Saturday, September 15, 2012
Lybian helps Jesus
Drinking alcohol
Despite the stiff penalties and public awareness campaigns, drunk driving remains a serious problem in the United States. In 2005, 16,885 people died in alcohol-related crashes and almost 1.4 million people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
On this day in 1897, a 25-year-old London taxi driver named George Smith becomes the first person ever arrested for drunk driving after slamming his cab into a building. Smith later pled guilty and was fined 25 shillings.In the United States, the first laws against operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol went into effect in New York in 1910.
Since Hallmark says this is National Swap Idea Day, let me swap this idea with you.
Nothing but heartache comes from drinking alcohol. It is unnecessary in a persons life. It does more to contribute sadness and loss then anything else. Whats worse is your government promotes the idea of your addiction. The government wants you addicted. To them it means your addiction=more revenue for your city. Go to jail pay fines, crash a car employee insurance companies. Get divorced pay into the judicial system. Pay, Pay, Pay and pay when you allow the vice of alcohol. God has an idea altogether different from a wicked government;
"Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." PROVERBS 23:31-32
"Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken ..." HABAKKUK 2:15
Look at the tragedies of the Kennedy family. The family curse is often spoken of. After Prohibition ended in 1933, Kennedy consolidated an even larger fortune when he traveled to Scotland with FDR's son, James Roosevelt, to buy distribution rights for Scotch whiskey. His company, Somerset Importers, became the exclusive American agent for Gordon's Gin and Dewar's Scotch. In addition, Kennedy purchased spirits-importation rights from Schenley Industries, a firm in Canada. One tragic death after another in his lineage now known as the Kennedy Curse could have been avoided by not putting strong drink to so many poor misled Americans.
I pray over America that the sales of Alcohol would come crashing down. That people would come to their senses both rich and poor and recognize it is so unnecessary in their life.
Don't want to listen to the Bible? Listen to this doctor--Alcohol continuously destroys brain cells, even if taken in small quantities. Chronic alcoholics almost always have the following things in common: a disinterested good nature, often with a childlike personality, and a simple trust, which can suddenly turn into aggression, crying or erratic behaviour without provocation. This is not only due to the acute alcohol intake, but is almost always a result of the destruction of brain cells which is irreversible. The destruction of large parts of the brain eventually leads to complete stupefaction. Pharmaceutical drug poisoning and chronic drug abuse have similar effects on brain activity.
A german doctor criticized a mother for allowing her 13 year old son to have a 'double' every now and again. He said alcohol consumed as a child leads to brain damage. The doctor is one hundred percent right. It is simply irresponsible of you, as a mother, to allow a 13 year old child to consume high amounts of alcohol.
Young people's brains are especially at risk, because the bloodbrainbarrier (which only closes at 17 or 18 years old) is still open. In addition, here is a figure which clarifies just how dangerous such alcohol intake is for children: A drunken stupor permanently destroys up to seven million brain cells in an adult. It is even more dangerous for a child because, as mentioned earlier, the bloodbrainbarrier is still open.
Be free from alcohol today. It is a snare to you. Life is better without it. And now you know my thoughts for today.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Betrayal
Have you ever been betrayed? It hurts doesn't it? Maybe you experience pain from being the one who betrayed. In either case, the consequences are tremendous.
The most immediate effect of the betrayal of trust is in the emotional impact on the person betrayed. Generally speaking, the greater the trust that you had put in the other person and the greater the impact their betrayal has on you, then the greater the distress you will feel.
A number of different emotions may be felt upon realizing you have been betrayed. The most common is anger although, depending on the situation, you might even have fear about the loss of the relationship. You might feel repulsion at the lack of integrity of the other person.
"For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. My times are in Thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant: save me for Thy mercies' sake." Psalm 31:13,15,16
When you are betrayed by someone, it is highly likely that you will not easily trust them again. Trust is fragile and can be lost instantly or there is a hysteresis whereby a long-earned trust may be eroded and then suddenly lost.
When a person feels that they have been betrayed, they may well seek some form of justice, putting right (at least for them) what they feel has been wronged, including their sensibilities. It is important to remember that God will show mercy to you when you have someone betray you.
"Yea, mine own familiar friend, in who I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. BUT THOU, O Lord, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them."
So don't get into these situations!! If you betray someone, it is often best to come clean. Accept responsibility for personal failure and personally apologize. Demonstrate how you will fix your own failure, and offer compensation.
The alternatives to these recovery actions may cost you much more.
