Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts

Sunday, May 22, 2022

Two Dangers to the fellowship with God

 

1 John 2:15-28 NKJV 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world----the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life----is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 18 Little children, it is the last hour and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.

1.       2 dangers to fellowship with God, loving the world/loving the things in the world; The world’s foundation is flesh: seen in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes,/the pride of life ;The world is passing away. It is “dead”.

2.       Antichrists: they are anti-Jesus! 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

                                                                                                               

Made manifest are those who are anti- Jesus: Deuteronomy 13:13 Corrupt men have gone out from among you and enticed the inhabitants of their city, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods”---which you have not known.”

Reminded of Matthew 24:24 For false-christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

2 Thessalonians 2:9 the coming of the lawless one is according to the working of satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deceptions among those who perish because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Can you imagine those who will not receive the love of Christ?

From verse 9 of 2 Thessalonians 2….people are giving the announcements of aliens from other planets….God did not create other beings from other planets. He would given it in His word! No, liars are growing in multitudes to renounce Christ! There are those who just make up stories to rally unbelievers into something so out there, they fail to see, fail to know Jesus and die in the lie!

Scriptures given to us is that those who will perish is those of have not received the love and the truth, they have put no faith in Jesus Christ: they did not receive the love of the truth! Be discerning: understand Satan can imitate signs and wonders. Through the Holy Spirit, you and I discern what is truth in God and what is the lie in Satan!         

                                                                              

1 John 2: 24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us----eternal life. 26 These things I have written concerning those who try to deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, & you do not need that anyone teach you, but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. 28 And now, little children, abide in Him that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

1.       From V. 24-27 it is 2 things that will keep and protect the readers from falling victim to the seductive teachings of heretics. Constantly abiding in the truth concerning Christ, which they had received from the apostles, Gospel truth given to keep hearing to abide in the Father and the Son! And point two, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, whose illuminating power will enable us to distinguish truth from error! To receive spiritual knowledge under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is to know truth in a way that human instruction cannot provide. Holy Spirit in our lives moves us into the empowering life God intended for us to live.

2.       This text is not an argument against the ministry of teaching; Romans 12:7…… let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching. Teaching as to the revealed truth of God’s words regardless of any public office. If you are not living in the gift God granted you as to a teacher, you sin. If you do not live in the gifting as to being a giver you sin. Remember Jesus cursed the fig tree: He cursed that which had beautiful leaves and no fruit. If we do not live in obedience to what He has for us, it is sin! If you living just to sing and God called you as a prophet, you sin against Him! ( it is like your mom giving you a toothbrush to brush your teeth, but you only wet the brush and never put the paste on to go inside your mouth to clean the teeth.)

From 1 John 2:15-17 the word world is given: The world does not refer to the physical creation but only to that sphere under the control of evil operating due to the dominion of satan.  1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. he who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. He who Knows God hears us…to understand God!                                                                              

Growth is always seen in the presence of love. Loves is as a test of the Christian life we read in 1 John 2:7-11. The love source in God should be revealed in us as we move from salvation at the Cross to reach our neighbor. That love will always manifest as sacrificial in attitude and in action like it did in Jesus! Our lifestyle must represent Jesus in that attitude that is of sacrifice for another. Holy Spirit has come to enable us to love others!  We are to remain steadfast to the gospel through faith and the love of God.                                                                                                      

From 1 John 2:10-11 NKJV 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

1.       Walks in darkness: John 12:35 Then Jesus said to them, “a little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become the sons of light. John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

2.       Has blinded his eyes: John 12:40 He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.  ; 2 Corinthians 3:14 …but their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remain had remained un-lifted in the reading of the Old Testament, but now the veil is taken away in Christ. ;  2 Corinthians 4:4 ;  …whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, let the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

                      

As to Growth in the Lord: Little children will always find out that there is more to salvation, as to growth in the Lord. Romans 8:1 there is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus……who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit for the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death.  From a young one in infancy with God, one becomes the young adult; they encounter that challenge, their faith is tested and they can know victory :For we walk by faith, not by sight.  “Fatherhood” is that place designated and is given to saints who have come to know God as friend.

