Strong Delusion

Strong Delusion

2Th. 2:11 - 'And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but
had pleasure in unrighteousness.'

It pains me to see so many Christians these days that are blind to the truth. Have you ever felt like people just can't see what you see? It's like, they flock to conference after conference, hearing the same hype sessions that get them all "positively motivated" and take all their money.

They fly all over the world to see famous preachers and they have all the books, videos, and tapes of their famous preachers, yet they are bound to sin, walking in darkness, and hooked on heresy! They can't read the bible, they can't have a prayer life, and they just can't get free from their issues!

They everyday hear the same watered down Gospel messages from motivational preachers, yet when it comes to making good, sound decisions, they constantly fail to do so. Our people are being lead astray by our churches most popular preachers, but trying to tell someone this will get you cussed out, ridiculed, and outcast!

People will say stuff like, "Touch not the anointed" or "You are judging". If you challenge them about their favorite superstar preachers, they will walk out of your life and consider you some kind of "too deep" person that is off. They will distance themselves from you and choose the comfortableness of darkness rather than the responsibility of the light.

Why is this? Well, God said that HE is responsible for these crooked preachers. He said that he would send them! The homosexual Bishops, the money hungry TV preachers, the immoral Gospel music performers, and the self absorbed shepherds are all sent by God for a reason. They are the spiritual "fly paper" to show those that do not really want the truth!

You see, the whole reason that sin is in the earth is to make righteousness right! Without sin, there would be no choice to choose God. God needs the devil to make him God. Without the devil, God would not appear great to us. He even said in the bible that he "created evil". This was to show his goodness and his mercy.

And for this same reason, God has allowed crooked preachers and self made Bishops to raise themselves up in the church. They have the mega-conferences to draw thousands while all along promoting their own agenda. They, as 2 Timothy 3 states "creep into the homes of silly women, laden with lust" to get paid!

The bible said that these women will flock to them but never get delivered! Ever learning, but never coming to the knowledge of the truth! And the homes of these selfish preachers are reflective of their true motives because their own children are bound to sin and yet they are promoted and lifted up? I'm telling you, it's God's plan to allow all these things to be because they attract those that "have pleasure in unrighteousness!" That means, people that really want to walk in Christ and sin will find a way to do it if they follow men that promote themselves and not the righteousness of Christ.

In other words, you are attracted to what you want, not what you need! God wants us to want his truth, not these money making lies that are being preached. God wants us to seek him and his righteousness, not follow a watered down "purpose driven life" fantasy! He wants us "Christ" driven and Spiritually sound! He wants us to follow his truth, denounce sin, and be a doer of the word not just a hearer!

So, the strong delusion is sent to weed us out, sift out the ones that really want their own way rather than God's way. So, when you are in that heated debate with that person that just can't seem to understand why you are against these money hungry preachers and homosexual bishops, relax. Don't argue and don't debate. They won't see what you see because seeing it would mean that they could no longer follow their own agenda, but they would have to disrupt all their plans and follow God's plan.

They have chosen the lie because it fits their own way. They have pleasure in following the way of the flesh and will defend the ones that support their plight. Only the "elect of God" will not be deceived! "Matt. 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. "

Suggested Reading: Is. 45:7, Matt. 7:15, Matt 24:24, 2Pet. 2:1, 1John 4:1

Feeling Guilty

Feeling Guilty

1 John 3:4 - 'Those who sin are opposed to the law of God,
for all sin opposes the law of God.'

The consequence to sin is death according to the word. We may feel we are getting away with certain things, but are we really? When we continue in sin or continue making crazy mistakes, we keep ourselves out of God's presence. Not that God leaves us, but our sin pushes him away in our own minds and hearts. When we welcome sin or the same stupid mistakes then we hurt our relationship with God because we feel guilty or shamed before him. Even after we ask for forgiveness, there is a feeling of remorse and regret that comes when we really stand in his presence.

I know a lot of preachers preach that no matter what we do, we should be able to come before God with boldness and confidence. Just ask for forgiveness and come boldly before God. Well, that is true, but what about the feelings of shame and guilt? I know that we don't have to feel that way, but when you hurt someone, shouldn't you feel guilty? Shouldn't there be a level of guilt that comes with that even after you have repented to them? Well, if you have a true relationship with God, there will be a certain level of guilt and shame when you turn your back on him and go for sin instead of his righteousness. It hurts him, even though he does forgive.

But that is the difference between being a hearer of his word and a doer of his word. Hearers have no relationship. They live good and try to quote the bible and read the bible, but don't really commune with God on a personal level. So, sin can become a regular practice because they are not intimate with God. But the doer knows the voice of God and walks according to his commands. And when the doer sins, he feels bad because he knows that God is grieved by it. So, it is impossible to practice sin on a daily basis for the doer.

Don't feel bad because you still feel a level of guilt even after you have been forgiven. Just know in your heart that God has forgiven you and try not to do it again. And rejoice that you are close enough to God to feel his hurt and disappointment. When there is no guilt at all, that's when it's time to worry.

(Suggested Reading: James 1:15, 1Pet. 4:1, 1John 2:1, 1John 3:1-10)

You Are A Word From God

You Are A Word From God

Jeremiah 1:5 - 'Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou
camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet
unto the nations.'

The gift that God has put into you is so important. It is the very essence of your existence. You are dead without it. It's what makes you you! It's the call of God that spoke you into existence and it's the word that was spoken about you that called you to be.

When you were created, you started out as a word, just as God spoke light in the beginning and it was here. He called you what you were to be before he called you into time and space. You are what he said and if you tap into that, you will find out why you are still here. Don't you know that if you didn't have a purpose, you would be dead? The devil tried so many times before to kill you, but he couldn't because God had a plan for you.

You are hear by divine order and you cannot be stopped unless you stop yourself. The devil does not have the power to stop you. If he did, you would not be reading this. You would have been dead a long time ago, but because there is a word over you and a calling on you, you cannot die! God is giving you opportunity to transform into that word that he spoke about you before you were ever made.

Don't waste your time struggling in areas that you have struggled in for years. Overcome those areas and walk in the word that God spoke about you. If you don't know what that word was, ask him. God will give it to you, but first you must commit to him fully. You think God is going to be careless with the very meaning of our lives? No! He is going to make sure we can handle that word and walk in that word. He is not going to just tell us something that powerful and life changing on a whim.

God is waiting for us to seek it out of him. He's wanting us to drop the sinful lifestyles, the crazy mistakes, and the selfish motives, so he can have our undivided attention. After that, you will hear him clearly speak the meaning of life for you. After all, who knows your purpose better than the one who created you?

Suggested Reading: Jer 1, Eph. 4:8, 2Th. 1:11

Specific Prayers

Specific Prayers

Matthew 6:9 - 'After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art
in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth,
as it is in heaven.'

Prayer is a powerful tool, when used correctly. The problem is that most of the time, we don't pray the right prayers. We must learn to pray specifically and not generally. We must learn to pray as Jesus did in his prayers. Jesus did not pray vaguely, but he would even sound, to some redundant, to add specifics to his prayers. He wanted us to learn this so we won't be general when talking to the Father. Don't you hate when your children or friends talk to you vaguely and do not give specifics? That's so impersonal and it really makes you feel that you are not close to them.

Well, God wants us to be specific and pray for the right stuff. There are keys to prayer that can unlock doors for you and get results in a hurry!
Jesus could have just said, "Our Father", but, after that he said "which art in heaven"! He didn't want any other father to answer this prayer, only Father God in heaven. "Thy Kingdom come" is the will of God for the earth and heaven, so many feel he didn't have to say "Thy will be done", but Jesus was specific, even when it was obvious what he was saying. Then he said, "Give us this day, our daily bread" because he only wanted what was meant for that specific day! He could have said "Give us this day our bread" but because he was specific, he got what was meant for that day.

