More Than Love

 

The words “I love you” have little more meaning unless they are followed up by evidence of that love through actions.

If the saying is only a way to improve one’s status in another’s eyes it is deceptive and meaningless. When you look into someone eyes and say; “I love you” is it real or just meaningless words?

At the point of saying it; do you intend on following those words with actions that support them and give real meaning to them.

1 John 3:18 International Standard Version

“Little children, we must stop expressing love merely by our words and manner of speech; we must love also in action and in truth.”

This has a double application; it means in our interrelationship with others and also our relationship with GOD.  It isn’t enough to say we love GOD we must honor Him by our actions.

1 John 2:5        New Living Translation

But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.

Whether it is a person or GOD saying “I love,” it isn’t enough. We must take the second step and follow through with actions that prove the words spoken.

1 Corinthians 13:1  Aramaic Bible in Plain English

If I shall speak with every human and Angelic language and have no love in me, I shall be clanging brass or a noise-making cymbal.

Do I really love ?

CALEB- THE PROACTIVE

We are Able said Caleb

 

Joshua and Caleb had a vision of what they could do with GOD’S help.

After the ten spies gave their grasshopper report, the men who had gone with them said, “We can’t attack those people! They’re too strong for us!”  So they began to spread lies among the Israelites about the land they had explored.

They said, “The land we explored is one that devours those who live there.  All the people we saw there are very tall.   We saw Nephilim there. (The descendants of Anak are Nephilim.) We felt as small as grasshoppers, and that’s how we must have looked to them.

CALEB and JOSHUA saw things differently; Caleb said, “Let’s go now and take possession of the land. We should be more than able to conquer it.

Because the people rejected GOD’S command to take the land for a possession He declared that they would not go into their possession. Joshua and Caleb were stuck in the wilderness with the faithless Israelites who were operating under the allusion of being able to return to Egypt.

How often are men of GOD hamstrung by the lack of faith of others? Finally after forty years and the faithless ones died off Joshua and Caleb took a greater part of their inheritance promised to Abraham. Then stepped forth Caleb who said he wished to get his part of the Promised Land. In theory it was his but in reality it wasn’t.

Such is the state many Christians today. In theory the promises of GOD are theirs but the reality is they do not possess them. Caleb went forth and fought for what was his and won the battles (which were many) and took the land for him and his descendants. 

Numbers 14:24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to and his descendants will inherit it.

A couple of points to consider here; Caleb took what was promised to him not that which was promised to someone else. Trying to claim what belongs to someone else will lead to failure.

While reading the promises in scripture and having a desire to claim them there is still one more step to take before you engage into battle for them. Ask yourself does this apply to my situation or do I meet the requirements for receiving this promise.

Some pray for power to minister in areas they have not been called to. Others pray for things they don’t have faith to receive them.

Mark 11:23-24"Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.

Keep this in mind that asking without faith (belief) is just talking to yourself.  Each and every answer to prayer is a spiritual battle won. It can only be won by having unfettered faith. It involves the whole Spirit, Soul and Body wholly being committed to the task at hand.

Matthew 26:41Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  In the midst of the battle it is possible to be deterred from task at hand.

If there is no struggle for victory in the prayer you are praying then what you are praying for isn’t worth the effort for you will be resisted by the enemy of your soul if your prayer has merit.

When you pray, keep Caleb in mind.  He had a direct promise, he put actions to his words by doing his part and he was victorious both for himself and his descendants. He allowed GOD to prepare him for the battles of life by obeying the words GOD spoke both corporately to the nation and to him personally.

Romans 6:13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

Do not be too judgmental when others pray but if you sense they are “just talking” instead of fighting the battle for victory then you have an opportunity add your faith to the need for help.

This post is shared at “Tell Me a True Story.”

 

Praying by the rules

 

One of the last things we want to hear about when we pray is you must pray according to the rules.