I heard a preacher once say, "Someone you are trusting is trusting someone you would not."
The most immediate effect of the betrayal of trust is in the emotional impact on the person betrayed. Generally speaking, the greater the trust that you had put in the other person and the greater the impact their betrayal has on you, then the greater the distress you will feel.
A number of different emotions may be felt upon realizing you have been betrayed. The most common is anger although, depending on the situation, you might even have fear about the loss of the relationship. You might feel repulsion at the lack of integrity of the other person.
"For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. My times are in Thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant: save me for Thy mercies' sake." Psalm 31:13,15,16
When you are betrayed by someone, it is highly likely that you will not easily trust them again. Trust is fragile and can be lost instantly or there is a hysteresis whereby a long-earned trust may be eroded and then suddenly lost.
When a person feels that they have been betrayed, they may well seek some form of justice, putting right (at least for them) what they feel has been wronged, including their sensibilities. It is important to remember that God will show mercy to you when you have someone betray you.
"Yea, mine own familiar friend, in who I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. BUT THOU, O Lord, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them."
So don't get into these situations!! If you betray someone, it is often best to come clean. Accept responsibility for personal failure and personally apologize. Demonstrate how you will fix your own failure, and offer compensation.
The alternatives to these recovery actions may cost you much more.
I heard a preacher once say, "Someone you are trusting is trusting someone you would not."
Monday, August 16, 2010
Believing
To believe by definition is to accept as absolute truth or as real; to expect or suppose. Whoever you trust really does control your future. Who are you trusting in? At one time I had a hard time putting my trust in the Lord. I trusted relatives, government, employers, friends, church leadership, school authorities and so many other people. Many trust in what the doctor says and what the countries president says. But few trust in what God and HIS word says.
The scriptures say alot about believing:
"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24
Are you believing for the better? Where you are and what you have may not be GOD'S best for your life right now and it may be that God wants you to believe HIM as your source. To believe HIM as your source means that you must trust HIM.
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matthew 21:22 When you ask God for something are you asking him in faith, believing that HE wants you to have it?
"Without faith it is impossible to please HIM: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a re-warder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
The doubt and unbelief in your life right now is a clue to who is controlling you or controlling your situation. Cut the doubt out of your life and increase GOD'S word in your eyes and ears and watch faith come. Watch yourself start believing again.
Faith stops at every question mark in your life. What question marks do you have right now that is keeping you out of believing for more from God.
Heavenly Father, I ask that you give my friend the GOD KIND OF FAITH. I rebuke doubt and unbelief and command your spirit, your human spirit to start receiving the GOD KIND of FAITH that moves mountains. In Jesus Name. AMEN!
The scriptures say alot about believing:
"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24
Are you believing for the better? Where you are and what you have may not be GOD'S best for your life right now and it may be that God wants you to believe HIM as your source. To believe HIM as your source means that you must trust HIM.
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matthew 21:22 When you ask God for something are you asking him in faith, believing that HE wants you to have it?
"Without faith it is impossible to please HIM: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a re-warder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
The doubt and unbelief in your life right now is a clue to who is controlling you or controlling your situation. Cut the doubt out of your life and increase GOD'S word in your eyes and ears and watch faith come. Watch yourself start believing again.
Faith stops at every question mark in your life. What question marks do you have right now that is keeping you out of believing for more from God.
Heavenly Father, I ask that you give my friend the GOD KIND OF FAITH. I rebuke doubt and unbelief and command your spirit, your human spirit to start receiving the GOD KIND of FAITH that moves mountains. In Jesus Name. AMEN!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The anointing upon and the anointing within. When you get salvation the Holy Spirit comes to live with inside of you. Experiencing the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of Speaking in tongues is when HIS spirit comes on you and you have the anointing upon.
Too many Christians today have the spirit within but not upon. He has anointed you with power to be witnesses, not for your personal entertainment. Too many people play with the anointing and become casual with it.
Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?
When the apostle Paul met the twelve believers in Ephesus (Acts 19:2) he asked
them a question - "Have you received the Holy Spirit?" They answered
"No, they hadn't even heard about receiving the Holy Spirit". Paul prayed
together with them and "the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke
with tongues and prophesied". The same thing happened to the 120 people
waiting on God's promise of His Holy Spirit in Jerusalem on the day we now
call Pentecost. They ALL (including Mother Mary, Jesus Mother) also spoke with tongues and prophesied (Acts 1 & 2 ). This was all spoke about by Jesus and should have been expected since Jesus was said to be the one who would baptize in the Holy Spirit and fire.