He didn't just say, "Forgive me for my sins" but he stated that he would forgive others. This is a powerful key because the Word tells us that we must forgive others to be forgiven. Jesus did not want us to waste God's time by praying to be forgiven without first forgiving others.
And if God leads us out of temptation, then it would seem we will automatically be delivered from evil, right? NO. Jesus was specific and asked for correct leading and then deliverance for when we don't follow his leading. I know many of you are saying, "is all this really that important?" But I want to let you know that what you want from God can be unlocked by these keys to prayer.

If you pray for specifics that agree with his will, God will act on your words. Stop praying the same old prayers, vague and general babbling, and start talking to God like you know what you are talking about. You know what you want and he knows what you need, so if you can agree with him, then you can get your prayers answered. God has all that you desire and when you learn how to ask, you will receive it.

Suggested Reading: Matthew 6: 9-15

The Resurrection: Reality, Not Dead Religion

The Resurrection: Reality, Not Dead Religion

Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (Act_4:1-2)

The resurrection of Christ is the difference between a dead religion and a personal relationship. Living by resurrection power is the difference between earthly striving and heavenly reality. These differences can be seen in the contrast between the religious authorities of Israel and the disciples of Jesus.

The disciples were proclaiming to the people the wondrous message of the risen Lord Jesus. "They taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead." Such a message infuriated the religious leaders. "The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed." Today, many religious leaders reflect a similar response.

In the popular religious world, universalism and skepticism prevail. Each religion is viewed as one more road leading to God. Anything miraculous is unacceptable, as human reasoning reigns supreme. In many religious circles, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is either an object of scoffing or an area of hypocritical compromise.

The Sadducees of old were like this. They would talk about the resurrection, even asking Jesus questions that seemed to affirm that God could raise people from the dead. "Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her" (Mat_22:28).

This question followed their scenario in which seven brothers would become the husband of the same woman, through seven death and marriage sequences. What a mockery this question represented. First, it was given in hypocrisy. "The Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him" (Mat_22:23). Second, they were unaware of what the scriptures said about such a heavenly matter. "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage" (Mat_22:30).

Jesus explained that these religious rationalists made two great errors in their approach. "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God" (Mat_22:29).
We who have been born again by faith in the risen Lord Jesus can err in a similar fashion in our day by day living. We can talk about the resurrection of Jesus, but behave as though it were not an actual reality for Christian living. We can be mistaken, "not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God."

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your patience when I profess belief in the resurrection, but live by my inadequate human resources. Help me to understand what the scriptures say about living daily in the power of the resurrection of Christ, Amen.

Still More on the Resurrection and Sanctification

Still More on the Resurrection and Sanctification

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Phi_3:10-11)

As we are getting to know our God of resurrection (by learning about and then partaking of His resurrection power, Christ's sufferings, and conformity to His death), our lives are being changed. We are attaining to "the resurrection from the dead."

This phrase brings to mind the final resurrection of the redeemed in the last day. "When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just" (Luk_14:13-14). Yet, the final resurrection cannot be in view in our meditation verses. The overall teaching of the scriptures would lead to this conclusion. One's place in the final resurrection is determined by one's relationship to God. That issue is settled through exercising saving faith in Jesus Christ. Those who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior have a part in the last resurrection, unto eternal life.

Furthermore, the immediate context of Paul's statement indicates that attaining to "the resurrection from the dead" was something he was reaching out for now, hoping to grow into it increasingly during this life. "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me" (Phi_3:12). Paul confesses that he had not fully gained the type of resurrection about which he is writing. Yet, the final resurrection was already his expectation, through justifying faith in Jesus. So, Paul is pressing on for something else.

Earlier, the Apostle had revealed what He was seeking after. "I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ" (Phi_3:8, Phi_3:10). This is why Paul wrote, "that I may know Him." This was the one passion of his life. "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do" (Phi_3:13). The one thing that Paul was aiming at was a growing acquaintanceship with his resurrected Lord. He desired to know His risen Lord so well that he might attain to "the resurrection from the dead." He wanted his developing relationship with the risen Christ to produce a resurrected lifestyle in him. He wanted to face each situation of life with a heavenly, resurrected perspective and attitude, a way of life completely different from the dead and dying world all around him.

Prayer
Dear Jesus, my resurrected Lord, I praise You for providing for me a place in the final resurrection. Now, I pray, help me to get to know You better, that I might live a resurrected life day by day, in Your mighty name, Amen.

Even More on the Resurrection and Sanctification

Even More on the Resurrection and Sanctification

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. (Phi_3:10)

Paul's all-consuming passion was "That I may know Him." This verse does not list four matters for which Paul sought an acquaintanceship (a knowledge of God, resurrection power, a fellowship in Christ's sufferings, and conformity to His death). Rather, it points out one great quest (a knowledge of God) and three different arenas in which that knowledge could grow (resurrection power, a fellowship in Christ's sufferings, and conformity to His death).

We saw in our last meditation how resurrection power and suffering can increase our knowing of the Lord. Now, we add another amazing aspect to a growing acquaintanceship with Jesus: "being conformed to His death."

There were some unique aspects to the death of Christ upon the cross (for example, His atonement for sins). However, there were other aspects of His death that God wants to repeat in our lives. As Jesus was placed upon the cross, it looked like defeat. It seemed to be the greatest wrong that man could ever do. Yet, God was working out His sovereign purposes. "Him, being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death" (Act_2:23).

At times, we are placed in situations that seem certain to lead to a deadly defeat. Yet, the Lord is unfolding His sovereign plan for us. In taking us through such impossibilities (and turning apparent defeat into victory), the Lord is allowing us to become more acquainted with Him and His ways.

When Jesus was dying, He hung helpless upon the tree. He entrusted Himself into the hands of His Father. "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit" (Luk_23:46). The Father would have to prove faithful, if Jesus were to come forth from the grave. "Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father" (Rom_6:4). At times, we are in circumstances that are personally crucifying.

We are in situations where everything so obviously requires a mighty work of God. If He does not prove faithful on our behalf, there will be no way out of the agonizing dilemma. When our Lord is so clearly our only hope (and then He comes through faithfully), we again grow in a deeper knowledge of Him and His ways.

Prayer
Dear Father of glory, help me to not shrink back in fear and doubt when You are conforming me to the death of Your Son. When everything looks like defeat and disaster, remind me to look to You to work out Your will, in spite of the evil intentions of foolish or godless people. When I am hanging helpless in the midst of crucifying circumstances, remind me to commit myself to You and Your great faithfulness. Lord, I want to You more through any means You choose, Amen.

More on the Resurrection and Sanctification

More on the Resurrection and Sanctification

I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord . . . That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection. (Phi_3:8, Phi_3:10)

Sanctification is that process whereby the redeemed are increasingly set apart for the purposes, use, and glory of God. The resurrection of Christ and the power of that resurrection are interwoven into that entire process. Our present passage offers additional insight into this sublime truth.

The power of the resurrection is again in view. However, the context involves more than heavenly empowerment: "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection." The primary context is getting to know the Lord. "I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." Paul's passion was to know His Lord, to become more intimately acquainted with Him.

He refers to this blessed goal as the greatest value available in all of creation: "I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ," Paul was ready to lose anything in order gain more intimacy with the Lord. To him, such a knowing of Christ was "the excellence" This could be translated, "the excelling value."

