Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Ephesians 6:10-20 NLT
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all of these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14
Psalms 2:1-12 KJV Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord , and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Genesis 12:1-4 KJV Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.
Today I am reading day 90 of Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus:
Identified With God When a person steps out in faith to follow Jesus Christ, he becomes identified with Christ. Abram's faith and obedience caused him to be forever identified with Godﾗto the degree that God's enemies became Abram's enemies, and God's friends became Abram's friends. A Christian soon discovers that those who would curse God do not hesitate to curse him, and those who would bless God, bless him, too. It's a family thing. While I was away for a short while from the church where I pastor, my son Ben preached in my place. A woman who had never visited our church before but had watched our services on television attended for the first time. At the end of Ben's message, this woman came forward to receive Christ, and she told the counselor she spoke with afterwards, "You know, the pastor looks so much younger in person than he does on television - someone should see if they can touch up the tape!" The counselor laughed and said, "That wasn't the pastor that was his son!" Like it or not, my boys are often identified with me. There is a definite family resemblance. The fact that people identify me with my sons has always been a pleasure to me. I am proud of them. They are fine men. But I wonder if God is always so proud of our family resemblance? Do my actions as a son bring Him honor? I pray they do.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Ephesians 6:10-20 NLT
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Daniel 10:2-3, 14 KJV
In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.
Promise of the Spirit
The blessing of being filled with the Holy Spirit is not for the sake of mere enjoyment. It is rejoicing, to be sure! But at the core of a life of growing discipleship with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is what’s most important.
It is the Spirit who keeps the Word alive.
It is the Spirit who infuses prayer and praise with passion.
It is the Spirit who teaches and instructs.
It is the Spirit who brings gifts and giftedness for power-ministry.
It is the Spirit who will bring love, graciousness, and a spirit of unity to our hearts.
BrotherBGD#2
Acts 2:38-47 KJV
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
My good Friday has been awesome in the presence of the Holy Spirit. I flew kites with the boys. Btw...Do not try to fly kites with no wind! LOL!...Now i am working on my puzzle of the last supper & watching a movie with my wife at the same time. Yes, I can multi-task. I WILL have the puzzle done by Sunday. I will post pictures. I have it going on foam poster-board in my office. GLORY TO GOD! There is a shifting in the atmosphere. These 3 days to come God will be pouring out the Holy Spirit in multitudes. Lift your hands towards the heavens. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ like never before. SILLY RABBITS EASTERS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD IT IS NOT ABOUT EGGS & RABBITS! WORLDLY PAGAN WAYS HAVE GOTTA TO GO! THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH! THE ONLY CURE FOR A LIE=TRUTH!
Don't let pride and arrogance stop you from greatness. Pride and arrogance is a warning that you are about to stumble and fall. Shame comes after pride. Honor comes after humility. Don't marry an unhealthy ego that causes you to divorce your spouse, separate from your loved ones, and detach you from genuine people. Remaining humble is one of the most attractive things a successful person can be. Stay Blessed.
“THE TRIAL” As we reflect on this Holy Week, I remember how Jesus was put on trial by the Pharisees, Priests and Pilate. He was being falsely accused for things He did not commit. They trumped up charges against Him all the way to a conviction of crucifixion. In all this, Jesus was silent.
I know some of you are going thru your own grueling trials. You are being persecuted, slandered, gossiped and judged without any chance of giving your side of defense. You know what? We, just like Jesus, have a DEFENDER who will come to our rescue. He knows our heart and hears our cries. In our silence, He will take vengeance and set the record straight. You will be redeemed and restored to your rightful place. Rest in His Defense."
"...But the LORD has been my defense. And my GOD the rock of my refuge." Psalm 94:22 ..."
"pleasant Morning, Noon and Evening Children of God! Keep shinning HIS light for HIS glory
Ephesians 4:1-16 KJV I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Stewards of Unity
Paul is asking his readers to live together in the unity of the Spirit, to be a fellowship of believers who love, support, encourage and help one another. Author, speaker and church planter John White (1924-2002) says, 'It is not possible to exaggerate the importance of your fellowship with you fellow Christians. You need their love. You need their discipline. They need yours.'
White cites the prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-23, in which Jesus prayed specifically for the unity of his followers. Jesus' reason? 'That the world may believe' (Jn 17:21). White continues:
For the church was to be left on earth for that purpose; that the world might believe. Power in testimony is evidently not something that the church can possess as a sort of separate package; it cannot exist alone. The church that convinces men that there is a God in heaven is a church that manifests what only a heavenly God can do, that is to unite human beings in heavenly love. Wherever the sign of loving unity exists, the world will be convinced.
Author and social activist Jim Wallis claims that the need for koinonia (fellowship) of the unified church is the greatest need in the church today.
The greatest need is not simply for kerygma, the preaching of the gospel; nor for diakonia, service on behalf of justice; nor for charisma, the experience of the Spirit's gift; nor even for prophetia, the challenging of the king. The greatest need of our time is for koinonia, the call simply to be the church, to love one another, and to offer our lives for the sake of the world. The creation of living, breathing, loving communities of faith at the local church level is the foundation of all the other answers. The community of faith offers a visible and concrete alternative, and issues a basic challenge to the world as it is.
Each Christian has it in his or her own power to be a steward and promoter of unity. White says,
You can begin in your own life to be an answer to the high priestly prayer of Christ. You can become a small focus of change. If you are willing to be a channel of unity, you will find the power of heaven on your side. Not only will you experience pains and joys of an order you had not dreamed possible, but you will become the scent of life to non-Christians around you. The sight of loving unity among believers arrests the unbeliever. It crashes through the barriers of his intellect, stirs up his conscience and creates a tumult of longing in his heart. He was created to enjoy the very thing you are destroying.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Colossians 3:15 NKJV And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Let Peace Rule
The only thing that ever hinders peace is when we refuse to surrender our troubles to God. So, when dismay, frustration, or deep disappointments come, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” To surrender to God is never the same as surrendering to the situation—or to whatever works of hell may be afoot. It is an act of choice that overrules whatever of chance seems to be trying your soul, stretching your faith, or overthrowing your confidence.
Say, “Lord God almighty, I give this to You—completely!” Then with praise leave it there.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
The Gift of Grace
Grace is the provision of God’s work in place of ours. None of our works are effective in any way, but God’s works are complete and all-powerful. The root meaning of this Greek word “grace”—charis—is “gift.” A gift is something that is given without any condition. The only “condition” is that the giver loves the person he is giving the gift to and so decides to pay for it.
God loves you and has paid the entire bill for your salvation. That is grace. You can’t do anything to earn it.
GRACE = God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.
Grounds for Living
BrotherBGD#2
Luke 23:34 NKJV Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.
The Secret of Forgiveness
Bad days are the results of things that happen, and things that happen are the results of what people do. People who misunderstand. People who intend to hurt us. People who forget or neglect to do something. People who betray or violate us.
Jesus teaches the secret of forgiveness: Forgiving those who hurt you is the key to not being permanently victimized by them. Whatever the initial impact of any offense you experience by others, your refusal to react, carry a grudge, or seek to retaliate in kind secures the high ground. But it must be as real as the Savior’s forgiveness, not merely an exercise in self-control.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
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Philippians 1:8-11 NKJV via mobile
For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Our Redeemer Restores via HootSuite
All of us know what it means to lose. In one form or another, we’ve all tasted the bitterness of loss. We’ve all held the ashes of once-lovely dreams and felt them slip through our fingers.
But it is a constant in God’s economy: What is lost may be reinstated, what is wasted may be recovered, and what is broken may be restored!
Above all expressions of His love, God, at heart, is a Redeemer—a Restorer!
