A Threat Against Loyalty

 

Defining Loyalty Will be Found in Our Character: Luke 14:26-27 NKJV 26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. (27) And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 
         1. Loyalty to Christ is found in these 2 verses

     2. Entering into the New covenant, our loyalty should be toward Him

     3. Peter confirmed this word: Acts 5:29 We ought to obey God rather than " men.”

     4. Our character will determine where we go in life and find what rules it!

At the beginning of our conversion usually during counseling for baptism, we are asked to consider this passage seriously. Verses 26-27 are particularly important because loyalty to Christ is the issue in this context. Jesus makes it plain that, after entering into the New Covenant, our highest loyalty is to Him.

This is extremely important because the character of every life is determined by the loyalty that rules it. Peter confirms Jesus' words in Acts 5:29, saying, "We ought to obey God rather than men." He made this affirmation following Jesus' crucifixion.  Persecution was imminent against the fledgling church. However, we must understand that the world is always a threat against our loyalty to Christ.

Heard on the news where the new mayor of New York refused to mention anything of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice. We have to have that "sacrifice" God ordained.

Loyalty to Jesus Who Rules

  Ephesians 4:17-24 …..NKJV….17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. (dealing deceitfully) 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus; 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,  (like living with big egos)……23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and holiness.

Lewdness: ( from v.19)  one who has the characteristic nature to act out his arrogance & contempt in public. ( We see ignorance and that contempt in public when people refuse Jesus.)

Every person has character, and  the character of every life is determined by the loyalty that rules it. 

Slaves of Sin No More : Romans 6:12-23     NKJV……12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that dorm of doctrine to which you were delivered.

18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness,  and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those thins is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Alignment with God into His Presence : Romans 5:6-11    NKJV.......6 For when we were still without strength in due time Christ dies for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ dies for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

From Romans 5: 11 we also rejoice in God because we have a present fellowship with God through Jesus. We are to understand and know that the two: Sanctification and justification are not the same.

Each has a different process but within the same pattern God has provided to us. His purpose is they both began at the same point of salvation. In that profession and confession of our faith in Jesus, we are the forgiven, the justified and sanctified.

But it is Justification that aligns us with that standard of God’s law. It is that God activated card that brings us into His presence.

AND Sanctification is that inward spiritual work that Jesus Christ works in us.

Jesus confirmed that word when He spoke this: John 14:18: "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

As our High Priest, He continues that work in us after our justification. He not only washes us of our sins by means of His blood, but He also labors to separate us from that which is of the  natural love of sin and the world.

Jesus said this: John 5:17    NKJV  17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”

Philippians 1:6   NKJV    Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.

This good work: Philippians 1:6..is in physical and moral sense. It conveys that of producing benefits.

God in His mercy sent Jesus. In HIM, we have the benefit of life eternal. He made us holy. In that work which is continuing, it is possible for us to be the godly witness before men.

If God's only purpose was to save us, He could end the salvation process with our justification. Certainly, His purpose is to save us, but His goal is to save us with character that is the image of His own.

PATTERNS: Spirit –filled relationship with Jesus..Acts 3:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:29-31 Now Lord look on their threats and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Boldness: parrhesia (par-rah-see-ah) unreserved, freedom of speech with frankness, candor, and cheerful courage. It is divine enablement that comes from the Holy Spirit and not by man!

Jesus reminded them in John 8:31-32 this: Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word you are my disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

Abiding in Jesus makes us free continually when we abide in Him continually. We are to know His word and repeat it in our speaking!

He was speaking that which you will know from Him as truth is that which sets you free. It is abiding in His presences and makes one free. It also represents that we stay within His boundary being active within that pattern He has divinely produced. It does not happen in one moment but many moments of our lives.

Our giving time to Him and His presence is a costly thing. It is an investment not to be taken lightly. Within God and His pattern for life is abiding, then pressing forward in that once given freedom through His son Jesus. Jesus did this all the way to the grave. He kept reaching out to His Father and in that Resurrection with great light would bring Him forth unto the new DAY! In that day of rest, we are new, living out in the light and truth of God and not by some word of a liberal!

If we can discipline ourselves to work at a job, then we certainly can discipline ourselves to be active in reading about, and pursuing Jesus. It is not “hey God, I will catch you up on my leisure time.”

Was thinking of the young woman who had been kidnapped at birth and raised by another woman. The whole of this young teen now is based on a lie. Even though she had seen what she thought was a good life, still all of it is based on the false which is a lie.

