1 John 2:3-6
3. We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands.
4. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5. But if anyone obeys His word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him:
6. WHOEVER CLAIMS TO LIVE IN HIM MUST WALK AS JESUS DID.
3 John 1:11
Dear friend, do not IMITATE what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
----
Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and IMITATE their faith.
----
Hebrews 6:12
We do not want you to become lazy, but to IMITATE those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
----
Philippians 2:13
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.
----
----
----
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
DOES GOD LOVE YOU - How do you view Him?
I am extremely purplexed at the thoughts some people have about God. They blame GOD for problems in this world. But yet, I will hear them talk about LOVE of God, and that we need to LOVE others, LOVE our Spouse, LOVE our neighbors, Be Kind to those who do evil to you, turn the other cheek, GOD is LOVE. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE and if anyone of us does not show LOVE towards the other, we will get an ear full of how we need to LOVE on that other person. (1 Corinthians 8:3 But the man who LOVES God is known by God.) (1 John 4:16 And so we KNOW and RELY on the LOVE God has for us. GOD IS LOVE. Whoever lives in LOVE Lives in God, and God in him.) I totally get the LOVE part. My questioning comes in "How they then view God?"
NOW here comes the ironic part, those same people who talk so much about LOVE also blame GOD for death, sickness, disease, and problems that the world faces. All in the name of GOD, yeah, He must be teaching you something through all that. Do you not know that God loves the whole YOU, not just your Spirit! Did Jesus come to heal only the Spirit or the whole body? GOD does NOT bring these problems into our lives, we face them because of the fall in the garden of Eden. Man brought it on! Man has been blaming GOD ever since then. Adam said "It was that women YOU gave me Lord." (Gen 3:12) You just don't stop and KNOW the Heart of God. Jesus said "IF YOU THEN, THOUGH YOU ARE EVIL, KNOW HOW TO GIVE GOOD GIFTS TO YOUR CHILDREN, HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN GIVE GOOD GIFTS TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM!" That means GOD LOVES us MORE then we love each other, MORE then we LOVE our children, MORE then we LOVE our spouse. Yet if I were to purposefully make my kids sick by rubbing poison ivy on them, I'd be put in jail, and thrown out of the church, but yet it is OK to think that OUR Father who LOVES US would do something like that to us. You hypocrites to think it's OK for GOD to do that but not a person. GOD IS PERFECT LOVE! Yet in that same breath you say we are to be like GOD. Talk about some twisted thinking. I'm not sure you actually KNOW who GOD is, KNOW your daddy, KNOW your identity, KNOW your DNA.
I know some of you are thinking "God's ways are not our ways" "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom", No one knows the mind of God.... That's not actually correct! That verse is talking about unbelievers. God has made Himself known to us believers, and His will through His son. True there are depths of Himself that are not revealed to us, but that is nothing to do with His Love for us. He wants to make Himself completely known to us. We see that as a reflection in the life of Jesus.
We live in a world that is full of crap, sin, sickness, disease, death, hate, Jesus PAID the price for us, NOT ONLY THAT, but He gave US His Authority over these issues. We've just been brought up in a lie that we don't have any Power or Authority. Doggump, It is IN YOU! Wake Up Christians! It's NOT a Happily after death. It's victory in the NOW. Sometimes things happen to us because it's nature, sometimes it is sin, sometimes it is satan, BUT for you to blame GOD??? OK, you may say it is a Trial, but GOD doesn't go against what Jesus did. (Healing) Jesus said "a kingdom divided against itself would fall." You see because Jesus Healed people, and to bring physical harm to others would go against what Jesus did. God would NOT do that. OK, you may be thinking about Job right now, YOU seriously need to read the scriptures more! God did NOT do that to Job, rather satan got permission from God to do that to him (because Job was righteous) All that crap that happend to Job, was from satan. You might be thinking well then what's stopping God from doing that again allowing satan to do that? Jesus! It would be a total front against why Jesus died for us. You will only believe when you read read read the scriptures! Romans 10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
How can I KNOW that it is God's WILL for us to be healed? Jesus was the walking will of GOD. Jesus said "I can do nothing unless I see the Father do it first." Further more, if Jesus Healed ALL (several verses say that) We also KNOW that "Jesus Christ is the SAME Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow." Jesus also commanded us, to "Go out into all the nations, Preaching the Word, Raising the dead, Healing the sick." He left US with that Authority.