A New Time and Place
BrotherBGD#2
Renewed2013
Philippians 1:3-7 NKJV
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
When you worship God and follow in the footsteps of His Son, you have every reason to be hopeful about your life and your eternal destiny.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord , thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
via HootSuite
Today I am reading day 87 of Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus: http://t.co/sdifF5REgb
Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus | The New Bible.com
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Psalm 139:13-17 NKJV via HootSuite
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Proverbs 22:6 KJV Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Building Blocks A good self image is one of the most imporant things we can build into our children. I believe there are at least ten building blocks to establish a child's self image, enabling them to see themselves as God sees them. First, we must express love to our children. That sounds so basic, but many children never hear their parents say "I love you." You can't say it too much. Second, be predictable. Children need stability, not capriciousness. Be predictable in your discipline, your standards, your love. Third, communicate clearly with your children. Do not expect them to read your mind. Remember that children are quite literal and do not understand nuance or subtlety as adults do. Fourth, try to understand the source of behavior problems, instead of dealing only with the symptoms. Fifth, catch your children doing good! That's right catch them doing the right thing, and praise them for it. Sixth, provide a safe environment, emotionally and physically. Make your home a safe place for your child. Seventh, set reasonable limits based on your child's age and development. Eighth, teach your child problem-solving skills. Don't do everything for them. Ninth, don't overreact. Ninety-nine percent of the things we parents loose our cool over are not life-altering. Finally, be patient. Parenting is a long-term effort, and you cannot achieve all that you hope for in a day. If you remember these things and strive each day to do them - with a word, a look, a touch - your child will have the foundation he needs to grow strong.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Ephesians 6:10-20 KJV Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-8 KJV We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
Be Worthy of Imitation
The Thessalonians were converted to Christ not only because of the words of Paul and his men but also because of the example of their lives.
It is important to remember that the world is watching us as followers of Christ. We have been called to be the salt and light of the earth.
Jesus admonished us to let our lights shine brightly before men so that they may praise God for our good works. God's intention is not to give you fame that brings no glory to His name.
A life worthy of imitation is one that is surrendered to be used as a tool in the hands of God, to display His awesome power and glory.
What do people see when they see you?If someone walked in your shoes for 24 hours, what would they learn about Christ?
Living a life worthy of imitation is to be mindful that you are representatives of Christ to those around you. You can only reflect what or who you are facing. You must focus your attention on Christ and imitate Him. Let your words, actions and behaviour emulate the One who calls you His ambassador.
Your footprints on the moon should lead the world to your source, your focus and your example; Jesus Christ.
Job 2:1-10 KJV Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord , and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord . And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord , and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the Lord , and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord , and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lipsProverbs 10:9 KJV He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
Walk in Integrity
The word integrity comes from the root word integer meaning wholeness. A person is said to be walking in integrity when their words, actions and behaviour are consistent with their inner morals and principles.
Job was a man of integrity. The devil's charge against him was that he would change and curse God when adversity came upon him.
God knew Job's heart and life were consistent. He knew Job had integrity so He was confident enough to allow Job to be tested by the devil.
There are men and women who have accomplished great achievements but did not have the character to support their success. As you aim for the skies, allow God to develop in you a character of honesty, reliability and dependability. Become a principled person, based on standards from the Word of God.
Furthermore, remember that although it is possible for you to deceive the world because no man can see your heart; you can never deceive your God.
If God were to say something about you, could He claim that you had integrity?
Your life must be a reflection of your relationship with Christ from the inside out.
Let the words you say and the deeds you do correlate with the person you are in Christ.
Luke 5:1-7 KJV And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. John 14:15 KJV If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Walk in Radical Obedience
Jesus said 'if you love Me, you will obey Me'.
Your obedience to God's Word in your life is the most important step in fulfilling your destiny and finding His blessing.
Obedience is not always an easy task. The choice of obedience can make you nervous, uncomfortable and even unpopular with others. However your decision to obey the Holy Spirit's leading in your life on a daily basis is your platform to true success.
After spending all day trying to catch fish in the river, Peter and his men were about to give up. That very moment, Jesus turned up on the scene and asked him to cast his net one more time on the other side. Peter was understandably hesitant. He was an experienced fisherman who had been trying all day.
However, he chose to obey the word of the Lord.
Noah chose to obey God despite never seeing rain. Abraham chose to obey God and took Isaac to the point of sacrifice until God stepped in.
God requires radical obedience from you. He asks you to heed His words and obey them. Follow His precepts. Apply His principles and allow the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Your obedience is the greatest expression of your love for God.
John 10:7-18 KJV Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my FatherTitus 3:4-7 KJV But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
By receiving God's gift of forgiveness through faith in Jesus, here is what he has done for you: * You have become a child of God. You are one of his. You are a child of the Creator of the Universe. Put your trust in him today. * You have found peace with God. This marks the beginning of a new and permanent love relationship. * You have become part of the community of followers of Jesus. In addition to a new relationship with God through Jesus, you are a part of a community of other followers of Jesus. Meet them, share with them, pray with them, join with them.
Proverbs 25:1-28 KJV These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen. Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters. Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee. The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Today I am reading day 85 of Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus:
Joy Killers Two men who hadn't seen one another for 20 years met up at a high school reunion. One looked at the other and said, "What have you been doing with yourself all these years?" The second man replied, "Well, I own a ranch." Not knowing much about ranching, his friend said, "How interesting. What's the name of your ranch?" He said, "My ranch is called the Greater Los Alamos Santa Gertrudis, Charolais, Black Angus, Quarter Horse Ranch of North America." His friend was impressed. "My goodness. That sounds like some ranch. How many head do you have on that spread?" The rancher shook his head. "Not as many as you might think. The branding kills most of ﾑem." Do you know what kills our joy? It's when the world puts its brand on us. When the world brands us, we're encumbered by worry and people and circumstances and situations that wear us down and rob us of the joy of Christ. The best way I know to combat the joy killers of the world is to say these simple words: "Thy will be done." When we say "Thy will be done" in response to the worries and concerns of the world, we die to selfishness, and as we die to selfishness, God gives joy. As we seek His will for our lives, He will kill out the boredom, wickedness, greed, lust and striving in our hearts. As we desire His will, we receive His joy.
First the Suffering
"Why do we have to suffer?" "If God truly loves us, why do all the bad things happen to us?" I hear such questions often. For years, people have wrestled with those questions, and they still haven't discovered the answers. I don't even try to answer the questions. I do make one comment, however: "If God only blessed us after we became believers--if He took away all suffering, hardship, and turmoil for Christians--wouldn't it be a way to bribe people into the faith?"
That's not the way God works. The Lord wants us to come to Him out of love and because we know we're needy--so needy that only He can fill those needs for us.
The reality is that from the time of birth until we go home to be with Jesus, we will suffer at times. Some have harder tasks than others, but suffering is still suffering.
I also think that when people watch us as we turn to God for help in our hardships and they see our victories, it provides a witness to them. That witness may not always make them turn to Christ, but it does show God's presence in our lives and makes them aware of what they're missing.
The other day I had a new thought: Suffering results in thanksgiving. When our lives turn chaotic and we don't know what to do, we turn to the Lord for help, and He answers our prayers and sets us free. God speaks to us and comforts us. And the result is that we're thankful.
The time between suffering and thanksgiving is when the devil truly attacks our thoughts. He may begin by saying, "If God really loved you, you would not have to go through this." The truth is, we'll have problems if we're believers; we'll have problems if we're nonbelievers. But as believers, we'll also have victories. As believers in Jesus Christ, we can have peace in the midst of the storm. We can enjoy our lives during the hardships because we truly believe that God is working on our behalf to bring deliverance.
Pray: My Master and my God, forgive me for always wanting an easy life. I admit that I don't want to suffer, and I don't like it when things go wrong. But I ask You to help me have a good attitude and to trust You to bring good out of it. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Perfect Plan
What does it mean to think that God has a perfect plan for us? Perhaps it's the word "perfect" that troubles us. We're fallible and make so many mistakes. How could anything be perfect in our lives? We know ourselves too well. Immediately we think of our shortcomings and shake our heads.