Our relationship with the Lord began in "the power of His resurrection." We were dead in our sins, and the Lord raised us to new life, as we believed upon Him. What a wonderful way to start out our acquaintanceship with God. A glorious season of joy and gratitude accompanied this personal resurrection. His resurrection power gave us such a great appreciation of who our Lord actually was, a God of might and power.
As time marched along, we discovered that there are other ways to get to know our Lord more fully: namely, "the fellowship of His sufferings."

Many of us who follow Christ were startled when, after believing in Jesus, we encountered some personal suffering. In our early joyous days with Jesus, we maybe assumed that trials would never come our way. Eventually, we began to suffer as Jesus did (for doing the right things, for righteousness sake). "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (1Pe_2:21).

How much deeper did our relationship with Him grow in those trials. We learned more of the difficult path He walked here on earth. We found out how faithful and compassionate He was when we called upon Him in our need. Once more, our love for Him grew.

Prayer
Dear Lord of power and compassion, I magnify You for Your resurrection power. I extol You for Your matchless compassion. You have allowed me to experience these that I might grow in knowing You. Unleash Your power in my weakness. Pour out Your compassion in my sufferings. Let me know You more, through Christ I pray, Amen.

The Resurrection and Sanctification

The Resurrection and Sanctification

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know . . . what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. (Eph_1:18-20)

Just as the resurrection had an essential role in our starting out with God (in justification), it also plays an irreplaceable part in our going on with God (in sanctification). In the new covenant of grace, the resurrection is involved from start to finish in the Christian life.

Our scripture meditation is from one of the great prayers in all of the Bible. This portion begins by asking God to give us spiritual insight: "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened." What the Lord addresses in this prayer determines whether a believer will live by godly power or by human weakness.

God desires to give us heavenly insight on this vital matter. Then, He intends for this spiritual enlightenment to lead us into a personal walk concerning this reality: "that you may know." The issue of this prayer is to become a part of our daily experience.

God wants us to experience the proper power source for living the Christian life: "that you may know . . . what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe." We who have been justified (declared righteous) through faith in Christ are not supposed to face each day by our meager, inadequate resources. We who have been born again by the Spirit of God are to live this new life by the power of God!
The aspect of God's power in view here is resurrection power: "according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead."

Think of the mighty power of God that was at work to bring Jesus from a crucified Savior to a victorious risen Lord. This is the power that our God wants to unleash upon us day by day.

As great as this display of power was, even more is available to us: "and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places." This mighty divine power that brought forth Jesus from the dead, also raised Him to the right hand of the Father in the heaven realm. Surely, this power is sufficient to lift us out of any deadening situation of our minds or our surroundings.

Prayer
Dear God of resurrection power, too many days and years have passed without me turning to You for this mighty power. Too often I have lived by a power that came from me — will power, emotional power, mental power. I repent for relying upon such feeble resources. Lord, by Your grace I see that heavenly resurrection power is to be my supply, so I look to You now for this work in me, in Your mighty name, Amen.

More on the Resurrection and Justification

More on the Resurrection and Justification

[You were] buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses . . . He has made alive together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses. (Col_2:12-13)

These truth-packed verses unfold the role of the resurrection as we started out with God through justification, when He declared us righteous in Christ. In this initial work of the Lord on our behalf, we were "buried with Him in baptism." Here, baptism is referring to our identification with Christ, not water baptism. When we first believed on the Lord Jesus, we were joined to Him, made one with Him, identified with Him. "We have been united together in the likeness of His death" (Rom_6:5).

From God's perspective, we who trusted in Jesus Christ died on the cross with Him and were buried in the tomb with Him. Water baptism bears testimony to this truth, but it does not produce this reality. Identification with Christ makes this our spiritual history before God. In God's sight, our old life was crucified and buried.

Through faith in Christ and our identification with Him, we were also raised from the tomb with Jesus. "In which [that is, by identification] you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." Just as His death became our death through identification, so also His resurrection became our resurrection. "For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection" (Rom_6:5).

In God's sight, we were raised to a new life in Christ. "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism [that is, by identification] into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Rom_6:4).

The next verse in Colossians offers another aspect of our need for a personal spiritual resurrection. "And you, being dead in your trespasses . . . He has made alive together with Him." Before we were justified through faith in Christ, we were not only guilty and condemned, we were spiritually dead. We had no true life in us. We could not relate to God or interact with Him. For us to start out with God in justification, the Lord had to raise us with Christ from our spiritual deadness.

Prayer
O Glorious Lord, what a good reminder this is of the desperate condition I was in when You justified me. I was not merely needy; I was spiritually dead. I thank You for burying that old life with Jesus in His tomb. I praise You for raising me with Christ to a new life. I rejoice in the radical nature of Your saving grace. Lord, by the power of the resurrection, lead me in the reality of newness of life, in Jesus name, Amen.

The Resurrection and Justification

The Resurrection and Justification

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1Pe_1:3)

We have a myriad of reasons to bless our great God, to speak of Him with grateful praises. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Our heavenly Father has mercifully showered us with so many blessings that we rightly desire Him to honored and blessed. "For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You" (Psa_86:5).

Based on His great love, He sent His Son to pay for our debt of sin. Through faith in His name, we have received forgiveness and new life. Day by day He is present with us and is working in and through our lives. How blessed we are!
In the scripture before us, God's merciful heart toward us is focused on a magnificent matter: "who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope." The Lord's mercy has provided a plan whereby He can righteously hold back the awful judgment that we rightly deserve.

This plan of salvation offers new birth. God has "begotten us again." This could be rendered, "caused us to be born again." We all were begotten of our earthly parents, a birth that brings temporal human life. For all of us who believe in the Lord Jesus as our personal Savior, we have been given a new birth from God into everlasting spiritual life in Christ. This is one of the heavenly realities that relate to justification (being declared righteous in God's sight, and thereby able to begin a walk with God).

This new birth is also "to a living hope." When we were born into the Lord's family, real "hope" became available to us everafter. Biblical hope is about absolute certainties concerning the future. It is about guaranteed expectations for time and eternity. These are vital needs for every person. Otherwise, people flounder in hopelessness and despair, or they march along in vain fantasies and imaginations.

The unique hope the Lord provides for us is a "living hope." It is a hope that pulsates with resurrection life. "[God] has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." This hope is permeated with the Lord's resurrection. This resurrection hope is sufficient to raise us from any agonizing deadness, whether in our aching hearts or in our threatening circumstances.

Prayer
Lord God of mercy, I praise You for Your abundant mercy toward me. I thank You for new birth. I am especially grateful for living hope. I now ask You to work in the dead aspects of my life. Lord, You know what areas of my heart are lifeless. You see the circumstances that are killing me. Raise my heart to new vitality. Lift me above circumstantial living, through the reality of the resurrection of Your Son, Amen.

Godly Mentorship

Godly Mentorship

Phil. 3:17 - 'Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives
after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.'

Whether you take time to do it, or it just happens by default, you have chosen a mentor! Your mentor is the person that you have chosen to be an example, to guide your path, direction, and future. And it's usually a person that you never have to ask to be your mentor, but it just happens because God has lead them into your life.

Beware of people that ask to mentor you or that you have to ask for mentorship. That is usually your own agenda at work. The sad part is that many of us have allowed the wrong person to be in this position. And the way to know if you have placed the wrong person there, is to measure your progress. Are you at a stand still? Have you been walking in the same steps for the past few years? Has anything significant changed in your life because of this person leading you? Well, if your answer is no, then you have placed the wrong person in front of you and you are marking the wrong steps.

