Lying Eyes

Do our eyes deceive us? The Pharisees and  Sadducees ask Jesus for a sign from heaven. In John 11:48 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did believed in Him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation. 49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, 50 "nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish. 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53 Then from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.

The Lord tells us to have hearing ears and seeing eyes. But we must be the spiritual in God! These people saw the signs Jesus did, but with those eyes, they desired that nationalistic line. They desired Him to become King and run the Romans out of Jerusalem. This was Judas' thinking.  That vain imaginations is of the devil and the human thought of the “Me” syndrome! But God made us in His image to be of His likeness and to be morally right before Him. God desires us to see Him, be led by His Son the Good Shepherd and allow Holy Spirit space for today and the future! He has given us Holy Spirit with power, love and a sound mind!

He is expecting us to know we are those with intelligence, perception, and self-determination to far exceed any other living creature on the face of the earth!  We are spiritual who not only have a body, but soul and spirit. God desires us to come higher to His ways and thoughts of being.  And we are not to be animalistic in behavior seeking only fleshly gratification.

Where is the flow of the Spirit?....Human nature says: look at my body, I need food, feed me, my muscles feel weak ..The spiritual man speaks 1 Corinthians 2:13…NKJV…13 these things we speak not in words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches,  comparing spiritual things with spiritual.    We have people today who desire someone else to feed them and their children. They refuse to work.

 So when Jesus appeared, how many  appeared in the spiritual to recognize Him?

One who knew Him, came to Him at night:    John 3:1-8  NKJV  There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. (2) This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." (3) Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (4) Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" (5) Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again." (8) The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

The teaching on the born-again doctrine—found primarily in John 3 but expanded by Paul, Peter, and John in later writings—has been prone to misunderstanding. Jesus Christ spoke to Nicodemus about it nearly two thousand years ago and in that meeting, it was Nicodemus who immediately misconstrued what Christ meant.  Nicodemus was on a purely physical level, as another literal birth. And he was not alone in this thinking! In that study of Jesus' discourses throughout the book of John shows that people frequently interpreted His entirely spiritual instruction in a physical manner, and thus failed to grasp the truth He taught. ( would consider they missed Jesus entirely in their reading and understanding) What is interesting is how people want to rely on their own thoughts and plans!

I will feed people but do not show up with nails all done up and tell me your child needs food. I know what those nails cost and the time to decorate them in that manner.

We really need Holy Spirit in our lives!                                                                                                       

Our prayer life is comprised of knowing His written word; to live by it …and speak it..……so that John 17:3 And this is eternal life:[ it means] to know ( to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the]Christ ( the anointed One, the Messiah, Whom You have sent … and .is revealed in and through our lives.

Is the spiritual, the eternal life recognized by us?

We are to be understanding of our Father. We are to exalt Him in His truth and faithfulness.  We are to   exalt Him in His greatness and authority.  And then in those quiet, secret place times with HIM,  we cast down those thoughts that are contrary to God's heart and Spirit.  Many people say they love God, but is it equally true that they hate evil? Truly loving God is demonstrated in and by our character when we will not tolerate evil in our own hearts. 

Honor the Lord: Highly esteem Him and make His Name distinct in Your speaking.  We stop speaking about us, and speak  about Him! WE Humble ourselves under His mighty Hand. As we are yielded to the Holy Spirit, planting His Word within us, we will have seeing eyes to recognize evil.

Many times it comes in a form that is pleasant or seems acceptable. ( like Halloween) Some evil is obvious, while other times it does take Holy Spirit discernment to see it. God will help you as you lean into Him. Let His praise continually be in your mouth and have a joyful, peaceful and glorious day with God! ( Do you know to whom you invite in your home in participating in the Halloween event?)

Matthew 10:32-34….Amplified Bible…32 Therefore, everyone who acknowledges Me before men and confesses Me [out of a state of oneness with Me], I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven and confess [ that I am abiding in] Him. 33 But whoever denies and disowns Me before men, I also will deny and disown.