 

Jesus spoke this in Matthew 18:2-5 NKJV Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

Only the humble is devoid of arrogance and self-exaltation; Humility is one willingly submitted to God and His will. Child likeness is character Jesus pointed to: as to being a servant at heart. As the child depends on his or her Father , so too we are to depend as a child does ; In the kingdom of God there is no dominance over others. The dominion or authority of the kingdom of God is for victorious, fruitful living and for the overthrow of hellish powers by those who want to dominate by a single  rule of hate!                                                         

Those of the fatherhood in Christ, grow in joy and peace daily. They encourage others in the faith. They reside in that peaceful state with joy in their heart and willingly reach out to others to make the Gospel love known! 1 Thessalonians 3:11 Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts  blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 Paul the apostle wrote in a letter to the Philippians that he was thanking God for the remembrance of the believers always in every prayer of his making request for them with joy.  Philippians 1:4……Paul saw his fatherhood in the Father and how it related back to the church by having a joy to pray for others of the faith! As the “fatherhood” begins to disciple spiritual offspring through the loving progress of reproducing that walk they have had there are always new levels in the spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is not speaking the culture of their day, but of the truth in Jesus Christ where character is the image of God Himself!

In the relationship with God our Father, we walk by faith with Him. We speak words that He has given us to speak. We live as we saw Jesus walk His life out on earth. It will always come back to if we have a walk with the Lord. For living godly, the personal growth is seen both to the spiritual life and the sensitivity to the social relationships around us. Anything without these two function is dead because if you are inclined to talk your way to heaven instead of walk your way there, then you will be noted as never leaving earth to see the glory of Him Who created you in your mother’s womb. Have a heart of the Lord, and have a heart for those God sees and to whom He defends. Amen.


                                           New teaching at: Voice of Prayer 

The Categories of Faith: No Faith, Little Faith or Shipwrecked Faith

Visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer for more teaching 

New teaching at: Life Giving Wells
Anointing: The Abiding and The Empowering

Visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching

Now Posting to Rumble 
Voice of Prayer
And
Life Giving Wells

Thursday, September 28, 2017

We are to BE Kingdom Administrators

Voice of Prayer
Kingdom Administrators: Not by fleshy works of men, nor of the viciousness of the devils works but by Prayer is the "intimate access to petition the king." We do not have intimate fellowship with just anybody, but to the King of all the universe!
Accessing the King we have access to His power!  Jesus brought us Light... It is not that prayer itself has the power, but that we have access to the One who has the power. As God's people and His son’s we have the responsibility to ask of Him things that are according to His will.


Ephesians 5:15-18 Amplified Bible 15 Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wide ( sensible, intelligent people.) 16 Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. 17 therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish but understanding firmly grasping what  the will of  the Lord is, 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.

1 John 2:5-6  Amp. Bible 5 But he who keeps ( treasures) His Word [ who bears in mind His precepts, who observes His message in its entirety], truly in him has the love of and for God been perfected ( completed, reached maturity). By this we may perceive ( know, recognize and be sure) that we are in Him. 6 Whoever says he abides in Him ought [ as a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same in which he walked and conducted Himself.


Kingdom Administrators conduct their lives through prayer. In keeping to the treasure of God's word we bear them to our heart, observing and obeying them in their entirety. As Jesus walked this way, we too are to conduct our affairs as pilgrims passing through and with prayer in mind.

Being a kingdom administrator is not taking sides, it is staying with the ONE who created us for His purpose. Abraham Lincoln stated this: "I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no other place to go."

We must be cautious to whom and what are we bowing our knee. Taking that altar of man's idea, behavior and complaints is the wrong altar to hold onto.  Jesus did not come to accommodate our culture, He came to set up His kingdom.



Matthew 7:13-14        NKJV….(13) "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. (14) Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. NKJV
Matthew 7:13-14      Message Bible…..13 Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life---to God----is vigorous and requires total attention.


If the President of the United States needed prayer on his knees, should we not seek the Lord in prayer as well? We must stay within the boundary of His protection and to venture into the darkness where light is absent.

