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!

  

   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

Potato Head Christianity

 

When our daughter was but a small child, they had come out with toy that resembled a potato and it came with parts to show whether it was of a Mr. or a Mrs.   At the beginning of playtime, it went well, but then after being bored with it, all kinds of things appeared on the potato not resembling anything but a Frankentato!

Now our daughter would put her toys away when finished, would take Frankentato apart and place back in the box. But her mom put the Mr. back on the potato in the box!

Today we have Christianity much like that potato. We find people who dislike what God created in them to be and will today find some kind of specialist to change their body to that whim that suits them for a moment! Had recently read an article of a mother who had fought a faith fight in winning her daughter back to the Lord, by prayer and by supporting her enough to say that the life she sought was fantasy. And her mother was so right about it! She went into detail of how she came through it, but it took a belief that her daughter would see Jesus as Jesus sees her!

The world likes to feed a person with some fake things, those false narratives about people and ride the backs of those who choose to live the life God planned for them. Christianity is in Christ Jesus. Christianity is not a fad, a false narrative, a fluke, nor is it of chaos! The is only one way to God: Jesus Christ!  Believing in the Lord, is believing He died for us. That He gave His all for us to have life, delivered from the enemy, given truth to reside in His peace and to be an influence to the world who wants only fleshy types and that kind of existence. But in Jesus, we reside in truth and live in His peace with faith expecting His will is done in our lives.

In thinking about this in the last two days, I thought of King Herod. He did not want Christianity. He heard John the Baptist and even said that he would hear him again on what he taught, but Herod’s heart was flesh, was set for lust with no boundaries and so he became the brutal king!

Of certainty you know his tale, he is found in the pages of the Gospel Matthew 14. At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus, 2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him” 3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. 7 Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head on a platter.” 9 And the king was sorry; nevertheless because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. 10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. 11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it and went and told Jesus.

 

Many issues are evident here with Herod. He offered a gift of up to half his kingdom: this debase act in entertainment would come back to haunt him. There was no “fear of God” only for entertainment and to exploit that which is sensuous to the eyes of the flesh where far more is thrown toward that one thing where the depraved get off by their having their way. It is the one who has “a title of sorts” to exert cruelty on another as God’s ambassador: John the Baptist. Herod chased flesh and he got flesh, a mouth full indeed!

Herod had issues with the birth of Jesus. Now Herod the Great had been king until 4 B.C. So the newest Herod would be trying to live like the previous king had been ,being “great” and all, when Jesus arrived in Bethlehem. And when this king would hear of this child which would be living, all male children were put to death up to two years of age. When Herod died, Joseph would return Jesus and Mary his mother back to Nazareth from Egypt. He turned aside to take them into Galilee.

  Matthew 2: 13-18 NKJV 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young child & His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the Prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all male children who were in Bethlehem & in all its districts, from two years and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet saying,: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping & great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

Yes, Herod had a lustful life! He liked being king and he catered to those who would take him where he was desiring to go. He had a party! He had Herodias, his brother’s wife with him. And not only that, he also had her daughter with them as well.

Immorality was found among Herod & Herodias; lust bound him to more oppressed and dark tastes leading to murder. And it was Herodias’ daughter Salome who danced a most provocative dance before this king in the celebration of Herod's birth!

Considered the minor ruler over Galilee: Herod Antipas; Mark 6:17-27 NKJV 17 For Herod himself had sent & laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. 18 Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife; for he had married her. 19 Therefore Herodias held it against him & wanted to kill him, but she could not; 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

Mark 6: 21 Then the opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, & the chief men of Galilee. 22 And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl. “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23 He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.”  25 Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner & commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, 28 brought his head on a platter & gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.

 

This same king Herod had seduced his niece Herodias, who was married to Herod’s brother Philip. He, who with the face of evil, persuaded her to divorce her husband and marry him where he in turn divorced his own wife! Can you see that potato head horror taking place?

 

It was John the Baptist who held the objective before Herod & Herodias that God was not pleased with the situation. In plain language he told them that it was not lawful for him to have her! Still Herodias had evil in her heart! This celebration brought celebrities before the king & Herodias arranged for her daughter to dance. Pleasing the king, he was going to give her half of his kingdom which was not lawful for him to do! She would glory a short time in this diluted thinking though!

 

Yes, the woman was disturbed indeed to bring her illicit pleasures as that to her daughter, but her flesh spoke loudly as the adulterous wife, and as one who propagated actions to her daughter.

From the Matthew Henry’s Com., the king no doubt was hardened in wickedness in that although he was convinced John was a prophet, one owned of God, still he does not express sorrow for his sin in putting John to death by being beheaded.