Jesus does not attack the family relationship. BUT He points to that earthly distraction one might take on where loyalty is for the thing called IDOL and not on Him who set us free in Him! Even today many shun Jesus, their focus is on sin. They have lying eyes. Still we are to confess Jesus before men. Some will like you and others will hate you. Just look at Charlie Kirk who was killed because of his faith in Jesus. But what about living for Christ when Halloween is upon you?  Halloween was taken as the radical of a group where darkness is worshiped. Did you know that witches today outnumber actual Christians? They have faith in something dark, yet we have the Light in Jesus Christ!

1 Corinthians 2:12-16 Amplified Bible………12. Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to ] the world but the Holy Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. 13 And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Holy Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. 14 But the natural, non-spiritual man does not welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly ( meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him]. 16 For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts ( feelings and purposes ) of His heart.  (Isaiah 40:11)

Spirit always answers to spirit. We are spirit beings, and we have a body and soul! So of the three spiritual categories you have what is the natural man, unregenerate and devoid of the spirit who has no appreciation for the Gospel. Another is the spiritual man, regenerated and possessing spiritual maturity and are seen as those free from sectarian strife!  Titus 3:4-11  Amplified Bible 4 But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior to man [as man] appeared, 5 He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing bath of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 Which He poured out [so] richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 [And he did it in order] that we might be justified by His grace (by His favor, wholly undeserved), [ that we might be acknowledged and counted as conformed to the divine will in purpose, thought and action].

8 This message is most trustworthy, and concerning these things I want you to insist steadfastly, so that those who have believed in (trusted in, relied on,) God may be careful to apply themselves to honorable occupations and to doing good, for such  themselves are [not only] excellent and right [in themselves,] but [they] are good and profitable for the people.  9 But avoid stupid and foolish controversies and genealogies and dissentions and wrangling about the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile. 10 [As for] a man who is factious [a heretical sectarian and cause of divisions] , after admonishing him a first and second time, reject [him from your fellowship and have nothing more to do with him],  11 Well aware that such a person has utterly changed (is perverted and corrupted); he goes on sinning [though he] is convicted of guilt and self-condemned.

 

1.   From verses 8-11 Paul tells us to shun strife and factions.

2.    We are to have a transformed life that is that response to the grace of mercy revealed by God through His Son Jesus.  So in context, the meaning of verse 10 has to do with sectarian…he who causes divisions….

3.   Is one of having a spirit toward or a devotion to a particular religion or sect. it is toward having dogmatic limits of bigotry regarding something specific as to the outward appearance. REMEMBER :The Lord looks on the heart!

4.   Adhering to specific opinions in regard to intolerance with doctrine or belief as opinion and not authoritatively approved  is contrary to the Word of God. With God’s Word as the standard, anything outside of that is departing from truth.

 Being made new by the Holy Spirit we are activated in the Kingdom of heaven.. We are to seek unity within God’s church or body of believer’s. And it is by the Holy Spirit we can see deceptive doctrine displayed as well as seen in divisive behavior.

The last spiritual type category is the “carnal” man:  He is regenerate but living much like an unregenerate, is a believer but is childish in his ways, has the spirit of a jealousy and divisiveness ! This is one that will live more for human opinion than for Christ! They love the "me" concept! I am Me and you give Me more free stuff!

Taking the Stand over Vain Imaginings….The person who truly loves Christ is the one who’s going to stand up for Christ no matter if they lose friends, family, life, or if the world hates them. The person who truly loves Christ will expose the deeds of darkness!  Charlie Kirk did. And today many are giving a display of hate toward that man who died for Christ!                                                                                          

Ephesians 5:8-12   NKJV ……8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as His children of light. 9 ( for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the Light, for whatever makes manifest is Light.

The faithful believers do more than abstain from evil; they denounce the deeds of darkness as the unfruitful, shameful and not worthwhile. We prepare for our day or week by going to prayer and the word of God. We have conversation with Him and ask what to say to give His plan to others.  And in that prayer time we are not guessing about what is going on but we pray from the authority that has been given us through Jesus..And within God & His purpose, we  stay in His authority & speak & pray from that authority.