I like what Rabbi Jonathan Cahn wrote in his book: "The Paradigm ,The Ancient Blueprint that holds the MYSTERY of OUR TIMES. From page 228 he wrote: "So in the modern apostasy of America and the West the culture will not only seek to redefine values and morality but also those who remain faithful to God. Therefore the righteous must do as did Elijah and reject all of the apostasy's redefinitions. And they must themselves refuse to be redefined. They must hold unshakeably to the eternal laws of God.  ( I highly recommend this book so that you too might know the things God has done and is revealing today)

Anytime any one person or any one group stands against the President of a country, those are people following that which corrupts. (especially of the one God has put in place and position to lead) As Elijah was a man of prayer, he sought God with zeal. He was set against the culture of that nation where Ahab and Jezebel ruled.
Will you be a kingdom administrator or just a group joiner that joins itself with darkness? Now is the time for prayer, not only for ourselves, our families but for nations and those who rule those nations, indeed!


Notice: 

New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  
Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice Weep With Those Who Weep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOfTKaXD8v4


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

New teaching at: Life Giving Wells
The Answer is in The Treasure
Also visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching:


Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Would YOU Like Me If.....

Would you like Me?
Would you like me if I weighed less? Would you like me if I weighed more or if I were younger or how about being older? Would you like me if I were a certain color or had less gray in my hair? Would you like me if I were taller or spoke like you? Would you like me if I was more  like you?

1 Samuel 1:1-12 This man went from his city year by year to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were the Lord's priests. 4 When the day came that Elkanah sacrifice, he would give to Peninnah his wife and all her sons and daughters portions [of the sacrificial meat]. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, for he loved Hannah, but the Lord had given her no children. 6[ This embarrassed and grieved Hanna] & her rival provoked her greatly to vex her, because the Lord had left her childless. 7 So it was year after year; whenever Hannah went up to the Lord's house, Peninnnah provoked her, so she wept and did not eat.  8 Then Elkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you cry? And why do you not eat? And why are you grieving? am I not more to you than ten sons?" 9 So Hannah rose after they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his seat beside a post of the temple [tent] of the Lord. 10 And [Hannah] was in distress of soul, praying to the Lord and weeping bitterly. 11 She vowed, saying O Lord of hosts, of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your handmaid and [earnestly ] remember, and not forget Your handmaid but will give me a son, I will give him to the Lord all his life; no razor shall touch his head. 12 And she continued praying before the Lord.....


For Hannah, she lived within a household that held two women! Then factor in she Hannah was favored by her husband Elkanah yet, she Hannah had no children with him. And Peninnah chose to grieve Hannah about it. In verse 7 we find that Peninnah provoked Hannah that she wept and she did not eat.
Now that is serious ....!


In all that is reported to this in scripture, Hannah did not carry a negative thought. Her desire she made mention of it to the Lord and on a regular basis she pursued the Lord for an answer of a son for her and Elkanah.

In all that is reported in scripture on  Hannah, there was nothing found in a negative way about her. Today's culture is really different from what was allowed at that time. Although you do hear from time to time of men having more than one wife. I believe some Muslims have more than one wife at a time. Yet, that would be hard for any woman, and then to have no children with your husband would make life difficult indeed!

Yes, Hannah prayed for years. She had painful experiences and Peninnah chose to aggravate the circumstances within Hannah's life. But Hannah chose prayer. She knew her answer could come and she chose to keep that prayer of supplication going out to the Lord who answers.

Hannah came to a monumental moment when speaking: "I will give him to the Lord all his life."

She chose not to be paralyzed by the fear the other woman imposed upon her. Hannah chose to pray!

   
Yes the culture dictates something different. People write things to be liked. People will do anything to have a following and yet we find in this woman of so many years ago took the road of prayer.'
In this day and time, God still answers with I sent My Son for you. In this hour, He reminds us that it does not matter the skin color, the weight issue or even how tall or short we might be.
For Hannah prayed out of a heart breaking for "a son" and God even knew then the Son He would be giving for the world to be saved.
It should not matter if someone likes us or not. It should matter when we have committed our all to God!
At some point we must be sane about life. At some point we must choose life and the life giving words that come from God alone.

In the strength of prayer time, our communication with Him, we reject the world's chatter and the world's abuse. In choosing the Lord we are under His protection...........and our expectancy is the answer from Him that will bring much light, much love, and deliver us into a restored life we were meant to have from the start!

SAD but true, cruelty appears to be on the rise today. And it appears even among those who lead others. Today as you and I take inventory of our lives, will we see the familiar anguish and pain or has our hope been set in the Lord?
We too, can be like Hannah who received a son. Within the love of God and for His glory, Hannah had a son and he became a prophet, Samuel who ministered unto the LORD!

