loving god with all...
A dear friend said to me, I am finally DOING IT. What? I asked.
Loving God with all my heart, soul mind and strength.
He had struggled for a few years with sleep problems and certain sins that plagued his mind.
He kept coming to church- thank God for that- and keep seeking to know. Finally, the scripture in Mark 12:30 took over his heart and soul!
The Word of God did what it was supposed to do! It changed him.
I remember the awesome Bible Teacher Chip Brim related as he was challenged by God asking him: 'Why do you not delight yourself in Me?' He replied: "I do Lord!" As Chip tells the story, God began to show him what true delight was. Chip changed and began to delight himself in the Lord- A new ministry opened to him.
Loving God with all my heart, soul mind and strength.
He had struggled for a few years with sleep problems and certain sins that plagued his mind.
He kept coming to church- thank God for that- and keep seeking to know. Finally, the scripture in Mark 12:30 took over his heart and soul!
The Word of God did what it was supposed to do! It changed him.
I remember the awesome Bible Teacher Chip Brim related as he was challenged by God asking him: 'Why do you not delight yourself in Me?' He replied: "I do Lord!" As Chip tells the story, God began to show him what true delight was. Chip changed and began to delight himself in the Lord- A new ministry opened to him.
Search My Heart
A Hymn sung many, many years ago was sung with these words...
'Tis a point I long to know
Oft it causes anxious thought,
Do I love the Lord or not?
Am I His or Am I not? John Newton 1779
This could readily be pointed out as unbelief, if you are a christian.
Of course you are His- Jesus is your Lord. However, if we look at our daily living- daily choices and practices- we might want to redirect some things. This is what we are talking about.
Dr. A.W. Tozer wrote: Our Lord told his disciples that love and obedience were organically united, that the keeping of his sayings would prove that we loved him and the failure or refusal to keep them would prove that we did not. This is the true test of love, and we w ill be wise to face up to it.
An honest assessment is necessary when walking with The Lord-
Ps 139:23-24 Examine me, O God, and know my mind. Test me, and know my thoughts.
24 See whether I am on an evil path. Then lead me on the everlasting path. GWT
Paul said : 'We worship God in the Spirit and put no confidence in the flesh... ' Phil . 3:3
'Tis a point I long to know
Oft it causes anxious thought,
Do I love the Lord or not?
Am I His or Am I not? John Newton 1779
This could readily be pointed out as unbelief, if you are a christian.
Of course you are His- Jesus is your Lord. However, if we look at our daily living- daily choices and practices- we might want to redirect some things. This is what we are talking about.
Dr. A.W. Tozer wrote: Our Lord told his disciples that love and obedience were organically united, that the keeping of his sayings would prove that we loved him and the failure or refusal to keep them would prove that we did not. This is the true test of love, and we w ill be wise to face up to it.
An honest assessment is necessary when walking with The Lord-
Ps 139:23-24 Examine me, O God, and know my mind. Test me, and know my thoughts.
24 See whether I am on an evil path. Then lead me on the everlasting path. GWT
Paul said : 'We worship God in the Spirit and put no confidence in the flesh... ' Phil . 3:3
keep his sayings
How Can I know I Am His?- as in wholly devoted to Him?
John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; NKJV
When we start keeping the sayings of Jesus we start loving him. Obedience
is a love word. When my wife and I married- we wanted to keep each others words. I would quote her, she would quote me. It is love and respect to work together based on each others word. It honors the relationship- it honors the other person. It is love.
It is not only love, to keep the words of Jesus, but great reward:
"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
Matthew 7:24-25 NKJV
Father, forgive me for not keeping your word- I choose to be strength with might by Your Spirit in the inner man. I choose to hear God's Word, and Keep It- act on it- put it into practice- that I may love the Lord my God with all my heart, all my soul all my mind and all my strength. I will love my neighbor as myself with God's love in me! I will Love God with All I have....
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John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; NKJV
When we start keeping the sayings of Jesus we start loving him. Obedience
is a love word. When my wife and I married- we wanted to keep each others words. I would quote her, she would quote me. It is love and respect to work together based on each others word. It honors the relationship- it honors the other person. It is love.
It is not only love, to keep the words of Jesus, but great reward:
"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
Matthew 7:24-25 NKJV
Father, forgive me for not keeping your word- I choose to be strength with might by Your Spirit in the inner man. I choose to hear God's Word, and Keep It- act on it- put it into practice- that I may love the Lord my God with all my heart, all my soul all my mind and all my strength. I will love my neighbor as myself with God's love in me! I will Love God with All I have....
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NEVER THE LESS, ALWAYS THE GREATER: by Suzann Lorenc
I actually got that declaration from a book I was reading by David Crone, Pastor of The Mission in Vacaville, California. The book is entitled The Power of Your Life Message. Good book - I recommend reading it.
Holy Spirit told me to make this declaration my own. Being a child of God with a recreated (might I mention, perfect) spirit after His image, I have no lack. The thing is, we need to bring body and soul into alignment with what our Father has already provided (we are a triune being, spirit, soul and body; it’s our soul that needs to be renewed - put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness! - and with two against one, spirit and soul versus body, the body has to follow - it’s so easy). So we declare what God says is already true about us and it comes to pass (Job 22:28 - Declare a thing, and it shall come to pass). (Reading, studying, praying, declaring, confessing God’s word is how we renew our minds, well believing, too!)
Here’s what I got out of this excerpt of Pastor David’s book.