We will not adulterate our souls to live in confusion…we will live in clarity…We will not be tormented with impure, evil, negative or sinful thoughts but transformed by the renewing of our minds. We will see heaven, enjoy life with Jesus and find peace in that home He has prepared for us who believe!

    Teaching at: Voice of Prayer 

Visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer for more teaching 

http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

Visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching

http://bit.ly/2wgu1kw

Now Posting to Rumble 

Voice of Prayer

https://rumble.com/c/c-1425534

And

Life Giving Wells

https://rumble.com/c/c-1428234

    Life Giving Wells now on Spotify Podcast!

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/xashcfy9ez 

Halloween: No FEAR

 

So, what is the attraction of Halloween? Are people really into ghouls, goblins,  spirits, devilry, and monsters? Are Americans really that attracted to the otherworldly theme of the holiday? And who called it a holiday? Unto the contrary, most Americans do not believe in demonic or even angelic spirits enough to think of Halloween as some kind of celebration of them. No, their thought process takes them in a celebration as such. It is in the donning of costumes and the consumption of alcohol: Halloween is the year's biggest escape from reality!

It seems this period of celebration increases each year. Have seen Halloween products sold with Christmas decorations. So what goes on here, guys?

The ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain (November 1), from which All Saints' Day and All Hallows Eve derive, was a kind of New Year’s as unto a holiday. Along with the days immediately before and after, it was special because the Celts believed that the boundary between this world and the spirit world was relaxed or lifted, allowing spirits to cross between them more easily. As this idea terrified superstitious people, they mollified the spirits by leaving out food and treats so that they would not curse them. Some practiced various forms of divination as in the seance to contact departed loved ones. Druids thought this to be the best time to seek guidance from the dead!  Some people would go in the house through the window, and exit the same. ( Makes you think of those who are willing to rob another in their home)

At this time, people do what they desire. They have an enthusiastic attitude to having a great time of entertainment: indoors and outdoors!

Have seen another nation with their folks coming in by an illegal manner worship the dead. They set up tables and worship their dead by telling young school students about an ancient grandmother or such. But skulls are out of line indeed when displayed for a young child to see in this nation. ( now they are making quilts to worship the dead. How sick is that?)

Turning toward Timothy: Three brief letters of First and Second Timothy and Titus were written by the apostle Paul to two evangelists, Timothy and Titus. These three epistles are often called "The Pastoral Epistles." This is a result of misunderstanding who a pastor is according to New Testament teaching. Many people have the mistaken idea that a preacher is the same as a pastor. They always confuse the roles of preachers (evangelists) with that of pastors (elders). The Bible, however, makes a clear distinction between evangelists and pastors. They do not refer to the same work in the church (Reading in Ephesians 4:11).

Since the letters of Timothy and Titus were written to evangelists rather than pastors, it is more accurate to call them "The Evangelistic Epistles." Even though First Timothy and Titus do contain the qualifications of elders (pastors), the letters were specifically written to preachers rather than to elders. Do you know any elders?

 In Acts 20, we read of Paul's speech to the elders of the church. He warned them of the coming of false teachers who would draw away disciples after their teaching (Acts 20:28-32). Paul’s prophecy soon came true. It was necessary for him to leave Timothy at Ephesus to "charge some that they teach no other doctrine" (1 Timothy 1:3).

Two verses in First Timothy sum up what the epistle is about: "These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:14,15).

Chapter one of First Timothy speaks of the importance of teaching correct doctrine. Chapter two deals with the place of women in the church. Men and women are equal in salvation (Galatians 3:28), but they have different works in the church. Man is commanded to take the lead in prayers and teaching. Women are to "learn in silence with all submission" (1 Timothy 2:11). They are not to teach publicly where they have authority over men. Two reasons are given for this:

God created man first;  Adam was not deceived, but Eve was.

In chapter 3 of Timothy, there are three prime qualifications of elders and deacons. It is God’s plan that each congregation be led by men called elders, or bishops (overseers), or pastors (shepherds). However, one must be qualified before he can serve in this important work. Deacons are special servants of the church. They serve under the elders of the church in works assigned to them. They too must be qualified.