What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit for?
Jesus said that we would "receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you"
in Acts 1:8. Power to live holy lives, power to witness, power to pray, to
understand scripture, power to minister, and power deny ourselves. (Acts 9:17-20;
John 16:14; Luke 24:24; Rom . 8:26).
The Holy Spirit is to be received by all believers so that they can receive, with the power, certain "gifts" from God. There are nine gifts of the Holy Spirit associated with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit they are all found in 2 Corinthians- These are God's gifts to today's church. There are nine of them but they can be divided up into three groups of three.
I. The relation gifts
1-Word of Wisdom 2-Word of Knowledge 3-The Discerning of spirits
II. The power gifts
1-The gift of Faith 2-The gifts of healing 3-The Working of Miracles
III. The Inspiration gifts
1-The gift of Prophecy 2-Various kinds of Tongues 3-The Interpretation of Tongues
The Holy Spirit is to be received in order to see any of these gifts to be the active "body of Christ" ministering in the earth today. The Apostle Paul said for us to "earnestly desire spiritual gifts"
(1 Cor. 12:31, 14:1)
Who is the baptism in the Holy Spirit for?
Jesus said that "the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven"
so the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not for the casual inquirer (Matt. 12:31).
It is for 'born again' Christians, it is not 'dead religion' it is a living relationship with God, it is not for the unbelieving (John 14:16-17). There are times when I see ministers try to pray for Holy Spirit baptisms upon people when they don't even ensure that the people are saved. You must pray for salvation with people BEFORE they even attempt to receive such a baptism.
When you are sure you are a believer and also are willing to obey God in your life, then ask for the Holy Spirit to enter your life and to fill you and cleanse you with His fire (Matt. 3:11); "Your heavenly father will give the Holy Spirit to them that
ask of Him" (Luke 11:13). The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for now and has always been available for any believer bold enough to trust God and obey God. When the believers asked for advice of the apostles on the day of Pentecost "What should we do?" they were told to "repent", "be baptized" and "receive the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Jesus said in His sermon on the mount blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled (Matt . 5:6).
Who does the baptizing?
Jesus is the baptizer (Matt 3:11) He baptizes with fire not water. There are actually seven types of baptism spoken of in Scriptures. Fire either
purifies or destroys. You may want to have other Spirit Filled Christians lay
hands on you and pray but it is not necessary. This is between you and God,
just as your salvation is (Acts 2; 10:44-46; 19:6)
I really want to caution you. If you still have reservations about your Christian commitment or if you are secretly still practicing sin be careful. Fire purifies, but don't be afraid. The gift - the promise of our heavenly Father is not evil - he said if your earthly fathers know to give their children good gifts, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to a child who asks for Him? A loving God would not first send His Son to die for us and then turn around and trick us by leading us into something evil. If you have ever been involved in the occult
(Fortune Telling through tea leave, palm reading, fortune cookies, horoscopes, Satanism, Witchcraft, Black Magic, Ouija Boards, Spirit-ism, Horror Movies, Harry Potter Books, fantasy collection cards or non Christian religions) then renounce these things before you seek the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Once you begin to live in the power of God's Holy Spirit Baptism you may become a target for Satan and he may try to confuse you in the supernatural leading in your life. Silence his voice and renounce his right to your life by confessing yourself a child of God in Jesus' name.
The occult involvement in any way in your life is NOT innocent child's play.
To engage in this breaks the first commandment and gives the devil legal access to our lives (Deut. 18:10-12).
If you are now going to seek supernatural guidance from God by His Holy Spirit then you need to silence all other occult influences in Jesus name (Acts 19:19) destroy all objects in your home or life that have supernatural ties. God speaks through our hearts not through mediums or objects.
Don't be afraid - there is no need to fear, simply trust God but it is good to be alert to Satan's tricks and resist Him (in Jesus' name) and he must flee (Jam. 4:7). If you are filled with the Holy Spirit 1 John 4:1 tells us not to just believe every spirit that speaks but to try the spirits to see if they are from God or not. "Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walks around
seeking who he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
Do not seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit if you do not want to be Holy and
obedient to God and are willing to have Him speak to you and guide your life.
Finally I do not want you to think that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the way
to "instant" sanctification and a source of personal power for your own use.
If this is your heart motivation for reading this tract, repent! You will have
neither part nor portion in this blessing of God. (Acts 8:14-24)
How can I receive the Holy Spirit?