Luke 5:1-11 relates the events of Simon Peter, a very experienced fisherman, who had been out all night fishing, caught nothing, and was just cleaning his nets when Jesus comes up, steps into Peter’s boat and asks him to push a little way off shore. Jesus then begins to teach the people from the boat. I can just imagine Peter sort of fuming inside of himself: “Doesn’t He know that I’ve been out all night, still need to finish cleaning my nets, really need food, need to sleep? Why is He teaching these people now? It isn’t even a decent hour!” But Simon Peter holds his peace.
Then comes the ultimate test. Jesus asks Peter to launch his boat out further and start fishing again! I can hear more protestations coming out of Peter’s brain, and he even tells Jesus, “Master, we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing!” But Peter does this awesome thing: He tells his flesh to shut up, listens to the Greater One, and says, “Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”
When he did this, they caught a whole bunch of fish, the nets broke, and Simon Peter asked his other fishermen friends to help. Then both ships began to sink because of all the fish they were catching! Of course, they were astonished at this abundance, especially since nothing had been caught prior to Jesus telling them to launch out in the deep, so they (Peter, James and John) “forsook all and followed Him.” Jesus then made them fishers of men.
We can work all night, all week, all year, all of our life in our own strength and not really gain very much. Even if we succeed in our own strength, it is far, far less than what could be achieved by following Jesus. He always does abundantly more than what we can ask or even think. This is not just financially, but in every life arena. The wisdom of following Jesus will lead us into everything that we need, everything that He wants for us and from us, even the wisdom of winning souls. I’m experiencing this in my own life now, too much to even write here (my boat is sinking from all the fish - oh, that’s another declaration, not my boat sinking, but “I will not go to heaven in a boat!” Which means that I will walk on water as I follow Jesus - another Peter story.) When we lay down our lives, take up His, and follow Him, the story becomes NEVER THE LESS - ALWAYS THE GREATER!
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I actually got that declaration from a book I was reading by David Crone, Pastor of The Mission in Vacaville, California. The book is entitled The Power of Your Life Message. Good book - I recommend reading it.
Holy Spirit told me to make this declaration my own. Being a child of God with a recreated (might I mention, perfect) spirit after His image, I have no lack. The thing is, we need to bring body and soul into alignment with what our Father has already provided (we are a triune being, spirit, soul and body; it’s our soul that needs to be renewed - put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness! - and with two against one, spirit and soul versus body, the body has to follow - it’s so easy). So we declare what God says is already true about us and it comes to pass (Job 22:28 - Declare a thing, and it shall come to pass). (Reading, studying, praying, declaring, confessing God’s word is how we renew our minds, well believing, too!)
Here’s what I got out of this excerpt of Pastor David’s book.
Luke 5:1-11 relates the events of Simon Peter, a very experienced fisherman, who had been out all night fishing, caught nothing, and was just cleaning his nets when Jesus comes up, steps into Peter’s boat and asks him to push a little way off shore. Jesus then begins to teach the people from the boat. I can just imagine Peter sort of fuming inside of himself: “Doesn’t He know that I’ve been out all night, still need to finish cleaning my nets, really need food, need to sleep? Why is He teaching these people now? It isn’t even a decent hour!” But Simon Peter holds his peace.
Then comes the ultimate test. Jesus asks Peter to launch his boat out further and start fishing again! I can hear more protestations coming out of Peter’s brain, and he even tells Jesus, “Master, we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing!” But Peter does this awesome thing: He tells his flesh to shut up, listens to the Greater One, and says, “Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”
When he did this, they caught a whole bunch of fish, the nets broke, and Simon Peter asked his other fishermen friends to help. Then both ships began to sink because of all the fish they were catching! Of course, they were astonished at this abundance, especially since nothing had been caught prior to Jesus telling them to launch out in the deep, so they (Peter, James and John) “forsook all and followed Him.” Jesus then made them fishers of men.
We can work all night, all week, all year, all of our life in our own strength and not really gain very much. Even if we succeed in our own strength, it is far, far less than what could be achieved by following Jesus. He always does abundantly more than what we can ask or even think. This is not just financially, but in every life arena. The wisdom of following Jesus will lead us into everything that we need, everything that He wants for us and from us, even the wisdom of winning souls. I’m experiencing this in my own life now, too much to even write here (my boat is sinking from all the fish - oh, that’s another declaration, not my boat sinking, but “I will not go to heaven in a boat!” Which means that I will walk on water as I follow Jesus - another Peter story.) When we lay down our lives, take up His, and follow Him, the story becomes NEVER THE LESS - ALWAYS THE GREATER!
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Devotion
Read the follow and see what happens when THE Glory of The Lord fills a room with His Presence...
2 Chron 7:1-3 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house.
2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord , because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord 's house.
3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord , saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
That is so amazing. The effect of The Holy Spirit upon our lives can bring us to a wonderous relationship with Our Heavenly Father. These worshipers did not sing 2 hymns, have a special song and then "get on with the sermon". They got caught up in the moment of glory as The Holy Spirit took over the service. The result was devotion to God; they bowed themelves with their faces on the pavement, and worshiped, saying, for He is good: for his mercy endures forever.
It is one thing to sing a song, it is another to fall prostrate on the pavement and sing... What would that look like in the average assembly today? Well, it still happens! The Glory of The Lord is The Holy Spirit. He is not here in less manifestation today than He was in Solomon's day;
He is here in more manifestation:
Acts 10:44-46 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Things happen when the Holy Spirit is allowed to "show up". They heard them speak with tongues and rob banks? NO!
