Knowledge of God makes you strong enough to fight against the ignorance and schemes of the devil
August 30, 2019
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2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV
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In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not ignorant of his designs.
The Spiritual Battle. How does that taste? It should be utterly detestable to see yourself under such light of the scrutiny of truth. Down deep in the soul, there should be a sickened feeling of dread; that you were once such a way, and perhaps you're still trying to kill this man or woman who lingers inside you, still waging war against your soul. As Paul said, what a cursed man that I am to do what I don't want to do; and do not do what I want to do (Romans 7:14-25). These ways are completely opposite of God's ways for God looks after the interests of others in the bonds of peace and love. We must understand the holy scripture if we are to fight this war at all. Ephesians teaches us the word of God is our only offense against the schemes of the devil; it's our sword (Ephesians 6:17). The battle is real and it's within our very own flesh, namely in our minds. We are to take every thought captive and into the obedience of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:5). As if that isn't hard enough, need I remind you that there is an enemy always lurking looking to lead you astray. In our former life, we were children of the enemy: we were once slaves to him and his ways but now we are children of God, if we are true believers (1 John 3:10); (1 Corinthians 7:22; John 8:44-47; Acts 13:10; Genesis 15:13).
I will raise up a faithful priest from the darkest of circumstances, if we trust and believe in God
August 29, 2019
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1 Samuel 2:35 NIV
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I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind.
I will firmly establish his priestly house, and they will minister before my anointed one always.
I will firmly establish his priestly house, and they will minister before my anointed one always.
Your Suffering isn't the Final Story. The nation Israel went from rags to riches, with the turning point being the pain and suffering of one woman in a land of darkness. At the onset of first Samuel the nation Israel disobeyed God, upon taking possession of Canaan, they hadn't eradicated the people and they followed in the Canaanite ways instead of being faithful to God. Their outcome of straying from God, is strikingly similar to our waywardness today, which is the suffering of immorality, strife, war, sexual deviance, rampant false religions, and even a corrupt priesthood within the church of God itself. The nation hadn't heard from God for awhile, until one man was raised and taught by God to be a faithful priest, Samuel. This is the same promise we have, to be a royal priesthood to God (1 Peter 2:9). This man restored the nation to their God and brought victory over their oppressors, the Philistines, all the days of his life. Even more miraculous then the story of his life; is the story of his birth. This is the hope and promise we have, that out of the ashes of our lives, the Lord can raise a mighty man to serve in His most holy assembly.
THE THRONE OF GRACE: WEEP YOUR HEART'S DESIRES BEFORE THE LORD
August 28, 2019
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1 Samuel 1:27-28a HCSB
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I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him.
So now I give Him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.
So now I give Him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.
Having a Public Shameful Circumstance and Others Laugh and Taunt You. Elkanah lived in the hill country of Ephraim with his two wives; Peninnah who had children, and Hannah who had none. Peninnah wasted no time in provoking Hannah about her woes, for at that time, everyone know it was a curse of the Lord to close a womb. Elkanah faithfully went to the temple in Shiloh, year after year, to make his sacrifice during the time when Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas were priests. He would make sacrifices for his wife and children, but for Hannah he would make a double portion because he loved her and the Lord had closed her womb. Her rival provoked her, year after year, until she wept bitterly and couldn't eat on their last journey to the temple of God, Elkanah attempted to console her, by asking if his love for her could mean more than 10 sons (1 Samuel 1:1-8) but it was of little value for she was crushed in spirit.
The LORD was merciful to hear and heal her of her affliction because she cried her heart out to Him in reverence of Him and His holiness. This is the same we should do with our hearts desires and the hurts of our hearts. We should also obey the Lord's commands to not sin against our brothers and sisters as the evil Peninnah did.
The LORD was merciful to hear and heal her of her affliction because she cried her heart out to Him in reverence of Him and His holiness. This is the same we should do with our hearts desires and the hurts of our hearts. We should also obey the Lord's commands to not sin against our brothers and sisters as the evil Peninnah did.