With other Spirit filled Christians or privately, raise your hands up to God in
thankfulness and praise. You might close your eyes or leave them open. The
important thing is to "ask" - believing God's promise is for you - and then to
"receive" of your own free will the blessing of God, called the Baptism of the
Holy Spirit. Start to praise God with your voice, tongue and lips. He will not
force you to speak in tongues but you may if you wish.
The Scriptures tell us that when a man speaks in tongues, he does not speak to men but rather he speaks to God, mysteries. As the "Truth" of God's promised blessing fills you, let it set you free.
Step out in faith by moving your tongue or moving your lips or both. Don't try and mimic what someone else says. Your tongue will form words that are unintelligible to your intellect. Try to say something in a language that only God could understand speaking mysteries to God (1 Cor. 14:2).
Maybe you will only be bold enough to speak a few syllables but as you boldly repeat them God will bless you with more . Like a child, your new language of prayer to God will grow. Don't be afraid. This language is not for the benefit of other people it is between you and your Lord and Savior. You will probably not even understand what you are saying, but be assured that God says that as you use this prayer language you will be built up and become stronger in faith (Jude 20).
Your private worship of God will be blessed. You do not pray in tongues with your mind but with your spirit(1 Cor. 14:14-15) you are praying with y our spirit to God who is a spirit (John 4:24).
Even if you do not have the faith to speak in tongues at this time, its important
that you desire to (1 Cor. 14:1,5). One day you may just find yourself doing so.
Nevertheless because you invited the Holy Spirit to come into the "house" of
your life He has promised this gift to you. (Rev. 3:20).
You will therefore find a new intimacy with God as you worship and study God's ways. A new "fire" will burn in your life. A new fervency for God will be experienced and a new level of faith will be your. From time to time you may find the your fellowship with Christ is at a lower level. No need for alarm - just repent of your distraction and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you fresh. Depression will leave when you begin to exercise your spiritual prayer language.
Although there are seven baptisms mentioned in scripture, there will always be only one "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" but there can be many fillings of the Holy Spirit of God (Ep h. 3:14) God wants you to either be hot or cold - never ever be satisfied with a lukewarm Christian life (Rev 3:14-22). As you walk in the Spirit you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:16-25). Now its time for you to learn what the Gifts of the Spirit are and how they operate in your life.
Go ahead and pray with me now. Jesus, you are my baptizer in the Holy Spirit. I ask you now to forgive me of all sin and wash me in your redeeming blood. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and come into my life. I confess that JESUS IS LORD and I believe that God raised Jesus from the DEAD. Therefore, I am born again! Jesus baptism me with the Holy Spirit today...right now in JESUS NAME. AMEN
Now open your mouth and begin as the Holy Spirit gives you the utterance.
Someone once said that Peter spent 3 and 1/2 years walking side by side with Jesus and never became in one day what he became when the Holy Spirit came upon him. You too can become what Jesus wants you to be. Spend each day with the Holy Spirit and watch the power that comes through your life.
Too many Christians today have the spirit within but not upon. He has anointed you with power to be witnesses, not for your personal entertainment. Too many people play with the anointing and become casual with it.
Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?
When the apostle Paul met the twelve believers in Ephesus (Acts 19:2) he asked
them a question - "Have you received the Holy Spirit?" They answered
"No, they hadn't even heard about receiving the Holy Spirit". Paul prayed
together with them and "the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke
with tongues and prophesied". The same thing happened to the 120 people
waiting on God's promise of His Holy Spirit in Jerusalem on the day we now
call Pentecost. They ALL (including Mother Mary, Jesus Mother) also spoke with tongues and prophesied (Acts 1 & 2 ). This was all spoke about by Jesus and should have been expected since Jesus was said to be the one who would baptize in the Holy Spirit and fire.
What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit for?
Jesus said that we would "receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you"
in Acts 1:8. Power to live holy lives, power to witness, power to pray, to
understand scripture, power to minister, and power deny ourselves. (Acts 9:17-20;
John 16:14; Luke 24:24; Rom . 8:26).
The Holy Spirit is to be received by all believers so that they can receive, with the power, certain "gifts" from God. There are nine gifts of the Holy Spirit associated with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit they are all found in 2 Corinthians- These are God's gifts to today's church. There are nine of them but they can be divided up into three groups of three.