They heard them speak with tongues and be controlled by a spirit of fear? NO! They spake with tongues and magnified God. Their devotion got richer and deeper.
2 Chron 7:1-3 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house.
2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord , because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord 's house.
3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord , saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
That is so amazing. The effect of The Holy Spirit upon our lives can bring us to a wonderous relationship with Our Heavenly Father. These worshipers did not sing 2 hymns, have a special song and then "get on with the sermon". They got caught up in the moment of glory as The Holy Spirit took over the service. The result was devotion to God; they bowed themelves with their faces on the pavement, and worshiped, saying, for He is good: for his mercy endures forever.
It is one thing to sing a song, it is another to fall prostrate on the pavement and sing... What would that look like in the average assembly today? Well, it still happens! The Glory of The Lord is The Holy Spirit. He is not here in less manifestation today than He was in Solomon's day;
He is here in more manifestation:
Acts 10:44-46 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Things happen when the Holy Spirit is allowed to "show up". They heard them speak with tongues and rob banks? NO!
They heard them speak with tongues and be controlled by a spirit of fear? NO! They spake with tongues and magnified God. Their devotion got richer and deeper.
Devotion or comfort?
Our flesh wants to run church services, our families, our appetites, our fleshly desires. The flesh (or cravings that violate God's law of love) wants to be in charge. Our flesh has no devotion to God by itself. The scripture says: those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Our flesh does not even want to go to church, unless it can "be comfortable" with what goes on. I hear people say:
I don't feel comfortable with singing.
I don't feel comfortable with lifting my hands.
I don't feel comfortable with speaking in tongues.
I don't feel comfortable with falling on my face...
It did not say: 'They were all filled with The Holy Spirit and felt comfortable.'
The Holy Spirit is called "The Comforter" Some people think they are the comforter.
I have seen people- the same people who say: 'I don't feel comfortable with all this worship stuff' get all goose-bumped, emotional and stand to attention when their favorite music group, singer, actor or sport team does their thing. Yet, when The Holy Spirit- the Present day Representative of The Godhead - comes in full maifestation- people get nervous and UNCOMFORTABLE! That is when we need to let our flesh die- forget this "comfortable" business- just kill the thing... Paul said: Put to death whatever is worldly in you: your sexual sin, perversion, passion, lust, and greed. Col 3:5 The inablility to yield to God in worship & devotion is "worldly". That can be changed by yielding to Him--Ohhhhhhh the glory of His Presence..
Yielding In Worship
And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
"Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!"
14 Then the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. Rev 5:13-14
Let's do it- Let's yield to The Holy Spirit. He wants to bring us closer to The Father through Jesus. His power will bring us to a place of surrender and peace. You will hunger for the scriptures and desire to just worship Him who loves you and gave his life for you. It is intimacy In The Spirit. The days of flesh-ruled existance is over. The days of worship and praise are here! Embrace this outpouring of The Holy Spirit- right now! In The Name of Jesus. Click on this song and see what happens on the inside of your heart as you just close your eyes and let Him take over... Lord I Magnify You... david ingles
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Our flesh does not even want to go to church, unless it can "be comfortable" with what goes on. I hear people say:
I don't feel comfortable with singing.
I don't feel comfortable with lifting my hands.
I don't feel comfortable with speaking in tongues.
I don't feel comfortable with falling on my face...
It did not say: 'They were all filled with The Holy Spirit and felt comfortable.'
The Holy Spirit is called "The Comforter" Some people think they are the comforter.
I have seen people- the same people who say: 'I don't feel comfortable with all this worship stuff' get all goose-bumped, emotional and stand to attention when their favorite music group, singer, actor or sport team does their thing. Yet, when The Holy Spirit- the Present day Representative of The Godhead - comes in full maifestation- people get nervous and UNCOMFORTABLE! That is when we need to let our flesh die- forget this "comfortable" business- just kill the thing... Paul said: Put to death whatever is worldly in you: your sexual sin, perversion, passion, lust, and greed. Col 3:5 The inablility to yield to God in worship & devotion is "worldly". That can be changed by yielding to Him--Ohhhhhhh the glory of His Presence..
Yielding In Worship
And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
"Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!"
14 Then the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. Rev 5:13-14
Let's do it- Let's yield to The Holy Spirit. He wants to bring us closer to The Father through Jesus. His power will bring us to a place of surrender and peace. You will hunger for the scriptures and desire to just worship Him who loves you and gave his life for you. It is intimacy In The Spirit. The days of flesh-ruled existance is over. The days of worship and praise are here! Embrace this outpouring of The Holy Spirit- right now! In The Name of Jesus. Click on this song and see what happens on the inside of your heart as you just close your eyes and let Him take over... Lord I Magnify You... david ingles
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Don't Say THat Ever Again---
Words. They come in all sizes, and they shape and form our lives.
On a Sunday night service , as we were just ministering to The Lord, I heard The Holy Spirit speak these words to me: Don't ever say that again. I knew in an instant that this was one of those "life and death" messages.
Many people think that it is not very important what you say. Solomon received revelation from God that Death and Life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21 There are things we say without even thinking of the consequence of that word or phrase. The Holy Spirit wants to warn us, help us, lead us and guide us into all the truth. John 16:13
This is one of those "words" or messages that will lead us into the truth.