We start each day either that which is based on God and His Word or of the other. If our lives are dealing with us in the middle, and the choice is only us then we have no hope. Our only hope is in Jesus Christ! Truly Jesus is the Son of God. Truly He has risen to give us life abundantly.

 Jeremiah 10:23-24 says that the way of man is not in him to direct his steps.

We have to understand that, when we come to God, we are admitting to Him through repentance that our salvation is not internal—it is not something we can produce. In the same vein, the right way to live is not within us. It must come from outside, and that "outside" is God. Thus, we ask God to direct our steps. At baptism, we are asking God to make us into the image of Christ and to rid us of the perversions of human nature that have produced this world.

Psalm 101:7    NKJV……He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.

That continue means: shall NOT BE ESTABLISHED…

Matthew 26:57-60   NKJV…………….57 And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest where the scribes and the elders were assembled.  58 But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high Priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests, the elders and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward 61 and said, “this fellow said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.” 62 and the high priest arose and said to Him, “do you answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “ I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless; I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.

Sacrificial love toward other people will be decreasing, but the real cause is that the relationship with God is cooling off. People want more sin and more freedom in that sin!

Matthew 24:9-13       NKJV  9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 “And then many will be offended, will betray one another and will hate one another. 11 “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many 12 and because lawlessness will abound, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

In Closing:  Philippians 4:8  to think on that which is true and noble not fantasy…

Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy ----meditate on these things.

Proverbs 25:19 instructs us, "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint." Faithfulness always indicates a person who deals truthfully; he can be trusted. Yet, dealing with unfaithful people is usually painful because one never knows whether they will come through. Or if you truly will see them in your need.  Thus, our evaluation of ourselves comes down to this question: How can God trust us if we are not striving to be honest now? More want to be entertained and the very thought of work is just terrible for them to handle.

Whatever may be going on in your neighborhood or community, Jesus and His Strength will be required. We must remain in Him and His peace to take the next step through a darkened path. He will set us on His straight and narrow and see we have all the light we need to get to end of days. His truth is every lasting!

  

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The Echos of Faith

Turning from the twinkling light of the tree in the corner of the room, and turning eyes on the leather bound Bible in hand, it is a silent night. In the brightness of His coming upon a midnight hour, He is to live and die for mankind! Born to change things on earth toward God, it is on a hilltop far away He will die with few surrounding Him with tears in eyes.

In the echoes of faith, it was Jesus who prayed for Jerusalem.

For the Righteous Cause: Jesus came…and these were His last words:

THE 1^st WORD: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

Luke 23:34……

1.   He came to earth, to live as a man, and died between two criminals.

2.   Hanging by the strength of nails, he sees the soldiers who mocked and scourged Him.

3.   Tortured and visible in His mind Caiaphas & the high priests of the Sanhedrin…have sentenced Him to die. With blood running over his eyes, He sees John with His mother Mary.

4.   His apostles and friends deserted Him. Peter denied Him 3 times…….& only the fickle remain, yes that crowd who just praised Him on His entrance into that city of Jerusalem has now demanded His crucifixion some days later at Golgotha!

Forgiveness is His focus! His love prevailed! In those final hours on earth, He has forgiven those who trespassed against Him, including Peter. Jesus had told Peter in Matthew 18:21-22 to seventy times seven to forgive another. He forgave the paralytic at Capernaum: Mark 3:3-12. He forgives the sinful woman who anointed Him in the home of Simon the Pharisee: Luke 7:37-48! The adulteress caught in the act and was to be stoned: John 8:1-11.

Jesus cried out in a loud voice,  "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Luke 23:46…Jesus obedient to will of His Father to the end, & his final word before on the Cross was a prayer to His Father. The relationship of Jesus to the Father is given in John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus declared, “The Father and I are one.” John 10:30 ; He had a return ticket: "I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father" John 16:28  Jesus fulfills His own mission and that of His Father on the Cross! He directs His final word, “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit. Luke 23:46; "Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, "Certainly this was a righteous Man" (Luke 23:47).

The echoes of faith resound even now. The sound somewhere is heard, the married woman desiring a child of her own to hold.  She asks by calling unto Him in her darkest hour?

What about the man or woman given a death sentence by their own doctor and that their days are numbered in weeks and not months? In their fear of death so soon they ask Him for long life and that He would "keep watch" over them some 24/7. Yet on any given Christmas holiday they complained of spending one hour with Him in His House! 