That's a trick of Satan! The plan isn't perfect because we're perfect; the plan is perfect because God is perfect. God has a special plan for each of our lives.
Let's think about that plan. In Philippians 1:6, Paul told us that God saved us and started a good work in us. Paul also wrote, in Ephesians 2:10, that we are God's handiwork (or workmanship). The two verses before that tell us that we're saved by God's grace. We have nothing to do with the act of salvation--we haven't earned it or deserved it. We are born into the kingdom of God as a gift.
As we think about God at work in us, we remind ourselves that God is perfection. Nothing we can ever do would be good enough to satisfy God's perfection. Only Jesus, the Perfect One, is good enough. Nothing but our faith in Him makes us acceptable to God.
As soon as we say, "But wait! I'm not perfect! I fail," we have taken our attention off God and allowed Satan to distract us with wrong thinking. Our loving Lord pleads with us to turn our minds and hearts fully over to Him. The more fully we do that, the more completely we live by His good and perfect plan.
Pray: Perfect God, help me in this battle for my mind. Satan constantly reminds me of my imperfections and my weaknesses, but I ask You to remind me of Your perfection, Your love, and Your closeness so that I can always walk in victory. I ask these things through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Getting What We Want
I usually know what I want, and I like to get it. I'm exactly like most people. When we don't get what we want, our negative feelings flare up.
Too often, we Christians expect life to be perfect and for everything to go smoothly for us. We expect success, happiness, joy, peace, and everything else. When we're thwarted, we pout or complain.
Although God does want us to have a good life, there will be times when we must be patient and endure not getting our way. These disappointments test our character and level of spiritual maturity. They actually show whether or not we truly are ready for promotion.
Why do we think we should always be first? Why do we think we are entitled to the perfect life? Perhaps sometimes we think more highly of ourselves than we ought. A humble mind enables us to take a back seat and wait for God to move us to the front. God's Word says that we inherit the promises through faith and patience. Believing God is good, but can we continue to believe God and trust Him when we don't feel that life is fair?
The secret of the Christian life is that we commit ourselves fully to God. If we surrender our wills to God, what happens doesn't make us angry. If God doesn't give us what we want and ask for, our faith is strong enough to say, "Not my will, but Yours."
Pray: God, help me. I often have strong desires, and when I don't get what I want, I get upset. Forgive me. Remind me that Jesus didn't want to die on the cross, but He lived in total submission to Your will. I ask You, through Jesus Christ, to help me live in total submission and be content with what You give me. Amen.
Romans 4:18-21 KJV Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Positive Belief
The story of Abraham amazes me no matter how many times I read it. It's not just the birth of a son when he was a hundred years old. That's a miracle. But just as amazing is the information that he waited twenty-five years for the fulfillment of the promise. He was seventy-five when God promised Him a son.
I wonder how many of us would believe God and live in expectation for twenty-five years. Most of us probably would have said, "I didn't really hear from God." "Oh, I guess maybe God didn't really mean that." Or "I need to go somewhere else to get a fresh word from the Lord."
In our impatience, we often take matters into our own hands. I say we get "bright ideas"--plans of our own, which we hope God will bless. These plans open the door for confusion and chaos. Then their results must be dealt with, which often delays our miracle.
The Bible gives us promises, hope, and encouragement. God promises good to those of us who serve Him. Despite the adversity of our circumstances--and some people have absolutely terrible situations--God still promises good. Our sense of goodness, however, may not be the same as God's. Getting what we want immediately may not be best for us. Sometimes waiting is the best thing because it helps develop the character of God in us.
The Lord chooses to do good to us and to make us happy; the devil chooses to do wrong and to make us miserable. We can remain patient and keep believing God's promises, or we can allow the evil one's whisper to fill our ears and lead us astray.
Positive belief in God's promises yields good results because the Good One sends them to us. Refuse to give up, and you will see the results of your positive belief.
Pray: Dear Father in heaven, forgive my lack of belief. Forgive me for allowing Satan to deceive me or make me think I'm worthless or unworthy of Your miracles. I am worthy because You made me worthy. You are the God of the impossible, and I ask You to help me wait on You and never give up. In the name of Jesus Christ my Lord, I pray. Amen.
Psalms 1:2-3 KJV But his delight is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 119:11 KJV Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalms 119:15 KJV I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Be Careful What You Think
If you are going to win the battle of the mind and defeat your enemy, where you focus your attention is crucial. The more you meditate on God's Word, the stronger you'll become and the more easily you'll win the victories.
Too many Christians don't realize the difference between meditating on the Bible and reading the Bible. They like to think that whenever they read God's Word, they're absorbing the deep things of God. Those who meditate on God's Word are those who think--and think seriously--about what they're reading.
They may not put it in these words, but they are saying, "God, speak to me. Teach me. As I ponder Your Word, reveal its depth to me."
In today's scripture I quoted from Psalm 1. This psalm begins by defining the person who is blessed, and then points out the right actions of that person. The psalmist wrote that those who meditate--and do it day and night--are like productive trees...and everything they do shall prosper.
The psalmist made it quite clear that meditating on God's Word brings results. As you ponder who God is and what He's saying to you, you'll grow. It's really that simple. If you read about and allow your mind to focus on God's love and power, that's what operates in you.
Be careful what you think about. The more you think about good things, the better your life will seem. The more you think about Jesus Christ and the principles He taught, the more you become like Jesus and the stronger you grow. And as you grow, you win the battle for your mind.
Pray: Lord God, help me to think about the things that honor You. Fill my life with a hunger for more of You and Your Word so that in everything I may prosper. I ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Defeating Unbelief
Sometimes we unintentionally give the wrong impression about spiritual warfare. We know that our enemy is the devil and that we must fight daily to win, but that's not everything. If the Christian life were nothing but battles, it would be discouraging to fight every hour of every day.
The Christian life is one of joy and peace. God gives us a great sense of fulfillment, and we're at rest because we know we honor Him by the way we live.
In today's scripture, Peter wrote to Christians about their enemy--warning them and urging them to be vigilant, which is where we often put the emphasis. Just before he wrote those words, however, he said, "Casting the whole of your care all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully" (v. 7). We must remind ourselves of God's love for us.
Satan tries to destroy our faith with lies like: "If God really cared about you, why would He make you go through this trial?" "If God truly loved you, would He treat you this way?" If he can make you think you're not loved or that God doesn't have your best interest at heart, he can plant tiny seeds of unbelief.
When struggles, trials, and hardships come your way--and they always do--you have a choice. You can heed Peter's words and give God your cares, worries, and concerns. No matter how dark the night or how evil the situation, you must remind yourself that God is not only present with you in those situations, but He also loves you and will provide for you.
Pray: Dear heavenly Father, the enemy often tries to fill me with unbelief and make me deny Your powerful love for me. But like Abraham, I stand firm on Your promises. Thank You for the comfort I find in Your assurance that You're always with me. Amen.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Wilma Warren
near Saint Louis, MO via Facebook
What's on my mind...? Glad you asked FB.
To God be the Glory!!!!!