It is more important to be found with God. Hannah's identity was found in Him, and she secured a son. Her security did not depend on any man. She kept her voice vocal about the goodness of God and prayed. Within that prayer time, she became free to become what God had planned for her.

May we choose to take our identity within God! Set your course with those who will see potential in you. Pursue people who will see where you are going and not from where you came from.

Are there any associations we must eliminate from our lives?
Find those who will encourage you in the Word of God. They will be those who will always send you fed with His life in you. 
Today, leave the dead behind and seek the land of the living. Seeks those who live for God and will encourage you to do the same!

Notice: 

New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  
Take Heed No One Deceives You: Growing Cold
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZReVJymmyLo

New teaching at: Life Giving Wells
Holy Spirit: Was Given......and Reveals
You can also visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer 
for more teaching at:  http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

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


Friday, July 29, 2016

MAKEOVER

Have you seen some of  those make-overs? When the doctor gets through with the patient.........they no longer look like themselves.
In school, many years ago, I remembering reading on those explorers who traveled thousands of miles to find the Fountain of Youth. And one such traveler who came across the seas believed he had located this "fountain" in Florida.
Now this Ponce de Leon was told by Native Americans where this great restorer was located.
Being that this all took place in the 16th century, I am not certain those original communicators of that region and time would be available for a comment on this subject.
In Ponce de Leon's writings, nothing was ever mentioned about the course he took, where Bemini might be. Of course we know today that it is found or was thought to be in the area of Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Although mythical in nature, still the land was thought to hold wealth and prosperity who came and took it.

What people will do for a make-over! Yet God's Word is a true youth maker. In reading and depositing His Word in our hearts, we make our stand in life for Him. It reading and depositing that Word of faith, we believe we are the youthful. We can do exploits because the Word of God tells us that. He confirms it. He sent Jesus. Enough said, "right?"

Seriously, people will travel, seek out and find the latest and the greatest thing in the land. What culture proclaims, do we run to take and use that which may cause harm to the body that God created.
Endeavoring to really please God is seeing that He is pleased with us because He sent His Son.

Malls were not around in the 16th century, at least not to my knowledge at this time. But I do know God has been around forever. He has been tested and proved. He is the FAITHFUL AND THE TRUE!

The best place to look for a change, is of course the heart.

He promises us a blessed life. And trials and tribulations are given in the word as well. But where these people of the Bible were blessed, you can see it in the pages of those like Abraham and Sarah. Look at how old she was, and other men desired her. She had to have been a really beautiful woman.
The Lord makes us strong where we are weak. He makes us sound good when we seek to please Him in the Word. We learn to worship in grace. We learn and begin to see with His eyes.........and the beauty before us.
Truly beauty fills Heaven and everything God has touched.
Have you allowed Him to touch your heart..........so your face will smooth out.........with no more worry lines? Have you allowed Him to give details of your future life with Him?
No!
Well, take the Word.......and read it. Take a mirror and view yourself in it. Take a picture and mark this day as the STARTING LINE.........THAT STARTING MOMENT TO HAVE THINGS CHANGE FOR GOOD!
Seek God, open up His Light and let it fill every low place, and every dark place, and see the smile return to that which you remember seeing long ago.
Go now...........start that MAKEOVER and see what God will do for you..............!
Glory to YOUR Name, O  LORD........You are high and lifted up today....Amen!


I HAVE A NEW WEB SITE AVAILABLE NOW WITH OTHER CURRENT BLOGS AND YOUTUBE TEACHINGS. I INVITE YOU TOO CHECK IT OUT.  THERE IS A PRAYER REQUEST SECTION ON THE SITE.

Notice: 
The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

Rendering To God The Things That ARE Gods

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toipBuAej24&spfreload=10

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






Tuesday, January 19, 2016

WELCOMING THE STRANGE!

In years long ago, our pastor made note to say some things about those who were the tattooed, those with pierced earrings, and etc. Now, some can complain about those things, and it is because they were not raised up with even a thought towards to putting a ring in the nose. I hated shots as a child. Today, I do not mind needles like for drawing blood as it has been a process to learn sometimes you have to have that shot for something or find out how the blood is doing, right? So some growth has been established in me in the regard to needles.
But in welcoming the strange, what does that look like?