But what about the person who gives Him praise in the middle of the night? What about that man or woman who thanks Him for their life, for their job and their family? What about the one who remembers to say "Thank you for the good" when only bad appears by breaking out all around them?

Jesus knew one thing: He knew the Father sent Him for purpose!   Jesus on the cross, giving up His body and by shedding His blood completely satisfied God’s requirement: Hebrews 10:12-14 NKJV But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are going sanctified.

It was about God having His family:  Opened up the gates of Heaven for anyone that would believe in Him John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

That Steadfast faith speaks: Hebrews 6: 19-20 that the Hope we have as an anchor for our soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus having become High Priest forever according to the order of Mechizedek………Reminded from Hebrews 7:24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

It is  In HIM, we have the benefit of life eternal.  1 John 5:10-12 NKJV 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life, & this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Romans 2:6-11 Amp. Bible 6 for He will render to every man according to his works [justly, as his deeds deserve]. 7 To those who by patient persistence in well-doing [spring from piety] seek [unseen but sure] glory and honor and [the disobedient to the Truth  but responsive to wickedness, there will be indignation and wrath. 9 [And] there will be tribulation & anguish & calamity & constraint for every soul of man who [habitually] does  evil, the Jew first & also the [Gentile]. 11 For God shows no partiality [undue favor or unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another. Our answer is in Jesus from Matthew 11:29-30 He said “take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle &lowly in heart….you will find rest for your soul. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Of the last century , it was found in the winter of 1944 a winter not confined to the names of la Nina nor la Nino, but as to the "brutal" type. It was as the Allied forces were facing the ferocious German counteroffensive in the Battle of the Bulge. It would be General George S. Patton who wound find peace in prayer. With relentless rains and much fog, the grounded planes and troops were stalled. He had urged the Third Army to seek God for clear skies:   Almighty and most merciful Father, we humble beseech You, of the great goodness, to restrain these moderate rains. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to use as soldiers who may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies and and establish Your justice among men and nations.

Yes, the weather broke, and triumph appeared. It was in the desperate hour that prayer, an echo of faith proved God would hear and answer. Truly awesome: Matthew 18:19 that where two or three are gather in His name, God is there. He moves. (this would invite an invitation into prayer and having faith in Him, and not the government nor any Snap Benefits.) In a recent report: When LeBron James broke the NBA's all-time scoring record, it was not just a historic moment it became a metaphor for our age. As LeBron pulled up for the record-breaking shot, nearly every spectator had their phone raised, not to remember him, but to capture their own version of the moment according to them!  Things are changing dramatically in this hour of His close return. What will He find? Is it voices of faith expressing His greatness, His glory and eternal future for us or will it be only voices set to see us as the center of our own existence?    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

Twilight Zone, Outer Limits and....Star Trek

Was reminded today that when I was a youth, I was regularly following my mother and father's schedule. That was priority and covered everything under the roof that they owned. All those early years the thought was always at the forefront of my mind to make my own schedule. You know like stay up late was number one on MY LIST!
Second, was not drinking all the soda pop I wanted .....no! What I desired was to watch Twilight Zone, Outer Limits, and oh yes.....Star Trek!
Well, today my priority is far from those things. We certainly choose to go to bed earlier when we should. We try to stay with a healthy diet,and particularly eat no fruit after 7 p.m. and we will walk or exercise when we can!
Seriously though, our growing up into the man or woman that God has created for us to do, certainly takes the stage of the most important priority!

Today we have grown to know the word of God and explore all of His generous riches to us. In our life we have seen those things to avoid. In finding God and truth, takes a humble spirit, one willing to be taught and to know that God is greater than all.  Humility does not mean weak! Jesus was  humble and teachable of the things of God. When we have His word, we gain this confidence in God and it will show when we speak out for His glory and His praise. No, it is not in praising us for what we speak about us, but what is giving as glory to God Himself. It is our testimony.

Yes, those sci-fi features certainly turned my head, but God causes me to know that in all the vastness of the universe and of that it might contain, still He is mindful of me. He is mindful of you!
Willing to admit mistakes is a benefit to us. And when we willing admit to the Father, He hears.

Where God has gone, and done is an unknown territory for me and most likely for you. We must leave the familiar behind and seize that which lies before us. As we grow in Him and embrace each new level, our capacity increases for more of His kingdom. It is taken by faith in our spirit man. Oh yes, did I mention it is hidden from those prideful eyes?