Most time when we pray it is a situation where we need an answer and want it now. yet GOD has specifically laid out the rules for answered prayer. Mark 11:23-24 is an example of what I am saying;

Mark 11:23-24 King James Version (KJV)  

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 

24 Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Do not Doubt - and Believe - - 

John 15:7 King James Version (KJV)

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

It is important to Abide in Christ and allow His words to be in you - -

 

Matthew 18:19 King James Version (KJV)

19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

It is a good thing to have someone agree with you in prayer - -

So what shall we do?

Since faith is an issue and faith comes by hearing the Word of GOD; find scripture that increases your faith; and then follow the rules attached to the promises of GOD.

Commitment??? NO WAY

Commitment - No Turning Back

 

The sixties and the philosophies of the educators that grew out of that generation created a spiral downward of commitment.

The rejection of the mores of society perhaps was the beginning but the spiral continued until today a large segment of supposed rational people can’t even commit to themselves. They constantly do things that they know is harmful to themselves.

We are far beyond committing to career, marriage, or faith and have substituted fantasy and prolonged adolescence in commitments place.

Charles Colson says an uncommitted Christian is an oxymoron or self-contradictory individual. While this doctrine is gaining in popularity the result is the ten commandments is little more than suggestions and one is free to make up their own list of conduct that is acceptable to them. Of course the lists vary from one individual to another but they give the listener some sense of spirituality.

On the whole they feel no sense of spiritual or social obligation to anything or anybody. This self-focus leads to obsession over ourselves and leaves no room for a relationship which is the crux of the Christian experience.

The anti-war protestors of the sixties theme was; “After all, if nothing is worth dying for then nothing is worth living for.”

The Christian experience demands total commitment to Christ Jesus and his commandments. It is continuous from the new birth until our seating in heaven with Christ. There are no blank spaces.

Contrary to the Hippie generations summary of life there IS something worth dying for and in turn worth living for.  It is to live for Christ. One is to commit themselves totally to Christ holding nothing back.

I hate to add this but are you still hanging onto something you should give up?

Release it for your sake and for Christ sake for he is being judged by your conduct.

Time to commit.

Galatians 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

This post is shared at “Tell Me a True Story.”

 

 

 

 

Lead me to Calvary

 

Could it be that I’m the only one who has experienced what it feels like to be fully redeemed and yet have let the dynamic of the new birth - - yet seem to be little more than what all people (Even unsaved) are experiencing in their daily life.

When the transforming power of the gospel seems to have lost its energizing force in my daily walk.  Where spiritual truths are less influencing than the daily news on the T.V. 

My theme song is “Them dry bones” speaking spiritually.

What do you do if that is the case? Perhaps it is time to recall the words of the song “Where could I go but to the LORD.” Yes that’s the place to go alright but why have I come to a place where this is necessary.

The problem might be that being blessed by GOD has become so common place that we don’t remember the difference between being saved and unsaved. Having no condemnation is normal and the Holy Spirit not convicting you of your spiritual death condition causes the reality of salvation to longer energize us. 

Is it possible to become so used to being in a saved condition that we can’t appreciate our transformation from death unto life? Is it possible for this to happen to a seemingly successful church member? Andre Crouch’s song take me back speaks of such a one;

Take me back, take me back dear Lord

To the place where I first received you.

Take me back, take me back dear Lord where I

First believed.

What I need to remember is; I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day. Still praying as I’m onward bound, LORD plant my feet on higher ground.

Walking with GOD is a proactive pursuit and no passivity allowed.

The next time I begin to slow down in my onward pursuit I must obey the scripture found in Jude 1:20-21a But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcPzkNGp_oo

This post is shared at “Tell Me a True Story.”

LINKAGE

 

There are many things that are linked together, that is where one is present the other is always nearby.

One of the easiest to observe is where there is lying there also will be deception.

A person wants to deceive and the lie is the vehicle that accomplishes the deed. A clue in discovery of this dirty duo is the oft times smile that is used to detract from the lie/deception act.