On a Sunday night service , as we were just ministering to The Lord, I heard The Holy Spirit speak these words to me: Don't ever say that again. I knew in an instant that this was one of those "life and death" messages.
Many people think that it is not very important what you say. Solomon received revelation from God that Death and Life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21 There are things we say without even thinking of the consequence of that word or phrase. The Holy Spirit wants to warn us, help us, lead us and guide us into all the truth. John 16:13
This is one of those "words" or messages that will lead us into the truth.
Set A Watch Over My Tongue
Here are a couple of scriptures that will bring out the importance of our words, and checking ourselves- evaluating what we are saying.
Ps 141:3-4 Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
Incline my heart not to submit or consent to any evil thing or to be occupied in deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity; AMP
Psalms 17:3-5
3 Thou has proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou has tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
Ps 39:1
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
These sciptures convey the highest premium on choosing our words- yes, even guarding our life against words that would work against us.
Ps 141:3-4 Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
Incline my heart not to submit or consent to any evil thing or to be occupied in deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity; AMP
Psalms 17:3-5
3 Thou has proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou has tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
Ps 39:1
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
These sciptures convey the highest premium on choosing our words- yes, even guarding our life against words that would work against us.
The Holy Spirit's Help!
We can ask these questions of what we are saying:
1.Is it profitable? 1Cor. 10:23
2.Is it edifying? 1Cor. 10:23 /Eph 4:29
3.Is it in the truth in love? Eph. 4:15
3.Is is pleasing God? Ps. 19:14
4.Could it hurt myself or someone else? Matt 12:34-37/Prov. 18:21/Mark 11:23/Luke 6:45/James 3:6
5. Is it filled with faith? Heb 11:6/Matt 8:10
6. The Holy Spirit may require you not to say something- Obey Him! It will lead to greater blessing... Acts 11:12
We have the help of The Holy Spirit to change our words... We were made for His Glory! Jesus said: And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: John 17:22
We can be ONE IN PURPOSE with The Father when we receive His Glory, or The presence of The Holy Spirit!
When jesus said to the woman- go and sin no more... John 8:11 That was her power to change and keep it changed!
In John 5 He told the man who was healed: Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. John 5:14 That is like The Holy Spirit saying to us- Don't say that anymore... He is trying to protect us, and lead us to greener pastures. To ignore this and continue on as if nothing happened would be foolish. Jesus did not try to scare that man; He wanted him well and to stay well!!
If we wait on God, I believe He will not only show us what not to say ever again, HE WILL GIVE US A NEW SOMETHING TO SAY! That New Something To Say is a word of faith to overcome, out-do and out-run all we have ever done before!! Let's hook up with the Holy Spirit. Let's yield to Him and let Him have His way.
Days of glory lay just ahead. Days of refreshing and blessing such as we have not seen before. Let's get ready for greatest move of God in our lives... Don't delay. Today is the day of salvation! Amen!
Father, we yield to you. We yield to The Holy Spirit. Search our hearts. Show us things we should never say again. Teach us to bridle our tongue with The Holy spirit's Power. Teach us to be sensative to your will, your ways and your Spirit. Give us new Words; Covenant Words that will heal and bless. I receive grace to gain new ground. Lord, equip me with all you have that I may walk in your glory... Amen
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1.Is it profitable? 1Cor. 10:23
2.Is it edifying? 1Cor. 10:23 /Eph 4:29
3.Is it in the truth in love? Eph. 4:15
3.Is is pleasing God? Ps. 19:14
4.Could it hurt myself or someone else? Matt 12:34-37/Prov. 18:21/Mark 11:23/Luke 6:45/James 3:6
5. Is it filled with faith? Heb 11:6/Matt 8:10
6. The Holy Spirit may require you not to say something- Obey Him! It will lead to greater blessing... Acts 11:12
We have the help of The Holy Spirit to change our words... We were made for His Glory! Jesus said: And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: John 17:22
We can be ONE IN PURPOSE with The Father when we receive His Glory, or The presence of The Holy Spirit!
When jesus said to the woman- go and sin no more... John 8:11 That was her power to change and keep it changed!
In John 5 He told the man who was healed: Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. John 5:14 That is like The Holy Spirit saying to us- Don't say that anymore... He is trying to protect us, and lead us to greener pastures. To ignore this and continue on as if nothing happened would be foolish. Jesus did not try to scare that man; He wanted him well and to stay well!!
If we wait on God, I believe He will not only show us what not to say ever again, HE WILL GIVE US A NEW SOMETHING TO SAY! That New Something To Say is a word of faith to overcome, out-do and out-run all we have ever done before!! Let's hook up with the Holy Spirit. Let's yield to Him and let Him have His way.
Days of glory lay just ahead. Days of refreshing and blessing such as we have not seen before. Let's get ready for greatest move of God in our lives... Don't delay. Today is the day of salvation! Amen!
Father, we yield to you. We yield to The Holy Spirit. Search our hearts. Show us things we should never say again. Teach us to bridle our tongue with The Holy spirit's Power. Teach us to be sensative to your will, your ways and your Spirit. Give us new Words; Covenant Words that will heal and bless. I receive grace to gain new ground. Lord, equip me with all you have that I may walk in your glory... Amen
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The Ways of God (pt.1)
Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. Psa 86:11, 12
When the Bible speaks of God’s ways it is the Hebrew word derek: deh'-rek;
a road (as trodden); fig.
a course of life or mode of action, often adv.:--
along, away, because of, + by, conversation, custom, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward. The Psalmist prays: Teach me Your mode of action, Your conversation, Your manner or course of life. What a powerful prayer!Unite my heart to fear Your Name. David knew that his heart must be united with God to walk in His ways.