The New Covenant of Grace: Jesus blood sets us free
August 27, 2019
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Genesis 17:7
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And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
God Fixed the Broken Relationship Alone. The essences of God's everlasting promise to Abraham is the promise we live under today, namely that He will be our God and our children's God: giving His protection and provision. The original covenants were between God and man, where man had to obey God's laws, and in doing so, they would display His wonderful attributes to the world. The problem was that man always failed to hold up his side, so God with a loving and forgiving heart, said He would make a new covenant to fix this problem relationship. It is the new covenant made in Jesus' blood that only requires that man should believe, not work. The is counter-cultural truth for there is a God, who loves you and He wants a relationship with you.
The Broken Covenants. The original covenants were based on the works of God and of man, but we failed every time. The first was made with Adam, where God created a wonderful existence for him and he only had to work the land and eat of all the trees except one. That didn't last long before he and his family were released into the world to find their own ways and means, without God. The selfish wickedness of man grew quickly, and God punished it with a flood in the days of Noah, only 10 generations from Adam. He promised to not do that again and sealed it with an oath, but they still were without God. Then another 10 generations pass and God made a covenant with Abraham, to be his God. Abraham was a decedent of Seth, the son of Noah, whom he blessed. When God made the 'Abrahamic Covenant,' all 10 of his forefathers were still alive. This shows that God moved quickly to restore a relationship with mankind.
The New Covenant. The new covenant was made with the blood of Jesus (Jeremiah 31:31; Luke 22:20). in making a new covenant, He made the first one obsolete (Hebrews 8:13) so that man would not have to attempt to live up to the righteous requirements of God, which is impossible for man. The law brought a particular problem for man, which is why the bible refers to it as a curse. The law made man aware of his transgressions and disobedience to God, and that knowledge made him guilty. And being guilty, he now had to be held accountable and pay the penalty of his error. This is the sweetness of the blood of Jesus. This is why we remember it and speak of it often, for by the blood that was spilled there is forgiveness of sins. Jesus lived according to the law of God and He never failed it. So by living up to the high standards of it, he fulfilled it. Man could now enter into the place where God alone resides, in the unshakable heaven, the real heaven.
How Sweet the Blood. Oh now sweet the blood of Jesus is to us. For it washed us clean as snow. It took away our sin and death. It left behind the system of unattainable workings of the law and the judgement thereafter. It ushered in the gentiles, man who was once far away but is now near to God. It released us from the fear of death and the tight grip of satan with all his accusations about us before God. It restored our dominion over this world and everything within it. It put us back into the hands of a loving Father who could be our friend and not be angry anymore. It gave us the protection, the provision, the love and mercy of God. We are now able to be His people and He is able to be our God, and there is no longer fear and trembling of pleasing Him or suffering the wrath. No, now should we disobey, we can repent, see the error of our ways and turn back to Him, and ask His forgiveness. The blood has even given us a God so near us, that He lives inside our hearts. He is there to comfort, guide and protect.
Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for the sweet blood of Jesus. We thank you for always making a way for us to be with You. We thank You that You spared us from Your wrath. We thank You that You have always loved us. We ask that You deepen our understanding of You and Your holiness so that we can give You the praise and honor due You. Amen.
The Broken Covenants. The original covenants were based on the works of God and of man, but we failed every time. The first was made with Adam, where God created a wonderful existence for him and he only had to work the land and eat of all the trees except one. That didn't last long before he and his family were released into the world to find their own ways and means, without God. The selfish wickedness of man grew quickly, and God punished it with a flood in the days of Noah, only 10 generations from Adam. He promised to not do that again and sealed it with an oath, but they still were without God. Then another 10 generations pass and God made a covenant with Abraham, to be his God. Abraham was a decedent of Seth, the son of Noah, whom he blessed. When God made the 'Abrahamic Covenant,' all 10 of his forefathers were still alive. This shows that God moved quickly to restore a relationship with mankind.