"A house divided against its self will fall." Did Jesus Heal or bring sickness? Jesus was the walking Will of God! So we can see that it is God's Will to Heal you. God will not give you sickness, because it goes against what Jesus did. (Healed people)
I've heard some say "God allowed it" ??? If I jump off a building, God is not going to stop gravity! It's a law that others rely on. Oh, but that is my desision, what about something really out of my control. What about if someone broke into your house and killed everyone, did God allow that? You all would rather have a pitty party, rather then FIGHT! The enemy has stolen your heart, your faith, in the name of God, and you just allow it. I see no fight, I see surrender. Are you that desperate to blame God, more then you are to fight with Him? It's easier to surrender and blame God for your short comings, then it is to actually shave your head, get on the floor in the ashes, and seek His presence.
Perhaps you do not KNOW the difference between God and satan? GOD is LOVE. GOD is good! satan bad! Got it. Let me introduce to you the difference. 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in LOVE; but perfect LOVE casts out fear, because fear involves TORMENT. But he who fears has not been made perfect in LOVE." Could I then say if someone is sick, they are tormented? Well then that same GOD whom you say brought this sickness on them can not bring torment, because GOD is LOVE! Just a thought!
I remember being a little child and saying, "My daddy can beat up your daddy!" Yet as grownups we do Not think like that anymore, we submit to satan in sickness, disease, death, and the crap that crosses our path daily because we think it is GOD. Yeah, IF I thought it was GOD, I would give up too because I would NOT be able to fight against Him. BUT I DO KNOW Him and Because I do, I Understand my fathers Will AND that I am His child and heir to His thrown. I also recognize He has given me Authority over such circumstances BECAUSE of what Jesus did!
We truly need to understand WHO our Father is, Our identity in Him, His deep deep Love for us, as this becomes Our foundation to which we stand strong. Not guessing what is the Will of God, but KNOWING my Fathers desires for us. How then can you stand if you are unsure? You can't. But as it is, KNOWING His Love for us is shown through His son Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Wisdom From the Spirit)
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7. No, we speak of God's SECRET WISDOM, a wisdom that HAS been hidden and that God DSTINED FOR OUR GLORY before time began.
----
1 Corinthians 2:16
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST.
----
1 Corinthians 1:25 (Christ the Wisdom and Power of God)
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
----
1 Corinthians 2:14
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
----
Matthew 12:25-26
Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand
----
Hebrews 1:1-2
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2. but in these last days HE HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON, whom He appointed heir of ALL things, and through whom He made the universe.
----
Matthew 22:36-40
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37. Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38. This is the first and greatest commandment. 39. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
----
1 John 4:8
Whoever does not LOVE does not know God, because GOD IS LOVE.
----
1 John 4:16
And so we know and rely on the LOVE God has for us. GOD IS LOVE. Whoever lives in LOVE lives in God, and God in him.
----
1 Corinthians 8:3
But the man who LOVES God is known by God.
----
2 Corinthians 4:4
The god of this age (satan) has blinded the MINDS of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, WHO IS THE IMAGE OF GOD. (Jesus)
----
Romans 13:9-10
The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are SUMMED UP in this one rule: "LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." 10. LOVE DOES NO HARM TO ITS NEIGHBOR. Therefore LOVE is the fulfillment of the law.
----
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in LOVE; but perfect LOVE casts out fear, BECAUSE FEAR INVOLVES TORMENT. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
----
Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome ALL the Power of the Enemy; nothing will harm you.