God’s Ways are Higher.
Isaiah 55:9 says that God’s Ways are higher than our ways. God’s Higher Ways are not first nature to us. They are imparted by The Holy Spirit to humble hearts who learn to pray: "Teach me Your Way." As we humble ourselves, confessing our need for His Higher Ways, He loves us and (like a fresh spring rain) the moisture of His ways unites with our heart to condition the soil for the planting of His Word. As we act on that imparted word, we also have His heart, His way and ministry blossoms into the precious fruit of changed lives.
It is precious to be included by our Father into His Ways. How it must delight His Heart to see His church not only obeying specific tasks, but also doing it in the Way He prescribes.
Jesus is the perfect Way of God. He is the Way the Truth and the Life. He is the way to God, but He is also the way of God. " I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." Jn 8:28 Teach me your ways O Lord!
When the Bible speaks of God’s ways it is the Hebrew word derek: deh'-rek;
a road (as trodden); fig.
a course of life or mode of action, often adv.:--
along, away, because of, + by, conversation, custom, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward. The Psalmist prays: Teach me Your mode of action, Your conversation, Your manner or course of life. What a powerful prayer!Unite my heart to fear Your Name. David knew that his heart must be united with God to walk in His ways.
God’s Ways are Higher.
Isaiah 55:9 says that God’s Ways are higher than our ways. God’s Higher Ways are not first nature to us. They are imparted by The Holy Spirit to humble hearts who learn to pray: "Teach me Your Way." As we humble ourselves, confessing our need for His Higher Ways, He loves us and (like a fresh spring rain) the moisture of His ways unites with our heart to condition the soil for the planting of His Word. As we act on that imparted word, we also have His heart, His way and ministry blossoms into the precious fruit of changed lives.
It is precious to be included by our Father into His Ways. How it must delight His Heart to see His church not only obeying specific tasks, but also doing it in the Way He prescribes.
Jesus is the perfect Way of God. He is the Way the Truth and the Life. He is the way to God, but He is also the way of God. " I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." Jn 8:28 Teach me your ways O Lord!
A Devotion for each and every day
1 Tim 2:4
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
It is God's Will for all to be saved. The price has been paid for every soul ever born to be saved. Every person has their name written in The Lamb's Book of Life. Names have to be blotted out-
1. Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
2. Ex 32:32-33 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
3. Ps 69:28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.
The Bible has more to say about God blotting out- erase, abolish-utterly wipe away- our sins...
1. Isa 43:25 I alone am the one who is going to wipe away your rebellious actions
for my own sake. I will not remember your sins anymore. GWT
2. Isa 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
3. Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
There is some very bad teaching going around today that proclaims that every one will be saved because God Wills for all to be saved. This is more than wishful thinking- It is false doctrine and deadly. It is wishful thinking to tell your son or daughter that they do not have to obey the traffic signals- that nothing will hurt them because God loves them and wants them to be saved? NO! We tell them the truth- the full story. There are drunk drivers, bad drivers, sometimes horrible conditions- and so many other variables that you must be a good defensive driver to be safe.
Jesus and Paul warned that there would be wolves in sheep's clothing- NOT SPARING THE FLOCK!
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Acts 20:29-30 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
God does will for all men to be saved- God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whoseover believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Believing in Jesus is what saves! Receiving His grace and walking in it is the grace of salvation. Our names are written in the book of life. Believing in Jesus keeps it there. Denying him blots it out.
Keep on believing!!! His grace is enough to keep us.
********************************************************************
1 Tim 2:2-3
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Prayer needs to be made for rulers and all who are in authority.. Righteousness exaltes a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Prov 14:34 This scripture is letting us knowthat moral character is the compass of the nation. Moral character comes from God's righteousness effecting the people of the nation and the people in positions of authority in a nation. Prayer is one of the ways we can effect a powerful change in the moral character of our Nation. God directs us to do so-- that means He intends to listen and respond to our prayers.
The Effect of First of All Prayer
...that we may lead a quiet and peacable life in all Godliness and honesty. Prayer produces results. The effectual fervant prayer of righteous people avails much. James 5:16
Outwardly-we can live a quiet and undisturbed life.
Inwardly- we can live a peaceable life in all godliness--(a Godward attitude) and honesty (exhibiting a dignity which arises from moral elevation- Wuest)
Prayer- prayers prayed according to the scriptures- will always elevate our moral character, our city, our state, our nation. It will elevate our standard of living and our testimony toward God. God's will is not a life of choas and confusion. Wars happen as a result of the lusts of the human heart. Peace happens when we humble ourselves and God exalts us in due time!
Good & Acceptable
It is good and acceptable in the sight of God Our Saviorthat we lead a quiet and peaceable life in Godliness and honesty! This is God's will, that His kingdom come and HIS WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. What will cause this happen? Prayer! Praying for our leaders. Praying for all men- people in our lives. Prayer is inviting God the Father into our daily lives to effect a healing and a cure for the ills of our nation, our families and our personal day to day situations.
Father, I put prayer first. I am praying for all that are over me in authority in any way, shape or form. I pray for my president, vice president, both houses of congress, the joint-chiefs and those who serve in the military; Our mayor, town counsel, police and firemen. I pray for our school teachers, pastors, church leaders and all who serve. Lord, we put you first- by praying first- that we would lead a quit and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Thank you for the Lordship of Jesus! We decalre Him Lord over our Nation and leaders. We declare Him Lord over our church family and our city.