We had a marvelous time in the Lord today at the two men's prisons. God showed up BEFORE we got there...the men in both prisons had testimonies after testimonies about what God was doing in their lives...Some got jobs they had been waiting for a long time... to get... real jobs..paying like $6.00 a day ( it is about 75 cents a day) I did the math for you...in addition to the $7.50 they make per month. ( So yes, you can stop complaining about your good paying job that you dread). Some had gotten letters from their families especially their children. Others had learned to forgive the people they had been angry with for years...and had decided to let God handle those people...and to pray for them...instead of refusing to forgive them...Some shared that God had turned their sentences around or lessened them...and they were still in amazement...others were in total awe of the testimonies of the others. One young man was like when is God going to show me Himself...I asked him to breathe...He was like WHAT? I said breathe... I told him that was a start...He cried... He said something that simple blessed him.That is why it is so important to give your testimony because it will help someone else. While one of the ministers was preaching an offender kept pointing at his chest..and punching himself...I was like is he okay... HE was more than okay...the message the minister preached out of Habbakuk...was his testimony ...fully seeing God make his vision come to life... At the other prison an offender learned that he could help his daughter be a better daughter by writing her a letter. He had let the enemy fool him into NOT writing her because she had not written him. I just asked him...okay which one of you is the adult in this situation...? He just looked and his eyes teared up. He said he recognized ALL the time he had lost by being stubborn...As my granny would say...it is a pitiful person who has not one testimony of God's goodness...I thought she meant the person was pitiful...NO she meant the person had not noticed the simple blessings of God as testimonies like breathing, walking, talking. And a special testimony was from as young man who is trusting God for a healing in his body from a stroke...we are believing God with him. He promised that he was going to hold God accountable to keep His word...to heal him because he had JUST read today that God's word will NOT return void. The young man was all of 24 years old. So today was a glorious day in the Lord...with the offenders. Yes, they look forward to visits...and we look forward to that 200 mile drive one way...200 miles back... and...God thank You...for blessing us...more than they could ever imagine...we were blessed. In Jesus Name...Amen...
P.S. Praise and Worship at one prison was old school... equipment did not work...they sang...old songs...in the other prison they danced and clapped to some Fred Hammond...and one man said he had not moved like that in months...( delivered...by his praise).
Apostolic Prophetic Evangelist Lopez via Facebook
YOU MUST ALWAYS BE CHANGING IN THE SPIRIT!!!!
Always Changing !!!!!!!Flowing in the Spirit always includes being willing to MAKE changes!
The NEW wine of what the Holy Spirit is SAYING and doing today is not compatible with the OLD wineskins of our traditions. Jesus said: And no one puts NEW wine into old wineskins; or else the NEW wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. (Luke 5:37, 38)
Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." SO KEEP IT REAL, AND STAY IN CHANGING!!!! BIG SECRET IN YOUR PERSONALO WALK IS TO CHALLENGE4 YHOPURSELF IN THE LORD!!!!!
As NEW creations in Christ, God has provided a NEW and living way. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.(2 Corinthians 5:17...GET RID OF THE OLD..CHALLENGE YOURSELF INTO A NEW EXPERIENCE WITH GOD... WORSHIP MORE...WATCH THE POWER OF GOD KNOCK YOU OUT!!!!!
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh...
SO HIS FLESH GAVE IS THE NEW???? SO CHANGE NNNOOOWWW
Matthew 16:3 KJV via HootSuite
Matthew 16:3 KJV
And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
Luke 12:56 KJV via HootSuite
Luke 12:56 KJV
Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
1 Corinthians 2:10-14 KJV via HootSuite
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Matthew 16:3 RV1885 And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the heaven is red and lowring. Ye know how to discern the face of the heaven; but ye cannot discern the signs of the times. Malachi 3:18 RV1885 Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Philippians 1:9 RV1885 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
Ephesians 6:10-20 RV1885 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places . Wherefore take up the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one . And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, And on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 NLT If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless. When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Suspicious of Suspicion
In today's scripture, these words about love are familiar to most of us, but I can honestly say that living them has not always been easy for me. As a child, I was not exposed to this kind of love--in fact, I was taught to be suspicious of everyone. I was told that the motives of other people were not to be trusted.
While it is wise to be aware of people's motives, we must be careful that we don't allow our suspicious nature to negatively affect our feelings about everyone. An overly suspicious nature can poison your mind and affect your ability to love and accept other people. Consider this example.
Suppose a friend approaches you after a church service, and says, "Do you know what Doris thinks about you?" Then the friend tells you every detail of the things Doris said. The first problem is that a true friend wouldn't share such information. And the second problem is that with an already suspicious mind, you now believe secondhand information.
Suppose that one day in church, Doris is sitting just a few rows in front of you, praising the Lord. Immediately you think, "She's such a hypocrite."
Then the Holy Spirit directs your thoughts to your own condition, and the fact that you were praising the Lord while harboring bad feelings toward Doris. Didn't Jesus tell us to make peace with others before we present our gifts to Him? (See Matthew 5:24.)
Convicted by these words of Jesus, you apologize to Doris for the bad feelings you have toward her...and she stares at you in absolute shock. Then you realize your mistake. You misinterpreted the information your friend shared with you about Doris, allowing the devil to turn you against a wonderful, godly woman.
This is a good example of how suspicion can cripple relationships and destroy our joy while it leads us astray.
It took me a while to overcome a lifetime of suspicions, but I finally learned that when we love God's way, we have no place for suspicions of others.
Pray: Lord, I thank You for showing me how to overcome my suspicious nature by teaching me how to love others with Your kind of love. Thank You, Jesus, for being patient with me and for being my great example. Amen.
1 Corinthians 2:1-16 NLT When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God —his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For, “Who can know the L ord ’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
The Mind of Christ
Today's scripture overwhelms many people. If these were not the words of the Bible, they wouldn't believe it. As it is, most people shake their heads and ask, "How can this be?"
Paul was not saying we're perfect or that we'll never fail. He was telling us, as believers in Jesus, the Son of God, we are given the mind of Christ. That is, we can think spiritual thoughts because Christ is alive within us. We no longer think the way we once did. We begin to think as He did.
When we have the Holy Spirit living and active within us, the mind of Christ is action. The mind of Christ is given to us to direct us in the right way. If we have His mind, we will think positive thoughts. We will think about how blessed we are--how good God has been to us.
Jesus was positive, in spite of being lied about, lonely, misunderstood, and a multitude of other negative things. He was deserted by His disciples when He needed them most, yet He remained positive--always able to offer an uplifting, encouraging word. Just being in His presence would suggest that all fear, negative thoughts, and discouraging hopelessness would evaporate into thin air.
The mind of Christ in us is positive. So when we fall for the opportunity to be negative about something, we should instantly discern that we are not operating with the mind of Christ. God wants us to be lifted up. It's the enemy of our soul who wants us pressed down--depressed. We have many opportunities to think negative thoughts, but that's not the mind of Christ at work in us. We don't have to accept those thoughts. They are not ours!
Pray: Lord, I truly want to be aware of the mind of Christ in my life, and I want to be aware of it every minute of my waking day. Help me to open myself only to know Your will and to push away the old mindsets, the thinking that will lead me down the wrong path. I ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Joshua 4:1, 3-24 NLT When all the people had crossed the Jordan, the L ord said to Joshua, Tell them, ‘Take twelve stones from the very place where the priests are standing in the middle of the Jordan. Carry them out and pile them up at the place where you will camp tonight.’” So Joshua called together the twelve men he had chosen—one from each of the tribes of Israel. He told them, “Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the L ord your God. Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder—twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the L ord ’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.” So the men did as Joshua had commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River, one for each tribe, just as the L ord had told Joshua. They carried them to the place where they camped for the night and constructed the memorial there. Joshua also set up another pile of twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, at the place where the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant were standing. And they are there to this day. The priests who were carrying the Ark stood in the middle of the river until all of the L ord ’s commands that Moses had given to Joshua were carried out. Meanwhile, the people hurried across the riverbed. And when everyone was safely on the other side, the priests crossed over with the Ark of the L ord as the people watched. The armed warriors from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh led the Israelites across the Jordan, just as Moses had directed. These armed men—about 40,000 strong—were ready for battle, and the L ord was with them as they crossed over to the plains of Jericho. That day the L ord made Joshua a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites, and for the rest of his life they revered him as much as they had revered Moses. The L ord had said to Joshua, “Command the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to come up out of the riverbed.” So Joshua gave the command. As soon as the priests carrying the Ark of the L ord ’s Covenant came up out of the riverbed and their feet were on high ground, the water of the Jordan returned and overflowed its banks as before. The people crossed the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month. Then they camped at Gilgal, just east of Jericho. It was there at Gilgal that Joshua piled up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River. Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the L ord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the L ord ’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the L ord your God forever.”