We find this duo in play in all avenues of life and the practitioners of said device are expert in the practice of them. One of the most prevalent places we find the linkage is use is in politics.

It is there where it has been taken to the scientific level.

There is another level where this linkage prospers and that is where our enemy Satan and his familiar spirits find the welcome mat out for them.

The lying/ deception spirit inspires the person to higher levels of deception to the point where lying and deception is so natural for them it is woven into their personality.  It is so delicately that it is hard to discern except by the revelation of the reborn spirit of man.

I perceive by the spirit that within the presidential race there is one or more candidates who have embraced this vile spirit of lying and are in the process of trying to deceive the spiritually dead in America.

Should you perceive that this is the case in your spirit then use the power found in; Matthew 18:18 Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

In other words; Bind the spirit of lying and loose the spirit of truth. Let the Spirit of God direct you in doing this!

 

WHERE DID THE COOL COME FROM

Then It Cooled - but Where did the Cool Come from?

 

WE LIVE IN A WORLD OF THEROIST ALL WITH OPINIONATED EXPLANTIONS ABOUT THE ESISTENCE OF ALL THINGS

A theorist is “someone who considers given facts and comes up with a possible explanation.  Theorists observe various phenomena and use reasoning to come up with practical ideas that must be proven.” Vocabulary.com

Most Theorists are college educated persons and have the same strengths and weaknesses as the rest of us who are functional yet lacking in higher education.  Scientist are among the theorist crowd and are constantly looking for some solid evidence to hang their hat on.

The reason I pose the question; ‘Where did the cool come from” stems from a line of thought called; “Big Bang Theory.”

Elizabeth Howell says; “The Big Bang Theory is the leading explanation about how the universe began. At its simplest, it talks about the universe as we know it starting with a small singularity, then inflating over the next 13.8 billion years to the cosmos that we know today. In the first second after the universe began, the surrounding temperature was about 10 billion degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 billion Celsius), according to NASA. The cosmos contained a vast array of fundamental particles such as neutrons, electrons and protons. These decayed or combined as the universe got cooler.” Hence the Question; “Where did the cool come from?”

Accountability is a must before theory becomes fact and to bestow eternality upon “cool” requires some basis of fact which is sorely lacking within the above stated premise.

The big bang theory requires a beginning and remains a question as to where the components of the bang come from.  For scientists to answer a theory with a series of theories is not acceptable factual evidence. Be that as it may the multiplicity of theories as to how the universe and beyond found existence are lacking in factual evidence and requires ignoring that fact in order to teach it to the uninitiated.

The world of science acceptance of the Big Bang factual evidence is mendacious at best and mythical and deceptive at worst.

Another theory put forth is Creationism. It has been label by the evolutionist as being a myth. Of course Evolution is a total myth in and of itself. It ignores the fact it requires a creation in order to establish the evolving process. The time factor is a key to the evolving of the species which came from nothing.  It brazenly skips over a beginning and eternalizes the universe. Without a factual thesis of the beginning evolution it is nothing more than a myth taught to the uninitiated.

As to the creationism premise it starts with an eternal being which answers to the need for a beginning. The creation was by an act of will of the eternal being and uttered into existence. It further supplies an answer to the nature and being of humanity. The emergence of man was total and complete and imaged after a spiritual creator in the heavenlies and then clothed in flesh on earth.

The evidence of Creationism fact is based upon everyday interaction with the eternal being as an ongoing experience. There is communication with the eternal being by those who have breached the gap of theory and have entered the realm of reality.

So we continue to ask where did the cool come from and from whence came it?

 

 

TWO TOUGH QUESTIONS FOR CHRISTIANS TO ANSWER

 

At this point you may be wondering what could those questions be?  In the first place Christians don’t want to be asked these questions for one is upsetting and the other requires a lot of Introspection.  So let’s get on with this supposition.

Number one; Are you willing to die for your faith?  This presupposes that if you deny Christ you will live.  (Live for now - -until you die.)