No sci-fi features have a hold on me anymore. I look toward Him and no one can stand against Him!
Proverbs 30:5-6
5 Every word of God is pure;riches,
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
NKJV

Psalm 145:17-21
17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD,
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever.
NKJV

God our Father needs no help from us. He does well as the Creator of the Heavens and Earth. He knows our end from the beginning.

Isaiah 46:9-13

9 Remember the former things, those of long ago;

I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me. 

10 I make known the end from the beginning,

from ancient times, what is still to come.

I say: My purpose will stand,

and I will do all that I please. 

11 From the east I summon a bird of prey;

from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.

What I have said, that will I bring about;

what I have planned, that will I do. 

12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,

you who are far from righteousness. 

13 I am bringing my righteousness near,

it is not far away;

and my salvation will not be delayed.

I will grant salvation to Zion,

my splendor to Israel. NIV

His purpose has stood. He sent His son and we have salvation. He sent His love to bring us closer to Him. His splendor is His glory. His beauty, well, it takes my breath away. 

John 6:29

"This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."

NKJV

Yes, the Lord reigns. He is clothed with majesty. He is girded with strength.

Psalm 93

The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty;

The LORD is clothed,

He has girded Himself with strength.

Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. 

2 Your throne is established from of old;

You are from everlasting. 

NKJV

From everlasting to everlasting is a long time! Have any idea what you might do in that length of time.......that which is in God is a place in Him with no time clocks, Listen now and watch closely, the Lord, the King of Kings is on His return. Clothed in His glory, we will rule with Him. He remembers those who are His! Not one of them is lost!

Now is not the time to sit idle. Now is the time to be done with that warrior attitude. Take His word and mount on His wings. Our hope is in the LORD. We renew our strength daily, and we soar. With Him we will run and not be weary. With Him we will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

The true, the eternal of God is life given us through His son. Quality of life will not be found in anything less. Faith in Him, is knowing Who He is, What He has done for humankind and calls us to take serious notice.

In a self-evaluation, have we truly given our lives to Him Who SAVES? In that which coming to pass shortly, will we be found with Him, Who is life, beauty, strength, and Who is from everlasting?

Let go of those who have hurt you in the past. Be convinced God has a godly purpose for you. Ask Him to help you see from His perspective. You are valued. Allow His image to be reflected in you.

Adventures will come, and time, well, it will not matter, because it is His heart that we are after, right? So let us be found with Him. Amen!

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Born of God: The Sacred Appointment

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ALL FLESH SHALL SEE

Luke 3:3-6
 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying:

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the LORD,
Make His paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled
And every mountain and hill brought low;
The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough ways smooth;
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.' "
NKJV

Luke 3:3-6

And he went into all the country round about the Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance (of hearty amending of their ways, with abhorrence of past wrongdoing) unto the forgiveness of sin. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, the voice of one crying in the wilderness [shouting in the desert]; Prepare the way of the Lord, make His beaten paths straight. 5 Every valley and ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be leveled; and the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough roads shall be made smooth; 6 And all mankind shall see (behold and understand and at last acknowledge) the salvation of God (the deliverance from eternal death decreed by God). [Isaiah 40:3-5]  Amplified

Some of the saddest stories have come over the news in the past two weeks. Surely people have lost their lives in homes sliding down hillsides and vehicles overtaken by water. When there is a barrier like across a roadway, it is there for a "reason" and it is not the one that says" hey, let's try out that road, it is UNDER WATER right now!"

I know not what some people's thinking is at the time or if they have the concept that the brain is in the  continual"ON Mode" position, but some of their thinking gave them ideas that they could drive through deep, deep and fast moving water that is filled with debris like broken bridges, downed fir trees or even other vehicles floating down river.
And I wonder in each case if they were saved! I wonder if they went to heaven or did they have time for Jesus at all!
And at this writing I think of all the young adults who strap bombs onto their being and blow themselves up to kill other people. What kind of hate that must reside in their hearts that they could blow others up so that "they" the bomb person can have some how many maidens waiting for them in paradise to give them pleasure???? What a lie! I thought of the young couple who killed what was it "nine" individuals and then end up dying in a shoot out and left behind a small infant. Terrible! I wonder how many demons were waiting their arrival in hell? Who told them to do that? We must know truth and that comes from pouring over the Gospels that Jesus taught to others who followed Him. He always gave glory to God His Father!