God is a mighty God. Nothing is impossible with Him. He can move mountains, make the sun stand still, and heal the sick. In Joshua chapter 4, we read how God completed the mighty task of bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land. God led the Israelites out of slavery and into freedom just as He had promised. Because of the magnitude of what He did, God did not want the Israelites to ever forget what He had done for them. God wanted the Israelites to forever remember the miracle He performed for them and what a mighty and powerful God He is. Think back for a moment. God has done some amazing things in your life. He may have performed a miracle of healing or delivered you from the bondage of an addiction and into your own Promised Land. Take time today to remember the mighty things God has done for you. Praise Him and commit to Him that you will never forget the amazing things He has done for you.
1 Peter 5:1-11 KJV The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
One of the many ways that God develops us is through the wisdom of others as His wisdom and teaching is shown to us through those people we look up to. 1 Peter 5:1-11 is one of many passages that stresses the importance of mentoring others and being available to God to shape others into His image. Who are those mentors in your life that have helped you get to the place you are today in your relationship with Christ? It may be a mentor, a teacher, a pastor, a family member, or a close friend that has invested their wisdom, knowledge and experience into your life. Take time to remember those key people God has placed in your life. Never forget the investment they have made in you
2 Corinthians 5:11-21 KJV Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
If you have received Christ as your personal Savior, then you are a new creation. "The old has gone and the new is here!" Over the past week you have been looking to your past to remember God's power, His faithfulness, those that God has used to develop you as a person, and the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for us. Today, reflect on the words found in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 about the redemptive power of God's forgiveness. There is nothing more powerful, faithful, sacrificial, and life changing than the forgiveness God has given you through His son Jesus Christ. Today, remember the life change you experienced through God's forgiveness. Completely forget your old life and instead remember the day your life changed forever. Praise God and thank Him for new life in Christ.
Psalms 91:1-16 KJV He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord , He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord , which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91 is a Psalm about God's faithfulness. In this psalm we read that God is our refuge, He is our fortress, He saves us, and He protects us. This Psalm boils down to one simple fact: God is always faithful no matter the circumstances. He is there when times are good and when times are not so good. He is even there when you don't feel like He is. Everybody's journey in life is different as they grow in Christ, but God's faithfulness is always the same. How have you experienced God's faithfulness throughout your life? Take time today to remember His faithfulness and how it has delivered you through the various stages of life. Thank God for His faithfulness and take comfort in knowing He will always be there for you.
Numbers 26:52-56 KJV And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names. To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him. Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit. According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.
Equitable Distribution of Resources
God told Moses that the promised land was to be distributed according to the relative size and needs of the various tribes: 'To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one' (Nu 26:54). In this way, socioeconomic equity was ingrained in the DNA of Israel's agrarian economy. Biblical scholar Craig L. Blomberg observes, 'The ideal contrasts markedly with arrangements in other feudal kingdoms near Canaan in that day, in which by far the more common pattern was the concentration of vast tracts of land among the royal and aristocratic elites, leaving a majority of the people in considerable poverty.'
Similarly, when we look to the New Testament, the book of Acts provides an outstanding example of how the equitable distribution of resources became an important characteristic of the early church (see Ac 2:42-47; 4:32-37). Today the same principle should govern our financial decisions. Second Corinthians 9:11 tells us that God makes us rich in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion. Thus, distributing resources equitably means recognizing the fact that in God's economy he equips some with more so that they can bless others who have less. Pastor Stephen Olford (1918-2004) clarifies this idea of 'sharing the load' in giving:
Such teaching does not in any way support either the Marxist idea of communism or the kind of giving that encourages luxury or laziness in the recipient. Equality in giving teaches that while it is the responsibility of the rich to bear their share of the load, the poor are not excused from proportionate responsibility.
Olford continues by adding this limitation, based on 2 Corinthians 8:13-14:
Paul warns, however, that equality in giving should not cause the saints in one area to be eased while givers become burdened. The Jerusalem saints were not to enjoy plush seats while the Corinthian Christians sat on hard benches. On the contrary, there should be wisdom and a sense of balance in the matter of sharing the resources of a local church.
Olford maintains that we are also to be gracious receivers when it becomes necessary:
Some people will not accept gifts lest they should be obligated to the donors. This, is Paul's view, is unethical (see 2 Co 8:13). We should gratefully receive all that God gives us through our brethren because the time may come when we must reciprocate. This truth was not for Corinth only; it is relevant today!Today we may have abundance and tomorrow we may be in want. Today we may live in luxury and tomorrow we may suffer need. Today we may have the privilege of giving and tomorrow we may have the equal privilege of receiving.
As you read through today's Scripture please reflect on the following questions: what is one way in which you are rich, and how do you share your riches with others?
John 14:14-17, 25-31 KJV If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
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Sustained Through Suffering
There is a force—a power—in Jesus’ own suffering to break the ability of pain, injury, or sorrow to dominate us, even when these things seem to persist beyond prayer. Christ’s suffering has the power to absorb the most hellish attack, the most tragic grief, the most traumatic pain, or whatever seems more than we can bear.
Jesus has broken the ability of suffering to reduce us to bitterness or disobedience. He wants to fill us with the same life that brought Him through suffering, that kept Him from growing weary in well doing.
BrotherBGD#2
Renewed2013
Hebrews 2:1-4, 17-18 KJV
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Discernment is vital & a gift from God! Use it & God will allow you to see right through the lies!
Ezekiel 44:23 KJV
And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Ephesians 6:10-20 KJV Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Proverbs 19:1-29 KJV
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord . Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord . Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord ; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord , that shall stand. The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
Today I am reading day 80 of Everywhere I Go: Learning to See Jesus: via www. youversion. com
I'm Okay . . . Right? If there is anything I am good at, it is justifying myself. You would be hard pressed to find anyone as effective at it as I am - unless it is you. "I was short with my wife today, but I'd had a really stressful day - " or "Boy, I never meant to say those words, but I had so much on my mind, they just slipped out." Self-justification. We' re experts, are we not? The lawyer who spoke these words to Jesus was seeking to justify himself. He asked a question to which he knew the answer, and then, when he realized he fell short of his own prescription for salvation, he tried to mince words to justify himself. "Well, of course, I'm to love my neighbor, but - who is my neighbor, exactly?" We do the very same thing. "I used to go to church, but I don't anymore, because old so-and-so really offended me by acting in an un-Christian way." Well, welcome to the world! God is not fooled by our weak attempts at self-justification. Why? Because he knows our heartsﾗjust as he knew this legal eagle's heart. We've become theological politicians, trying to parse words with God to ease our own conscience - but it won't work. In this man's case, Jesus handled his dodge by telling a storyﾗthe story of the Good Samaritan. And even though we are not too keen on rules and laws, we can't help but be drawn in to a good story. This one had dramatic conflict (near-dead man by the side of the road).It revealed shocking secrets (a priest and a Levite refuse to give aid). And a surprise ending (he finally receives help from a Samaritan). And it required the listener to provide the obvious answer to the central question: which of these three was a real neighbor? The lawyer was trapped. He answered the only way he could, and then Jesus delivered the crushing directive: "Go and do the same." Self-justification ends where obedience to truth begins. It's not enough to know what is right and have a very good reason for not doing it. When we know what is right, we must act on it.
God Will Restore Your Soul
For a period of time in my life, I rebuked whatever I didn't want because I thought it must be from the devil. I say that I rebuked until my "rebuker" was just totally worn out. But then I discovered that a lot of what I was trying to rebuke was from God. Many of the things I did not like or want were things God had allowed for my growth and development.