I. The relation gifts
1-Word of Wisdom 2-Word of Knowledge 3-The Discerning of spirits
II. The power gifts
1-The gift of Faith 2-The gifts of healing 3-The Working of Miracles
III. The Inspiration gifts
1-The gift of Prophecy 2-Various kinds of Tongues 3-The Interpretation of Tongues
The Holy Spirit is to be received in order to see any of these gifts to be the active "body of Christ" ministering in the earth today. The Apostle Paul said for us to "earnestly desire spiritual gifts"
(1 Cor. 12:31, 14:1)
Who is the baptism in the Holy Spirit for?
Jesus said that "the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven"
so the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not for the casual inquirer (Matt. 12:31).
It is for 'born again' Christians, it is not 'dead religion' it is a living relationship with God, it is not for the unbelieving (John 14:16-17). There are times when I see ministers try to pray for Holy Spirit baptisms upon people when they don't even ensure that the people are saved. You must pray for salvation with people BEFORE they even attempt to receive such a baptism.
When you are sure you are a believer and also are willing to obey God in your life, then ask for the Holy Spirit to enter your life and to fill you and cleanse you with His fire (Matt. 3:11); "Your heavenly father will give the Holy Spirit to them that
ask of Him" (Luke 11:13). The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for now and has always been available for any believer bold enough to trust God and obey God. When the believers asked for advice of the apostles on the day of Pentecost "What should we do?" they were told to "repent", "be baptized" and "receive the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Jesus said in His sermon on the mount blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled (Matt . 5:6).
Who does the baptizing?
Jesus is the baptizer (Matt 3:11) He baptizes with fire not water. There are actually seven types of baptism spoken of in Scriptures. Fire either
purifies or destroys. You may want to have other Spirit Filled Christians lay
hands on you and pray but it is not necessary. This is between you and God,
just as your salvation is (Acts 2; 10:44-46; 19:6)
I really want to caution you. If you still have reservations about your Christian commitment or if you are secretly still practicing sin be careful. Fire purifies, but don't be afraid. The gift - the promise of our heavenly Father is not evil - he said if your earthly fathers know to give their children good gifts, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to a child who asks for Him? A loving God would not first send His Son to die for us and then turn around and trick us by leading us into something evil. If you have ever been involved in the occult
(Fortune Telling through tea leave, palm reading, fortune cookies, horoscopes, Satanism, Witchcraft, Black Magic, Ouija Boards, Spirit-ism, Horror Movies, Harry Potter Books, fantasy collection cards or non Christian religions) then renounce these things before you seek the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Once you begin to live in the power of God's Holy Spirit Baptism you may become a target for Satan and he may try to confuse you in the supernatural leading in your life. Silence his voice and renounce his right to your life by confessing yourself a child of God in Jesus' name.
The occult involvement in any way in your life is NOT innocent child's play.
To engage in this breaks the first commandment and gives the devil legal access to our lives (Deut. 18:10-12).
If you are now going to seek supernatural guidance from God by His Holy Spirit then you need to silence all other occult influences in Jesus name (Acts 19:19) destroy all objects in your home or life that have supernatural ties. God speaks through our hearts not through mediums or objects.
Don't be afraid - there is no need to fear, simply trust God but it is good to be alert to Satan's tricks and resist Him (in Jesus' name) and he must flee (Jam. 4:7). If you are filled with the Holy Spirit 1 John 4:1 tells us not to just believe every spirit that speaks but to try the spirits to see if they are from God or not. "Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walks around
seeking who he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
Do not seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit if you do not want to be Holy and
obedient to God and are willing to have Him speak to you and guide your life.
Finally I do not want you to think that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the way
to "instant" sanctification and a source of personal power for your own use.
If this is your heart motivation for reading this tract, repent! You will have
neither part nor portion in this blessing of God. (Acts 8:14-24)
How can I receive the Holy Spirit?
With other Spirit filled Christians or privately, raise your hands up to God in
thankfulness and praise. You might close your eyes or leave them open. The
important thing is to "ask" - believing God's promise is for you - and then to
"receive" of your own free will the blessing of God, called the Baptism of the
Holy Spirit. Start to praise God with your voice, tongue and lips. He will not
force you to speak in tongues but you may if you wish.
The Scriptures tell us that when a man speaks in tongues, he does not speak to men but rather he speaks to God, mysteries. As the "Truth" of God's promised blessing fills you, let it set you free.
Step out in faith by moving your tongue or moving your lips or both. Don't try and mimic what someone else says. Your tongue will form words that are unintelligible to your intellect. Try to say something in a language that only God could understand speaking mysteries to God (1 Cor. 14:2).