----
Matthew 7:7-12
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10. Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11. IF YOU THEN, THOUGH YOU ARE EVIL, KNOW HOW TO GIVE GOOD GIFTS TO YOUR CHILDREN, HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN GIVE GOOD GIFTS TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM! 12. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
----
LOVE
1 Corinthians 13
----
Matthew 5:48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
NOW here comes the ironic part, those same people who talk so much about LOVE also blame GOD for death, sickness, disease, and problems that the world faces. All in the name of GOD, yeah, He must be teaching you something through all that. Do you not know that God loves the whole YOU, not just your Spirit! Did Jesus come to heal only the Spirit or the whole body? GOD does NOT bring these problems into our lives, we face them because of the fall in the garden of Eden. Man brought it on! Man has been blaming GOD ever since then. Adam said "It was that women YOU gave me Lord." (Gen 3:12) You just don't stop and KNOW the Heart of God. Jesus said "IF YOU THEN, THOUGH YOU ARE EVIL, KNOW HOW TO GIVE GOOD GIFTS TO YOUR CHILDREN, HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN GIVE GOOD GIFTS TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM!" That means GOD LOVES us MORE then we love each other, MORE then we LOVE our children, MORE then we LOVE our spouse. Yet if I were to purposefully make my kids sick by rubbing poison ivy on them, I'd be put in jail, and thrown out of the church, but yet it is OK to think that OUR Father who LOVES US would do something like that to us. You hypocrites to think it's OK for GOD to do that but not a person. GOD IS PERFECT LOVE! Yet in that same breath you say we are to be like GOD. Talk about some twisted thinking. I'm not sure you actually KNOW who GOD is, KNOW your daddy, KNOW your identity, KNOW your DNA.
I know some of you are thinking "God's ways are not our ways" "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom", No one knows the mind of God.... That's not actually correct! That verse is talking about unbelievers. God has made Himself known to us believers, and His will through His son. True there are depths of Himself that are not revealed to us, but that is nothing to do with His Love for us. He wants to make Himself completely known to us. We see that as a reflection in the life of Jesus.
We live in a world that is full of crap, sin, sickness, disease, death, hate, Jesus PAID the price for us, NOT ONLY THAT, but He gave US His Authority over these issues. We've just been brought up in a lie that we don't have any Power or Authority. Doggump, It is IN YOU! Wake Up Christians! It's NOT a Happily after death. It's victory in the NOW. Sometimes things happen to us because it's nature, sometimes it is sin, sometimes it is satan, BUT for you to blame GOD??? OK, you may say it is a Trial, but GOD doesn't go against what Jesus did. (Healing) Jesus said "a kingdom divided against itself would fall." You see because Jesus Healed people, and to bring physical harm to others would go against what Jesus did. God would NOT do that. OK, you may be thinking about Job right now, YOU seriously need to read the scriptures more! God did NOT do that to Job, rather satan got permission from God to do that to him (because Job was righteous) All that crap that happend to Job, was from satan. You might be thinking well then what's stopping God from doing that again allowing satan to do that? Jesus! It would be a total front against why Jesus died for us. You will only believe when you read read read the scriptures! Romans 10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
How can I KNOW that it is God's WILL for us to be healed? Jesus was the walking will of GOD. Jesus said "I can do nothing unless I see the Father do it first." Further more, if Jesus Healed ALL (several verses say that) We also KNOW that "Jesus Christ is the SAME Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow." Jesus also commanded us, to "Go out into all the nations, Preaching the Word, Raising the dead, Healing the sick." He left US with that Authority.
"A house divided against its self will fall." Did Jesus Heal or bring sickness? Jesus was the walking Will of God! So we can see that it is God's Will to Heal you. God will not give you sickness, because it goes against what Jesus did. (Healed people)
I've heard some say "God allowed it" ??? If I jump off a building, God is not going to stop gravity! It's a law that others rely on. Oh, but that is my desision, what about something really out of my control. What about if someone broke into your house and killed everyone, did God allow that? You all would rather have a pitty party, rather then FIGHT! The enemy has stolen your heart, your faith, in the name of God, and you just allow it. I see no fight, I see surrender. Are you that desperate to blame God, more then you are to fight with Him? It's easier to surrender and blame God for your short comings, then it is to actually shave your head, get on the floor in the ashes, and seek His presence.
Perhaps you do not KNOW the difference between God and satan? GOD is LOVE. GOD is good! satan bad! Got it. Let me introduce to you the difference. 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in LOVE; but perfect LOVE casts out fear, because fear involves TORMENT. But he who fears has not been made perfect in LOVE." Could I then say if someone is sick, they are tormented? Well then that same GOD whom you say brought this sickness on them can not bring torment, because GOD is LOVE! Just a thought!