And in some study, I reflect back on those like Jonah, John the Baptist and of course Elijah.
Welcoming the stranger to your meeting with God should be one where all experience God and His love. Our getting to know the stranger may mean we might need to know something of their culture, something of their background, ask the Lord in prayer how we might pray for them, and to pray how to embrace them when they come "to visit that first time." In meeting the new person, will we be the honest,  have the pleasant smile, speak clearly, and be a light of love? Will we be the free to be and look like Jesus to them? Will our eyes be lifted to glorify God or will our eyes be set on our agendas? Or will our thoughts be on "how many colors do they have in that one tattoo"?  In that style and loving way of hospitality, will we be a part of God's plan to bring these people joy and let them know they are welcome to abide with us in Jesus?  In the hearing of our God's heartbeat, we will move closer, not only to God and His plan, but also into that of welcoming the stranger!

Why do I say this? Let's look at Jonah. He was sent by God to Nineveh. He was to give them the "MESSAGE" to repent. He was the most reluctant to go and did everything possible to run the other direction.

Jonah 1:1-17
1:1 Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me." 3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

4 But the LORD sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up. 5 Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep. 6 So the captain came to him, and said to him, "What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish." 7 And they said to one another, "Come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this trouble has come upon us." So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 Then they said to him, "Please tell us! For whose cause is this trouble upon us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?" 9 And he said to them, "I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land."


10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, "Why have you done this?" For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. 11 Then they said to him, "What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?"--for the sea was growing more tempestuous. 12 And he said to them, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me." 13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they cried out to the LORD and said, "We pray, O LORD, please do not let us perish for this man's life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You." 15 So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows. 

17 Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. NKJV



Yes he died! He was swallowed by a great fish.
And in the scripture verses of Jonah 2:5-6
5 "I sank beneath the waves, and death was very near. The waters closed above me; the seaweed wrapped itself around my head. 6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains that rise from off the ocean floor. I was locked out of life and imprisoned in the land of death. But, O Lord my God, you have snatched me from the yawning jaws of death! 
TLB

Jonah 2:10
10 So the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.  NKJV

When God really wants us to do something for Him, He will change some things so we come full circle to see Him and His plan for "others".
He was made alive again and probably had a lot to say, but foremost was the "message".
So by first of chapter three, he preached salvation. This man who died in the belly of probably a whale came out stinking like dead and rotted fish that had not been totally digested, and now covered in seaweed........preached the glad tidings. But he still held attitude against Nineveh. He became very angry. And he wanted to die. Jonah left the city, and camped outside. In Jonah 4:5 we read of his shelter and the Lord had a plant to grow where Jonah was at. But verse 7 tells us that a worm was prepared to take out the fine plant. Then one of those nasty, strong east winds blew and of course wiped out that plant.

In verse 9 of chapter 3 God speaks to Jonah. "Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?" And he said to God......."It is right for me to be angry, even to death!" 
BUT THE LORD; "You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, not made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left-----and much livestock?"


God had chosen Jonah to go to the people. This city was a metropolis of the Assyrian monarchy. Although not as big as some cities today, it still had the size of some 48 miles across the great city. It was a city known to be heathen, and without knowledge and the worship of God. As time passed, this city's wickedness had come up to God. The alarm was to be sounded and the call went to Jonah!
Interesting that Jonah refused. He did not want to obey God. He objected because of the cruelty the people of Nineveh were known for and that was "they were terrorists"! They terrorized other people and other lands. Destruction was on the way to Nineveh and God wanted the people to be warned that there was the opportunity to "repent".

So the voice sent by God, Jonah, stunk of dead fish vomit. Yeah, that was a strange thing indeed!
ahh.......welcoming the STRANGE!


THEN we look into see John the Baptist, one clothed in camel hair......



Matthew 3:4-12
4 And John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." 
NKJV

Yes, the man was one of humility. He denied his own "me, myself and I" agendas to speak only of the one to come. He prepared the way for Jesus. He was characterized as a man of courage and of self-denial.He would not compromise!
 He would be one who was probably talked about a lot! 
"Well, you know that John.......he always wants to be alone" or "John is always yelling, and he really seems to have some issues with those Pharisees!"