In going on in Luke 3 we find this when John the Baptist spoke:

7 So he said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, You offspring of vipers! Who secretly warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Bear fruits that are deserving and consistent with [your] repentance [that is conduct worthy of a heart changed, a heart abhorring sin]. And do not begin to say to yourselves, we have Abraham as our father, for I tell you that God is able from these stones to raise up descendants for Abraham. 9 Even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees, so that every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.Amplified

And finishing on from verses 10-18........was about love. It was to share your tunics. If you have two, share with him who has none. And he who has food, do the same..........share (verse 11) 

AND SO ....WITH MANY OTHER [VARIOUS] APPEALS AND ADMONITIONS HE PREACHED THE GOOD NEWS (THE GOSPEL) TO THE PEOPLE. (verse 18)

There is so much today on the news.......and of that which is suppose to be a faith, but not sure of what it is in..........as they dismember people and seek to destroy others with horrific acts. But my Jesus came to give life. Any other is of the devil.........for he (the devil ) came to steal, kill and destroy.

John 10:10

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they might have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Jesus came to give us  a life that is full of life and overflowing with life.

He came to give life everlasting.

John 6:46-51

46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." 

NIV

For what do I worship?

I worship Jesus who was born of the virgin Mary!

Luke 1:26-29

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" 

NKJV

I give thanks to the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth!

Genesis 1:1-5

1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. 

NKJV

I believe Jesus is coming again soon!

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18

14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words. 

NIV

All flesh are to see Jesus in us. Not under or in any other name. The testimony of Jesus points us to the realities that life today is to be in Him and through Him. Jesus did not come to badger, bully, to kill, to profane another, but to give life and give light to a dying world. Life has come through the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus. Not touched by man, no DNA of man but of only God. In Jesus we saw Him declare and demonstrate works of God for all to see.

He always directed His disciples back to the truth that He only did what He saw His Father doing. And He only spoke what He, Jesus, heard His Father speak.

Yes, it was this total agreement based entirely on what God told Him. Jesus obeyed!

As John the Baptist went about in the "wilderness" to declare the coming of Jesus, we too must proclaim His coming again. Our testimony is to remind others of what "love" looks like to a dying world. It is sharing what we have: not only in love, but in food and in clothing. It is our declarations that testify and yes, give demonstration to truth that God is love and He sees after our needs.

John the Baptist told those who (Luke 3:14) served as soldiers to "never demand or enforce by terrifying people or by accusing wrongfully and always be satisfied with your rations (supplies)and with your allowances (wages). I believe there is scripture that sums all this up:

1 Timothy 2:1-7

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. 2 for kings and who who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, to be testified in due time 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle-----I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying----a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. NKJV

There is One Mediator and His name is Jesus!( it is not Theudas, Judas, mohammed or ???).........Jesus is our God and our King) He is the Son of God! Matthew 3:16-17.....

16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."    NKJV

We all are to have knowledge of truth. In study of the Gospels and all that Jesus taught on, those parables should be our mainstay diet. When they are our delight and our counselors, we will be those fulfilling God's plan for us.........and that is one-to-one-to-one.

In the previous blog: Water to Wine: Holding Him in our Hearts, we saw how Mary watched her Son grow and become that for which He was destined for and to accomplish. She knew the things which were spoken about her Son by those who had the prophetic voice. She saw within her home how He acted and behaved when no one was watching. In what we hold here in this teaching, we see the disciples "recognize" and continue to follow.
Luke 24:28-35
28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to stay with them. 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.
NKJV

The Lord has indeed risen. And He is still standing true to the "breaking of the bread". He is still opening the Scriptures to us, to those who seek His face and revere His name!

Those who "really know" Jesus will act like Him. From the above Jesus was still speaking and acting on Himself being talked of in the scriptures. And when He had taken the bread and broke it........their eyes were open. They "recognized" their Rabbi, their Savior, the Holy One of God!

If we find something seems wrong on the news, take it to prayer. Take the "thing" to God and ask Him. Take it to church or whatever body of believer's you have fellowship with. And then bring it here...........write in the comment section. We, together here will help you pray about what you comment on.  We are the powerhouse for Jesus.............for we have His Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit Who raised Jesus from the dead resides in us. Let us join forces........and stop the bullying through prayer and by extending love to our neighbors by feeding them and giving them something to keep warm. Our greatest days of seeing His power released on earth is right before us. Recognize Him, act on what He speaks........and......................keep looking up for our redemption draws near! (Luke 21:28)...............Our Redeemer has paid it in full and He is standing by to bring us in to that for which we believe to know as truth.