The New Covenant. The new covenant was made with the blood of Jesus (Jeremiah 31:31; Luke 22:20). in making a new covenant, He made the first one obsolete (Hebrews 8:13) so that man would not have to attempt to live up to the righteous requirements of God, which is impossible for man. The law brought a particular problem for man, which is why the bible refers to it as a curse. The law made man aware of his transgressions and disobedience to God, and that knowledge made him guilty. And being guilty, he now had to be held accountable and pay the penalty of his error. This is the sweetness of the blood of Jesus. This is why we remember it and speak of it often, for by the blood that was spilled there is forgiveness of sins. Jesus lived according to the law of God and He never failed it. So by living up to the high standards of it, he fulfilled it. Man could now enter into the place where God alone resides, in the unshakable heaven, the real heaven.
How Sweet the Blood. Oh now sweet the blood of Jesus is to us. For it washed us clean as snow. It took away our sin and death. It left behind the system of unattainable workings of the law and the judgement thereafter. It ushered in the gentiles, man who was once far away but is now near to God. It released us from the fear of death and the tight grip of satan with all his accusations about us before God. It restored our dominion over this world and everything within it. It put us back into the hands of a loving Father who could be our friend and not be angry anymore. It gave us the protection, the provision, the love and mercy of God. We are now able to be His people and He is able to be our God, and there is no longer fear and trembling of pleasing Him or suffering the wrath. No, now should we disobey, we can repent, see the error of our ways and turn back to Him, and ask His forgiveness. The blood has even given us a God so near us, that He lives inside our hearts. He is there to comfort, guide and protect.
Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for the sweet blood of Jesus. We thank you for always making a way for us to be with You. We thank You that You spared us from Your wrath. We thank You that You have always loved us. We ask that You deepen our understanding of You and Your holiness so that we can give You the praise and honor due You. Amen.
tHE GLORY OF GOD IS REVEALED IN THE STRUGGLES OF LIFE FOR A MAN'S FAITH IS TESTED
August 26, 2019
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1 Peter 1:6
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In all this you greatly rejoice,
though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
The Struggles are Real. Having had a rough start in life and little support, I quickly learned you have to fend for myself and trust in no one, including God. These were the early roots of bitterness which would grow deeper over the course of my life. The slightest of offense was enough to erupt spewing fits of rage; and a string of broken relationships are the charges against me. How can there be a good God, because He surely would have stopped all this pain and suffering. Life, even human life, lost its intrinsic value of being made in God's image, because it was pointless and expendable and glory wasn't due His holy name for allowing it, or so I thought.
THE PROMISES OF GOD - GIVE US HOPE AND PEACE WHEN IN OUR HEARTS
August 23, 2019
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2 Corinthians 10:5
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We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God,
and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
The Armor of God. Entering God's rest is a joyful existence, for you're allowing the Spirit to guide you and you're watching Him destroy every lofty thing that rises up against Himself, as you cast all your cares upon Him. But can this be maintained or even achieved? Even my christian brother thinks I live in a fantasy land when I tell him to rise above the worries of this world. He tells me that I don't understand his situation, then he goes on to explain his woes. My heart sinks, because I know this joyful existence in the midst of the storms is true; I know it's even more real than the problems themselves. This joy is something deep down inside you where you know and accept that the Lord works through the struggles to teach and strengthen you in the faith. It's a welcoming of woes as they are the instruments of God, even an enemy attack, to refine you as pure as gold and lead you to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus Christ: He is Alive
August 22, 2019
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Luke 24:5b
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But the men said, “Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive?
Don't Miss His Call. Oh, why should you carry on, again and again, with the same message of Christ Crucified? For it is my very life; apart from the cross, there is no life in me at all. I've never been so alive, as I am in my death - my death to self and the worries of this world. Why my very words, indeed are of the Lord, for He awoke me and provoked me with thought. He was streaming words through my mind, causing me fear that I should miss His message to be delivered to someone. I rousted from my bed and began to write. But in honesty, I initially resist and wrestled with the Lord for but a moment as it was 1:00 AM, and I wanted to sleep. Similar events have occurred where I wrestled with the Lord and did not obey, but I only regretted them when He revealed the opportunity I missed to have Christ manifest Himself through me. Missing an opportunity to show God to this world has become my biggest fear, my biggest problem in this world for what else could compare to such a thing? Many times my words have been the answer to someone's prayer. There is only death outside of such an existence for that is true life.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD: WHERE YOU REST IN GREEN PASTURES
August 21, 2019
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Joshua 24:13 (ESV)
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I gave you a land on which you had not labored, and cities which you had not built,
and you have lived in them; you are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.
and you have lived in them; you are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.