The writer of Hebrews said that we must submit to the discipline of God. He chastises us only because He loves us. Don't try to resist what God intends to use for your good. Ask the Lord to do a deep and thorough work in you so you can be all He wants you to be, do all He wants you to do, and have all He wants you to have. During my years of resisting anything that was painful or difficult, the simple truth is that I did not grow spiritually. I kept going around and around the same old mountains (problems). Finally, I realized that I was trying to avoid pain, but I had pain anyway. The pain of staying the way we are is much worse than the pain of changing.
Our personality is our soul (mind, will, and emotions), but often it has been wounded by our experiences in the world. God promises to restore our souls if we will cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit in us. I had a broken soul, one that had no peace or joy, but God has made me whole and He wants to do the same for you.
Pray and Give Thanks
Giving thanks is so important to being able to hear God's voice because, like praise and worship, it is something God responds to. It's something God loves, something that warms His heart. Anytime we give God pleasure like that, our intimacy with Him increases - and that makes for a better relationship with Him.
If we are not thankful for what we have, why should He give us something else to murmur about? On the other hand, when God sees that we genuinely appreciate and are thankful for the big and little things, He is inclined to bless us even more. According to Philippians 4:6, everything we ask God for should be preceded and accompanied by thanksgiving. No matter what we pray for, thanksgiving should always go with it. A good habit to develop is starting all of our prayers with thanksgiving. An example of this would be: "Thank You for all You have done in my life. You are awesome and I really love and appreciate You."
I encourage you to examine your life, to pay attention to your thoughts and your words, and see how much thanksgiving you express. If you want a challenge, just try to get through an entire day without uttering one word of complaint. Develop an attitude of thanksgiving in every situation. In fact, just become outrageously thankful - and watch as your intimacy with God increases and as He pours out greater blessings than ever before.
God's word for you today: Speak words of thanksgiving, not words of complaint.
Prayer For TheJesusTeam Broadcast.....
by Bruce Gordon Dorris II (Notes) on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at 2:17pm
God you placed the vision of this that is now installed. It has been started and conceived.God it is seen as positive vision.! I see these things through the Spirit within me......I LOOK to see in vision trusting you God, that you would put who in which you have divinely orchestrated for this purpose! I pray over this and command the enemy to allow no setbacks! I know not of this enemy of doubt! I see positive thoughts from positive signs and visions! I see these things coming to pass like the day today come to pass! I BOLDLY state that I will give you my all my God. The Creator of the Universe! Who sits on the most high throne as our most high God! God it is my desire to know your heart! I want to know it to use it! Use it for your gospel! Your gospel will be spread by me and those who you appoint through your power! The power of the Holy spirit! I pray in the Name of the Father, The name of the Son, The Powerful name of your Holy spirit! I pray in your Son Jesus and his name who died for us and has risen me up from all my challenges and as they still come he saves and comforts me from conforming to the patterns of this world. Raised me to show purpose in this just as Jesus has rose to set me free. To save me and comfort me in the Holy Spirit! I thank you Father for your son and all that you have already done. All that your doing now. All that you are gonna do. In Jesus name! It is his name that has enable me to say in his name I pray! AMEN!.
The Vision has been fulfilled & now in my/ our God's 7th month of broadcasting & preaching the authentic gospel with purposed praise & worship music. I also have a larger vision of a online radio/podcast 24/7 show called the Kingdom Buisness Station. God spoke to me & said by the end of this year it will be ready to go to build my Kindom. I replied in prayer, Thank you Father for you are truly a God of promise, love, mercy, grace & God only knows i could go on and on about how awesome our God is! GLORY TO GOD FOREVER & EVER AMEN & AMEN!
Jesus in Every Book in the Bible Brother B.G.D # 2 @THEJESUSTEAM.
Jesus in Every Book in the Bible Brother B.G.D # 2 @THEJESUSTEAM.
by Bruce Gordon Dorris II (Notes) on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 4:13pm
In Genesis, Jesus Christ is the seed of the woman. In Exodus, He is the passover lamb. In Leviticus, He is our high priest. In Numbers, He is the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. In Deuteronomy, He is the prophet like unto Moses. In Joshua, He is the catptain of our salvation. In Judges, He is our judge and lawgiver. In Ruth, He is our kinsman redeemer. In 1st and 2nd Samuel, He is our trusted prophet. In Kings and Chronicles, He is our reigning king. In Ezra, He is the rebuilder of the broken down walls of human life. In Esther, He is the Mordecai. In Job, He is our ever-living redeemer. In Psalms, He is our shepherd. In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, He is our wisdom. In the Song of Solomon, He is our loving bridegroom. In Isaiah, He is the prince of peace. In Jeremiah, He is the righteous branch. In Lamentations, He is our weeping prophet. In Ezekiel, He is the wonderful four-faced man. In Daniel. He is the forth man in life's "fiery furnace." In Hosea, He is the faithful husband, forever married to the backslider. In Joel, He is the baptizer with the Holy Ghost and fire. In Amos, He is our burden-bearer. In Obadiah, He is the mighty to save. In Jonah, He is our great foreign missionary. In Micah, He is the messenger of beautiful feet. In Nahum, He is the avenger of God's elect. In Habakkuk, He is God's evangelist, crying, "revive thy work in the midst of the years." In Zephaniah, He is our Saviour. In Haggai, He is the restorer of God's lost heritage. In Zechariah, He is the fountain opened up in the house of David for sin and uncleanness. In Malachi, He is the Sun of Righteousness rising with healing in His wings. In Matthew, He is the King of the Jews. In Mark. He is the Servant. In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel. In John, He is the Son of God. In Acts, He is the Savior of the world. In Romans, He is the righteousness of God. In 1st Corinthians, He is the Rock that followed Israel. In 2nd Corinthians, He is the Triumphant One, giving victory. In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free. In Ephesians, He is Head of the Church. In Philippians, He is your joy. In Colossians, He is your completeness. In 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, He is your hope. In 1st Timothy, He is your faith. In 2nd Timothy, He is your stability. In Philemon, He is your Benefactor. In Titus, He is truth. In Hebrews, He is your perfection. In James, he is the Power behind your faith. In 1st Peter, He is your example. In 2nd Peter, He is your purity. In 1st John, He is your life. In 2nd John, He is your pattern. In 3rd John, He is your motivation. In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith. In Revelation, He is your coming King. He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End! He is the keeper of Creation and Creator of all! He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times. He always was, He always is, and He always will be. Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone! He was bruised and brought healing! He was pierced and eased pain! He was persecuted and brought freedom! He was dead and brought life! He is risen and brings power! He reigns and brings Peace! The world can't understand Him, The armies can't defeat Him, The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and The people couldn't hold Him! Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The New Age can't replace Him, and Oprah can't explain Him away! He is light, love, longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God. He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure. His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me. He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior, He is my guide, and He is my Peace! He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord, and He rules my life! He is Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God!
Jesus in Every Book in the Bible Brother BGD # 2 @THEJESUSTEAM
Stewardship Begins at Home.
by Bruce Gordon Dorris II (Notes) on Sunday, October 21, 2012
God has ordained the family unit in part so that we can meet one another's needs. Few social structures, if any, have fed more widows, raised more orphans and encouraged more lonely elderly people than families taking care of other family members in need. For the believer, it is a matter of being like Christ and being an example to others. The Christian must see that the needs of his own family are met. Theologian and pastor John Wesley (1703-1791) considers: Not yet are we forbiddenÉto provide for our children, and for those of our own household. This also is our duty to do, even upon principles of heathen morality. Every man ought to provide the plain necessities of life, both for his own wife and children; and to put them into a capacity of providing these for themselves, when he is gone hence and is no more seen. I say, of providing these; the plain necessities of life; not delicacies; not superfluities--and that their diligent labor. Expository preacher Stephen F. Olford (1918-2004) weighs in on the issue. Paul uses family life to illustrate the importance of laying money aside as he spoke to the Corinthian church (2Co 12:14). For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents are for their children. In my pastoral counseling I have listened to many stories of tragic circumstances. Husbands have failed their wives, parents have cheated their children, and grown sons and daughters have neglected their widowed mothers or other dependents. Such shortcomings are soundly and solemnly condemned by the Word of God; in fact, such dereliction of duty is described as worse than infidelity.
