But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. - 2 Timothy 3:1 (Amplified Bible).
Do you believe the Word of God? If so, you would surely agree that we are in "perilous times". We must recognize that these perilous times prophesied are not the "will of God", but rather show the foreknowledge of God. His Word states that the heart of man tends continually towards evil. That has certainly been borne out if one looks at history. That tendency towards evil has led to much trouble in this world. The Old Testament speaks of defiling the land through sin. It lead to famines, floods and even captivity. The end result of defilement of the land is a land that is uninhabitable.
One of the great truths of Scripture is that our God changes not. God is a God of principles. Yes, the Law was fulfilled by Christ our Redeemer, but lawlessness and the wages of sin were not done away with. An escape from that wage / penalty is available to all who repent - turn from their wicked ways and pursue God and learn of His ways.
Justice
is turned away backward, and righteousness (uprightness and right
standing with God) stands far off; for truth has fallen in the street
(the city’s forum), and uprightness cannot enter [the courts of
justice]. - Isaiah 59:14 (Amplified Bible). Do you hear the Truth that makes one free espoused by our leaders in the city / state or National forum's? No, we hear Scriptural lies. Lies that lead to separation from the Grace and Mercy of our God. As a Nation, we push away His Word / Truth, and with it, we push away His protection and provision. The verse is self explanatory as you think about it just a bit.
The Lord spoke to Cain concerning his brother Abel "He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground." Genesis 4:10 (NASB). From that day until this, the shedding of innocent blood brings defilement and pushes back the protection and provision of our God. He is long-suffering, but there is a time when the space to repent comes to an end. Along the way, the graciousness of God warns and warns to turn from our wickedness and seek Him so our land can be healed (of it's defilement).
Do you not think the blood of millions of innocent babies murdered through abortion crying out to God? Can you imagine the "voice" of innocent blood rising to the Lord from a land killing it's babies through abortion and morning after pills in addition to all the other lives taken in various ways with out justice in this once great land?
IF we belong to God, WE MUST raise our voices as watchmen and those who would warn the ignorant and even the uncaring of impending peril because we push back the covering of our God. Psalms 91 says we are to say of the Lord - "YOU ARE MY REFUGE". Do you hear that in the city forum? Do you hear that in many churches? Is it heard in your home? We must declare the greatness and ability of our God. We must be sorrowful for our personal and National sin. We must demand our leaders to be righteous before God, and stand for His Truth so justice against evil can prevail.
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.".
From that Truth, I release out of the faith of the Christ who lives in me, His Love to destroy every fear of man. I release His Light to shine into and dispel the darkness enveloping our Nation. I release His Peace into the confusion of men, leaders, and committees who attempt to function without Scriptural foundation. I release His Strength into the perceived weakness of the Body of Christ on the earth - His Church. I release Him, the Spirit of Truth to expose and diffuse every lie spoken to cover or advance covenants with death. I release His Hope towards all hopelessness. I say out of Christ, we are being strengthened with Your Might; we do have the Mind of Christ; we are more than conquerors in Christ; we are rising to shine Your Light into this dark world; we receive of Your courage manifesting as boldness to speak Your Word so signs and wonders can be done by Your Hand; You are our Hope and Salvation.
We bless Your Name Lord, we honor You and Your Word today. We praise and give thanks for all that you have done, and for all that will yet manifest so many will see the greatness of You. You said the knowledge of Your Glory would one day cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. We are looking towards that day. We WILL ARISE AND STAND IN YOU.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Stay The Course
William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army is credited with the following statement; I consider that the chief dangers that confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God and heaven without hell."
Was he prophetic or what?? Acts 10:38 says "You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." You have an anointing that abides in you according to the Epistle of John. The same Spirit that raised Christ from dead dwells in you and will make alive even your mortal body according to Romans 8:11. It is Holy Spirit who introduces us to Christ, that is brings conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment.
How can we have Christianity without Christ? Listen, read and discover that far to many are inclusive of other so-called gods. "What fellowship has Christ with the devil?" Paul asked. Do you suppose for a moment that Christ is going to be a partner with false gods in any place of worship? Do you know those who attempt to display their Christianity by their works and fail to worship, praise, mention or give thanks to Jesus Christ the One and Only redeemer who gave His life and then arose from the dead and was seen by hundreds of witnesses, even at one time. Do you suppose those who are apparently ashamed to mention Him in their daily lives are being mentioned at the Throne of God? Their is NO Christian life without Christ, and their is no Christ in our lives without the presence and influence of Holy Spirit.