Do You Believe in the Forgiveness of Sins? The complete and utter wiping away without a trace of remembrance? The washing away of sins, after turning them blood red with a sacrificial sprinkling, so they are now as white as snow. The royal robing, of a once broken and defiled clay vessel, with priestly royal embroidered garments. Honored in sacred lines with gold and adorned with chrysolite, emerald, turquoise, sapphire and diamond just to name a few precious gems. The welcoming of your presence into a holy sanctuary of only the most righteous; a place of absolute perfection with manicured lawns, decadent vineyards and glimmering streams of living sanctifying water. This is your inherited estate and you are the royal priest there-within making daily offerings of thanksgiving with songs of praise to your most holy King. Do not be faint of heart or slack of entry; No, come now for the gates have been opened and the Almighty Vine-Dresser is hearkening unto you eagerly awaiting your return unto Him.
KINGDOM OF GOD: JESUS THE HIGH PRIEST FULFILLED THE LAW - GIVING YOU peace with god, which is your FREEDOM to love without limits
August 20, 2019
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Matthew 5:17-20 (ESV)
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"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
The Fulfillment of the Law is Your Freedom. We live in the 'age of grace' where mankind is at peace with God, for Jesus' death was to redeem mankind from the wrath of God against ungodliness (John 3:16) and it's available for all who believe. Believing that God sent His Son to free you from fear of death, fear of the enemy and fear of God's wrath is extraordinarily liberating! Jesus' work on the cross taught us that we have a protective Father in heaven who loves us, cares for us, and is watching over us. He has a plan and purpose for our lives and He will bring it to completion. He is involved; He is sovereign; and He is working all things together for our good.
WHO KILLED JESUS: HOW JESUS' CRUCIFIXION GIVES BELIEVERS THEIR POWER AND AUTHORITY
aUGUST 19, 2019
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent - The LORD detests them both (Proverbs 17:15)
We know that God is not pleased with condemning the innocent while acquitting the guilty (Proverbs 17:15), but we know that
in Isaiah 54:8 the Lord's anger overflows, like the floods of water on the earth in Genesis, and He hid is face from Jesus, like Noah was hidden in the ark, even-though He had an everlasting love for him. Isaiah in verse 54:9-10 says that God swore to him in Genesis with the flood, that He would not be angry with him nor rebuke him; rather He made a covenant of peace with the promise that His steadfast love would never depart from him. Isaiah goes on to describe the lavish God is going to build his house of precious gems, filled with his children who would be taught by God, and they all will have peace with God. (Isaiah 54:11-14). Furthermore, if there is strife from another source, God has the instruments to strike it down for no weapon formed against him will prosper, not even a waging tongue. (Isaiah 54:15-17).
This same covenant of peace is more fully realized when we consider the covenant God made with the Righteous One, Jesus, via Noah as the foreshadowing. After obeying God by entering the ark in God's wrath, He came out with an offering acceptable to God. (Genesis 8:18-20). We learn the earth will remain with no threat of God's wrath against it; it will remain a place where seeds are planted and harvested, which is us. (Genesis 8:22; 9:7). God blessed him and his offspring giving them power and authority over the earth and everything within it; everything would fear him. (Genesis 9:1-3). The people would never again be cut off by the waters and the rainbow is the sign. (Genesis 9:8-15). This show us that all power and authority has been given to Christ, and we have access to it as his heirs. We need only claim the authority by calling upon His holy name, which is why we pray to the Father in the name of the Son.
SECURITY WITH A SOVEREIGN GOD WATCHING OVER YOU
August 16, 2019
You can shine with joy and victory, in the Lord for all He has done for you. He created you with a purpose and He will bring it to completion for He is faithful and just. The Lord is my victory song (Psalm 118:14), so I can lift my horn and proclaim His glory (Psalm 89:17). "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation; my stronghold" (Psalm 18:2). You can delight yourself in the Lord, with your soul being content: lacking nothing if you really drink this truth deep down into your soul.