In light of the foregoing, it is certainly biblical and practical that savings accounts be established and insurance policies be taken out to cover the needs of dependents, emergency requirements, funeral expenses, and so on. Such financial matters should be openly discussed in every Christian household. With an open Bible and in an atmosphere of prayer, our tithes, offerings, expenses, and savings should be surveyed in a relation to personal, as well as general, income. Happy and healthy in the Spirit is the family that is united on all these matters. In the last analysis, every one of us is responsible to God in time and accountable to Him in eternity (Gal 6:2-10).
The Land Refreshed.
by Bruce Gordon Dorris II (Notes) on Friday, November 23, 2012 at 9:32am
...
The Land Refreshed
18Then the Lord will #
(Is. 60:10; 63:9, 15)
be zealous for His land,
And pity His people.
19The Lord will answer and say to His people,
“Behold, I will send you #
Jer. 31:12; Hos. 2:21, 22; Joel 1:10; (Mal. 3:10)
grain and new wine and oil,
And you will be satisfied by them;
I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations.
20“But #
Ex. 10:19
I will remove far from you #
Jer. 1:14, 15
the northern army,
And will drive him away into a barren and desolate land,
With his face toward the eastern sea
And his back #
Deut. 11:24
toward the western sea;
His stench will come up,
And his foul odor will rise,
Because he has done monstrous things.”
21Fear not, O land;
Be glad and rejoice,
For the Lord has done marvelous things!
22Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field;
For #
Joel 1:19
the open pastures are springing up,
And the tree bears its fruit;
The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.
23Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And #
Deut. 11:14; Is. 41:16; Jer. 5:24; Hab. 3:18; Zech. 10:7
rejoice in the Lord your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He #
Lev. 26:4; Hos. 6:3; Zech. 10:1; James 5:7
will cause the rain to come down for you—
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month.
24The threshing floors shall be full of wheat,
And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil.
25“So I will restore to you the years #
Joel 1:4–7; 2:2–11
that the swarming locust has eaten,
The crawling locust,
The consuming locust,
And the chewing locust,
My great army which I sent among you.
26You shall #
Lev. 26:5; Deut. 11:15; Is. 62:9
eat in plenty and be satisfied,
And praise the name of the Lord your God,
Who has dealt wondrously with you;
And My people shall never be put to #
Is. 45:17
shame.
27Then you shall know that I am#
Lev. 26:11, 12; (Joel 3:17, 21)
in the midst of Israel:
#
(Is. 45:5, 6)
I am the Lord your God
And there is no other.
My people shall never be put to shame.
God’s Spirit Poured Out
28“And#
Ezek. 39:29; Acts 2:17–21
it shall come to pass afterward
That #
Zech. 12:10
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
#
Is. 54:13
Your sons and your #
Acts 21:9
daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.
29And also on My#
(1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28)
menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
30“And #
Matt. 24:29; Mark 13:24, 25; Luke 21:11, 25, 26; Acts 2:19
I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
31#
Is. 13:9, 10; 34:4; Joel 2:10; 3:15; Matt. 24:29; Mark 13:24; Luke 21:25; Acts 2:20; Rev. 6:12, 13
The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
#
Is. 13:9; Zeph. 1:14–16; (Mal. 4:1, 5, 6)
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
32And it shall come to pass
That#
Jer. 33:3; Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:13
whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.
For #
Is. 46:13; (Rom. 11:26)
in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance,
As the Lord has said,
Among #
Is. 11:11; Jer. 31:7; (Mic. 4:7); Rom. 9:27
the remnant whom the Lord calls.
Isaiah 55:8-11 KJV For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord . For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Praying God's Prayers
I think one of the reasons we sometimes feel unfulfilled in prayer or sense that we are not "finished" praying about a matter is that we spend so much time just praying our prayers. But I tell you, there is a better, higher, more effective way: praying God's prayers. To be honest with you, if I am praying my prayer, I can pray about something for fifteen minutes and still feel unfinished; but if I am being led by the Holy Spirit and praying God's prayer, I can pray two sentences and feel completely satisfied.
I find that when I pray Spirit-led prayers, they are usually simpler and shorter than mine would be. They are direct, straightforward, and to the point. I feel satisfied that the task is complete when I pray God's way instead of my own way. When we pray our own way, we often focus on praying for carnal things and circumstances, but if we are led by God we will find ourselves praying for eternal things like the purity of our thoughts and motives and a deeper relationship with God. Ask God to teach you how to pray His prayers instead of your own and you will enjoy prayer much more.
God's word for you today: Pray God's prayers, not your prayers.
God Speaks Through Gifts and Abilities
People often wonder, What am I supposed to do with my life? What is my purpose for being alive? Does God have a plan for me? One way God answers these questions is through our natural gifts and abilities. He leads us to understand our purpose through the skills and talents He gives us.
A God-given talent, or what we often call "a gift," is something we can do easily, something that comes naturally. For example, many great artists know just how to put shapes and colors together, so they enjoy painting, sculpting, or designing buildings. Many songwriters hear music in their heads, and they simply write down these melodies and/or lyrics to make beautiful music. Some people have natural abilities to organize or administrate, while others are gifted as counselors, helping people sort out their lives and relationships. No matter what our talents are, we derive great pleasure from doing what we are naturally good at doing.
If you are not sure of your purpose in life, just do what you are good at and then watch God confirm your choices by blessing your endeavors. Don't spend your life trying to do what you are not gifted to do. When people work in jobs where they are not gifted, they are miserable - and so is everyone around them. But when people are in their proper places, they will excel in their jobs and be a blessing to their employers and coworkers.
If we do what we are good at doing, we will sense God's anointing (presence and power) on our efforts. We will know we are operating in our gifts and that doing so honors God and ministers life to others. God speaks to us through this anointing, giving us peace and joy to know we are fulfilling His plan for our lives.
Always Available
The fact that the Holy Spirit lives inside of us proves His willingness to always be available to speak to us and help us when we need Him. As we continue to grow spiritually, we will experience temptation, but God has given us the Holy Spirit to enable us to resist it and make right choices instead of wrong ones.
Nevertheless, no human being is perfect and we will make mistakes. But God's forgiveness is always available to us through Jesus Christ. Receiving this forgiveness strengthens us and enables us to keep moving forward with God. It also puts our hearts at peace, sets us free, and helps us hear God's voice clearly.
Feeling defeated and condemned by every mistake we make weakens us. Instead of using our energy to feel bad about ourselves, we should use it to make sure our hearts are tuned to God's voice as He leads us into greater strength and deeper relationship with Himself. His forgiveness and His presence are always available to us through the Holy Spirit. As you seek God today, I encourage you to receive His love and mercy. His arms are open and He is waiting to spend time with you.
Praise Your Way into God's Presence
There are ways to make ourselves available to hear God's voice and one of them is to enter into respectful, heartfelt praise and worship. God delights to manifest His presence and power to people who are truly praising and worshipping Him. And when His presence and power come, we hear His voice, we see miracles, people are healed, lives are changed, and transformation takes place from the inside out.
Isn't that part of what you desire in your relationship with God? When you talk to Him and listen for His voice, aren't you praying primarily because you want some kind of change or transformation in some area of your life? If you are asking Him to provide a new job, that's change. If you are praying for a loved one to come to know the Lord, that's change. If you are asking God to reveal Himself more to you and to help you grow in spiritual maturity, that's change. If you are praying for the teenager who lives down the street to stop using drugs, that's change. If you are asking God to help you not lose your temper so easily, that's change.