In Luke 24:45 - 47, it is written "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem." Men still SIN. Repentance, a sorrow for committing the sin against God, and a change of heart concerning it are still the ONLY WAY to apply the Blood of Christ which washes away our sin. We are to confess our sins before Him, and receiving the Truth that He is faithful and just to forgive us of all unrighteousness. Acts 27 tell us "He now commands all men everywhere to repent". Don't buy the lie that you don't need to repent. Don't buy the lie that you only have "issues" or "problems". If not of faith, it is sin. Repent and be cleansed.
Only by being Born-again, can one enter heaven. Jesus said you MUST BE BORN AGAIN. You cannot be saved by a "social" gospel that declares your works will earn you a way into heaven, or that everyone is going to heaven because they are basically good. Titus 3:5 says "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,". The Way IS narrow, and the path straight that leads to Life. That broad, easy way leads to death (separation from God)
Do we have "politics without God" as Booth feared? Listen to or read only a few news stories any you quickly discover any mention of God is being strongly discouraged in any public place. To many believe they are granted "freedom FROM religion" in lieu of "freedom OF religion" in our Constitution. Without the provision and protection of God in our Land, we increasingly have overwhelming difficulties that we as mere men cannot solve, or in some cases even stand.
Heaven without Hell, Booth spoke of. When is the last time you faced the issue that there is a Heaven to gain, and a hell to shun? Are you aware that hell is everlasting torment in darkness being separated from God who is the source of all Light? Do you know that the decision concerning you eternal abode (Heaven or hell) is made now, in this lifetime. Today is the day to choose Life, to choose Christ as your personal redeemer and know that Heaven is your eternal home - not because of any good thing you have done, but rather because He paid the price with His own Blood. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.
Let as many as be saved, contend for the Faith once and for all delivered to us. Let us arise and shine with the Glory of the Risen Lord radiating out from our lives. Let us recognize we have been crucified with Him, and that the life we now live is not our own, but rather let us live out of and by the faith of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. Let us stay the course. Be strengthened with His Might in your inner man today. Rejoice and be glad in Him. Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and see the Salvation of God in your own life today.
Read and believe Romans 10 verses 9 and 10. Look at Ephesians chapters one and two. After you read it, repent as needed, apply the Truth of the Word of God and experience Him today. Be blessed in your walk of faith in Christ.
Was he prophetic or what?? Acts 10:38 says "You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." You have an anointing that abides in you according to the Epistle of John. The same Spirit that raised Christ from dead dwells in you and will make alive even your mortal body according to Romans 8:11. It is Holy Spirit who introduces us to Christ, that is brings conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment.
How can we have Christianity without Christ? Listen, read and discover that far to many are inclusive of other so-called gods. "What fellowship has Christ with the devil?" Paul asked. Do you suppose for a moment that Christ is going to be a partner with false gods in any place of worship? Do you know those who attempt to display their Christianity by their works and fail to worship, praise, mention or give thanks to Jesus Christ the One and Only redeemer who gave His life and then arose from the dead and was seen by hundreds of witnesses, even at one time. Do you suppose those who are apparently ashamed to mention Him in their daily lives are being mentioned at the Throne of God? Their is NO Christian life without Christ, and their is no Christ in our lives without the presence and influence of Holy Spirit.
In Luke 24:45 - 47, it is written "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem." Men still SIN. Repentance, a sorrow for committing the sin against God, and a change of heart concerning it are still the ONLY WAY to apply the Blood of Christ which washes away our sin. We are to confess our sins before Him, and receiving the Truth that He is faithful and just to forgive us of all unrighteousness. Acts 27 tell us "He now commands all men everywhere to repent". Don't buy the lie that you don't need to repent. Don't buy the lie that you only have "issues" or "problems". If not of faith, it is sin. Repent and be cleansed.
Only by being Born-again, can one enter heaven. Jesus said you MUST BE BORN AGAIN. You cannot be saved by a "social" gospel that declares your works will earn you a way into heaven, or that everyone is going to heaven because they are basically good. Titus 3:5 says "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,". The Way IS narrow, and the path straight that leads to Life. That broad, easy way leads to death (separation from God)
Do we have "politics without God" as Booth feared? Listen to or read only a few news stories any you quickly discover any mention of God is being strongly discouraged in any public place. To many believe they are granted "freedom FROM religion" in lieu of "freedom OF religion" in our Constitution. Without the provision and protection of God in our Land, we increasingly have overwhelming difficulties that we as mere men cannot solve, or in some cases even stand.