To choose to be a martyr instead of living is a serious decision and it would do every Christian well to reinforce themselves with the Scriptures that build into them the understanding that there is no life without Christ.  Seek out the promises of GOD pertaining to the afterlife in the presence of the Almighty.

Jude 1:20-21 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, and keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

A key component of building yourself up is; “praying in the Holy Spirit.” This is to be a daily practice.

Number two; Are you willing to live for Christ, walking in the light as he is in the light?

2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 

This means not cutting yourself any slack, and living up to the commandments instead of ‘missing the mark.’  Being forgiven isn’t a pass to do as you please.  This question isn’t a yes or no question but the answer is in how you go about your daily life.  Your life - - the totality of your being is on display before GOD and the world.  Are your answers satisfactory to you? More importantly, are they satisfactory to GOD.

Well I told you Christians you may not be asked these questions but in retrospect perhaps they are important to our Christian walk. 

 

  http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2014/09/11/iraqi-christian-isis-terrorist%E2%80%88held-a-sword-to-my-throat-but-i-refused-to-convert/

 

WHATS IN A NAME?

 

Suppose I substituted the name Angel for Alien, and the big bang for “GOD spoke and it was created.” The invisible things for spirits and evil personified as the devil.  Would that view point be more acceptable to the masses?

Probably not, but why not?  It is because of that old bug-a- boo “the free will” which in and of itself a misnomer.

All wills are influenced by something.  One of the most forceful drivers is selfishness. Connect lust with selfishness and you have a GOD resistant driving mandate. 

Like it or not both the unsaved and Christians are resistant to the plan of GOD.

It just happens that Christians are a little more in tune with Him than non-Christians. A list of questions could be drawn up that would show what our weaknesses are.

Do you always tell the truth or do you fudge a little at times.  Are all your thoughts pure and clean when you see some desirable member of the opposite sex. Do you get angry and sin not?  Ephesians 4:26  New Living Translation; And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry. Do you always win that battle?

How about this one; But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Whoa now, I might have trouble not resisting that one! 

There are a lot more serious ones than the ones mention and those things keep us from enjoying all the benefits from GOD. They tend to make us double minded and you know what double mindedness causes.

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. 

Our unstableness may be the bane of our Christian experience.

The Christian life is a whole and must be taken as a whole not just accepting it in parts. Do you know what the expression “Going whole hog means?”  It means to do something to the fullest extent. That is our portfolio, so lets us go forth and be ambassadors for Christ.

Much controversy straight arose,
These choose the back, the belly those;
By some 'tis confidently said
He meant not to forbid the head,
While others at that doctrine rail,
And piously prefer the tail.

William Cowper

MY CHRISTIAN WALK

Walking by Faith

Sincere Christians seek to improve themselves constantly.

They joyfully accept criticism, educate, and judge themselves to see if they are in the faith.

We start out with the consciousness of Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.   From there comes the gradual progression unto our perfection.  First is perfection in our salvation which is a product of GOD and then in our daily walks which is a pursuit of holiness. 

 When GOD is viewed as our leader and guide, we see his job as being to inspire trust in us.

Oft times the missing link is our acceptance of what HE is trying to accomplish in us. He will further inspire us with meaningful stewardship which inspires our creativity and potential.

God has given us our enablement’s to be successful in our walk before HIM and it is up to the believer to maximize those empowering gifts.  Perhaps we are too short sighted and only see our Christian life in the near term instead of a lifetime project.

There is much more to the Christian life than the beginning (When born again) and the ending (our trip to heaven).

The life in between must have a game plan.  High expectations should be the norm and laying out the course to accomplish them is a must.

If we are constantly hindered by thoughts of failure we will never arrive where God wants us to be.

Make this your creed; “A failure is but a stepping stone to success, I’m going to fulfill GOD’S plan for my life and weaknesses can’t stop me.”

Always view your life as a whole and go forth fulfilling His purpose in you on a daily basis for life is made up of todays.