The Lord is faithful and just. He can be trusted. Take comfort in your afflictions, as He is the mighty right hand to protect you. Should you need to fly away, He can even lift you on the wings of an eagle, to soar at heights that no other bird can reach. You can rest upon the strong winds of the storms far down below you, in your life.
The Lord wants you to know this. He wants to rescue you from all that afflicts you. All that He asks in return is for you to brag out Him, not yourself. He wants you to tell others how wonderful He is. When we proclaim His excellencies, this is when we shine with His glory.
- He is my rock in whom I take shelter; so I'm safely hidden away as in a cleft of a rock like Moses (2 Samuel 22:3: Exodus 33:22).
- He is my fortress for He is my castle where I dwell; so I'm living in a spacious place that He provided which is safe Psalm 31:8).
- He is my deliverer for He listens for me should I call (Psalm 116:1): listening so as to make a way of escape should I need to flee.
- He is my strength for He will equip me with all I would need in my escape (Psalm 46:1).
- He is my trust for He can be trusted as faithful in this most difficult time of my life; He will never abandon me (Psalm 91:4).
- He is my shield for He protects me against any attacks (Psalm 28:7).
- He is my stronghold for He is my retreat as He safely delivers you to a new resting place (Psalm 119:14).
- He is my horn of salvation for He is my victory song in which I boast (Psalm 89:17).
The Lord is faithful and just. He can be trusted. Take comfort in your afflictions, as He is the mighty right hand to protect you. Should you need to fly away, He can even lift you on the wings of an eagle, to soar at heights that no other bird can reach. You can rest upon the strong winds of the storms far down below you, in your life.
The Lord wants you to know this. He wants to rescue you from all that afflicts you. All that He asks in return is for you to brag out Him, not yourself. He wants you to tell others how wonderful He is. When we proclaim His excellencies, this is when we shine with His glory.
love one another
august 15, 2019
"And a new command I give you: 'To love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.'" John 13:34 The command seems simple enough, but if everyone truly followed it this world would be a different place. Wars, conflict, envy, abandonment, loneliness, and many more painful life circumstances would all disappear. Instead we would have kindness, meekness, gentleness, forgiveness, joy, peace and love. Everything the Lord has and has given His children. All He is asking for us to do is share it with others.
Pagan: Man did not honor God: they made their own Gods instead
August 14, 2019
Chosen: God the Potter and clay sermon teaching
August 13, 2019
Fearfully and wonderfully Means: being created by god with a purpose
August 12, 2019
Suffering produces Hope: Suffering Quotes and Bible STudy
August 09, 2019
Victory of the faith
august 8, 2019
Justification by faith
aUGUST 07, 2019
The freedom of salvation
aUGUST 06, 2019
Our salvation: salvation in christianity
AUGUST 05, 2019
Obey and God's Grace and Peace will be with you
August 2, 2019
Jesus said it is better for us if He goes for He will send the helper, the Holy Spirit. What could be better than Jesus with us? The God of Peace to be with us, in our hearts - guiding and helping us. When we give control over to Him, then and only then, do we find peace. He came to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. When we allow Him to speak to us, He will guide us into all truth: truth about our thoughts, our speech, our conduct, our actions our habits and how we treat others. He will begin to mold us into perfection of who we really are - children of God. Welcome Him into your heart and allow Him time to speak to you. It requires quite time for He speaks in a still small voice inside your heart. When we obey His words, then we find peace for there is peace in righteousness. He will Glorifying Jesus for He confirms all of what Jesus did and said.
God's Grace gives us comfort and peace
August 1, 2019
God's victory is on our side and we know because, He that is within me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). God sent His Son into the world to reclaim you as His child and so He could be your God. He loves us. He wants a relationship with us. He is aware of the brokenness in our lives and the problems that stand against us, but still He said He'd be our protector and defender. He said to seek Him first and to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul. He gives gifts to His children through His Spirit. He says, we have not because we ask not. So, "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so we may receive mercy and find grace." He is waiting for us. He wants to hear our voices cry out to Him. He loves us. He wants to reach down from heaven and fight our battles and give us peace, joy, mercy and grace. Hold tight to these gospel truths, they have the power to save lives and give you God's rest. AMEN.