It would the king, a leader of a region who would wield his authority to use a “teen” who he lusted after to bring John the Baptist to his death. Today, we see that going on in this nation and other nations as well. Leaders set on destruction to a certain few so that they might party on till the cows come home using the youth of this nation in the same vein of deceit and fantasy! They teach everything but truth and desire to live in lust of pleasure and pride! They speak everything is free and will cost them nothing, but it will in the end!!

 

John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for that of Jesus and the kingdom which had come. It is an identity in the spiritual of God. It is not the spiritual of this world which is demonic and is fading away. It is God or Nothing! It is our having identity in Christ! And that identity is knowing him, trained by the Scripture of the Gospel He delivered so that we would anticipate him and recognize His voice in His speaking!

As children we saw the Babe in the manger. As one growing up in Him, we saw the Cross, the brutality of hate against another and what sin looks like when it rears its ugliness against that which is the righteous and the true!

Jesus is returning: Revelation 19:11-12 declares this Now I saw heaven opened, & behold a white horse, and He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were may crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood & His name is called the Word of God.

We dance in His presence, once as children, now as His sons. We live in the atmosphere of Him, where health is viewed in wholeness of mind, soul and body. We see His flaming eyes of fire, and see that beautiful garment dipped in blood…for He is majesty on high and we ride with Him to claim the earth for His glory and to His praise. We ride on horses, and where we are dressed all white and clean……we ride with the King of glory!

No, no Frankentato’s please! As for me and mine, we serve the Lord! We expect His appearance and we know how He will be dressed and what He will say to us! But if you play in fantasy land, living in deceit, then you might be waiting for some kind of potato head in your own kind of Christianity and if it is Frankentato…..RUN!

 

                                             New teaching at: Voice of Prayer 

Called to Purpose to be Seated in Life

https://youtu.be/k9_fEZPxMAg

Visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer for more teaching 

http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

New teaching at: Life Giving Wells

Worshiping Images or Worshiping God No Blurred Lines

https://youtu.be/eS8FuKKwBkw

Visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching

http://bit.ly/2wgu1kw

Undivided Attention

Voice of Prayer

Was thinking of this month and all the things people have applied as to holidays and such. It is October, guys! It is that desperate look people get on their faces for the entire month. I always wonder why they are desperate for that which really has no life to a person other than maybe scaring you out of any wits you might have.
Truly I always wonder who came up with the costumes and the candy thing. No undivided attention now for this is important to many. When growing up, there was even then some who did not approve and I can see why. Some I knew had gotten you know those "razor blades" in their candy bars. Yes pretty destructive behavior if it was done by kids indeed.
Was reminded of the ghost in Matthew 14:26. Already troubled by high water waves, these grown men went further to the depths of "crazy thinking and crazy speaking"!


Matthew 14:22-33 NKJV 22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 and when He had sent the multitudes away, he went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, he was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 so he said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and  worshiped Him saying, ‘Truly, You are the Son of God.”

Was thinking and meditating on this for some days now! Went and looked up in the Dake’s Bible and it had some interesting things to say about the fisherman in that day. They say the fisherman”, had this thinking like an old “fable” that if they saw a ghost walking on the water, their ship would sink and all would die! Yeah, they had faith in fantasy. Now that will surely kill you for certain!

Jesus had just come from prayer time with His Father. He was in unity with His Father and came walking on “water”. Peter already had some amount of doubt within his heart and even in his speaking, he expresses it. “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to you on the water.”   That is a dangerous place to be. In truth, we are to seek Jesus and truly see Him. (there is no life in ghosts, zombies or satan)

Hebrews 2:9…But we see Jesus…( He who tasted death for everyone)

Hebrews 3:1 Amp. Bible …who share in the heavenly calling thoughtfully and attentively consider Jesus…( be attentive that Jesus is the APOSTLE, GOD’S REPRESENTATIVE TO US & as our High Priest He is our representative to God)

Hebrews 12:2 ….looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Undivided attention was what Jesus held for those He ministered to in the multitude. He sought the Father when the people were sent away. AND He, Jesus, followed in more prayer for the disciples. He sought prayer for the disciples, those in His care. Motivated by power from on high, Jesus walked across the turbulent waters….that under His feet, He Jesus would go to those under His care.

He, the High Priest we know of from Hebrews 3, He who walked in seeking to care for His own, prayed to the Father and went out in power of God to do what He did. He, Jesus, sought through prayer the next step in obedience to the Father.

Peter cried out, “Lord if it is You, command me to come to you on water.” I wonder how many times we just climbed out to show the “peeps, the crowd of believer’s, those who walk with us …that we have our trust in the Lord only to find, we question the move, we question that which is turbulent around us and then ask: Lord if it is You, command me……WHEN our truest example was given to us from this very passage of scripture to change our lives. WE are to see Jesus and know Him for His prayer life and of His love for people. We are to be thoughtful in that and very attentive on Jesus as our High Priest, who also intercedes for us to the Father.