Mentorship requires someone that can look beyond their personal feelings and guide you based on the word of God and their wisdom. It needs to be someone that is not self centered, and not concerned about how they will look or how you will affect where they are going. You need someone that is focused on the big picture and can lead you according to what God has done for them.

Never have a mentor that is not above you spiritually! Never have a mentor that is not progressing themselves. Never have a mentor that is not living their own life progressively. And whomever you have allowed to influence your life, will only influence you based on their own progress. So, be sure that you are submitting yourself to a person that has been where you are going or has conquered the things you are up against.

Cut loose people in your life that just have opinions and no substance! They can talk it but have not walked it. They can say it but have not experienced it. Never submit yourself to anyone that has not taken authority over their own issues. Bottom line, submit yourself to the person that is totally submitted to God. God's way is their way, and they can mentor you as God leads them.

Suggested Reading: 1 Tim 3: 1-14, Psa. 37:37, Rom. 16:17, Phil. 3:17, Psa 37:23

Spiritual Things - Part 6

Spiritual Things - Part 6

Matthew 5:15 - "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on
a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven."

'Spiritual Things', Part 6 –
“The power to become a true son of God and represent his image”

How can you know God and not walk with him? How can you be full of the power of God and not affect people on your job or in your family? You see, we are so used to operating in the power of God in our church homes, that we forget the gifts of the Spirit are not needed in the church! Why do we want to get all spiritual, speak in tongues, cast out demons, heal the sick, and speak a prophetic word to people in the church all the time? What about the people that do not believe?

The world is dying and we are at fault because we are locked up in our churches passing the anointing around like a crack pipe, when the world that needs our anointing is missing out! We dance and shout in church service, but walk on pins and needles on our jobs because we don't want to offend anyone!

We get all crazy and loud in church thanking God for ourselves, but at work, we act just like the non believers and take a back seat to their sinful lifestyles. Don't you know it's your job to bring your employer and other workers to the knowledge of Jesus Christ? Not by trying to act Holy, but by operating in the gifts that come with the power of God.

What would happen if you went to work anointed? Instead of trying to fit in, act like the sinners, and sin with the sinners on your job, why don't you speak into the lives of the sinners? Why don't you walk in the gift that God has placed in you? Are you that scared? Are you ashamed of the gospel of Jesus? Are you insecure in who you are? Anyone can get radical for Jesus in the church building, but a true Christian is the church building!

Suggested Reading: Matt. 5:14, 1Cor. 9:22, Matt. 15:24, Matt. 10:6

Spiritual Things - Part 5

Spiritual Things - Part 5

Matthew 10:7 - 'And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely
ye have received, freely give.'

'Spiritual Things' - Part 5 "The power to speak things that are not as though they are"

Having a form of godliness messes up your great commission. Jesus told you that you would be able to heal the sick, cast out devils, open blinded eyes, etc. when you accept him and his power. But having a form of godliness and denying the power makes you powerless! Have you been to a church service where a demon would manifest in someone and the whole church would turn into a circus?

No one could handle it and the person leaves still possessed? Or have you been to a service where a sick person goes up for prayer and still leaves sick? Well, when you are practicing a form of godliness, you cannot flow in the power of God. But many people think they have true Godliness when they really have a form. How can you tell when a church, ministry, pastor, etc. are operating with a form of godliness? Read the signs. Are people being healed? Are people being set free? Are people changing? It's very evident when there is a form in action.

Members will form cliques and social groups that exclude others. Members will not win new converts to Christ! People get concerned about what others wear, how they look, what they can and can't do, etc! That's a form of godliness.

You see, the form comes when people try to make godliness something that can be earned by a dress code or something similiar. You know the churches! Now, there are some ministries that just prefer to look a certain way, and that's their perrogative. But God forbid you condemn someone to hell because of the way they appear. You cannot attain godliness by your outer appearance, but true Godliness will change a person on it's own. And it will teach you how you should look and walk.

But when people get the idea that they should interpert what is godliness or what is not, then they only have a form of God. The power of God can convict, convince, and change the heart of the sinner to live Godly, but we as people cannot. So, stop trying to do the job of the Holy Ghost. Cast out devils, heal the sick, free the bound, and win souls for Christ if your Godliness is genuine.


Suggested Reading: 1Sam. 16:7, 1Pet. 3:3-4, 2Tim. 3:5, Mark 16:17

Spiritual Things - Part 4

Spiritual Things - Part 4

Gal. 5:1 - 'Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us
free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.'
Jude 1:24 - 'Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present
you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, '

'Spiritual Things' - Part 4 - "The power to not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage"

The power to change comes from accepting Christ and who he is in your life. So, why go back? Why do people go back to the way they where before they changed? If you are a new creature, what makes a new creature revert back to the old creature they were before they changed? Well, it's because there are things that are in your path that remind you of the old man. There are paths that the enemy presents to you that will lead to your old ways. It's simple. If you were a drug user before you accepted Christ, then there will be paths that will lead to drugs.

There is no need of you trying to test yourself to see if you can witness to drug users after you have changed! Be wise! Avoid drugs users, drug dealers, drug houses, etc. until you are come into the fulness of Christ in your life. Even though you are a new creature, your mind can still be affected by your environment. That's why we must put on the whole armor of God to resist the fiery darts of the enemy! But you have to be smart and know when it's something that you should not do or a place you should not go because you are still growing past those old areas of bondage in your life.

People always ask me about the demons that I have dealt with in people. I have dealt with many demonic spirits in people, but I tell you this. There is a sure fire way to perform a self deliverance with no one else around. You have more power over the demonic presence that may be in you than in another person. If you are battling demonic spirits, just deny them access! Read Galatians 5:19 and see if there are any demons present.

Then, rebuke them and command that they come under your authority as a believer. But the key is, you must then deny them access to you! You must stop doing the evil that you have been practicing and you will be delivered. It's not about falling down and getting up. Every time you do that, the bible says you add 7 times the demonic influence in your life. Stop singing that gay anthem! A saint is more than just a sinner who fell down and got up.

A saint does not have to fall according to the bible. The word says that God can keep you from falling! So, let's believe that we don't have to fall or be oppressed by demonic influences in our lives. We do not have to be entangled again in that old yoke of bondage! Whom the son has set free is free INDEED!

Suggested Reading: 2Tim. 3:5, Rom. 8:1, Rom. 8:13, 2Pet. 2:10e

Spiritual Things - Part 3

Spiritual Things - Part 3

2 Corinthians 5:17 - "What this means is that those who become Christians
become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone.
A new life has begun!"

'Spiritual Things' - Part 3 - "The power of the Holy Ghost to make you a new creature"

Where you really made new when you accepted Christ into your heart? Well, this is an ongoing battle in many church circles because many believe that when you are made new you are made spiritually new and it's only manifested in the spirit realm. But I don't agree with that. I do not believe the scripture "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away and behold all things become new" is just talking about the spirit realm. I believe when you accept Christ, you should change.

There should be a new found desire to find out what God wants and expects of you. There should be a desire to find the will of God for you and not do the same old sinful things you did before Christ! Why would a person accept Christ and not want to live for him? You can't accept him and not want to live for him.

Yes, we do make mistakes and we do sin after our new birth. But to always desire to do the wrong thing more than the right thing suggests that there is something internally wrong with your new birth. Not to blame Christ, but to search into yourself and see if there are areas in your life that are unconfessed to God or unsurrendered to him.

You see, becoming a new creature was instantaneous, but practicing righteousness is a process. We know that when a person accepts Christ, there is a process to learn, live, and behave according to the word, but there must be a desire to read the word before a person will ever live according to the word!