Didn’t have a good day today?  Move on!

Completely failed today? Move on!

Don’t let seemingly short comings hinder your progress for GOD sees things in a different light than we do. As the old saying says; “Keep on, keeping on.”

When you adopt this attitude your victories will out distance your short comings because just remember; “You are working out your Salvation.”

 

Homophobic???

 

Definition of HOMOPHOBIA:  irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

When one accuses a person of being Homophobic it is a tad short sighted because it is an unreasoned accusation. Unreasoned because it is supposed to be the ultimate put down often used by those who favor a homosexual lifestyle against those who object to it.

There is no consideration of the motivation for the reason behind the Homo-phobia.

Christians are often defined as being in the forefront of Homophobia a classification we agree to readily.

There is part of the equation that is conveniently omitted and that is while admitting to being Homophobic we are also Hades-phobic.

It would be far easier to just accept Homosexuality as being normal but we would have to ignore the fact that according to scripture the final resting place of those who practice said Homosexual life style is in an unimaginable torturous eternity in Hades.

Romans 1: 26-27 for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, ²⁷ and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

The so called friends who encourage this life style are not the friends they purport themselves to be for they care not if there is a judgment waiting for them.

Those who they suppose to be their enemies are the ones who do not want them to suffer this eternal fate.

The only hope for those who choose this life style and those who encourage them in it is to repent and walk according to scripture.  They wish to believe there is no creator God and those who violate His original intent won’t be judged by Him.

Why should someone to change their life style they are accustom to is a question many must ask themselves and the simple answer is there is one who will judge us all according to what is written in the scripture.

In any case I am one who wears the Homophobic badge proudly because I do care.

The Normal Christian

The Normal Christian

 

While many desire to be flaming heralds for Jesus; I have wanted to be just a normal Christian.

The problem with that idea was I had to find out what was being normal in the world of Christianity was.

In the process of discovery I found that it was the duty of the believers to search out what their calling was.  Once they knew for sure found their place in the body of Christ then the next step was to equip themselves to fulfill their position.

This entails educating themselves to do what was required of them; Whether it was teaching, or counseling, or only sitting in the pew.

There is much to be learned about pew sitting. Briefly it requires an attentive mind, a prayerful spirit, and a receptive heart. The minister needs the support that the pew sitter can give him while it is his duty to be in tune with the needs of his congregation and GODS solution for their problems.

As the minister looks at the congregation it is needful for the member to be in a receiving mode and not have a rejecting spirit. There is much more for the successful pew sitter to learn to be the normal Christian.

Whenever you find your place in the body of Christ fulfill that place with all your heart and might. Then be willing to be moved up and be more productive for Christ. It is normal for the maturing process to increase you value to the cause of Christ. Then most importantly allow the Spirit of GOD to increase your spirituality.

From the beginning of your Christian experience the Holy Spirit is calling you to a higher plane. The words of a song goes something like this; 

I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day;

Still praying as I’m onward bound,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain:

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,

By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,

A higher plane than I have found;

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYCkqCG933M

TIMIDITY IS NOT A CHRISTIAN GRACE

TIMIDITY IS NOT A CHRISTIAN GRACE

 

Related Words to TIMIDITY  are ; bashfulness, constraint, embarrassment, inhibition, limitation , shyness, skittishness; hesitation, indecision, wavering, irresoluteness, irresolution; alarm , anxiety, apprehension, concern, discomposure, dismay, fear, panic, upset, worry; cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, spinelessness.

Near Antonyms of Timidity are; assurance, confidence, self-assertiveness, self-assurance, self-confidence; composure, coolness, insouciance, nonchalance, backbone, decisiveness, determination, fiber, firmness, fortitude, gameness, grit, gumption, mettle, resoluteness, resolution, spunk; bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gutsiness, intrepidity, intrepidness, valor; brazenness, cheek, effrontery, gall, temerity

And antonyms, audaciousness, audacity, boldness, [slang], guts, nerve.