Whatever you are praying for, one of the best ways to start is with praise and worship. They will keep your heart right before God and make a way for you to hear His voice and for change to take place.
shared Alethea McClendon's status via Facebook
STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE...........STOP playing church moving by emotions and not by the Spirit of God. STOP the entertainment. STOP the competitiveness. STOP the money lines. STOP busting through the church doors week after week, heading conferences like you are some shot caller, quoting scriptures, shouting until your throat went dry, holding down the amen corner, and going to the altar week after week wanting to get deliverance but want change from your unrighteous ways. STOP promoting self and promote Jesus. STOP seeking fame and fortune and seek Jesus. Pastors STOP manipulating the people to give. STOP singing songs that do not line up with the Word of God. STOP apologizing for preaching the truth. If you teach the people to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first the money will come and the people won't mind giving because of the CONVICTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, but learn how to prepare your congregation for the terrible times that is getting ready to take place. You do hear from God right? You do see the spirit of antichrist at work right? Well Get busy, because the church faith is about to be tried and tested. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God [1Peter4:17]. BECAUSE IF WE CAN TEAR DOWN THE STRONGHOLDS IN THE CHURCH WE CAN THEN TEAR THEM DOWN IN THE CITY AND BE THE CHURCH HELL CAN NOT HANDLE.
Kingdom People
Jesus shaped His disciples with spiritual readiness so they might love people in the middle of their need. He taught them to be confident when praying for the hurting, and to be sensitive when reaching out to those who showed a hunger for God’s love. He was preparing Kingdom people—people who understand who they are and what they, as the Body of Christ, can become. Kingdom people move into each day as ordinary people, who can become naturally supernatural—that is, available to the Holy Spirit’s direction and power.
BrotherBGD#2
Renewed2013
Matthew 10:5-8 KJV
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 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.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Apostle Victory via Facebook
CAN'T YOU HEAR THAT SAINTS? THATS THE ABUNDANCE OF RAIN WITH YOUR STUFF POURING DOWN UPON YOU. YOUR BLUEPRINT FOR DESTINY, YOUR DEBT FREE LIFESTYLE, YOUR FINANCES FOR YOUR BUILDING AND THE BLESSING TO SPEAK IT ALL INTO EXISTENCE. DON'T YOU FEEL THE SHIFT? LOOK AROUND GOD HAS REMOVED SOME FOLKS AND SET THE TABLE SO THAT IN THIS DISPENSATION THEY WILL ALL KNOW: FAMILY, FRIENDS, ASSOCIATES, FRIENEMIES, NAYSAYERS, AND ALIKE THAT YOU ARE ''THE CHOZEN'' GOD'S ELECT AND ALL YOU WENT THROUGH WAS SO GOD COULD RESURERECT WHAT OTHERS DON'T WANT DEAD. ''SELF'' NOW EVERYTHING YOU DO, OR HAVE IS ALL HIM SOMEBODY BETTER CATCH WHAT WAS JUST SPOKEN. I SAID SUCH AS YOU HAVE IT COMES FROM ABOVE OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH GLORY KING JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Walk & Yield to the fruits of the Holy Spirit! Feed this world good fruit it has lost a large % of flavor & needs the Church like never before! Rise up new army in the name of Jesus Christ & lets declare victory & take the land! Time to fast into position & preach the authentic gospel. Father let your will be done in all things! HELP US HELP YOU!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Much of Paul's life is told in the book, Acts of the Apostles, in the New Testament. He made several journeys to cities on and near the Mediterranean Sea, and everywhere he helped the people to become Christians and to set up churches. At first Paul was accompanied by an apostle name Barnabas. On later trips he took with him other Apostles named Silas, Timothy, and Luke (who wrote one of the gospels and also the book of Acts).
Paul was often persecuted. Five times thirty-nine lashes given under Jewish law. He was imprisoned for two years at the city of Caesarea, and would have been put to death except that he was a Roman citizen and had the right to appeal to Caesar (the emperor). Festus, the Roman governor at Caesarea, had him put on a ship and sent to Rome. On the way, the ship was shipwrecked and Paul finally reached Rome by land. The journey of a few hundred miles took almost two years. He spent another two years in jail before he came to trial before the emperor Nero.
The Bible does not carry the life of Paul any farther, but the tradition of those times has led many writers to believe that Paul was released in Rome, preached Christianity there for a short time, but was put to death in one of the frequent persecutions of Christians that occurred in the reign of Nero. His death, then, would be sometime around the year 60, when Paul was about 50 years old. The traditional date is the year 67. 15 of the 28 books of the New Testament were written by Paul. They were epistles (letters) written to members of Christian churches in cities that Paul had visited. In these letters Paul explains the teachings of Jesus, advises the congregations on the duties of Christians, and encourages them to trust in Christ Jesus in spite of the dangers to being Christ followers in those times.
Paul from 1954...Illustrated World Encyclopedia
Paul was one of the greatest men of the early Christian Church. He wrote more of the New Testament than any other man. He was not one of the original Apostles of Jesus, but he traveled farther to preach the gospel and won more converts to Christ than any of the others, and he is called St. Paul the Apostle.
Paul was born about fifteen years after Jesus was born. His birthplace was Tarsus, a city in Asia Minor, which then belonged to Rome. Paul's family were Pharisees, strict members of the Jewish religion, but were Roman citizens. Paul was actually given the name Saul, but later he used his Roman name, Paulus, instead of his original name.
As a young man Saul went to Jerusalem, where he learned to be a tentmaker and a rabbi ( teacher of the Jewish religion ). Jesus had been crucified a short time before. His disciples and a few others in Jerusalem and Damascus, a nearby city, were the only Christians. Saul was a leader in the persecuting the Christians in Jerusalem, and then he was sent to Damascus to persecute the Christians there. While Saul was on the road to Damascus, Jesus appeared to him in the heavens and said, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" From that time on, Saul recongnized Jesus as his master. When he reached Damascus, he preached Christianity instead of persecuting the Christians. He was almost captured and put to death in Damascus, but he made a dramatic escape from the walled city and returned to Jerusalem to join the Christians there as Paul the Apostle.
God loves doing things outside of the system/box!
The Grace In Which We Stand A lot of us are struggling under legalism even though we speak of living by grace. We're trying hard to keep the rules, assuming that God will reward our good behavior and (hopefully) overlook our mistakes. I've been a dedicated rule-keeper myself. My mom and dad taught me some basic rules, and most of them were excellent right over the plate. But they're not biblical, and they have nothing to do with my standing before God. They taught me everyone needs a solid eight hours of sleep each night. When you get up in the morning, you brush your teeth. And do the same before going to bed. Before you eat a meal, you wash your hands. Period. And when you pray, you must close your eyes. Once a visiting pastor spoke in our small church, and when he prayed, he did not close his eyes. (I peeked.) I decided that either he was a phony, or that this particular "eyes-closed" rule might not be of the iron-clad variety. Too often we define Christianity by a list of arbitrary do's and don'ts, reducing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ to an exercise in rule-keeping. But God cannot be put into a box. He's much, much bigger than that. And His grace is super-abundant. Make no mistake. We stand right before God not on the basis of our ability to keep an exhaustive list of rules, but on the rock-solid reality of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. When we place our faith in Him, His grace "covers" us, and His righteousness becomes our own.
BrotherBGD#2
Renewed2013
Romans 5:1-11 NLT
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Ephesians 6:10-20 NLT
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
❤❤~ Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited; it is not rude and does not act unbecomingly. Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)~❤❤
Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV
Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
SLAVES TO RIGHTEOUSNESS
Romans 6:15-23 KJV ...
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom
ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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