I remember being a little child and saying, "My daddy can beat up your daddy!" Yet as grownups we do Not think like that anymore, we submit to satan in sickness, disease, death, and the crap that crosses our path daily because we think it is GOD. Yeah, IF I thought it was GOD, I would give up too because I would NOT be able to fight against Him. BUT I DO KNOW Him and Because I do, I Understand my fathers Will AND that I am His child and heir to His thrown. I also recognize He has given me Authority over such circumstances BECAUSE of what Jesus did!
We truly need to understand WHO our Father is, Our identity in Him, His deep deep Love for us, as this becomes Our foundation to which we stand strong. Not guessing what is the Will of God, but KNOWING my Fathers desires for us. How then can you stand if you are unsure? You can't. But as it is, KNOWING His Love for us is shown through His son Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Wisdom From the Spirit)
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7. No, we speak of God's SECRET WISDOM, a wisdom that HAS been hidden and that God DSTINED FOR OUR GLORY before time began.
----
1 Corinthians 2:16
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST.
----
1 Corinthians 1:25 (Christ the Wisdom and Power of God)
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
----
1 Corinthians 2:14
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
----
Matthew 12:25-26
Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand
----
Hebrews 1:1-2
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2. but in these last days HE HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON, whom He appointed heir of ALL things, and through whom He made the universe.
----
Matthew 22:36-40
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37. Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38. This is the first and greatest commandment. 39. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
----
1 John 4:8
Whoever does not LOVE does not know God, because GOD IS LOVE.
----
1 John 4:16
And so we know and rely on the LOVE God has for us. GOD IS LOVE. Whoever lives in LOVE lives in God, and God in him.
----
1 Corinthians 8:3
But the man who LOVES God is known by God.
----
2 Corinthians 4:4
The god of this age (satan) has blinded the MINDS of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, WHO IS THE IMAGE OF GOD. (Jesus)
----
Romans 13:9-10
The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are SUMMED UP in this one rule: "LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." 10. LOVE DOES NO HARM TO ITS NEIGHBOR. Therefore LOVE is the fulfillment of the law.
----
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in LOVE; but perfect LOVE casts out fear, BECAUSE FEAR INVOLVES TORMENT. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
----
Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome ALL the Power of the Enemy; nothing will harm you.
----
Matthew 7:7-12
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10. Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11. IF YOU THEN, THOUGH YOU ARE EVIL, KNOW HOW TO GIVE GOOD GIFTS TO YOUR CHILDREN, HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN GIVE GOOD GIFTS TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM! 12. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
----
LOVE
1 Corinthians 13
----
Matthew 5:48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Monday, September 8, 2008
3-T's TRIALS, TRIBULATION & TEMPTATION
What are TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS & TEMPTATIONS??
Are they from God or satan?
Are they good? Are they bad?
What can I do if I find myself in one?
Do Trials happen to Christian's & Non?
If we are Christian's, and God is on Our side, why do bad things still happen to us?
If God is Love, and He Loves us, Why do we sometimes suffer?
If God disciplines us, is that the same as a trial?
Are temptations from God? Can God tempt us?
Who temps us? What happens when we get tempted?
Is a trial like a temptation or a tribulation?
Paul tells us continously to renew our minds. Part of this is 1.) Not thinking on what is actually there (in the natural, but understand the supernatural) 2.) Think God thoughts; cast out any thought that is Not God's.
Everything first enters the mind-what stays in there, grows-good or bad. We have that choice.
TRIALS- are a form of training and discipline. A form of teaching and growing. Trials are from God! It is NOT a way to bring harm or hurt into your life. It is like your dad teaching you, or allowing you to go through a hard time but teaching you through it. Being there for you as you learn. This is a time of positive spiritual growth. It is NOT to teach you a lesson in a negative form. I would say, they are more for the younger Christian then the more mature. But I will not say they are not for the old, because even though you may be mature, you may still lack something God wants to teach you.
TRIBULATION- is a hard time/place to be in. In essence it is a time/place in persecution for God. It can even be to the point of death (Martyr). This is not the will of God, however it is a part of life of a Christian. If you want to understand more on the perfect will of God, read Genesis 1-3, we see what God intended for us before the sin (fall) of man ruined that. Jesus came to restore that. We still have to face the sin in the world, but we have redemption in Jesus. We still have to face the struggles, persecution, and pain because of the sin in this world. These issues we face in the name of Christ are Tribulations.