Keep walking, keep proclaiming and let us pray....individually and together in corporate prayer that.......peace be in earth as it is in heaven. 

Our Father, which art in heaven,

Hallowed be Your Name.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done in earth (in me)

As it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not

into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom,

the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.



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

SUCH AS I HAVE, I GIVE TO YOU

Acts 3:1-16
3:1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
NKJV

HEARD this awesome testimony by Joyce Meyers. And have thought about it here for days. And I thought on this scripture from Acts 3 about the lame man from birth asking alms.

First:

Joyce told how she was at the beginning of finding Jesus full on. She told of her desire of the
Bible studies in her home and how they grew. She told what her own life was like as she had been and lived. As we have heard her testimonies, and she has some awesome things to speak about God's goodness and love. We surely have heard them before in one or two of her conferences and seen those programs where she teaches and answers questions by those who are seeking God and His ways. Although I have never been to one of her conferences, I try not to miss some of her televised teachings. She diligently studied, did not go to any Bible College. God, the Holy Spirit taught her! Of this teaching, she told about the scripture and Noah and Abram.

She taught on the "Rainbow" and the "Circumcision".

Genesis 9:12-17

12 And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." 

17 So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth." 

NIV

Genesis 17:9-14

And God said to Abraham: "As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; 11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant." 

NKJV

Second:

Joyce told about in the ministry God was building through her was a lot like the two examples you see here. She said she saw so many people getting the "Rainbow" and how she would hear their testimonies of how God was blessing them early on in "their" ministries. Yet, she was seeing in her own life the circumcision of the flesh. Yes, she certainly made people laugh and I was one of them, but boy, she was right on about the two things. For we certainly can see those who are the blessed so rapidly and the other is, "Let's take some flesh off of you, child!" Yikes!

In hearing her testimony, I too, thought on the part when she said she had attended no Seminary. I too have not attended any Seminary nor did I go to any Bible College. It is the Lord Who has taught me every step of the Way! And I went back to Acts 3...."such as I have, give I you, in the name of Jesus, rise up and Walk."

Yes, Peter and John are going up to the temple for prayer. And at this gate, a man had been laid. So any people who entered might see the lame man and give him alms. When this lame man saw Peter and John, he spoke. He asked a question. Although I am thinking he did not make eye contact with them, for Peter said, "Look at us." When the man had given attention to them, hope had risen in his heart, Peter spoke. And in the name of Jesus........he spoke and he took the man's hand to rise and walk. Of the witness of Jesus rising from the dead..........Peter gave a testimony of about the power was not of them or their own power, but was from and through Jesus to the lame man. Yes, faith that came through Jesus gave the lame man now wholeness........perfect soundness in the presence of all people present in that place. Jesus who was denied and disowned by those He came for, had continued to raise people up from their weakened state, from that which brings one captive to sickness, weakness, lameness and the broken. It was in that which was strengthened to be used as God intended.

Look on us.........Look on what we speak...........in the Name of Jesus.....that Authority still continued. That power from on high still availed and was seen in those who believed on the name, were open to receiving that which was of the unseen, and gained strength and healing. Silver and gold would not help other than for a short time, but God was wanting the whole man healed and back to living life as was intended. 

In reading this time and again, I always wonder how many people just walked on by him, never giving him any attention, just walking by and maybe flipping some coin in the cup or container to hold the "handouts" given him. What he gave attention to when asked, he got an answer. 

When needing something, and asking alms, he got what he asked for. But what if God desires our attention for something greater, something bigger?

What if God desires to bring us up from that which is lameness to us and to what He is desiring to do? What if we stop looking down at the circumstances, and say, "yes Lord, I know of this rut I am in, this____________, but I would like to rise out of it. Today I give you all my attention to not be lame anymore and not stay in this rut that has caused a lameness in me not moving forward with life. I too would like to bring people to gather much like the "lame" man when he attached himself to them by holding on...........to give glory to God, to give praise and jump for joy." "That is the way I want to live my life, Lord!"