Come on people, wake up! If you are not desiring the word, desiring to hear from God, desiring to live for God, then you do not want God!!!! God is not a flavor of cologne that you can spray on whenever you want to smell good. If you are of God, you are a new creature!

If you are still desiring sinful things and always looking for ways to do the fool, then you are not of him. Mistakes, we all make. But your utmost desire should be to live according to the word of God if you are his. If old things are passed away, then why are they all still there? If all things became new, then why are your old ways still ruling you! Are you a new creature?

Suggested Reading: 2Tim. 3:5, Rom. 8:1, Rom. 8:13, 2Pet. 2:10

Spiritual Things - Part 2

Spiritual Things - Part 2

1 John 3:7 - 'Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who
practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who
practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning.
The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.
No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and
he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and
the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice
righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.'

'Spiritual Things' - Part 2 - "The Power to not practice sin"

This is something that we don't hear about often. But it's in the bible. 1John talks about us not practicing sin if we are born of God. So, why are Christians practicing sin on a daily basis, living in sin, or defending sin with "once saved always saved" doctrinal beliefs?

Well, it's because perilous times are here! People are wanting what they want! They want to fulfill every sinful or fleshly desire they had when they were in the world and use God's grace to protect them. But the underlying factor still remains. If you are truly born of God, you do not practice sin. So what are all these "new" Christians that practice sin born of? Well, they have a form of godliness but deny the power.
A homosexual that sits in church, plays the organ, directs the choir, preaches in the pulpit, and carries on with his homosexual lifestyle is not born of God. How do i know? Because the BIBLE told me so. It says that if you are born of God, you do not practice sin!

So, what's all the fuss about? People just don't want to believe the entire bible. How can you serve under a homosexual pastor? How can you allow a homosexual to lead your worship in church? How can you allow someone that is living with their boyfriend or girlfriend to hold a leadership position in your church when the bible says that those that do these things are not born of God? If you are not born of God, then you are of the devil, right?

So then, why are we allowing people to practice sin and yet be leaders in our churches? Would Jesus allow that? Would Jesus allow a believer that is not his kindred to lead his people? NO WAY! So, this form of godliness is not of the true God, but it's of the antichrist. To deny the power of God is blasphemy and an unpardonable sin according to Mark 3:28.

People hear me. I know most churches are not on this page anymore and many of them are on the prosperity page, or the motivational page. But this is in the bible. If you are truly born again, you do not practice sin. If you are practicing sin, you are not born of God and will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Sure we all have gotten off or may get off every now and again. But the beauty of it is that true birth in God will cause you to overcome the sin of the world. You will not continue in sin if you are truly born of him because to be truly born again means that you are not the same and deliverance will come! So, i would suggest that you be born again! If you have been born again and you are practicing sin, then be born again AGAIN! Do it till you stop practicing sin. Don't think you got it made and eternal security is yours. Get saved!

Suggested Reading: 1 John 3 in it's entirety!

Spiritual Things

Spiritual Things

2 Timothy 3:5 - 'They will act as if they are religious, but they
will reject the power that could make them godly. You must stay
away from people like that.' - NLT

We can talk all day long about how a believer shouldn't do this or shouldn't do that. We say all the time that if you are in Christ you should not do certain things, but yet we look for ways to get around what Jesus said because we think for some reason, that his word is just trying to stop our fun.

Well, my friend, Jesus is not trying to stop your fun, he is wanting to save your life. Sin equals death! So, there are things that he wants you to stop doing when you are truly born again and if you continue to do those things, you will die, plain and simple. It's not a question of whether or not you can keep doing it and be saved, but it is a question of, if you are saved, then why do it? When we accept Christ, we should not try to just accept a form of him, but we need to accept his POWER!!! What power?

The power to not practice sin
The power of the Holy Ghost to make you a new creature
The power to make old things pass away and all things become new
The power to not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage
The power to be what God created you to be
The power to heal, set free, cast out demons
The power to speak things that are not as though they are
The power to become a true son of God and represent his image
The power to be like God and operate in his glory!!

Why are you settling for just a "form" of godliness? Many act like the world, talk like the world, sin like the world, and spend all their time doing what the world does. Don't you know that's having a form of godliness but denying the power?

Suggested Reading: John 17:2, 1Cor. 7:37, Rom. 9:21, Rev. 2:26

Three Wrong Responses to the Holy Spirit

Three Wrong Responses to the Holy Spirit

You always resist the Holy Spirit . . . Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God . . . Do not quench the Spirit. (Act_7:51; Eph_4:30; and 1Th_5:19)

It is the will of God that we walk in daily independence upon the Holy Spirit. It is God's desire that we seek Him for the fullness of the Spirit's work in and through our lives. Three wrong responses that undermine the will of God are resisting, grieving, and quenching the Spirit of the Lord.

When Stephen was on trial before the religious leaders of Israel, he preached a powerful sermon declaring the faithfulness of God toward His consistently unfaithful nation. He concluded his message with a pointed, radical, accurate evaluation. "You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you" (Act_7:51).

Here we are given the kind of attitudes that oppose the work of the Spirit. These people were "stiffnecked." They were stubborn and self-willed. They wanted their will, not the will of God. They also were "uncircumcised in heart and ears." They did not allow God to cut away the carnality of their inner being. They would not allow God to speak to them through His messengers. They were self-righteous and self-sufficient. When we conduct ourselves in this same manner, we also are "resist[ing] the Holy Spirit."

When Paul was writing to the church at Ephesus, he commanded them: "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit" In the next verse he indicated the dispositions that bring grief to the Spirit of God. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice" (Eph_4:31).
Yes, the Holy Spirit is a person, not a mere power or influence. He can be saddened by our behavior. When we, God's people, harbor bitterness in our hearts and malicious words in our mouths, then we are "griev[ing] the Holy Spirit of God."

When Paul wrote to the saints at Thessalonica, he instructed them: "Do not quench the Spirit." Just as a fire can be quenched, the promptings of the Holy Spirit can be stifled. As we read the word of God, the Spirit can be stirring a spiritual fire of conviction within us.

Will we respond to that heavenly influence, or will we suppress it? When the Lord is igniting a vision of service unto Him, will we yield or will we extinguish it? When the Lord is calling us to intercessory prayer, will we cry out to Him or will we suppress that desire He is kindling? Will we allow the Spirit to blaze within our hearts; or will we "quench the Spirit"?

Prayer
O Father, I am convicted by Your Spirit of times that I have behaved in these same ways. I have resisted and grieved and quenched the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. Lord, I repent, and I ask You to show me any area of my life that is not yielded to the full work of Your Spirit. This I pray through Christ, my Lord, Amen.

Another Picture of the Fullness of the Spirit

Another Picture of the Fullness of the Spirit

If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit. (Joh_7:37-39)

These words from Jesus provide another picture of what the fullness of the Spirit is all about, as well as how to walk in that spiritual abundance. His remarks are addressed to those who are thirsty: "If anyone thirsts." In this spiritual context, thirst can speak of the painful dryness that often accompanies need or lack.

Pressures, responsibilities, busyness, disappointments, and preoccupation with earthly matters can dry out the soul of man. Corresponding to this need, thirst can refer to the eager yearning after those heavenly blessings that refresh and restore our inner life. Such thirsty conditions apply to all of us at various times.
Jesus tells us exactly how to remedy such thirst. "Come to Me and drink."