Maybe you will only be bold enough to speak a few syllables but as you boldly repeat them God will bless you with more . Like a child, your new language of prayer to God will grow. Don't be afraid. This language is not for the benefit of other people it is between you and your Lord and Savior. You will probably not even understand what you are saying, but be assured that God says that as you use this prayer language you will be built up and become stronger in faith (Jude 20).
Your private worship of God will be blessed. You do not pray in tongues with your mind but with your spirit(1 Cor. 14:14-15) you are praying with y our spirit to God who is a spirit (John 4:24).
Even if you do not have the faith to speak in tongues at this time, its important
that you desire to (1 Cor. 14:1,5). One day you may just find yourself doing so.
Nevertheless because you invited the Holy Spirit to come into the "house" of
your life He has promised this gift to you. (Rev. 3:20).
You will therefore find a new intimacy with God as you worship and study God's ways. A new "fire" will burn in your life. A new fervency for God will be experienced and a new level of faith will be your. From time to time you may find the your fellowship with Christ is at a lower level. No need for alarm - just repent of your distraction and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you fresh. Depression will leave when you begin to exercise your spiritual prayer language.
Although there are seven baptisms mentioned in scripture, there will always be only one "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" but there can be many fillings of the Holy Spirit of God (Ep h. 3:14) God wants you to either be hot or cold - never ever be satisfied with a lukewarm Christian life (Rev 3:14-22). As you walk in the Spirit you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:16-25). Now its time for you to learn what the Gifts of the Spirit are and how they operate in your life.
Go ahead and pray with me now. Jesus, you are my baptizer in the Holy Spirit. I ask you now to forgive me of all sin and wash me in your redeeming blood. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and come into my life. I confess that JESUS IS LORD and I believe that God raised Jesus from the DEAD. Therefore, I am born again! Jesus baptism me with the Holy Spirit today...right now in JESUS NAME. AMEN
Now open your mouth and begin as the Holy Spirit gives you the utterance.
Someone once said that Peter spent 3 and 1/2 years walking side by side with Jesus and never became in one day what he became when the Holy Spirit came upon him. You too can become what Jesus wants you to be. Spend each day with the Holy Spirit and watch the power that comes through your life.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Bankruptcy
First let me say, "I am NOT a financial consultant". Not every one should consider bankruptcy. It may not be right for everyone and like any other financial plan should be used with extreme caution and you should get financial advise from a certified financial consultant.
With that being said, if you are considering bankruptcy, you should first understand that losing is your first key to learning. If you lost something or someone you need to take a step back and ask yourself what can I learn from this?
We read in the second half of Nehemiah 10:31, "Every seven years we will let our fields rest, and we will cancel all debts." This is where we get today our moden day rules and laws and regulations for today's bankruptcy.
Most Christians feel an overwhelming duty to pay their debts, even if that means sacrificing basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. To go bankrupt and to be unable to repay what you promised still carries a stigma that has driven many during this current crisis to even commit suicide in an attempt to escape the shame and of course the burden of debt or bankruptcy. Despite our society's current beliefs, make no mistake, the Bible clearly states that although Christians are required to repay their debts, no one is obligated to repay debts if, through no fault of their own, they become bankrupt.
A matter of fact, according to Jewish law, in the Bible it is required that debts be forgiven every 7 years.
Deuteronomy 15:1-2, "At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts. And this is the form of the release: Every creditor who has lent anything to his neighbor shall release it; he shall not require it of his neighbor or his brother, because it is called the Lord's release."
As Christians, there is no shame in releasing debts through bankruptcy if you truly cannot repay them.
Remember, if you do go through such a process there are scriptures to hang onto:
Ecclesiastes 7:14 - In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him."
Is there life after Bankruptcy? Joel 2:25,26 - I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wonderously with you: and my peopl shall never be ashamed."
With that being said, if you are considering bankruptcy, you should first understand that losing is your first key to learning. If you lost something or someone you need to take a step back and ask yourself what can I learn from this?
We read in the second half of Nehemiah 10:31, "Every seven years we will let our fields rest, and we will cancel all debts." This is where we get today our moden day rules and laws and regulations for today's bankruptcy.
Most Christians feel an overwhelming duty to pay their debts, even if that means sacrificing basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. To go bankrupt and to be unable to repay what you promised still carries a stigma that has driven many during this current crisis to even commit suicide in an attempt to escape the shame and of course the burden of debt or bankruptcy. Despite our society's current beliefs, make no mistake, the Bible clearly states that although Christians are required to repay their debts, no one is obligated to repay debts if, through no fault of their own, they become bankrupt.