Hebrews 11 The chapter where many heroes of the faith are spoken of, all of which were strong in stance and in the Lord.

Being truly strong in the Lord will cause one to see themselves as being small and meek as did Moses but when the chips were down he became a force to be reckoned with.  

Hebrews 11:26 He regarded abuse suffered for Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for his eyes were fixed on the reward.

The church is under attack as never before because of the increase in would be Anti-Christs and their access to the media.

It is a time to show forth your testimony for Christ without being obnoxious.

Only speak words fitly spoken as in Proverbs 25:11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver, is a word spoken in right circumstances.

Always measure your response carefully to those who are by nature contrary but do not hesitate to speak firmly; 1 Peter 3:15  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Fear and intimidation flee when we walk, listen, and obey the Lord we serve.

WHERE THE ACTION IS

WHERE THE ACTION IS

 

Mark 6:7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

Matthew 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

While it isn’t popular to speak of Demons and Evil Spirits nevertheless it is part of the gospel according to Jesus Christ. Much of his ministry revolved around casting demons out of people but today many ministers consider it beneath them and somewhat degrading.

It would serve one well to study the subject and garner all the information available before attempting to cast out unclean spirits and to be empowered as were the disciples. This isn’t a glamorous ministry for it is dealing with the filthiest of Satan’s cohorts.

Further the subjects infected by these spirits have a certain harmonious relationship with them. One man who exercised authority over evil spirits was rebuked by the spirit he was dealing with; saying “You can’t cast me out.”  Upon asking the spirit, “Why not?” the spirit said; “She don’t want me to leave so you can’t make me go.”  In this case he said, “You’re exactly right,” and left her in the same condition because she wanted the spirit’s influence in her life.

Being more of the average type of a Christian I have not majored in dealing with demons but on one of several occasions I was greeting people as they came into the church and the Spirit of GOD spoke to me in a firm voice saying; “This woman is possessed by the devil.”

This came out of the blue so to speak. She looked alright so I questioned my sanity. I knew what I had heard but had to think on it till I came to my senses and realized I had heard rightly. The fact I don’t get these messages like that very often causes me to be a little shocked.

I began to focus my attention on her from that moment on. She sat in the middle of a row in the middle of a section where it wasn’t easy to get to her if she acted up. As the service started I joined the orchestra and everything seemed to be in order until she stood up and yelled out many things we didn’t need to hear.

When the ushers began to get near to her she stopped and said; “And now I will leave” and left.

I only related that to show there are many varied way these spirits will cause an individual to conduct themselves. She came back again and asked for prayer but to my knowledge she wasn’t delivered for she didn’t want the spirit to leave. There was enough of a desire to be rid of this spirit that was driving her to come and asked to be prayed for but not enough to release his hold on her.

GOD uses whatever is at hand and you might find yourself being used on an occasion and never again but one who is used on a continuous basis needs to have the anointing of the Holy Spirit and some of the other gifts of the Spirit operating in their life.

Three gifts that reveal the unknown; the word of wisdom, word of knowledge and the discerning of spirits are a must in order to be effectual in this ministry. These gifts can give you inside information needful for not making mistakes.

Not everyone who acts crazy is possessed. Some people are just naturally nuts and silly. Also the gifts of Miracles and Healing may be a part of the person’s deliverance.

While anyone who is a Christian may be used of God;  people who are called and enabled as were the disciples will have the greater success in dealing with unclean spirits so don’t self-anoint yourself and get into trouble.  Here are some examples of Jesus dealing with evil spirits;

Luke 11:14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed.

Matthew 8:16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.

Mark 1:34 And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.

Luke 4:34-35  Let us alone! What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are-- the Holy One of God!" But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst of the people, he came out of him without doing him any harm.

Mark 16:15-17 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues.

The bottom line is; this world is plagued by Unclean Spirits. In every phase of life they are active. To deny this begs the answer; why are people so base and evil? It also insults the spirits themselves to deny their existence.

