we seek and acknowledge the Lord in our life.  He manifests his goodness and godliness in our life but if we look to ourselves we are lost and we won’t live in God’s goodness and godliness.

"Then he said to me, 'This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel:  It is not by force nor by strength, but my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty.'"  Zechariah 4:6

I need Jesus everyday.  I sit and read God’s word until I receive a quickening in my spirit, which is full of God’s goodness and godliness. 

 

“God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.”   “God blesses those whose hearts are pure for they will see God.” Matthew 5:3,8

You can only be salty and light if you are in his (Jesus) light .

John 7:38 Jesus says  “If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within.”

Do you believe in him?  If you do, come and drink from him.

For God to manifest him self in our lives Jesus must live in our hearts and fuel our souls. 

God manifests himself in individuals but he wants to manifest himself in the body of Christ (the Church) as well and in order for that to happen our hearts must have a clear pathway for him to work.  We must be living in Jesus Christ.

(NKJV) Acts 2:1 says “And when the day of Pentecost was ‘fully’ come, they were all with one accord in one place.”

“Fully”… it wasn’t just the disciples it was all of them and they were all in one accord in the Spirit of God in one place.

The heart of the disciple is to see your need in Jesus Christ everyday and live in Him.   So don't turn God's glory to shame.  Put away your love for worthlessness and falsehood and draw from God and live the life God's wants you to experience and live.