A matter of fact, according to Jewish law, in the Bible it is required that debts be forgiven every 7 years.
Deuteronomy 15:1-2, "At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts. And this is the form of the release: Every creditor who has lent anything to his neighbor shall release it; he shall not require it of his neighbor or his brother, because it is called the Lord's release."
As Christians, there is no shame in releasing debts through bankruptcy if you truly cannot repay them.
Remember, if you do go through such a process there are scriptures to hang onto:
Ecclesiastes 7:14 - In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him."
Is there life after Bankruptcy? Joel 2:25,26 - I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wonderously with you: and my peopl shall never be ashamed."
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Backsliding
I have taken a strong stand on this subject since 1980 when I first began to study the subject. I take a strong stand against the teaching that God’s sovereign will completely overrides man’s free will to accept and serve Him. In view of this, I believe it is possible for a person once saved to turn from God and be lost again. Also known as Backsliding. However, I do not go to the other extreme of teaching that mankind’s choice of receiving or rejecting Christ makes a person totally responsible for his own salvation apart from Christ’s atonement.
My position follows the Assemblies of God bylaws--Article VIII of the Assemblies of God Bylaws opposes unconditional security with the following statement:
Now the Assemblies of God leans toward Arminianism, though it accepts scriptural truth found in both positions. We agree with the Calvinist emphasis on God's sovereignty or supreme power and authority. But they also firmly believe the Arminian emphasis on mankind's free will and responsibility for his actions and choices. I believe the Bible teaches both truths.
"Eternal security," according to Calvinists, means "once saved, always saved." The key passage for this position is John 10:28,29— "No one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand." There is great assurance in this passage and in Romans 8:35,39—"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? . . . Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." I also stand on these wonderful truths knowing we need not fear that something external will overpower us and take away our salvation. Only our willful choices can do that.
But because we are creatures with free wills, we must be vigilantly on guard because the enemy of our soul, the devil, "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith" (1 Peter 5:8,9). In my own life I have come to believe carelessness can lead to apathy, apathy to neglect, and neglect to a conscious decision to sin. This spiritual decline is known to me as backsliding. I believe one who backslides is in danger of losing his salvation if the individual persists in rejecting the Spirit's call to repentance and restoration.
Luke 8:13 makes clear the fact that believers can lose their salvation. It says some "believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away." Revelation 22:19 says "If anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life, and in the holy city."
Certainly there are true Christians who believe and teach Calvinism; there are also true Christians who believe and teach that men and women have free will. Unfortunately, both sides have spent more time arguing doctrinal terminology and interpretations of theology than reaching out to a lost world. The irony of the disagreement is that Calvinists, who believe in predestination, are sometimes more active in witnessing and evangelism than Arminians who believe that man has a free will and should be encouraged to accept Christ as Savior. God, of course, looks on the heart and the actions rather than on the eloquence with which one defends a position.
Although the Assemblies of God adheres basically to the Arminian position on the spiritual security of the believer, there are extremes and potential abuses which must be avoided. The Christian life is not a roller coaster of Sunday salvation and Monday through Saturday backsliding. On the other hand, no Christian, no matter how spiritual, can claim perfection and sinlessness (1 John 1:8-10; 2:1). Therefore as Christians we must continually come to God sincerely asking His forgiveness for living below the potential He makes possible through the gift of His Holy Spirit.
The truth of God's marvelous and free grace has sadly led some to imagine and indulge in a cheap grace, a grace that covers all sins with no need to live a holy life. Such an attitude is an insult to the great price Christ paid to purchase our salvation. Though we may fail and fall, and sometimes sin, the heart of the true believer always regrets, repents, asks forgiveness, and seeks never to sin that way again. To carelessly participate in sin, expecting to gain forgiveness later, is itself an act of backsliding that will lead ultimately to losing one's salvation. We therefore reject any "once saved, always saved" doctrine that excuses sinful lifestyles.
Once saved can mean forever saved–if one continues in faith, growing in sanctification and holiness day by day. But God will not arbitrarily usurp mankind's free will. Our sovereign God does not overrule free will just to prove He is sovereign. When its all said and done and if you got this far down to the bottom of this blog, it is worthy to note: The gift of choosing releases more ability then the gift of LOVE. For God so loved...but we must choose.