As the builder of the bridge between two hearts, we also must seek to see that bridge is built of ours to the Father through Jesus and of the bridge between other believer’s in Christ. Jesus stretched out His hand and caught Peter and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Adventure, indeed, turbulence mentioned, still prayer played a key here. Another is that our thoughts should be fixed on Jesus. Being reminded He was not reflective or moved into old wives tales, of seeing ghosts on the water and of ships sinking, Jesus waivered not of the boisterous waves.

These kind of things can appear in your life, but remember to take away from it prayer and thanksgiving that Jesus is truly the Son of God! When it is time, you will walk where He desires you to be and do what He commands. YOU will be strengthened to go through and make a difference in your community for His glory and to His praise.  Amen!

New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  

Danger at the Doorstep

https://youtu.be/2Zysf4ZQ3Ko

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

Speech

https://youtu.be/XciJDWFSr3Y

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

http://bit.ly/2wgu1kw

What? Another Poop Deposit

Saw this interesting video the other night about hummingbirds as we were interested in how and where they place their nests. We see many hummingbirds in this area, and the feeder is always very low or out of the nectar.
In this video we saw, the nest was only about the size of your 1/2 (cup) measuring tool for the dry items.
The woman recording the episode showed two newly living babies. They were not really anything to look at, but their size was so awesome. And she would record as much as she could each day on the growth of the two hummingbirds. As they began to grow, they could move but with no room other than the ledge of the the tiny nest, they each took a turn to move into the others former position. She showed their eating habits. There was also the moments they would excrete or make their poop deposit on the side of the nest but not in it. Seriously they had really no room at all to fit comfortably. Then as quickly as the black colored pebble looking object left their body from the rear, there  was a shot of excrement from their mouth. Not sure what that was all about, but did not think they were throwing up.
After the 24 days, one ventures to stand on the edge of the tiny nest, stretches his wings and flaps violently a couple times for the test, and swoosh he is off on his first adventure. She takes shots of him down in a flower bed, and then over to another higher place within just a few feet, then after another moment, he flies off.
The woman recording returns to the nest to watch and record the other little bird. Although this one is bigger in size, he seems more nervous about moving out of that tiny sanctuary. After several hours and high winds, he makes his attempt, and then flies away.
If you have seen one of those little birds, you can certainly appreciate the beauty that God captured in that little bird. The colors of their bodies are awesome. We have three different families of them here in this area. One we call "Green", one is "Red", and the other well, we mention that "Yellow" has returned. Each of them is a different size indeed!
My husband captured this little fellow with his camera here on this page about a week ago.

When we had first tuned in to the video, the "poop deposit" was the first thing I noticed. I was trying to figure out what it was and how it laid on the outside of the tiny nest. I could not imagine putting berries into their nest making, but was surprised when she had videoed the event happening.


The devil is always trying to make a "poop deposit" into their our lives. He surely thinks if we compromise, he will win. And I know in his thinking, he believes if he can get everyone to fall like he did, then God may perhaps change His mind and let the devil be.
Ah, but that is not what we read in the book of Revelation.



Colossians 2:18-23
18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. 20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations-- 21 Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," 22 which all concern things which perish with the using--according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.  NKJV


Not holding fast to the Head, JESUS, from whom the whole body, nourished and knitted together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

Therefore if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world," why"........as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations-- 21 Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," 22 which all concern things which perish with the using--according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.  NKJV



Staying in that place "connected" to God, we grow with increase. We do not diminish when we stay with God!

In self-righteousness, one is bent toward the self-imposed religion (their own) they have a false humility and neglect the body ( the body of believer's) and are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

They can horde things. "Oh, I might need that for me."

But in receiving Jesus and standing with Him, we are the delivered from any yoke of bondage. We became free in Jesus. So any appointment from man will not stand, and is contrary to what God has purposed. Standing firm is adhering to him, and to trust in His Words of wisdom, not the wisdom of this world.

The true wisdom of Him always keeps to that given in the gospels. And it is the entire body subject to Jesus Christ.

From verse 23, there is no honor to satisfying the flesh creature. The only thing "the world" gives is to honor the flesh or to man's own pride.
It is seen from the Philip's translation that it is an asceticism practice. The word "asceticism is from the Greek...as to training or exercise in a life style. It also looks like the absence of worldly pleasures, seeking a spiritual one.
One teaching is:
They will go so far as to move into what many know as a "frugal lifestyle". And they turn to time concentrating on religion or spiritual matters. Some will stay in the "humble abode" to show they are frugal, but all the while carry on taking many things they love to their bosom. It is like for those who desire to sleep on a bed of nails. They are punishing themselves, because they know not God. For if they knew Him, they would know His love!