He would be the one criticized of his clothing, and his time alone in the wilderness. He would be one others would complain about. He had a force that was "godly" and represented the importance of that which was to come through Jesus, the Messiah! Prepare you the way of the Lord.
What would we say about a John the Baptist today? What about those who dress differently, act differently, that come to a service or those who minster the Word of God there? Are we the quick to judge them? God has either called them to preach or He has destined them to meet up with you and me in the church setting,  minister the Word of God, have a time of prayer and experience the fullness of God together. 

Then I think of Elijah. Did some think him strange? Yes!
He was the prophet who served God. Even as today, the prophet is one who encourages the church goers to not only be transformed by the Word week in and week out, but also to not settle with the agenda, rule makers, and same 'ole thing. As the prophet, Elijah spoke and did things that was the markings of a prophet of God Himself. He was one sent to bring the comfortable out and awaken them. Elijah brought the fire wherever he went and to whoever he had to speak to in those days of his life. And he certainly brought the "pain", did he not? He did not compromise, but gave truth. He was confident in knowing his God.


Yes, it was about "fire".
Not about the strange fire that man can do to initiate his own plan in the earth. But the fire that falls from heaven is that which ignites a town to become the place where the word of God is given, and prayers are answered. It is a place of the revival where people, of all colors, all ethnic backgrounds come together by the power of the Holy Spirit and do the unusual. It is the place where people meet to see others saved, to bless God loudly and see people become responsible for what is their responsibilities where they live, work and play.
Fire represents the holiness of God and is the place found at the altar built by the one who seeks to glorify God. It is that place where one is subjected to the discipline of knowing God and His truth that is spiritual. What we do for God is not by natural materials, but by the Spirit of the Living God! We are to be the obedient and welcome the strange into our lives. The strange is that which is holy unto God for all people are created by Him and for Him. The strange is that which is NOT done by rigorous schedules, an implied and strict code of rules to get to His presence. It is allowing our hearts to draw near to Him in worship and in truth. And it is the place where we will see what those did in the days of Elijah, the days of John the Baptist, and of Jesus Himself. It is where we are measured to that which Jesus established when we are truly disciplined in Him and by Him. Sometimes there is going to be some "pain". And will be that which may look different and sound somewhat different than us.

If they come with purple hair and camel hair clothes, will we welcome them? 
Noah built a boat that took how many years (decades) and when he finished he loaded some animals of nature to take along with him. And he was the obedient! For whatever we think we might have heard about someone, some race, some culture, we need to seek God and His fire to see what is our responsibility to those coming, the teacher, the prophet, the guest with tattoos and a nose ring as well. Lord, what can we pray today that will help us move with the motion of God that is teaching us, growing us up into His image and to help us welcome the strange when it is upon us. For everyone needs Jesus and we all need to obey the Lord's leading! Amen.


Today ask God what strategy you will need in that business meeting with others who do exactly as you do but do not have Jesus. What truth can you do business in and still have that which others will notice? Ask God to direct you through His Word and into His heart how others can be touched by love from God that may seem "the different", the unusual. Ask the Father to show how your speaking to others will spark a fire in them to come out of the comfort zone and embrace the heat and fire of a new life in adventures for God.


Father, thank You for the strange. We have seen them in such creatures of the sea. I am in awe of the black shark that is giving off a fluorescent glow in the dark deep waters of the sea.  I thought there were only white sharks! Now that is lighting the dark in a new way
Show us Lord how to touch those with the simple style You made us to be in Your image. Show us what growing we might need in some area we have overlooked and help us embrace that which will bring change in how we reach others for Jesus, in work, in church meetings, on the school ground or in the classrooms and in business meetings.
For Jonah surely captured those he ministered to with seaweed stuck to his clothes and with that dry sticky smell of vomit. Elijah brought others who were conforming to the worlds ideas and idolatry, but what can we bring to the table today that will bring people back around to seeing Jesus. For You LORD have called us in righteousness and You will take hold of our hand. It is You Who keeps us and makes us to be a covenant people and light for the Gentiles to open blind eyes and to set captives free from prison and to release those from the dungeon who sit in darkness.(Isaiah 42:6-7)

We ask in Jesus name. May You be blessed today Lord and May YOUR light shine through us today to the stranger. Amen.


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





Monday, October 19, 2015

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


The Traditions of Men

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