In what we see like in Noah, he spent a some 60 or 70 years building an ark for safety to those who believed. In the end, they saw the "Rainbow" in the sky. What a site, to come through hearing all the unbelief and probably cursing and joking against Noah and his family. Then to see the flood take the life of people and animals and then see the amount of time for the flood waters to recede. Still their focus, had to be one when "will we get off this ark?"

I remember traveling many times with our daughter. She had gone with me to visit family on the East Coast. And in one fall time of year, we flew. It was good going, and we had good visit, but on the way back, I could see she was ready to do something else. And flying at 36,000 feet does not give you much choice of the things to do on an airplane. So when we were flying over the "badlands" of the Dakotas, she was ready to disembark.  She was ready to jump with a parachute of course. But I told her I could not do that, for the "badlands" get too much snow and severe cold. "No thanks, I will continue on here."

So she would walk the aisle. She would stand awhile, watch a movie for a little bit, and then walk the aisle again. Yes, she was done!

The family of Noah had to keep watch for the first sign of life after the waters started to recede.

As for Abram, well, he had to leave the family. Yes he had to leave Haran. He had to repent of dead works, could not worship idols and follow God only. In his quest to follow God, he found a lot of hardship, and that which so many couples desire: children. In his journey of life, he kept that hope alive. But to keep that hope alive he had to see it. Our eyes can truly see, but they have no voice. Abram and his wife came to that place. In living in that tent, that place could isolate one indeed, but it had no real fortress of walls, but could confine only by shutting everything else out.

That which came to Abram we read in Genesis 15. In verse 1 we begin..........and see that in a vision we were told, "Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great."

In lamenting toward God, Abram said, "O Lord God, what will You give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "Since You have given no offspring to me, the one born in my house is my heir."

In the Amplified it reads like this: verse 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, This man shall not be your heir, but he who shall come from your own body shall be your heir. 5. And He brought him outside [his tent into the starlight] and said, Look now toward the heavens and count the stars---if you are able to number them. Then He said to him, So shall your descendants be. "[Hebrews 11:12] 6 And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to ) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God) [Romans 4:3, 18-22; Galatians 3:6, James 2:23] 7 And He said to him, I am the [same] Lord, Who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldees to give you this land as an inheritance.

God got Abram outside the "tent" to take a look. And although his eyes could not see, yet the voice he heard was God speaking............look and count, and see............these are the number of your descendants.

We need to stop looking down at the same "stuff". We need to get out like our son-in-law does. Get out and look into the sky and watch for those things that orbit the earth and give that light that there is more going on than down here on these five blocks, two big cities, or even up and down the Columbia River. As our son-in-law points out to those satellites and the space station, we can see with our eyes that activity is going on outside our realm. We can see and speak..........give voice that what God has for us is above and beyond that of this earth. It is heaven on earth. It is life that was meant to glorify God and in all His awesome deeds.

Yes, circumcision must take place to remove that which does not need to be in our heart (in our soulish nature). Things must be removed from us that would hinder us. Taking our eyes off the situation and moving them to God give us the ability to move outside anything that might separate us from that which would be freedom for us, health to us, ministry and a testimony of faith that God is with us and He is for us! Move outside of you today. Move and look toward that which God has and is giving as a blessing.

We have great teachers like Joyce Meyer who can and will show us how to get that flesh under control. They have the testimony of faith that comes by hearing God and obeying. Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you today and move from that cup of lameness into God's great power for life!

Father, we pray in Jesus' name to not have any limitations . We pray to be set free from anything that might represent a closed tent, a closed door, to bring us to isolation. We saw this lame man who even thought that by being laid by the Gate called Beautiful was anything but beautiful to him. He had to give attention to that which was coming by way of life in the Name of Jesus Christ. Help us to see and not fall victim to that which would be blocking as to our walk and seeing the promises fulfilled for us.

 Grant to us to see with eyes and give voice to that which is life and power to us through Your Holy Spirit. Please help us to be renewed to that which was given to us in our youth. Help us to see that fear and doubt are of no help to us, Help us to see that we have been enabled to run as in our youth, that we are the awakened to the great miracles as we saw in the lame man and who Jesus our Lord and Savior has apprehended us to His life of love, attention to us, and His great desire for us to live a life of peace on earth as it is in Heaven.

Father, please bless teachers like Joyce Meyer. Give them continued strength to keep up that walk and race of life with expectations that You are not through with them or their lives. Help them and us as well to grow in the grace and knowledge of You Jesus. We have no future without You our Lord. Amen.

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