Thank you for Your Lorship over my life, attitude and character. I cast all my cares on You, Lord. I seek first your kingdom and let The Holy Spirit lead and guide me into all the truth. I will refuse all rebellion and self-exalting feelings, desires and emotions. I humble myself under the mighty hand of God. You will exalt me in due season. Thank God I am a blessing to my family, city, nation and church family. I declare these things so- In the Name of Jesus!
******************************************************************************
1 Tim 2:1-2
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
First of All Prayer
Prayer is not a weak and feeble last-resort has-it-come -this act of despiriation.
Prayer is an act of faith for those who are in covenant relationship with their God and Father in the Name of Jesus.
Prayer is establishing God's Will in our lives. That is why it is a first-of-all declaration.
Prayer is a declaration that:
1. We are not self-sufficient
2. We need God's help, protection and intervention
3. We trust God to hear us and answer according to His Promises
4. Confident expectation that the effectual heart-felt prayers of righteous people will avail much!! James 5:16
#1 The first thing we need to pray and agree upon is that
We will continue to pray and make prayer our first action and reaction
#2 We pray and give thanks for God's intervention in the lives of our leaders.
#3 We pray and thank God for His grace over our schools, churches, and all institutions that have anything to do with the future of this Nation.
#5 We pray and give thanks that we will live a quiet (undisturbed) and peaceable life in all Godliness and honesty.
May the fires of revival burn in our leaders, their trusted counselors, our churches and especially all of those who call upon the Name of The Lord! In the Name of Jesus we declare
the Lordship of Jesus over the United States! We strengthen the things that remain and stand for things that make for true peace that comes from heaven.
We take authority over all the works of darkness- spirits of poverty, selfishness, greed and ungodly humanism in any form. May Jesus be invited into the affairs of our nation and families as never before.
We humble ourslves and pray. We seek Your Face and turn from our wicked ways.
Thank You for hearing us from heaven. Forgiving our sin as a nation and healing our land.
2 Cor. 7:14
In the Name of Jesus- so be it...
****************************************************************
1 Tim 1:20
Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
What a privilage it is to be in the fellowship (joint participation) of Jesus Christ. We were called into this fellowship by God to enjoin our hearts with other believers. In Acts 2 it says:
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Acts 2:42-44
This holy communion among believers is sacred and a blessing- especially when you think how evil and crooked this present world is. This does not keep certain ones from not appreciating the fulness of this blessing. Hymenaeus and Alexander engaged in wilful violence against their conscience-they did not regard The Faith, not just their own personal go-to-heaven faith, but The Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ in the earth. Paul considered their impact upon The Faith so great that he delievered them over to Satan that they would learn- not to blaspheme.
Men like Hymenaeus and Alexander are not laying down their lives to make sure women and chlidren are covered. They do not seek to add to the church strength and protection. They have their own agenda. This is why the Apostle who had been left for dead, beaten with stripes, suffered as an evil-doer for healing the sick and many such things- he knew it was important to watch over the flock of God 'over which The Holy Spirit had made him an Overseer- and take action.
There are many Hymenaeus and Alexander's today. They have no idea the cost of keeping The Faith around the world. The persecution, the lies and decpetions of the enemies of faith.
All they know is American civil rights-the freedom to say and do anything they want. Well, God is not going to allow people to come in and tear His people apart.
Let us all get on our knees and appreciate good leadership and their commission to earnestly contend for The Faith once delievered to the saints...
Jude :3-4 For certain men have crept in stealthily [gaining entrance secretly by a side door]. Their doom was predicted long ago, ungodly (impious, profane) persons who pervert the grace (the spiritual blessing and favor) of our God into lawlessness and wantonness and immorality, and disown and deny our sole Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). AMP
It is a serious subject-that should be taken seriously. Thank God for true leaders who take action to protect the flock...
********************************************************************************
1 Tim 1:19
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
A good conscience is a great thing to protect. Our conscience is the seat of our emotions, choices and personality. It is the human spirit. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we receive a New Spirit. (Ezekiel 36:26)
Paul tells Timothy in our scripture, that just as a Captain takes a ship out to sea, we are going to be sailing in this earth. There are opportunities for trouble and even disaster. Shipwrecks are a part of mankind's history in the water. Some more infamous than others. Sailing a vessel has it's own set of troubles. There is enough trouble sailing the seven seas facing the weather conditions, we do not need to add to this trouble our own lack of faith, character and even rebellion. We need a steady conscience the same way we need a good compass.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb. 1:1 Faith is not just an attitude. Real Bible Faith gives our heart SUBSTANCE, raw material, the essence of strength. If hope is the blue print, then faith is the raw material with which to build.
Paul tells Timothy: Holding Faith! When sailing the seven seas of this earth you will need to hold on to faith. God gave a message to this earth. It is the message of the New Testament.
It is the message of faith: That we are justified by faith without the deeds of the law! Jesus paid it all and He paid it in full! Hold on to this message! This is for the whole chuch, the whole earth for all time! Hold on to it!!
Holding faith AND a good conscience. The message of faith- the substance in that message-will undergird our conscience: When the storms of doubt and fear assail, by the Living Word I shall prevail Standing On The Promises of God!