We are to bring these needs to the Lord Jesus Christ and drink of Him. So often, we attempt to satisfy such thirsts by drinking at other wells. Thirsty people around the world attempt to find relief through education, work, religion, politics, entertainment, money, drugs, and more. They all encounter the truth that our Lord revealed to the Samaritan woman at the well. "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again" (Joh_4:13). We must take our spiritual thirsts to a person, to "the Person," the Lord Jesus.

Yet, how do we drink of the thirst-quenching resources of Jesus? He indicated the means in the next phrase: "He who believes in Me." When we bring our dry, thirsty needs to Jesus and believe that He can meet those needs, we are drinking from what the Lord alone can offer. We drink of Christ's resources by faith. Jesus included this insight earlier in His discourse on the bread of life. "He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst" (Joh_6:35).

Unquestionably, Jesus will always satisfy legitimate thirsts that are brought to Him. Yet, there is more available here. The spiritual water that Christ provides also works within the thirsty soul. "The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life" (Joh_4:14).

This Holy Spirit supply develops abundant life within the trusting heart. Ultimately, this fountain that grows within flows outward to others. "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." Dry, thirsty hearts that come to Jesus in faith, not only find satisfaction for the thirst, but eventually pour out life in the Spirit to others.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, You know the thirsty places within my life. I bring them to You now. I believe that You can meet these needs. I open up to the work of Your Spirit to quench the thirsts deep within my heart. Lord, I praise You for the expectation I have that You can turn my dryness into torrents of living waters to bless others, in Your name, Amen.

More on Praying for the Fullness of the Spirit

More on Praying for the Fullness of the Spirit

And I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened . . . your heavenly Father [will] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! (Luk_11:9-10, Luk_11:13)

Here again, the work of the Spirit in our lives is associated with prayer. Prayer is that wonderful God-ordained means of relating to the Lord in humility and faith (the two means by which we access grace). In praying, we are humbly admitting that we need God. In praying, we are exercising faith toward God that He will act on our behalf. We pray; God moves by His Spirit, pouring out whatever grace is necessary for any given situation.

We saw this in our previous meditation. "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith . . . that you may be filled with all the fullness of God" (Eph_3:16-19).
Here, prayer was the avenue to being filled with the bountiful work of the Spirit in our lives. We humbly ask; the Lord faithfully works. This is precisely the teaching of Jesus in our present passage.

The end of Jesus' message involves the Spirit being given to those who ask. "How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" This is also where our scripture began. "And I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." These are three parallel commands, followed by three parallel promises. Who receives Holy Spirit fullness? Those who ask God for such. Who experiences the life-empowering work of the Spirit, that every child of God must find? Those who seek God to impart such. Who is flooded with the outpouring of God's Spirit? Those who knock prayerfully on heaven's doors.

Then, making these three "command-promise" couplets even more sure, Jesus adds three more statements of certainty. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." These are absolutes. There are no exceptions. Those who genuinely ask, seek, or knock can go on their way by faith, knowing that the Lord will be doing a thorough work of His Spirit in them.
As with the earlier command to be filled with the Spirit (Eph_5:18), these imperatives are also in the present tense. They could be rendered: keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. Again, this is a way to live; not a singular event.

Prayer
Giver of every good and perfect gift, I humbly ask You for a fresh new work of Your Spirit. Lord, I rest on Your promise that everyone who asks receives. Manifest Your fullness in me in any way that You desire, in Jesus name, Amen.

Praying for the Fullness of the Spirit

Praying for the Fullness of the Spirit

That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height — to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Eph_3:16-19)

For those who are wondering how to be filled with the Spirit, the prayer in Ephesians 3 offers excellent insight. The precise relevance of this passage for our present subject is obvious, when the concluding purpose of the prayer is noted: "that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

The opening phrases use the language of grace: "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory." Grace is about God at work, giving us blessings we cannot deserve. These blessings are in proportion to His glorious spiritual riches. This perspective fits our studies on the Spirit perfectly, because when the Holy Spirit is at work, He pours out God's grace.

The initial request pertains to an inner working of the Spirit: "to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man." Note, this request is made on behalf of those who already have the Spirit residing in their hearts. The specific issue is about receiving new measures of spiritual power at the core of our being.

The desired result of this work of the Spirit is "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." Jesus is present in the heart of every believer. Here, He is being asked to settle down fully and make Himself at home. Jesus is being given free rein to rearrange our innermost being to fit His good pleasure. Allowing Jesus to rule our hearts requires the empowering work of the Holy Spirit to break past spiritual obstacles such as apathy, fear, self-focus, and temptations.

To allow Jesus to lead us in His way, we need the Holy Spirit enabling us to stay in God's word, to pray without ceasing, to worship daily, and to fellowship regularly.
Then, as Jesus rearranges our inner life, He wants to anchor every aspect of our lives in God's love: "that you, being rooted and grounded in love."

With this, He wants to us to experience the dimensions of His love, which are beyond mere head knowledge: "to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height — to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge."
This Holy Spirit process is always leading to more spiritual fullness: "that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, I humbly cry out to You every word of this majestic prayer. I earnestly desire the reality of its every implication, all by your Holy Spirit, Amen.

Results of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

Results of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. (Eph_5:18-21)

When a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, what will the results be in his life? What evidences will develop to validate the work of the Spirit in fullness? In some church traditions, which give considerable attention to the fullness of the Spirit, limited evidences are stressed (such as those mentioned often in Acts: tongues, prophecy, or boldness).

The full biblical picture is much larger than this viewpoint.
Eph_5:18-21 is a classic example of the scriptures broad perspective on this subject. In Eph_5:18, the command is given to "be filled with the Spirit." The subsequent verses (Eph_5:19-21) list the spiritual consequences that will follow in a life that is characteristically Spirit filled.

When a believer in Jesus Christ is living in the fullness of the Spirit, he will be led and empowered unto fellowship with, and ministry to, others: "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." These words fit those times when believers gather together for spiritual celebration through music. Some of the music of the church is directed toward other believers in the form of exhortation and edification. A Spirit filled Christian will be involved in "one another life" in the body of Christ.

Closely related to this, however, is the essential presence of a worshiping heart: "singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." Genuine fellowship and effective ministry flows forth from an inner life focused in adoration upon the Lord Himself. A Spirit filled Christian will be a worshiper of the true and living God.

Further, when a disciple of Jesus is filled with the Spirit, his life will typically overflow with thanksgiving: "giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The world and the flesh produce complaints and dissatisfaction. The Spirit of the Lord stirs gratitude and appreciation.

Additionally, servanthood submission is a common attribute of one who is Spirit filled: "submitting to one another in the fear of God." Natural humanity wants to control people and exercise mastery over them. The Spirit of Christ, the servant of all (Mat_20:28), brings forth humble service from those who revere the Lord.

Prayer
Father, I bow before Your command to be filled with the Spirit. This I need; this I desire. Lord, forgive me for times of isolation and selfishness. Flood me with Your Spirit unto fellowship and ministry. Forgive any lifeless religion in me and fill me unto true worship. Forgive my griping and complaining and inundate me unto thanksgiving. Forgive my desires to rule and fill me unto servanthood, through Christ, I pray, Amen.

"The Right Place"

"The Right Place"

Matthew 13:58 - 'And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.'

How did you select your church home? Are you there because God told you to be there? Many people say, "i will be here until God tells me to leave" but God never really told them to be there in the first place!. So how could he tell them to leave if they didn't hear him in the beginning?

When choosing your place of worship, you must realize, IT"S YOUR CHOICE!! God gave you the power to choose the kind of word you want to hear, the kind of people you want to fellowship with, and the progress you will make in this life. It's on you. If you are there because your cousins and aunties are there, then that's your choice.