Beginning here Paul to the evangelist Timothy: God has not given us fear, as to being cowardly, that cringing and fawning fear of dread. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

1.   Meaning a safe and sound mind is found in Jesus ;It is also the disciplined mind, with the ability to understand and make right decisions

2.   The safe or sound mind has the qualities of self-control / self-discipline..

3.   One who has the spirit of fear is immobilized and tormented; they are banking on wrong decisions that gives way to bondage

4.   2 Timothy 1:6 tell us to remember our calling: Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in your through the laying on of my hands.

5.   Within us, we have the power of God through Holy Spirit, enabling us to be victors and not victims; The perfect love of God has been poured out into our hearts, our lives through Jesus Christ; we have His abiding presence, and His mind to make sound choices

Timothy was given a word by Paul to remember God had given him a overcoming spirit. He had the Holy Spirit, so no fear could abide there. Timothy, who was honoring God---a young disciple became Paul’s companion in many of  the journeys.  Timothy’s mother Eunice and his grandmother, Lois, are mentioned for their righteousness. At the time of Paul’s second trip or visit to Lystra, Timothy was seen as read in acts 16:2. Acts 16:1-2 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.  

Paul had high regard for Timothy and saw him as his spiritual son in the Faith. It was Paul who arranged for Timothy to become his companion.  IN Acts 16:3 Paul wanted to have him go with him. He had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.  After the circumcision, Paul designated Timothy to the office of an evangelist found in 1 Timothy 4:14. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. They gave him God’s purpose and the gifts God placed in Him. He traveled with Paul through Phrygia, Galatia, Mysia---also to Troas and Philippi in Acts 17. 

 Timothy followed Paul to Athens and then Paul sent Timothy with Silas to Thessalonica on a mission’s trip. Acts 17:15 and 2 Thessalonica 3:2….and sent Timothy our brother and minister of God and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

Then Timothy appeared in Corinth: 1 Thessalonica 1:1 and 2 Thessalonica 1:1.

After some years in Corinth, Timothy is later seen with Paul in Ephesus Acts 19:22. When Paul became a prisoner, it was Timothy who came to support him but was also arrested for short while.    Hebrews 13:23 know that our brother Timothy has been set free with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.

Timothy’s steps were ordered of the Lord. He would become the fearless indeed!

 After Paul’s death in Rome, Timothy became Bishop at Ephesus. It was there he would die a martyrs death in A.D. 97! Already over the age of 80 it was the season , the pagan procession of the goddess Artemis. Timothy seeing the group knew many of them to be members of his church or flock. He encouraged them to stop the pagan worship as he preached them the word.  In their anger, they raised their poles of wood which they had held in effigy, those faces of men or women, they wanted punished, to be dealt with in hate.

Timothy no longer held fear, but was bold as a lion to preach the word to those who were choosing the darkness over light! He died lifting the word of God, and telling them to repent! 

                                                                                        

Of Artemis: Ephesus was the center of the worship of Artemis or Diana. At one time when he, Paul was there, some of his companions were attacked by a mob. Paul knew the stress and pressure the church was under. But instead of praying the obvious for them, protection for them, he prays for spiritual development and fruit in them. In Ephesians 1:15-19 we read:   “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.”

Here Paul desires them to have spiritual development and fruit in them. It is to know God better.

We are told in the book of Acts and chapter 19 that Paul’s ministry to the Ephesians in Ephesus caused many to turn from idols. A spiritual awakening in the city was widespread that it caused a recession among the idol-makers. The silversmiths lead by Demetrius had a meeting among those of the trade. Gathered together, he thought to stir them to anger and cause an action for their trade was in great danger of great loss in finances, so Demetrius was seeking to make a religious covering pretending this great reverence for Artemis or Diana and her temple. But the silversmiths meeting turned into a mob scene in which the whole city was inflamed. With chants to Diana as the great of the Ephesians, a crowd rushed to seize Paul’s traveling companions: Gaius and Aristarchus with the one purpose of killing them. Interesting truth: in Acts 19:32 many did not know why they were there and why they complained. Conflicting voices were heard at every side you could turn.        Paul in his Ephesians prayer was not asking for their protection but for their spiritual growth. Today, I too do not ask for the obvious but I do pray for your spiritual development. That you too would have fruit that spiritual account. Enlightened in the kingdom of God. That you be Enlightened to truth and not wickedness.  Proverbs 14:34 Message Bible: God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak.    Proverbs 14:34   Amp. Bible Uprightness and right standing with God ( moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation ) elevate a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.