The enemy of our soul would like to take us out- make us shipwreck. You see, a ship is a carrier of cargo. In Bible terms, our ship is meant for fellowship. Fellowship is a joint participation of exchanging precious cargo, goods and mutual faith. These are the things that bless our lives as family members of the household of God. No wonder Satan wants us shipwrecked. He wants to cut off the supply lines of fellowship by attacking our conscience so this message of faith does not spread and bless the whole world.
To be shipwrecked is to break the ship into pieces. A ship in this condition is not a carrier of precious cargo to bless humanity. It is a devastated, shattered, liability; unable to care for even itself. This is why we must hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Heb 3:4
Holding faith and a good conscience will keep the persecution, tests, trials and untold conditions of this world out of our boat. The fellowship of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit will keep the Kingdom of God reigning, even though all is shaking around us! We have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken!! (Heb. 12:27)
Father, thank you for your grace and peace given to us in Christ Jesus. We allow that peace to reign in our hearts right now. We hold on to faith. We thank you for a good conscience washed in the precious blood of Jesus. We refuse shipwrecks by staying filled with The Holy Spirit and holding faith and a good conscience. Thank you for our fellowship. Thank You for The Good Ship Fellowship, that shall never wreck, in the Name of Jesus- So Be It....
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
It is God's Will for all to be saved. The price has been paid for every soul ever born to be saved. Every person has their name written in The Lamb's Book of Life. Names have to be blotted out-
1. Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
2. Ex 32:32-33 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
3. Ps 69:28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.
The Bible has more to say about God blotting out- erase, abolish-utterly wipe away- our sins...
1. Isa 43:25 I alone am the one who is going to wipe away your rebellious actions
for my own sake. I will not remember your sins anymore. GWT
2. Isa 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
3. Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
There is some very bad teaching going around today that proclaims that every one will be saved because God Wills for all to be saved. This is more than wishful thinking- It is false doctrine and deadly. It is wishful thinking to tell your son or daughter that they do not have to obey the traffic signals- that nothing will hurt them because God loves them and wants them to be saved? NO! We tell them the truth- the full story. There are drunk drivers, bad drivers, sometimes horrible conditions- and so many other variables that you must be a good defensive driver to be safe.
Jesus and Paul warned that there would be wolves in sheep's clothing- NOT SPARING THE FLOCK!
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Acts 20:29-30 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
God does will for all men to be saved- God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whoseover believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Believing in Jesus is what saves! Receiving His grace and walking in it is the grace of salvation. Our names are written in the book of life. Believing in Jesus keeps it there. Denying him blots it out.
Keep on believing!!! His grace is enough to keep us.
********************************************************************
1 Tim 2:2-3
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Prayer needs to be made for rulers and all who are in authority.. Righteousness exaltes a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Prov 14:34 This scripture is letting us knowthat moral character is the compass of the nation. Moral character comes from God's righteousness effecting the people of the nation and the people in positions of authority in a nation. Prayer is one of the ways we can effect a powerful change in the moral character of our Nation. God directs us to do so-- that means He intends to listen and respond to our prayers.
The Effect of First of All Prayer
...that we may lead a quiet and peacable life in all Godliness and honesty. Prayer produces results. The effectual fervant prayer of righteous people avails much. James 5:16
Outwardly-we can live a quiet and undisturbed life.
Inwardly- we can live a peaceable life in all godliness--(a Godward attitude) and honesty (exhibiting a dignity which arises from moral elevation- Wuest)
Prayer- prayers prayed according to the scriptures- will always elevate our moral character, our city, our state, our nation. It will elevate our standard of living and our testimony toward God. God's will is not a life of choas and confusion. Wars happen as a result of the lusts of the human heart. Peace happens when we humble ourselves and God exalts us in due time!
Good & Acceptable
It is good and acceptable in the sight of God Our Saviorthat we lead a quiet and peaceable life in Godliness and honesty! This is God's will, that His kingdom come and HIS WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. What will cause this happen? Prayer! Praying for our leaders. Praying for all men- people in our lives. Prayer is inviting God the Father into our daily lives to effect a healing and a cure for the ills of our nation, our families and our personal day to day situations.
Father, I put prayer first. I am praying for all that are over me in authority in any way, shape or form. I pray for my president, vice president, both houses of congress, the joint-chiefs and those who serve in the military; Our mayor, town counsel, police and firemen. I pray for our school teachers, pastors, church leaders and all who serve. Lord, we put you first- by praying first- that we would lead a quit and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Thank you for the Lordship of Jesus! We decalre Him Lord over our Nation and leaders. We declare Him Lord over our church family and our city.
Thank you for Your Lorship over my life, attitude and character. I cast all my cares on You, Lord. I seek first your kingdom and let The Holy Spirit lead and guide me into all the truth. I will refuse all rebellion and self-exalting feelings, desires and emotions. I humble myself under the mighty hand of God. You will exalt me in due season. Thank God I am a blessing to my family, city, nation and church family. I declare these things so- In the Name of Jesus!
******************************************************************************
1 Tim 2:1-2
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
First of All Prayer
Prayer is not a weak and feeble last-resort has-it-come -this act of despiriation.
Prayer is an act of faith for those who are in covenant relationship with their God and Father in the Name of Jesus.
Prayer is establishing God's Will in our lives. That is why it is a first-of-all declaration.
Prayer is a declaration that:
1. We are not self-sufficient
2. We need God's help, protection and intervention
3. We trust God to hear us and answer according to His Promises
4. Confident expectation that the effectual heart-felt prayers of righteous people will avail much!! James 5:16
#1 The first thing we need to pray and agree upon is that
We will continue to pray and make prayer our first action and reaction
#2 We pray and give thanks for God's intervention in the lives of our leaders.