What tends to happen many times is that we stunt our spiritual growth because the place we worship is not what we need. The sermons are irrelevant to us, the people don't like us, and the ministry doesn't receive the gift God placed in us. But we waste our time fighting for our gift and feeling like it's the devil that is trying to make us leave.

We feel like we have to do battle with the enemy to worship freely and be accepted by that particular body, so we must stay and fight for our liberty! But didn't Jesus already do that? My friend, if you are being persecuted there, and if you don't have peace there, and if the sermons are not helping you grow there, and if you are not enjoying the services there, then why in the world would the DEVIL try to make you leave? Sounds like he found a way to stop your spiritual growth, and keep you in bondage.

That's perfect for him. He is the one that is trying to make you stay! The enemy will keep telling you that you should not leave a church because you will be a church hopper! The church members will make you feel like you are going to hell because you are leaving them. But that's because they can't see past where they are. It's not about the natural church building, but it's about the church building that we all live in.

And you must find a group of people that believe like you do and will accept what God has in you before you can enjoy the fellowship with them. It doesn't matter how long you have been there. It doesn't matter if you have a little position there and you don't want to give it up. If you want more, then ask God for more and he will direct you to receive more. But as long as you settle for where you are, you will struggle to receive from God. Don't sacrifice your spiritual growth for natural reasons. Go where you can grow and become what God has intended for you.

Suggested Reading: Acts 2:42, Phil. 1:4-7, Heb. 10:25, 1John 1:7

Spirit Fullness: A Way of Life, Not Merely Events

Spirit Fullness: A Way of Life, Not Merely Events

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . . Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them . . . the place . . . was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . . And do not be drunk with wine . . . but be filled with the Spirit. (Act_2:3-4; Act_4:8, Act_4:31; and Eph_5:18)

When we are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in our lives thereafter (1Co_3:16). At times after new birth, our lives may be repeatedly filled to overflowing by the empowering presence of the Spirit. The testimony of the early disciples illustrates this.

On the day of Pentecost, the 120 followers of Jesus were filled with the Spirit. "Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit." Subsequently, the Apostle Peter, who was originally filled on Pentecost, was again filled as he stood before the religious hierarchy of Israel. "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them." After this encounter, Peter joined the other disciples for a prayer meeting. "And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit."

In this event, those who had been filled with the Spirit at Pentecost were filled a second time. Peter, who had been so filled twice before, was filled a third time. Therefore, it is evident that the filling of the Spirit is not a once for all time matter.

Furthermore, being filled with the Spirit is not automatic or universal for Christians, as is the indwelling of the Spirit. This fact can be clearly seen in the instruction given in Eph_5:18. "And do not be drunk with wine . . . but be filled with the Spirit." Since this is a command and not a description, it only becomes a personal reality to those who respond properly.

Additionally, the form of this command contains tremendous insight concerning the fullness of the Spirit and God's desire for us. The injunction to "be filled with the Spirit" is in the present tense, indicating an ongoing condition. It could properly (though awkwardly) be translated "be (always) being filled." This imperative is a call to a way of living, not merely periodic events. It is the will of God that we actually live, day by day, more and more, by the fullness of the Spirit's empowering work.

We should humbly pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit as we face each day, each challenge, each opportunity of life.

Prayer
Lord God of all power and might, I rejoice that Your Holy Spirit dwells within my heart. I thank You for those times when Your Spirit has worked powerfully upon my life. Help me to see that the fullness of Your Spirit is not merely an event-to-event experience, but a lifestyle to be developed. Lord, with great expectation I humbly seek You now for a fresh, ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in me. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Holy Spirit Empowering: Three Terms, One Reality

Holy Spirit Empowering: Three Terms, One Reality

You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now . . . you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. (Act_1:5, Act_1:8; and Act_2:4)

When the book of Acts addresses Holy Spirit empowerment for ministry, three different terms are used to describe the same reality. When Jesus promised this power, He used the term "baptized with." "You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." When He indicated that this power would result in a worldwide witness, the term "come upon you" was used." You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Then, when these promises of the Spirit were fulfilled, the term employed was "filled with." "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit."

It is clear that these three sets of terms in Acts 1 and 2 are all referring to the same spiritual phenomenon, the Holy Spirit empowering Jesus' followers for witness. Each terminology may carry its own descriptive implications. To be "baptized with" the Spirit is like being inundated by Him. To have the Spirit "come upon you" is like being "impacted from above" by Him.

To be "filled with" the Spirit is like overflowing with Him. Nevertheless, although the words each bring their own picture, they all are describing the same reality. All three terms are biblically accurate, although "filled with the Holy Spirit" is used most frequently throughout Acts.

These promises of Holy Spirit's empowering cannot be monopolized by any denominational group or theological heritage. Nor can they be ignored by any individual or segment within the body of Christ. These truths are for all of God's children. Every disciple of the Lord Jesus must continue to learn and to grow in this essential spiritual empowerment.

Perhaps a word of clarification is in order. These promises are not about the Spirit indwelling the people of God. The Holy Spirit definitely lives within every born again believer in Jesus Christ. "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1Co_3:16). The Spirit already lived within the apostles when they were given these promises. "And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'" (Joh_20:22). These promises are about the indwelling Spirit flooding and overflowing our lives with the empowering reality of His presence.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, You came to give us life abundant. Please fill my life to overflowing with the empowering work of Your Spirit. Lord, I am not seeking personal benefits. I am asking to become a more effective witness. I need the Holy Spirit's power that I might reflect the reality of the risen Christ, in Your mighty name, Amen.

Holy Spirit Power to be Witnesses

Holy Spirit Power to be Witnesses

You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Act_1:8)

After the cross and the resurrection, the Lord Jesus taught His disciples for forty days before He ascended to the Father. One of His strategic messages of preparation concerned the Holy Spirit enablement they would need to fulfill their ministry. "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you."

After this vital promise was given, Jesus was taken up into heaven to the right hand of the Father. Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, this promise was fulfilled by the outpouring of the Spirit. "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Act_2:4). The grand result of this empowering would be the spread of the gospel, region by region, throughout the entire world. "You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Act_1:8).

Their success is documented in the scriptures. The religious opposition admitted that Jerusalem was promptly reached. "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine" (Act_5:28). Soon thereafter, Judea was being touched. "At that time a great persecution arose . . . and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea . . .

Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word" (Act_8:1, Act_8:4). Next, the message of Jesus entered Samaria. "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip" (Act_8:5-6).

Finally, the gospel of grace poured out around the world. "The word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world" (Col_1:5-6).
This worldwide outreach was an astounding development, considering the unimpressive human credentials that characterized Jesus' followers. "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" (Act_4:13). The explanation for their effectiveness was contained in the last phrase. These men had spent time with Jesus, had been impacted by Him, and were now walking in the spiritual strength of His Spirit.
In order for any disciple (then or now) to be an effective demonstration of the reality of the risen Christ, they must live by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer
O Lord, my strength, make my life a daily witness, declaring in word, deed, and attitude that Jesus is alive. Lord, my own abilities will never be sufficient to accomplish this. So, I humbly pray, empower me by Your Holy Spirit, in Jesus name, Amen.

Jesus and the Holy Spirit

Jesus and the Holy Spirit

That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit . . . and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him . . . Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Mat_1:20; Mat_3:16; Mat_4:1)

We gain great insight into the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives by considering the work of the Spirit in the life of Jesus. From the very beginning of Jesus' history upon earth as Emmanuel, God with us, the Holy Spirit was involved. When Joseph was troubled over Mary's pregnancy, an angel comforted him by announcing: "That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." Jesus' conception was not of man, but of the Spirit.