TEMPTATION- is an act of surrender to a desire on your own free will. God does not tempt us, satan does! Jesus taught us to pray, "God, lead us not into temptation..." This was said so we can ask for His guidance to keep us safe (away) from temptation. Satan makes issues of life sound so sweet we are tempted to do them. It is usually a simple twist of the truth that we buy into that gives place to our willingness to give in because it is easy, makes sense, and at times feels like no-one else will find out. The good news is, God will always give you a way of escape, but again that is your choice to make.
DISCIPLINE- Disciplines goes together with TRIALS but I wanted to cover this more in depth. This is a great area of LOVE. If a father disciplines his child he loves them. It doesn't always feel great for the parent to do so, but disciplines keeps a child going straight. The child doesn't always feel great about it at the time, but this brings up a child correctly. Disciplines is NOT a form of releasing anger out onto a child. Disciplines usually comes after Disobedience. A parent does NOT Disciplines their children when they are doing good. So Disciplines is a form of correcting ones behavior with the observation and guidance of the parent. We sometimes don't understand the correct way of doing this as humans because of past wounds with our parents, but done in a correct manner, disapline does not turn the child into rebellion, shows love, and the child learns something from it. So let's see an example: I am sining (let's say my mind starts to wander, lustfully) the Holy Spirit say, Ah hey Frank, whatcha doing? What your doing, it kind of hurts my feelings. Do you think that is healthy for our relationship? No, sorry Lord! I am pretty weak today. I agree, this is not healthy for me to be doing since it could lead to other things. I am sorry! How about another example: My son (3 years old) is doing something he shouldn't. Standing on the table lets say. Ah, son, do you think that is a good idea? You could fall and get hurt, not to mention you are disrespecting me in my house. You know we are not supposed to stand on the table. Please get down. No! Well I am sorry then, I will have to spank you. (or in the case with God, I believe he takes away His hand of protection off of us.)
Hebrews 12:1-13 (God Disciplines His Children)
1. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
2. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
5. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6. because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
7. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
8. If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
9. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!
10. Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
11. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.
13. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
----
1 Peter 4:12-19 (Suffering for Being a Christian)
12. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
13. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
14. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15. If you suffer, it should NOT be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
16. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but PRAISE God that you bear that name.
17. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18. And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19. So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
----
James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3. because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8. he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
----
Luke 22:31-32
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
----
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2. through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4. perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
----
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under TRIAL, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
----
2 Thessalonians 1:3
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. 4Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
----
Hebrews 12 (God Disciplines His Sons)
1. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6. because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
7. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10. Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13. "Make level paths for your feet,"[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
TEMPTATION-
James 1:13
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
----
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
----
Matthew 4:3
The tempter (satan) came to Him (Jesus) and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
"So, why do bad things happen then?" you are probably asking.
One reason is because we are not walking with the Lord. If we are doing what we want to do and ignoring Him or being disobedient, we walk away from His protection, from His blessings. If we learn to ignore His voice from Him telling us what we should do, then How can we hear Him if He tells us to be careful? We can't. We stuck our fingers in our own ears because we want what we want. We walk away from Him. Thus walking away from His protection.
When bad things happen to us, some believe this is God's way of bringing us back in line with His will. I think that is poor wording. I say God uses any situation for His Glory. If God is dealt a bad hand in cards, He will use any hand dealt Him and turn it around for His WIN! (for His glory) So if you walk away from God, and satan starts pounding on your door, (bad things start to happen to you) God will use that to bring you back home. This is not God's perfect plan for you, but that perfect plan was forfeited by you when you decided to do what you wanted. God is just using this to get you back in line with Him.
"We have to have faith in God that He is in control" I feel this is a cop-out for those who don't understand God's Will. They will often blame sickness or problems in life on God, thinking God is teaching them something. TRIALS have been misunderstood to the point that we are blaming God for what we don't understand, and we then give up on, because we can't figure it out.
Always keep in mind the scripture in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." No matter what, if you love God, the things that are happening are happening for good. We may never know what the good was. The good may be for other believers, or even for the salvation of non-believers. We have to have faith in God that He is in control.