Heaven without Hell, Booth spoke of. When is the last time you faced the issue that there is a Heaven to gain, and a hell to shun? Are you aware that hell is everlasting torment in darkness being separated from God who is the source of all Light? Do you know that the decision concerning you eternal abode (Heaven or hell) is made now, in this lifetime. Today is the day to choose Life, to choose Christ as your personal redeemer and know that Heaven is your eternal home - not because of any good thing you have done, but rather because He paid the price with His own Blood. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.
Let as many as be saved, contend for the Faith once and for all delivered to us. Let us arise and shine with the Glory of the Risen Lord radiating out from our lives. Let us recognize we have been crucified with Him, and that the life we now live is not our own, but rather let us live out of and by the faith of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. Let us stay the course. Be strengthened with His Might in your inner man today. Rejoice and be glad in Him. Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and see the Salvation of God in your own life today.
Read and believe Romans 10 verses 9 and 10. Look at Ephesians chapters one and two. After you read it, repent as needed, apply the Truth of the Word of God and experience Him today. Be blessed in your walk of faith in Christ.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Stand Strong
Psalms 11:3 “If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” The
Message paraphrase says in verses 1 - 3 “Iʼve already run for dear life straight to the
arms of God. So why would I run away now when you say, “Run to the mountains; the
evil bows are bent, the wicked arrows Aimed to shoot under cover of darkness at every
heart open to God. The bottomʼs dropped out of the country; good people donʼt have a
chance”?
Message paraphrase says in verses 1 - 3 “Iʼve already run for dear life straight to the
arms of God. So why would I run away now when you say, “Run to the mountains; the
evil bows are bent, the wicked arrows Aimed to shoot under cover of darkness at every
heart open to God. The bottomʼs dropped out of the country; good people donʼt have a
chance”?
Those words of King David seem to ring true today in America as I see it. Malachi 2:17
(Message paraphrase) “You make God tired with all your talk.“How do we tire him out?”
you ask. By saying, “God loves sinners and sin alike. God loves all.” And also by saying,
“Judgment? Godʼs too nice to judge.”
As I look at the Word of God, I do not see what we in America define as “political
correctness”. God does love the people of this world - enough so that He gave His Son
as ransom. The price for sin has been paid by the Blood of Jesus Christ for all who
believe on Him. God however, hates sin. When men, even those calling themselves
“christian” refuse to take a stand against sin and suggest that whatever you do is okay
with God, we are being lied to. When men say we are not to judge anything, and imply
that even God is not judging that which is contrary to His Word, we are being lied to.
When men say that everything is wonderful and America will always be the land of the
free and the home of the brave, we are being lied to.
When leaders in our land say that America was not founded on Christ and the Word of
God and that we must suppress our Christian views lest we offend someone, we are
being lied to. When we bowed to the pressures of this world and removed prayer and
public references to God our Creator, we were being lied to. When we are told that all
of Islam is a peace-loving religion, we are being lied to. When we are told that our
grade school age children need to have comprehensive sex education, we are being
lied to.
I could go on, but Iʼm sure you get the point - our foundations are destroyed and being
destroyed, the bottoms dropped out, and those with righteous, virtuous morals hardly
stand a chance. Christians and Patriotic individuals are being categorized as potential
terror threats to our Nation. It is time - perhaps past time, to stand up and be counted
as a citizen of Heaven and a citizen of America. As citizens of Heaven, we have a King
whose Word is law, and must be followed. America is a Nation of laws, and as citizens,
we are supposed to be a government “of the people, by the people and for the people”.
We, the people must insist that this Nation return to itʼs own ancient path of
righteousness by running to God as individuals, and then as a Nation. We cannot
continue to think we can “blend” with other Godʼs and be safe. We cannot bow to
demands contrary to the Word of God.
Good people do have a chance, IF, we run towards God, seek His face and turn away
from the multitude of evil ways allowed to flourish in this season, asking for His Mercy to
heal our land. Only yesterday (May 2, 2013) thousands gathered together on the 62nd
annual National Day of Prayer to repent and ask God to reveal Himself once again in
our Nation. Most were rank and file citizens. Far to many officials were absent and did
not (in some cases would not) participate. If we donʼt have leaders who faithfully honor
our God, then, it is time to judge ourselves as poor citizens concerning who we elect,
change our ways and then stand up and demand righteous leadership so the Light of
God can shine out once again across our Land and cause America to prosper as it
once did.
conviction to those defying Him by revealing their need for a Savior. We desire all men
to be saved. May you be blessed as you increasingly learn of Him so that grace and
peace can be multiplied in your life. Stand strong in Him.
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