I always hear today, for those to be themselves! Yikes! If they are doing it in themselves. For without God we can do nothing. It is an everyday, moving forward with God and not a one time a week thing.
Heard this testimony of man ( a pastor ) today originally from Australia who was raised in church from an early age. His relatives and grandparents were as missionaries and pastors. He went through all the things he needed to lead others. And he said one day, after being married for a short time, he had gotten upset with his wife, in their bedroom, he literally picked her straight up with his hands and told her that she made him angry and then out of anger, he tossed her to the bed. Even while this was going on, he told God in the same breath how she had angered him. Yet, God told him, she did not give you the anger, you have anger in your heart. The man asked his wife for forgiveness and asked God to show him where he held anger in his heart. Today he lives in South America today. He has a church of 35 thousand people. And he has influence with many people of many nationalities.
Although raised in a Christian home, his heart issues had not been dealt with. And in some short time he learned and gained God's wisdom on that "anger" issue.
Wisdom of the world is false. It is not profitable to anyone or anything!
But being tuned into God and speaking His words into our lives, we gain His wisdom and not the world's. wisdom. If we refuse God and His teachings, then we choose to live in fantasy land. In that place there would be not brightness as the noonday. We are to go from glory to glory not from one tiny candle light to another similar light of same caliber. To me, that would be like those glow "Stick" lights on wrist bands or necklaces. They shine really pretty for a short while and then they fade away.
If we are chained into certain behavior, then we are choosing a life of the absurdity and many times in that of cruelty to others. God is mercy. His mercies are new everyday, but are we too busy to glean from those treasures He has for us to learn from and really live?

So living in Fantasy Land, one will have poop deposits within their own "land". Where they abide in themselves and call it religion, will be just that, "another religion" based on me, myself and I.
But to those who hear God's call, will certainly call others what God calls them. When applying God and His Word to our lives, He is our Shield. He is life and abundance. And it is that anointing to which we fulfill what He has asked us to do in this life right now. And if they be the "Teacher", the Deacon". "Evangelist" they will operate in that gifting like in the book of Acts! They flourish in that gifting God has placed in them. And to do anything else is contrary to what God purposed.

Our grand-daughter spent some time with us over the weekend. And she was helping to make some Oatmeal Scotchies. And when mixing the "sugars" together and adding the eggs, she mentioned she had the fruit of patience. So true when we abide in Jesus and His words. ( she is memorizing scripture and is doing really well)

Galatians 5:16-26
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. NKJV

Jesus walked in the Spirit and did not fullfil the lust of the flesh. Being faithful is important to fulfilling what God has asked you or I to do for His kingdom. In His goodness, we remain in His peace, and we see where we need the extra work in our lives. It is to be a love walk with others. BUT like the passage reveals, those with the workings of the flesh toward sorcery, hatred, contentions and jealousies will create a provoking atmosphere. Those who "hate" never leave. They stay. They like to complain, but explain it away. They can become critical especially of those younger ones. They are intent of keeping their ground although God is not there with them. With contempt for others, they are allowing the devil to help them make another "poop deposit" in their land.

In the cities today, there are many crises going on. There are the homeless, those with mental issues walking the streets, and the young cast away like garbage. 
Nurturing is an important part of people growing up. In that respect, we are all growing, and are suppose to be changing from glory to glory. Everyone needs Jesus to live and flourish!

2 Corinthians 3:10-18

10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious. 12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech-- 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.  NKJV

Our liberty is in Jesus and through Jesus. It is not in Facebook or in man.

For our grand-daughter, she has so grown in the Lord to be the accomplished by the Holy Spirit. She is well on her way to mirroring the glory of the Lord as she is being transformed into that glory by the Spirit of the Lord. If we do not allow the Holy Spirit in, and ask for help in heart issues, then we live in fantasy land. Being nurtured by God Himself will bring a life of increase.

If it is in preaching, there is increase. If it is in writing, there should be increase. If in teaching others, it is seen as to be increasing in God. If you are challenged in a new job, God will increase you when you add Him to your day. If you are making a move, make sure God is in the equation of your life.
From Colossians 2:19...we are being nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
If it is not increasing, move. If  you see you are in a place that is diminishing, that is not of God. For it is the devil who came to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus came to give us life in abundance. There is no subtraction in HIS kingdom!

Move out of "poop deposit" land...heed God's wisdom and His warnings. If you are just looking for comfortable, "good luck in fantasy land" but if you really want to live as Jesus did, you will have ups and downs, but always rise in His strength, taking hold of His life to live for His kingdom that spells out victory every time. It is not over. but Jesus is returning soon. Let's keep looking up, and flourish in God. Amen.

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

Waiting On The Master: The Reward of Service

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaNOEL3e88Q

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