According to the scripture in Ephesians 1:3 God has blessings for us in heavenly places in Christ. We need to get some of those blessings out of the spiritual world into this world. Get closer to God. Turn your mind on Him. Do all things for Him as it says in Colossians 3:23. Spend time talking to Him throughout the day. Find out what He wants you to do.
Are they from God or satan?
Are they good? Are they bad?
What can I do if I find myself in one?
Do Trials happen to Christian's & Non?
If we are Christian's, and God is on Our side, why do bad things still happen to us?
If God is Love, and He Loves us, Why do we sometimes suffer?
If God disciplines us, is that the same as a trial?
Are temptations from God? Can God tempt us?
Who temps us? What happens when we get tempted?
Is a trial like a temptation or a tribulation?
Paul tells us continously to renew our minds. Part of this is 1.) Not thinking on what is actually there (in the natural, but understand the supernatural) 2.) Think God thoughts; cast out any thought that is Not God's.
Everything first enters the mind-what stays in there, grows-good or bad. We have that choice.
TRIALS- are a form of training and discipline. A form of teaching and growing. Trials are from God! It is NOT a way to bring harm or hurt into your life. It is like your dad teaching you, or allowing you to go through a hard time but teaching you through it. Being there for you as you learn. This is a time of positive spiritual growth. It is NOT to teach you a lesson in a negative form. I would say, they are more for the younger Christian then the more mature. But I will not say they are not for the old, because even though you may be mature, you may still lack something God wants to teach you.
TRIBULATION- is a hard time/place to be in. In essence it is a time/place in persecution for God. It can even be to the point of death (Martyr). This is not the will of God, however it is a part of life of a Christian. If you want to understand more on the perfect will of God, read Genesis 1-3, we see what God intended for us before the sin (fall) of man ruined that. Jesus came to restore that. We still have to face the sin in the world, but we have redemption in Jesus. We still have to face the struggles, persecution, and pain because of the sin in this world. These issues we face in the name of Christ are Tribulations.
TEMPTATION- is an act of surrender to a desire on your own free will. God does not tempt us, satan does! Jesus taught us to pray, "God, lead us not into temptation..." This was said so we can ask for His guidance to keep us safe (away) from temptation. Satan makes issues of life sound so sweet we are tempted to do them. It is usually a simple twist of the truth that we buy into that gives place to our willingness to give in because it is easy, makes sense, and at times feels like no-one else will find out. The good news is, God will always give you a way of escape, but again that is your choice to make.
DISCIPLINE- Disciplines goes together with TRIALS but I wanted to cover this more in depth. This is a great area of LOVE. If a father disciplines his child he loves them. It doesn't always feel great for the parent to do so, but disciplines keeps a child going straight. The child doesn't always feel great about it at the time, but this brings up a child correctly. Disciplines is NOT a form of releasing anger out onto a child. Disciplines usually comes after Disobedience. A parent does NOT Disciplines their children when they are doing good. So Disciplines is a form of correcting ones behavior with the observation and guidance of the parent. We sometimes don't understand the correct way of doing this as humans because of past wounds with our parents, but done in a correct manner, disapline does not turn the child into rebellion, shows love, and the child learns something from it. So let's see an example: I am sining (let's say my mind starts to wander, lustfully) the Holy Spirit say, Ah hey Frank, whatcha doing? What your doing, it kind of hurts my feelings. Do you think that is healthy for our relationship? No, sorry Lord! I am pretty weak today. I agree, this is not healthy for me to be doing since it could lead to other things. I am sorry! How about another example: My son (3 years old) is doing something he shouldn't. Standing on the table lets say. Ah, son, do you think that is a good idea? You could fall and get hurt, not to mention you are disrespecting me in my house. You know we are not supposed to stand on the table. Please get down. No! Well I am sorry then, I will have to spank you. (or in the case with God, I believe he takes away His hand of protection off of us.)
Hebrews 12:1-13 (God Disciplines His Children)
1. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
2. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
5. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6. because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
7. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
8. If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
9. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!
10. Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
11. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.
13. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
----
1 Peter 4:12-19 (Suffering for Being a Christian)
12. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
13. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
14. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15. If you suffer, it should NOT be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
16. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but PRAISE God that you bear that name.
17. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18. And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19. So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
----
James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3. because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8. he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
----
Luke 22:31-32
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
----
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2. through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4. perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
----
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under TRIAL, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
----
2 Thessalonians 1:3
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. 4Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
----
Hebrews 12 (God Disciplines His Sons)
1. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6. because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
7. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10. Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13. "Make level paths for your feet,"[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
TEMPTATION-
James 1:13
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
----
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
----
Matthew 4:3
The tempter (satan) came to Him (Jesus) and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
"So, why do bad things happen then?" you are probably asking.
One reason is because we are not walking with the Lord. If we are doing what we want to do and ignoring Him or being disobedient, we walk away from His protection, from His blessings. If we learn to ignore His voice from Him telling us what we should do, then How can we hear Him if He tells us to be careful? We can't. We stuck our fingers in our own ears because we want what we want. We walk away from Him. Thus walking away from His protection.
When bad things happen to us, some believe this is God's way of bringing us back in line with His will. I think that is poor wording. I say God uses any situation for His Glory. If God is dealt a bad hand in cards, He will use any hand dealt Him and turn it around for His WIN! (for His glory) So if you walk away from God, and satan starts pounding on your door, (bad things start to happen to you) God will use that to bring you back home. This is not God's perfect plan for you, but that perfect plan was forfeited by you when you decided to do what you wanted. God is just using this to get you back in line with Him.
"We have to have faith in God that He is in control" I feel this is a cop-out for those who don't understand God's Will. They will often blame sickness or problems in life on God, thinking God is teaching them something. TRIALS have been misunderstood to the point that we are blaming God for what we don't understand, and we then give up on, because we can't figure it out.
Always keep in mind the scripture in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." No matter what, if you love God, the things that are happening are happening for good. We may never know what the good was. The good may be for other believers, or even for the salvation of non-believers. We have to have faith in God that He is in control.
According to the scripture in Ephesians 1:3 God has blessings for us in heavenly places in Christ. We need to get some of those blessings out of the spiritual world into this world. Get closer to God. Turn your mind on Him. Do all things for Him as it says in Colossians 3:23. Spend time talking to Him throughout the day. Find out what He wants you to do.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
16. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.
17. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
18. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “ALLl AUTHORITY has been given to Me in HEAVEN AND ON EARTH.
19. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20. TEACHING them to OBSERVE ALL THINGS I HAVE COMMANDED YOU; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
The things Jesus taught the Disciples were supposed to be past down from generation to generation in the church. Sad to say, somewhere down the line it was lost. Praise be to God, He is bringing revival to His church. The lost understanding of Authority & Power is being restored.
16. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.
17. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
18. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “ALLl AUTHORITY has been given to Me in HEAVEN AND ON EARTH.
19. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20. TEACHING them to OBSERVE ALL THINGS I HAVE COMMANDED YOU; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
The things Jesus taught the Disciples were supposed to be past down from generation to generation in the church. Sad to say, somewhere down the line it was lost. Praise be to God, He is bringing revival to His church. The lost understanding of Authority & Power is being restored.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Prayer- Our Father
Matthew 6:9-15
9. "This, then, is how you should pray:
"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
10. your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11. Give us today our daily bread.
12. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
Let's break that down so we can understand that:
God, Holy is your name,
Your kingdom come, (here in my life)
Your will be done, (as Jesus did it so shall it be in my life)
Just like things are in Heaven, make it the same on Earth.
Today, bless us with your Word. (My relationship with you)
Forgive us, as we have forgiven others.
Please keep us away from temptation and satan.
A-Men
9. "This, then, is how you should pray:
"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
10. your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11. Give us today our daily bread.
12. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
Let's break that down so we can understand that:
God, Holy is your name,
Your kingdom come, (here in my life)
Your will be done, (as Jesus did it so shall it be in my life)
Just like things are in Heaven, make it the same on Earth.
Today, bless us with your Word. (My relationship with you)
Forgive us, as we have forgiven others.
Please keep us away from temptation and satan.
A-Men
"GOD's GENERALS"
I recommend this book to every Christian to simply understand God does work through anyone who is willing to be submitted under Him. In their personal walk with God, 12 people (men and women) made some bold moves. This book from Robert Liardon, "God's General -Why some failed and some succeeded" Tells facts (mini biographies) about these folks. Robert is a Christian historian. He tells the good and the bad about these 12 people that God used. You learn about the problems they faced, and their stumbles, but more importantly you see God's hand in and through them. You will see that even though some had problems, God still used them. Why is this important? Because it frees us from the bondage as we see ourselves. We are righteous, because of what Jesus has done.