In Closing:  Are we as a group of people of a nation that was once under God now under that which masquerades as noble but is evil! Is violence at the door of our mouth?  That idol worship is worshiping something that has nothing to do with the way, the life or truth that Jesus preached and Paul proclaimed.  The words given by Jesus was to proclaim life that would set captives free: seen as the power of God in the heart of every man and woman who would believe on Jesus Christ. And today they build rockets and send them into space to honor the goddess Diana. They worship giant steps of man and never consider the God who created all this!  The way of idol worship is that which is set for man to do that is good in his own eyes. We pray our nation turns back to God!  Those dedicated to pride & changing that which God ordained, you too might see those coming down the sidewalk with poles holding those faces held in effigy because they with ash on their own faces, worshiping in the pagan procession of the goddess Artemis are bold in their own religion and worship. They worship dead things. Those he knew who came to the church, now ash on their faces or masks so the demons might not see their arrogant hate of others, Timothy raises his voice! NO longer held in fear, but was bold as a lion to preach the word to those who were choosing the darkness over light! He died lifting the word of God, and telling them to repent! Will we turn someone toward Jesus? Will we speak while there is time? For whatever time remains for each of us, may it be with a heart for God to speak now!

                                             Teaching at: Voice of Prayer 

Visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer for more teaching 

http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

Visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching

http://bit.ly/2wgu1kw

Now Posting to Rumble 

Voice of Prayer

https://rumble.com/c/c-1425534

And

Life Giving Wells

https://rumble.com/c/c-1428234

    Life Giving Wells now on Spotify Podcast!

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/xashcfy9ez

Do WE LIVE by EVERY WORD of God?

Hey, is that a pumpkin scone?

In thinking on the seasons, we certainly take note of the ads that run current to those times of the year say like October where pumpkins are set on doorsteps. I would rather mine in a pie sliced out hot and on a plate with whipping cream, please!  Was hearing today on the news that people should make their trips to visit the pumpkin fields early while it is still dry for the rain is coming and the rest of the week will be a “wash”.

Now for you who know not what that “wash” is: it is an event cancelled due to uncontrolled circumstances. It has been used for baseball, for track meets and sometimes marathons.

But if we truly search the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, we find no commands—not even a suggestion— for visiting that pumpkin field in search of the “great pumpkin”  or even if we look further , we do not find one to commemorate the Savior's birth. It is amazing to consider that professing Christians around the world keep days and festivals never once enjoined on them in God's Word (Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, Halloween, Christmas), yet the ones God tells them to keep (the Sabbath, Passover, God's holy days), they ignore!

In thinking on this, I was reminded of the rich young ruler:  Matthew 19:16-18 that, to have eternal life, he should not bear false witness, which is the ninth commandment.

Matthew 19:16-18 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness.” 19 Honor your father and your mother and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Now we know if there is a false thing given to anyone,then, there is hate involved. But Jesus tells us this in Matthew 5:33-37 Again you have heard that it was said to those old, You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne, 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool, not by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’, No’. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

So from His Sermon on the Mount: the kingdom that had come by salvation meant that we speak truthfully.  It is our God-given assignment to give truth as Jesus gave it. And as Jesus sacrificed His life to bring that peace, we are to make advancements in that direction that looks like harmony with other individuals, families and nations.

And most certainly we know that Jesus was not born in the winter time! Some teachings place His birth in the Fall season of the year! My sister tells me often that if we were to know that date of His birth, we would have been given that detail. But more important is that He lived as sent by the Father to bring deliverance those on their way to HELL!