My position follows the Assemblies of God bylaws--Article VIII of the Assemblies of God Bylaws opposes unconditional security with the following statement:
In view of the biblical teaching that the security of the believer depends on a living relationship with Christ (John 15:6); in view of the Bible's call to a life of holiness (1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:14); in view of the clear teaching that a man may have his part taken out of the Book of Life (Revelation 22:19); and in view of the fact that one who believes for a while can fall away (Luke 8:13); The General Council of the Assemblies of God disapproves of the unconditional security position which holds that it is impossible for a person once saved to be lost.
Now it seems complex I know, but it is so important to know that the Christian religious world divides basically into two schools of thought concerning the spiritual destiny of people. One is Calvinism, named after John Calvin (early 16th century); the other is Arminianism, traced back to James Arminius (late 16th century). The theological debate is thus centuries old.
Calvinism teaches (1) the total depravity of man, (2) God's unconditional election (or predestination) of those who will be saved, (3) that Christ died only for the elect, not for every person, (4) that God's saving grace toward the elect cannot be resisted, and (5) that once a person is saved, he can never lose his salvation.
Arminianism teaches something different on each of these points: (1) Though born a sinner, mankind is given a spark of divine grace that enables him to respond positively to God. (2) God does not arbitrarily consign some people to eternal damnation; their willful rejection of God’s salvation makes them responsible. (3) Christ died for every person, even though some refuse to accept the provision for their salvation (4) No person is forced against his or her will to become a Christian. (5) One’s salvation can be lost through willful disobedience. Rather than the unconditional predestination of Calvinism, Arminianism teaches conditional predestination. We are predestined to eternal life if we accept God’s provision of salvation.
Now the Assemblies of God leans toward Arminianism, though it accepts scriptural truth found in both positions. We agree with the Calvinist emphasis on God's sovereignty or supreme power and authority. But they also firmly believe the Arminian emphasis on mankind's free will and responsibility for his actions and choices. I believe the Bible teaches both truths.
"Eternal security," according to Calvinists, means "once saved, always saved." The key passage for this position is John 10:28,29— "No one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand." There is great assurance in this passage and in Romans 8:35,39—"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? . . . Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." I also stand on these wonderful truths knowing we need not fear that something external will overpower us and take away our salvation. Only our willful choices can do that.
But because we are creatures with free wills, we must be vigilantly on guard because the enemy of our soul, the devil, "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith" (1 Peter 5:8,9). In my own life I have come to believe carelessness can lead to apathy, apathy to neglect, and neglect to a conscious decision to sin. This spiritual decline is known to me as backsliding. I believe one who backslides is in danger of losing his salvation if the individual persists in rejecting the Spirit's call to repentance and restoration.
Luke 8:13 makes clear the fact that believers can lose their salvation. It says some "believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away." Revelation 22:19 says "If anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life, and in the holy city."
Certainly there are true Christians who believe and teach Calvinism; there are also true Christians who believe and teach that men and women have free will. Unfortunately, both sides have spent more time arguing doctrinal terminology and interpretations of theology than reaching out to a lost world. The irony of the disagreement is that Calvinists, who believe in predestination, are sometimes more active in witnessing and evangelism than Arminians who believe that man has a free will and should be encouraged to accept Christ as Savior. God, of course, looks on the heart and the actions rather than on the eloquence with which one defends a position.
Although the Assemblies of God adheres basically to the Arminian position on the spiritual security of the believer, there are extremes and potential abuses which must be avoided. The Christian life is not a roller coaster of Sunday salvation and Monday through Saturday backsliding. On the other hand, no Christian, no matter how spiritual, can claim perfection and sinlessness (1 John 1:8-10; 2:1). Therefore as Christians we must continually come to God sincerely asking His forgiveness for living below the potential He makes possible through the gift of His Holy Spirit.
The truth of God's marvelous and free grace has sadly led some to imagine and indulge in a cheap grace, a grace that covers all sins with no need to live a holy life. Such an attitude is an insult to the great price Christ paid to purchase our salvation. Though we may fail and fall, and sometimes sin, the heart of the true believer always regrets, repents, asks forgiveness, and seeks never to sin that way again. To carelessly participate in sin, expecting to gain forgiveness later, is itself an act of backsliding that will lead ultimately to losing one's salvation. We therefore reject any "once saved, always saved" doctrine that excuses sinful lifestyles.
Once saved can mean forever saved–if one continues in faith, growing in sanctification and holiness day by day. But God will not arbitrarily usurp mankind's free will. Our sovereign God does not overrule free will just to prove He is sovereign. When its all said and done and if you got this far down to the bottom of this blog, it is worthy to note: The gift of choosing releases more ability then the gift of LOVE. For God so loved...but we must choose.
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