1. John Alexander Dowie (The Healing Apostle)
2. Maria Woodsworth Edder (Demonstrator of the Spirit)
3. Evan Roberts (Welsh Revivalist)
4. Charles Parah (The Father of Pentecost)
5. William Seymour (The Catalyst of Pentecost)
6. John G Lakes (Man of Healing)
7. Smith Wigglesworth (Apostle of Faith)
8. Amy Simple McPherson (A women of Destiny)
9. William Branham (A Prophet of Nobel Signs & Wonders)
10. Jack Coe (The Man of Reckless Faith)
11. AA Allen (The Miracle Man)
12. Kathryn Kuhlman (The Woman Who Believed In Miracles)
It is very interesting to see how some of these folks lives collided with each others. In a way it is as if the Anointing or Faith was passed to another. Many of these folks raised the dead, healed and evangelized. It was their openness to be used and their faith in who they where because of who Jesus is. We will only be able to do to the level we believe. (As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he) In a matter of speaking, we usually put God in a box because of how we think. For example: God doesn't heal everyone. What does the scripture say? Jesus did heal everyone, many different times. AND Jesus is the same Today, Yesterday and Today. But why don't a lot of people get healed when I pray? Does that mean you should not try? Do you think that is God's will or that there may be a hinderance somewhere? If you think that is God's will, you will give up because you think it is a loosing battle to fight. BUT if you understand it IS God's WILL for you to be healed, you will fight with perseverance. You will look for reasons WHY the prayer didn't get answered, and then you will find healing through perseverance. I know I talk a lot about healing, so did Jesus. I am using it here as an example of how we give up because we think we are fighting against God, and how we tend to put God into a box, thinking He won't do certain things so why try. That way of thinking is the devils conn. It is a mindset that is hard to break. More so, it makes us feel we are fighting against God's will. BUT the truth is you don't KNOW God's will because you didn't research it. In researching it, you will find God's will, and in doing so you will inevitably find His heart. Once your mind is open to receive, you will find possibilities open like never before.
1. John Alexander Dowie (The Healing Apostle)
2. Maria Woodsworth Edder (Demonstrator of the Spirit)
3. Evan Roberts (Welsh Revivalist)
4. Charles Parah (The Father of Pentecost)
5. William Seymour (The Catalyst of Pentecost)
6. John G Lakes (Man of Healing)
7. Smith Wigglesworth (Apostle of Faith)
8. Amy Simple McPherson (A women of Destiny)
9. William Branham (A Prophet of Nobel Signs & Wonders)
10. Jack Coe (The Man of Reckless Faith)
11. AA Allen (The Miracle Man)
12. Kathryn Kuhlman (The Woman Who Believed In Miracles)
It is very interesting to see how some of these folks lives collided with each others. In a way it is as if the Anointing or Faith was passed to another. Many of these folks raised the dead, healed and evangelized. It was their openness to be used and their faith in who they where because of who Jesus is. We will only be able to do to the level we believe. (As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he) In a matter of speaking, we usually put God in a box because of how we think. For example: God doesn't heal everyone. What does the scripture say? Jesus did heal everyone, many different times. AND Jesus is the same Today, Yesterday and Today. But why don't a lot of people get healed when I pray? Does that mean you should not try? Do you think that is God's will or that there may be a hinderance somewhere? If you think that is God's will, you will give up because you think it is a loosing battle to fight. BUT if you understand it IS God's WILL for you to be healed, you will fight with perseverance. You will look for reasons WHY the prayer didn't get answered, and then you will find healing through perseverance. I know I talk a lot about healing, so did Jesus. I am using it here as an example of how we give up because we think we are fighting against God, and how we tend to put God into a box, thinking He won't do certain things so why try. That way of thinking is the devils conn. It is a mindset that is hard to break. More so, it makes us feel we are fighting against God's will. BUT the truth is you don't KNOW God's will because you didn't research it. In researching it, you will find God's will, and in doing so you will inevitably find His heart. Once your mind is open to receive, you will find possibilities open like never before.
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