So yes, we can see Christmas continues. Human nature deceives itself into practicing things that are not right because “they are such great fun” to be had! In truth many people go out and buy many gifts to get themselves into debt for that pleasingly good time. To them it does not matter the cost but the good time enjoyed by all!

But should we bring the Bible into it: John 8:44 reminds us this….44b When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

So anyone who thinks Christ came at Christmas is wrong and anyone who speaks it, is not speaking truth!!!

Was reading an article recently where they gave an account of the early “Christian “Saint Nicholas. Yes he was a churchman who was known for spreading some cheer in the terms of wealth to the needy. In his endeavor he reached his community by the act of throwing sacks of coins through open windows and down chimneys.

Question here: was there a fire burning on the floor of that chimney when the money fell down? Just a thought about that act. But alas, he, the churchman,  is not found in the actual version of the gospel of Jesus’ birth.

Fall is a great time of year. It is full of vibrant color. Cooler evenings and afternoons, give away to the nights that seem crisp and winds that appear blustery. And in all this, the great thing is that the pumpkins can be made into pies, pumpkin loafs, pumpkin rolls with the creamy centers and the such. Christmas, well it really does not exist as to truth in the Bible.  Christmas was never about Jesus’ birth because He was not born at that time. Many early historians of Israel place His birth as around the last week of September to the first two weeks of October. And yes, His conception could have taken place by December 25, but not His birth!

The greatest event though appeared in the City of David, a Savior Who is Christ the Lord! We know wise men came to bring gifts to the KING. It did not say they came to celebrate His birthday, but the KING!

Whatever you do this Fall season or winter, our thoughts should be about obeying the Word of God. Jesus lived by the very words of God and so should we!

New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  

Danger at the Doorstep

https://youtu.be/2Zysf4ZQ3Ko

Also visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer for more teaching at: 
 http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

New teaching at: Life Giving Wells

ARE WE To Hard To Satisfy

https://youtu.be/pN-CExXcjf8

Also visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching:

http://bit.ly/2wgu1kw

Is the World Dressing our Children?

Saw this most thoughtfully given encouragement on Tuesday the 13th of October. I usually am writing in the afternoon after my workout time. I had tuned to hear some praise and worship and missed the channel entirely. I had somehow picked the channel up one from the channel I frequent for worship. I tuned it on....raised the volume to hear.......and then went to the kitchen and ....got my ice water!  I was captured what this woman was speaking about the world dressing our children.
Of course, she was speaking of this coming Halloween Eve. She spoke of the importance of showing our children and grand-children that they are more than what movies can depict for them to be or become. This woman, probably a grand-mother today spoke on that which has been directed at our children and grand-children. Although she did not mention the title, you knew of what she spoke about.  She, a Jewish woman with the Hebraic heritage spoke how children, particularly girls need to know about the real Queen in the Bible. She immediately spoke of Queen Esther and how her normal life was forever changed when God showed up. The name of this Christian show was Rabbi Lapin on CTN.

I had tuned in today, but they were talking about those who cut themselves. It was very informative as well. But I was drawn back to yesterday's teaching on how we allow others to dress our "kids".
I also thought of Esther who was that young woman of courage. Although she was a stranger in that area, and had no living parents, she ultimately became Queen to an alcoholic, pagan king and saved a nation. Esther had Mordecai who raised her up after her parents death. She was one who faced a real enemy, never hurrying into anything, but taking time for fasting and prayer. She became the woman who acted on God's plan, even if it meant that she was going to perish. She certainly had the wisdom of God.

No, she did not turn anyone into an ice sculpture. She herself, encouraged those who were with her in facing an enemy who was not going to stop till he had seen the Jewish people annihilated. Serious things were going on in the land at the time of her life.

Where do we draw the line? Or should one be drawn.......to help our "kids" know they are more than that 45 dollar costume. How can we show them how we value them.........and teach them truth?