 

Much of the ministry of Jesus was involved in casting out spirits and the need for this ministry continues today.

 

WHERE AM I?

WHERE AM I?

 

I hadn’t been feeling well and people kept saying I should see a doctor. I would put them off by saying I will, I will.

This evening I was both tired and not feeling so good, and I told my wife I was going to bed early leaving her to lock up and prepare the house for the night. After a few restless minutes I dropped off to sleep and some time later I woke with a start.

I found myself being drawn toward a huge entrance where this high pitched sound was coming from. All at once I found myself surrounded by a mass of people and the entrance was somewhat smaller than my first notice.  

 

It was then I realized I was in a large mass of people and was being carried further toward the big door in front of me.  I tried to stop and evaluate what was happening but the souls all around me were being drawn forth by the same force.

I became aware that I was passing through the entrance and down into this huge room that was so large that you could hardly see the walls they were so far in the distance. I tried to stop and question someone as to what was happening.

Obviously this must be a dream but I couldn’t wake up, and was carried forward by the crowd. This went on for what seemed to be hours. Even though the room was almost without measure and there wasn’t enough air because of so many crowded together.

The further we went the hotter it seemed, but it might have only been my imagination I told myself.

Hours later suddenly we stopped. I looked around for an exit but there was none only an entrance.

It was then I realized there is no way out, no way out, no way out kept echoing in my mind.

It was then I saw it … “it” was a sign that said, “Welcome to Hades” as the crowd surged forward taking me down into the pit as the temperature began to rise…

I remembered the scripture verse, “Behold, Today is the day of Salvation,” but I had missed that day. 

Suddenly with sweat on my brow, I woke up  - -   Where am I?  Where are YOU?

 

WOULD YOU BE SURPRISED?

WOULD YOU BE SURPRISED?

 

Would you be surprised that if the rapture had occurred and only five members of congress were missing?

Would you be surprised if the rapture had occurred and seventy five percent of the pulpits were filled by the pastors?

Would you be surprised if the rapture had occurred and the church was still filled with many of its members?

Would you be surprised if the rapture had occurred and there was only one used car dealer missing?

Would you be surprised if the rapture had occurred and you and I were still here?

2 Peter 1:10-11 New American Standard Bible  Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you! 

 

 

THE HYPROCRITE



THE HYPROCRITE

 

Seems no one likes a hypocrite except maybe another hypocrite.

The church is continuously being slammed with people saying it is full of hypocrites.

Well we might as well admit there are some who aren’t as represented. You can find them in the pew as well as in the pulpit.

There are many sins that qualify one to be a hypocrite but there is one that stands out from the rest.

No it isn’t what you might think such as sexual sin, stealing or backbiting; it is an issue of omission instead of commission.  It is neglecting to witness to the world of the salvation that is available to all men. The neglect of telling men they are on the wrong path that leads to Hades.

Can you believe there are some in the church who will not challenge men concerning the way they live and they consider themselves to be the friend of the lost.  They say: “I am a Christian struggling with addiction or some other sin.”  At the same time they are offended if another believer obeys the gospel and exposes their friend’s sin.   God’s Word says we are NOT to keep on sinning.

The hypocrite accepts what the sinner is doing and encourages them to continue as they are instead of obeying the scripture that says to repent and change your ways. 

We are to preach the Full Gospel to every creature. I admit preaching Truth can cause you to lose a lot of friends but it comes with a great reward.

In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus asks the question; “Who was the good neighbor to the man in distress”?  The answer was obvious. 

In the case of the Christian who tries to get a man to change his course from Hades;  to the road to Heaven;  isn’t as readily accepted.

It is plain that the world doesn’t like hypocrites in the church so be faithful in obeying the commands to; Preach the Word and live the Word !   

2 Timothy 4:1-2    I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

The hypocrites in the church will demand that you don’t preach or testify against the sin of their friends but that is the way the mop flops.

 

This post is shared at “Tell Me a True Story.”