#3 We pray and thank God for His grace over our schools, churches, and all institutions that have anything to do with the future of this Nation.
#5 We pray and give thanks that we will live a quiet (undisturbed) and peaceable life in all Godliness and honesty.
May the fires of revival burn in our leaders, their trusted counselors, our churches and especially all of those who call upon the Name of The Lord! In the Name of Jesus we declare
the Lordship of Jesus over the United States! We strengthen the things that remain and stand for things that make for true peace that comes from heaven.
We take authority over all the works of darkness- spirits of poverty, selfishness, greed and ungodly humanism in any form. May Jesus be invited into the affairs of our nation and families as never before.
We humble ourslves and pray. We seek Your Face and turn from our wicked ways.
Thank You for hearing us from heaven. Forgiving our sin as a nation and healing our land.
2 Cor. 7:14
In the Name of Jesus- so be it...
****************************************************************
1 Tim 1:20
Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
What a privilage it is to be in the fellowship (joint participation) of Jesus Christ. We were called into this fellowship by God to enjoin our hearts with other believers. In Acts 2 it says:
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Acts 2:42-44
This holy communion among believers is sacred and a blessing- especially when you think how evil and crooked this present world is. This does not keep certain ones from not appreciating the fulness of this blessing. Hymenaeus and Alexander engaged in wilful violence against their conscience-they did not regard The Faith, not just their own personal go-to-heaven faith, but The Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ in the earth. Paul considered their impact upon The Faith so great that he delievered them over to Satan that they would learn- not to blaspheme.
Men like Hymenaeus and Alexander are not laying down their lives to make sure women and chlidren are covered. They do not seek to add to the church strength and protection. They have their own agenda. This is why the Apostle who had been left for dead, beaten with stripes, suffered as an evil-doer for healing the sick and many such things- he knew it was important to watch over the flock of God 'over which The Holy Spirit had made him an Overseer- and take action.
There are many Hymenaeus and Alexander's today. They have no idea the cost of keeping The Faith around the world. The persecution, the lies and decpetions of the enemies of faith.
All they know is American civil rights-the freedom to say and do anything they want. Well, God is not going to allow people to come in and tear His people apart.
Let us all get on our knees and appreciate good leadership and their commission to earnestly contend for The Faith once delievered to the saints...
Jude :3-4 For certain men have crept in stealthily [gaining entrance secretly by a side door]. Their doom was predicted long ago, ungodly (impious, profane) persons who pervert the grace (the spiritual blessing and favor) of our God into lawlessness and wantonness and immorality, and disown and deny our sole Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). AMP
It is a serious subject-that should be taken seriously. Thank God for true leaders who take action to protect the flock...
********************************************************************************
1 Tim 1:19
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
A good conscience is a great thing to protect. Our conscience is the seat of our emotions, choices and personality. It is the human spirit. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we receive a New Spirit. (Ezekiel 36:26)
Paul tells Timothy in our scripture, that just as a Captain takes a ship out to sea, we are going to be sailing in this earth. There are opportunities for trouble and even disaster. Shipwrecks are a part of mankind's history in the water. Some more infamous than others. Sailing a vessel has it's own set of troubles. There is enough trouble sailing the seven seas facing the weather conditions, we do not need to add to this trouble our own lack of faith, character and even rebellion. We need a steady conscience the same way we need a good compass.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb. 1:1 Faith is not just an attitude. Real Bible Faith gives our heart SUBSTANCE, raw material, the essence of strength. If hope is the blue print, then faith is the raw material with which to build.
Paul tells Timothy: Holding Faith! When sailing the seven seas of this earth you will need to hold on to faith. God gave a message to this earth. It is the message of the New Testament.
It is the message of faith: That we are justified by faith without the deeds of the law! Jesus paid it all and He paid it in full! Hold on to this message! This is for the whole chuch, the whole earth for all time! Hold on to it!!
Holding faith AND a good conscience. The message of faith- the substance in that message-will undergird our conscience: When the storms of doubt and fear assail, by the Living Word I shall prevail Standing On The Promises of God!
The enemy of our soul would like to take us out- make us shipwreck. You see, a ship is a carrier of cargo. In Bible terms, our ship is meant for fellowship. Fellowship is a joint participation of exchanging precious cargo, goods and mutual faith. These are the things that bless our lives as family members of the household of God. No wonder Satan wants us shipwrecked. He wants to cut off the supply lines of fellowship by attacking our conscience so this message of faith does not spread and bless the whole world.
To be shipwrecked is to break the ship into pieces. A ship in this condition is not a carrier of precious cargo to bless humanity. It is a devastated, shattered, liability; unable to care for even itself. This is why we must hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Heb 3:4
Holding faith and a good conscience will keep the persecution, tests, trials and untold conditions of this world out of our boat. The fellowship of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit will keep the Kingdom of God reigning, even though all is shaking around us! We have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken!! (Heb. 12:27)
Father, thank you for your grace and peace given to us in Christ Jesus. We allow that peace to reign in our hearts right now. We hold on to faith. We thank you for a good conscience washed in the precious blood of Jesus. We refuse shipwrecks by staying filled with The Holy Spirit and holding faith and a good conscience. Thank you for our fellowship. Thank You for The Good Ship Fellowship, that shall never wreck, in the Name of Jesus- So Be It....