Now we certainly know  wardrobe styles change ..........for you certainly can tell that by looking in my closet and notice that right away. But I certainly do not dress as the world dictates.
I mean, if you look to Hollywood, most will not have much as covering anything that should be covered.
Now these are just my thoughts, but I am drawn back to some scriptures:

Proverbs 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.    NKJV

That "train up" means "chanak" narrow....discipline.......to dedicate. ( I think of the short amount of time one has in raising a child..........then they leave home.)

That "in the way" means a road......."a course of life".

Ephesians 6:4

4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.          NKJV

Of course this means to bring no wrath that you and your child participate in together, but bring that child up in training and admonition of the Lord. Teaching them that He is God in our lives, in our homes, circumstances, and those things we do throughout the year! It also means that the child will have reverence for God!
Admonish: to warn, to warn of wrong practices, to warn against danger

Music and certainly movies can play a role in what a child will think or do. If they are not brought up in the things of the Lord, they may look on the world as a harmless place to experience life. YIKES!

In the last thirty years, we can see darkness has taken the lead especially in October to lead people of all ages to dress up and present to others...... something they are not.
It is like at the recent "zombie" thing in Florida, and shot rang out...........one dead and several injured.
We can see some participate in things which bring no life. I am not sure why some think it is important to participate in such things. I know it bothered me when our daughter was young. And I was surely happy when it snowed on those days, because when it snowed, it was usually a blizzard. And you did not go out..........at all for anything!

What are we teaching our children when allowing them these things?

Well, Shelley, Jesus would not care about such. Did you ask Him about such things? What does the Bible teach us about dressing in things that are not bringing life to us? Well, Shelley, one can certainly dream. Yes, but what will our "kids" dream?

Jesus did not come to accommodate a culture, but He came to set up His kingdom. 

What if people got dressed up in those Dr. uniforms and went and fed the homeless?

What if teenagers got together...........made some sandwiches and went and fed the homeless?

What if we taught our "kids" to reach out to those "kids" who may not have that worldly costume to buy? What if we got together, made some stew, cornbread and fed like a neighborhood of people that night............instead?

Just thoughts here, remember.  I am just thinking what we could do differently to show people the "love" of Jesus.............in feeding them, bringing them a warm blanket or maybe some warm gloves. And talk about eternity with HIM!

What if we took that night and let others know about Jesus instead of worshiping the other?

What if we took our children or grand-children to visit the elderly in an old folk's home on that day? Well, Shelley that would scare my kids?    (and  queens with magic in their hands, ghosts, goblins, and witches don't) (the devil does not need a big "door" to enter your life and that of your children----all he needs is to get a foot hold into your home and family through one open area not guarded by God's word. He has had thousands of years to study mankind.)

Psalm 103:15-18

15 As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 

16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

And its place remembers it no more. 

17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting 

On those who fear Him,

And His righteousness to children's children, 

18 To such as keep His covenant,

And to those who remember His commandments to do them.   NKJV

What we allow our kids and grand-kids to do comes back to us. What seeds we sow, will produce a harvest!   When we are those who truly fear Him, then our children and their children are secure. Those who keep His commandments and do them. What did Jesus say?

John 13:34-35

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."    NKJV

      From the blog:  LEADING OUR CHILDREN BY GIVING THEM TRUTH  .......So when the

world sees us, do they see us as in the image of God our Father or of the world?

Hebrews 12:1-2....1  therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.   NKJV

That weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, can tangle one up in such a mess and delay God's plan for our lives.

"Well, everybody is doing it!" "Well. the pastor or the youth leader said the R-rated movie was okay to go see!"  "They think it has something to do with the Bible."  "Well, everyone else is going." 

No, they are not!

What if God is calling you to go on a missions trip around the world? You will take what you gathered in your heart from the R-rated movie and take it overseas to minister with  you too! And what about the anointing, is it possible to not operate in that which God called you to do when we spend time in and with those R-rated movies? (Just think about Samson and the anointing he had)

"Well God wants us to have fun!"  Yes, but will the fun be at the expense of our souls and those we try to minister life to? We are not to copy the behavior and customs of the world. WE ARE NOT TO FOLLOW THE TRADITIONS OF MAN. WE ARE NOT TO BE RULED BY A CULTURE.  JESUS DID NOT COME TO ACCOMMODATE OUR CULTURE, HE CAME TO SET UP HIS KINGDOM. Our transformation is to be in the new person, the 'new man' God intended.