When Jesus was identifying Himself with sinful humanity through His baptism by John, the Holy Spirit was again at work. "And He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him." Here, as Jesus was presenting Himself for the commencing of His public ministry as Messiah, the Spirit of God came upon Him for authentication and empowering.

The Son of God came to earth as a servant, laying aside the independent exercise of His ongoing deity. Jesus "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant" (Phi_2:7). He would serve in dependence upon the Spirit. Jesus' ministry would not be of man (even the perfect Man), but of God.

When Jesus went forth from His baptism to fulfill His calling, the Spirit was still fully engaged in His life. "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." Although Jesus never ceased to be God, the Son, He would not lead Himself about through reliance upon His divine omniscience (His perfect and complete knowledge). His guidance would not be of man, but of God.

These three glimpses into the work of the Spirit in Jesus' life have implications for us. First, the Holy Spirit had to be working for Jesus to be birthed here on earth. The same Spirit of God had to work for us to be born into the family of God. "Unless one is born of . . . the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (Joh_3:5).

Second, the Holy Spirit was active in the ministry of Jesus as Messiah. The Spirit must be the one who brings us spiritual validation and power in our service of God: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit" (Zec_4:6).

Third, Jesus looked to the Spirit to lead and guide Him through life. We also need that same work of the Spirit. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Rom_8:14).

Prayer
O Shepherd of my soul, please lead me in this Christlike path. Thank You for bringing me new birth by Your Spirit. O, Lord, would You now empower my life for service unto You. And would You lead me by Your Spirit day by day. I admit my total need for such works of the Holy Spirit in my life. Please work in fullness, in Your name, I pray, Amen.

The Crucial Choice: Flesh or Spirit

The Crucial Choice: Flesh or Spirit

Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Rom_8:5-6)

The crucial choice that believers in Christ face day by day is between living by the flesh or living by the Spirit. The difference concerns facing life by our resources and perspectives or by God's. "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit."

When a Christian deals with life by his flesh, he typically thinks about "what I want out of my life" or "what I can accomplish with my life." Conversely, when a Christian deals with life by the Spirit, he typically thinks about "what God wants for my life" or "what God can accomplish through my life."

The consequences related to this choice are monumental. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." When a believer allows his mind to be set in a carnal direction, he will be thinking about worldly self-indulgence ("what I can get out of this") or religious self-accomplishment ("what I can do for God").

The result of either carnal perspective is "death" (spiritual deadness). On the other hand, when a follower of Jesus sets his mind on heavenly matters, he will be considering issues of humility ("how much I need the Lord") or faith ("how great the Lord is"). The results of such spiritual thoughts are "life and peace" (spiritual vitality and spiritual tranquility).

Another analysis of these two options can be seen in the contrast between the "works of the flesh" and the "fruit of the Spirit." When we put our hope in our own capabilities, our flesh produces deeds such as "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like" (Gal_5:19-21).

Contrariwise, when we place our expectations upon the Lord, His Spirit brings forth through us fruit like "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal_5:22-23).
Consider this fundamental truth. These "flesh-Spirit" choices are what all of us will face every day of our lives. The persistency of these issues is inherent in the fact that God only offers two options for every issue of life; namely, "live according to the flesh" or "live according to the Spirit.

Prayer
O Sovereign Lord, I bow to Your wisdom and authority that offers these two choices alone. Lord, I renounce the natural path of my flesh which brings severe, but deserved, consequences. I gladly embrace the supernatural path of Your Spirit, which brings the undeserved results of Your grace at work in me, Amen.

Set Free by the Spirit

Set Free by the Spirit

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (Rom_8:2)

There is a destructive spiritual tendency that resides in every human being. It is "the law of sin and death." This indwelling principle is always pulling people downward into sin and spiritual deadness. It comes from being born physically into a fallen race of sinners who are like their earthly father, Adam. Being born anew spiritually does not remove this problem, since this principle still operates within our natural humanity (the flesh). Yet, becoming a child of God does make His remedy constantly available to us.

God's remedy for"the law of sin and death" is a higher, more powerful principle, "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus." This lofty principle involves the Holy Spirit making the life that is in Christ Jesus our resource for living. This principle is operating in the life of any new creature in Christ who is not walking "according to the flesh but [is walking] according to the Spirit" (Rom_8:4). This approach to Christian living is the only one that can increasingly liberate us from the internal carnal tendencies that influence us all.

In fact (as we have noted previously), this is the only hope of growing in the godliness that the law demanded: "that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us" (Rom_8:4). Our lives can only measure up to the holy will of God when we are walking in the Spirit, because Christ is then being allowed to express His life through us. Jesus was, and is, the only one who could ever walk fully pleasing to the Father. Jesus said, "I always do those things that please Him" (Joh_8:29).

For a victorious Christian experience, we need this same life of Jesus living in and through us now, by the working of the Holy Spirit. We need the higher law ("the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus") setting us free from the lower law ("the law of sin and death").

Again, what is our responsibility in this? We are to relate to the Lord in humility and faith. Humility can develop as we agree with our Lord that "the law of sin and death" characterizes our flesh (our best natural resources). Faith can be exercised as we look to our Lord to demonstrate that "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,You alone can supply the life I am called to live. I humbly agree with Your word that my resources are marred by a tendency to sin. I gladly trust in Your Holy Spirit to increasingly liberate me from my the defeat of living by my flesh. I thank You in advance for the faithful ways You will answer this prayer. Lord Jesus, live in and through me by the power of Your Spirit, Amen.

The Contrary Desires of the Flesh and the Spirit

The Contrary Desires of the Flesh and the Spirit

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. (Gal_5:17)

Every believer in Christ has had the frustrating experience of wanting to do what pleases the Lord, but being unable to actually accomplish such. We are told here a spiritual struggle is behind that failure.
"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh." The Spirit of God dwells within our lives. He is the "Spirit of holiness" (Rom_1:4).

He desires that we be "partakers of His holiness" (Heb_12:10) and thereby walk in godliness. However, the flesh (natural humanity) is also present in our lives. These natural desires of man are not toward holiness, but rather toward self-indulgence and self-sufficiency. Thus, what the Spirit desires and what our flesh craves are set against each other. "These are contrary to one another."

The consequence of this internal conflict is "that you do not do the things that you wish." Even though godly desires develop in us as new creatures in Christ, we find ourselves unable to implement these new longings by our good intentions.

The Apostle Paul gave testimony to his own failure in this battle. "For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice" (Rom_7:19). The problem was that Paul's personal resources (the flesh) were not adequate to produce the desired results. "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find" (Rom_7:18).

Yes, Paul had some godly desires. "For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man" (Rom_7:22). Nevertheless, there was a problem that he could not resolve on his own. "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" (Rom_7:23). A tendency to sin that dwelt in Paul's human members (his body, his brain) pulled him down to defeat. He needed help.

Access to that necessary divine rescue was through a humble cry for a deliverer. "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Rom_7:24). This appropriate confession of the spiritual bankruptcy of his flesh led to another confession of certain victory. "I thank God [it is] through Jesus Christ our Lord! " (Rom_7:25). This humble turning from self to Christ allows one to walk in the Spirit (Romans 8), living by His victorious resources. "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death" (Rom_8:2).

Prayer
Dear Jesus, Mighty Deliverer, I humbly admit that I am not able to implement by my best efforts the godly desires that are developing in me. I need You, Lord. So many times I have had holy intentions that ended up in carnal defeat. So, Lord, I cry out to You to deliver me from my present struggles, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, Amen.