(Check out my blog: Trading Glory for Sorrows........and find out more about Samson and how he lost his anointing) 


Are we showing our children that it is okay to dress up as the superhero? I know I have seen a few here in the neighborhood. But do the children know that "it is not real" that it is just a form of someone else's imagination? Well, Shelley, it is okay to dress-up! Is dressing up for our tomorrow's, the equipped in God with His Word and declaring truth or are we dressing up as one: a man in women's clothing, or a woman in man's clothing, or................???

Yes, seems like a fine line indeed! What will we do with it?

In closing: I leave you with this thought from scripture!
Matthew 27:15-26
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him." 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said, "Barabbas!" 22 Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!" 23 Then the governor said, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they cried out all the more, saying, "Let Him be crucified!" 24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it." 25 And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children." 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.    NKJV

Having nothing to do with innocent blood, the people chose the murderer Barabbas. In reading about Barabbas, we find that he was guilty of that which both the Romans and the Jews considered a serious liability, but because of the Jews hatred toward Jesus, they chose the perverse to let the Prince of peace die! Each day we choose either life or death. I heard recently that anyone who takes an offense against the Lord and His divinity are the carnal minded. They are those who have the carnal hatred against anything the Lord is speaking or doing. We saw it in the above passage. Those priests, scribes and Pharisees hated Jesus and they wanted Him gone, so they could continue their living what they thought was holy to God. They were so wrong!
In mid 2004, I was going up my staircase at home.........at been praying and seeking a title for a message for Jail Ministry........ALL I HEARD WAS "GIVE ME BARABBAS!" And the Lord led me through how the world always chooses that which is something they can live with. If they are the carnal, they will choose that which is also carnal.
Are rallying with the world? Are we the "conduit" for which the world can flow through us to our children, or are we the "conduit" for which God flows from our heart to those around us?
What these people chose, came on them and on their children as well.

Father, thank You for Jesus, the Son of Your love. You gave us life through Your Son who took on the Cross with joy in His heart. In all  that was going on, He saw us and saw this day. Show us what to do in these situations. Is it right to dress our children and their children in that which appears as a lie and something of someone else's imagination? You certainly desire us to dream dreams, and see them come to pass. But we also know they are those You planted in us from the foundation of the world. Help us to see where we might be missing something that is totally wrong for our "kids" to participate in this month. Help us to speak wisdom and receive light in anything that is dark with the Halloween Eve event. Truly our children are an heritage from the Lord and we know that YOU have a plan for their lives. They are our future. Help us to keep them safe when we should be guarding their eyes, their ears, and their hearts from anything that might be presented as the good but is really evil to our children.
Father, I think of the book of Amos and what he presented to the people. As the prophet, he was NOT there to infuse them with faith, with confidence or even in zeal... But ........ he was there to fill them with doubt about their lives. He had to show them by YOUR hand and Spirit that what they were doing was wrong and they needed to recognize it. Amos sowed seeds that brought doubt to them that  their future was not as bright as they had thought it was. And it certainly was not a secure future if they continued to walk the pathway they were going.

Are we too, becoming so lax, they we are those, who are not following You correctly? Are we in Your eyes, the "wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked".........as we see in the Laodicean church in Revelation?

Father, we surely want our "kids" to have a wonderful childhood but not at the expense of their souls. As the believer's, and those who seek Your plan, is our future looking bleak ........is it one where there is no hope ........but ONLYa testing?

For Amos surely announced that God was NOT WALKING WITH THEM!
Father, we surrender our lives and those of our children and their children to You. Have Your way in them, and may they have life everlasting.  Today we take heed to ourselves and to all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made us overseers to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) May we bring praise and glory to Your name forever. Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV