As we are blessed with the grace of God through spiritual gifts we must be careful not to let ourselves be deceived by them. Many times we attempt to legitimize ourselves by our spiritual gift rather than allowing God to legitimize us in due season. This creates a breeding ground for offense, bitterness, envy, strife, and division, none of which may be more apparent than through the church in Corinth who was abundantly blessed with spiritual gifts but was also torn apart by envy, strive, and division.
Paul taught the Corinthians that “the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one (1 Corinthians 2:14-15).” Yet two verses later he writes, “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)?” This problem is still very prevalent in the church today.
Like the Corinthians, many of us fall into the trap of believing we are spiritual because we operate in spiritual gifts while Paul illustrates that our actions truly show how spiritual we are ( See also Galatians 5:17-26). This deceptive trap ultimately stems from pride and lack of understanding which I believe is why the Bible continually emphasizes the importance of humility, love, knowledge, wisdom, and truth.
Paul said in Galatians 6:3, “For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself” and in 1 Corinthians 3:18 he said “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.” We must keep in mind that we only know in part (1 Corinthians 13:9).
We must also keep in mind that “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” God did not take away the gifts from the church in Corinth even though there were not in His will and neither will He take away our gifts if we are not in His will. Therefore, we must be even more certain to pursue His will which is to walk “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:2-3).”
So what then? Do we neglect our gifts to protect ourselves from this trap? Of course not! Paul said to “pursue love and desire spiritual gifts” and once we understand why the Lord has given us spiritual gifts we will recognize that they’re for unity in love and truth (1 Corinthians 14:1).
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says:
“ When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”
(Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love (Ephesians 4:7-16).”
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Importance of Pursuing Perfect Love
My spiritual walk has been highly blessed. Very shortly after receiving Jesus into my heart the Lord blessed me with grace to operate in spiritual gifts and have a personal relationship with Him. This relationship and gifts stirred in me a profound hunger to know and serve God. I was so hungry I couldn’t be satisfied no matter how many books I read, no matter how many pod casts I listen to, or no matter how many DVD teaching sets I saw. Each one seemed to stir me even more and more.
Then one night a few of us stayed late after a prayer meeting. As I sat their surrounded by the love and peace of Christ, I cried out to Jesus asking “what can I do to pay you back for all this love you have given me.” Then I clearly heard His voice, “love others as I have loved you,” before I began weeping in His Holy Presence.
Since then, I have always put loving others as a key priority just under loving and serving Him. Well, at least I thought I did…
As time went on I realized how difficult it was to love. Sometimes I think I actually mistook being kind and polite as love and I had no problem being kind and polite to those who were kind and polite to me but as soon I would encounter someone who wasn’t willing to reciprocate, love became less and less of a priority.
I didn’t have time for loving others. Lessons weren’t going to write themselves and prayers weren’t going to pray themselves so someone had to do them. Besides, I love Jesus and sitting in His love and presence is all I needed to know of love, right? Wrong!
The more I sat in the His presence the more I understood love and the more I tried to love. Until of course, someone was too difficult to love, then my attention would again turn back to the machine. Seeking more, and more and more until He finally hit the brakes by throwing me into the biggest dry season I have had to date.
I soon realized that there was no more pressing in to get closer to God, the season of doing and striving had changed. No more was He going to allow me to be distracted by the gifts that He blessed me with until I understood the big picture. All the goose bumps, the visions, the revelations, they all stopped. Now it was a time to surrender, to rest, to hear His still small voice that was calling me to holiness and calling me to be rooted and grounded in love.
Before the dry season, He told me I was to study Peter. With all the hustle and bustle I began to put it off and with outside influence I eventually assumed that it wasn’t God speaking to me. I came to the conclusion that it must have been me trying to comfort myself somehow in the flesh until a lady at a prayer meeting asked me if I was supposed to be studying something. Humbled and ashamed I look up at her and shook my head yes, disappointed that I didn’t have enough faith to believe it was God who spoke to me in the first place.
Needless to say, I again began to study Peter but this time at a much faster rate as you can imagine. As I studied Peter I began to see myself. Like me Peter was impulsive, filled with love and hunger for God yet he always seemed to miss the bigger picture Jesus was trying to portray to them. As I slowly studied the scriptures the Lord started revealing to me the bigger picture. That bigger picture was love and as I started pursuing love, God started reviving those spiritual gifts. In first Corinthians 14:1 Paul didn’t say to pursue spiritual gifts and desire love he said to “pursue love and desire spiritual gifts.” As my understanding began to be enlightened I realized that this is where I missed it.
Desiring spiritual gifts aren’t a bad thing but pursuing love should be the most important thing in our walk with Jesus besides knowing Him and having an on-gong relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit started to rebuild my foundation in the faith by revealing this truth through the most profound sermon in history, the sermon on the mound.
As I continued through the sermon on the mound the big picture became clearer and clearer. Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, don’t repay evil with evil, don’t judge or condemn but do good, give, and pray for everyone. As this big picture continued to develop I started to understand what God wanted from us so I decided that my life will change and that I would begin to strive for a sermon on the mound lifestyle. That is, until I encountered more difficult people.
As I cried out to God to give me a heart to live the sermon on the mound lifestyle in order to please Him, I soon found out some of the repercussions of not doing so.
One night at work a group of employees were discussing issues with a problem coworker. While I agreed with them I tried not to get involved with their conversation. Eventually I justified it to myself by saying it isn’t judgment if I’m merely stating the facts. Unfortunately, God didn’t agree with me. That night I woke up three times with terrible nightmares. In the morning, desperate for some good sleep, I cried out to God asking what I did to open this door.
Without delay He revealed to me that my part in the conversation opened the door for the enemy to disturb my sleep. Soon after I read Proverbs 6: 2, “You are snared by the words of your mouth;You are taken by the words of your mouth” and He also reminded me Luke 6:38, “For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you (See also Parable of unforgiving servant, Matthew 18:21-35, especially verse 34).”
I repented, was very sorrowful and began to pray for her to overcome any issues that would cause her behavior. I was ashamed of my behavior and keeping my mouth shut was my new number project. That is, until a similar situations came.
Situations just seem to present themselves in the wrong times. The enemy has a way of bringing them when we’re most vulnerable and if it’s not him, it is most certainly our own flesh. Some of these situations I sort of crept into, even if I didn’t justify it, I would start out having good intentions and wanting to help a brother or sister in Christ when I slowly crossed that fine line into gossip. For instance, one time I discovered a fellow believer I was praying for was harshly insulting me behind my back to fellow church members less than a week after calling me to see how I was doing. In an attempt to spiritually help this person overcome their issues I evaluated myself back into a situation described above, not realizing right away that I had taken offense to the behind the scenes insults. As I found myself in each situation I thought “how could anyone possibly avoid getting caught up in these situations and not have to hide somewhere in a cave?”
An easy answer would be to walk in the Spirit but as I described above, many times we can slip back into our flesh without realizing it. So what then? How do we prevent snaring ourselves with our tongue? How do we continue to walk in and pursue love in difficult situations? Before we act or speak we must be able to understand and quickly recognize what is and what isn’t love.
Fortunately, Paul tells us this in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 that “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
Let’s break this down and simplify it…
Love:
Suffers long
Is kind
Rejoices in truth
Bears all things
Believes all things
Hopes all things
Endures all things
Never Fails (v. 8)
Love does NOT:
Envy
Parade itself
Puff up
Behave rudely
Seek it’s own
Get provoked
Thinks no evil
Rejoice in iniquity
As we evaluate ourselves we should ask ourselves is what I am about to say or do out of love as we see it here in scripture. An even simpler way is to ask “what would Jesus do” or “will Jesus be glorified by what I am about to say or do (1 Peter 4:7-11)?” While this concept may be more difficult to perform rather than understand, its fruit is still very important.
As we continue to grow in the faith we will begin to recognize that we are the cause of most of the problems we deal with. James 1:14-15 says “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Paul also confirms this in Ephesians 4:27 by saying, “neither give place to the devil.” So what then? How do we avoid snaring ourselves by our own words or actions? Peter said in 1 Peter 4:8, “above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
So is there any doubt why Paul told the Corinthians to pursue love?
For when we love we protect ourselves. For when we love we store up treasures in heaven. For when we love we remain clean in His sight. For when we love we bear good fruit. For when we love we accurately reflect the image of Jesus Christ. For when we love we please the Father Who is Love!
Then one night a few of us stayed late after a prayer meeting. As I sat their surrounded by the love and peace of Christ, I cried out to Jesus asking “what can I do to pay you back for all this love you have given me.” Then I clearly heard His voice, “love others as I have loved you,” before I began weeping in His Holy Presence.
Since then, I have always put loving others as a key priority just under loving and serving Him. Well, at least I thought I did…
As time went on I realized how difficult it was to love. Sometimes I think I actually mistook being kind and polite as love and I had no problem being kind and polite to those who were kind and polite to me but as soon I would encounter someone who wasn’t willing to reciprocate, love became less and less of a priority.
I didn’t have time for loving others. Lessons weren’t going to write themselves and prayers weren’t going to pray themselves so someone had to do them. Besides, I love Jesus and sitting in His love and presence is all I needed to know of love, right? Wrong!
The more I sat in the His presence the more I understood love and the more I tried to love. Until of course, someone was too difficult to love, then my attention would again turn back to the machine. Seeking more, and more and more until He finally hit the brakes by throwing me into the biggest dry season I have had to date.
I soon realized that there was no more pressing in to get closer to God, the season of doing and striving had changed. No more was He going to allow me to be distracted by the gifts that He blessed me with until I understood the big picture. All the goose bumps, the visions, the revelations, they all stopped. Now it was a time to surrender, to rest, to hear His still small voice that was calling me to holiness and calling me to be rooted and grounded in love.
Before the dry season, He told me I was to study Peter. With all the hustle and bustle I began to put it off and with outside influence I eventually assumed that it wasn’t God speaking to me. I came to the conclusion that it must have been me trying to comfort myself somehow in the flesh until a lady at a prayer meeting asked me if I was supposed to be studying something. Humbled and ashamed I look up at her and shook my head yes, disappointed that I didn’t have enough faith to believe it was God who spoke to me in the first place.
Needless to say, I again began to study Peter but this time at a much faster rate as you can imagine. As I studied Peter I began to see myself. Like me Peter was impulsive, filled with love and hunger for God yet he always seemed to miss the bigger picture Jesus was trying to portray to them. As I slowly studied the scriptures the Lord started revealing to me the bigger picture. That bigger picture was love and as I started pursuing love, God started reviving those spiritual gifts. In first Corinthians 14:1 Paul didn’t say to pursue spiritual gifts and desire love he said to “pursue love and desire spiritual gifts.” As my understanding began to be enlightened I realized that this is where I missed it.
Desiring spiritual gifts aren’t a bad thing but pursuing love should be the most important thing in our walk with Jesus besides knowing Him and having an on-gong relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit started to rebuild my foundation in the faith by revealing this truth through the most profound sermon in history, the sermon on the mound.
As I continued through the sermon on the mound the big picture became clearer and clearer. Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, don’t repay evil with evil, don’t judge or condemn but do good, give, and pray for everyone. As this big picture continued to develop I started to understand what God wanted from us so I decided that my life will change and that I would begin to strive for a sermon on the mound lifestyle. That is, until I encountered more difficult people.
As I cried out to God to give me a heart to live the sermon on the mound lifestyle in order to please Him, I soon found out some of the repercussions of not doing so.
One night at work a group of employees were discussing issues with a problem coworker. While I agreed with them I tried not to get involved with their conversation. Eventually I justified it to myself by saying it isn’t judgment if I’m merely stating the facts. Unfortunately, God didn’t agree with me. That night I woke up three times with terrible nightmares. In the morning, desperate for some good sleep, I cried out to God asking what I did to open this door.
Without delay He revealed to me that my part in the conversation opened the door for the enemy to disturb my sleep. Soon after I read Proverbs 6: 2, “You are snared by the words of your mouth;You are taken by the words of your mouth” and He also reminded me Luke 6:38, “For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you (See also Parable of unforgiving servant, Matthew 18:21-35, especially verse 34).”
I repented, was very sorrowful and began to pray for her to overcome any issues that would cause her behavior. I was ashamed of my behavior and keeping my mouth shut was my new number project. That is, until a similar situations came.
Situations just seem to present themselves in the wrong times. The enemy has a way of bringing them when we’re most vulnerable and if it’s not him, it is most certainly our own flesh. Some of these situations I sort of crept into, even if I didn’t justify it, I would start out having good intentions and wanting to help a brother or sister in Christ when I slowly crossed that fine line into gossip. For instance, one time I discovered a fellow believer I was praying for was harshly insulting me behind my back to fellow church members less than a week after calling me to see how I was doing. In an attempt to spiritually help this person overcome their issues I evaluated myself back into a situation described above, not realizing right away that I had taken offense to the behind the scenes insults. As I found myself in each situation I thought “how could anyone possibly avoid getting caught up in these situations and not have to hide somewhere in a cave?”
An easy answer would be to walk in the Spirit but as I described above, many times we can slip back into our flesh without realizing it. So what then? How do we prevent snaring ourselves with our tongue? How do we continue to walk in and pursue love in difficult situations? Before we act or speak we must be able to understand and quickly recognize what is and what isn’t love.
Fortunately, Paul tells us this in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 that “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
Let’s break this down and simplify it…
Love:
Suffers long
Is kind
Rejoices in truth
Bears all things
Believes all things
Hopes all things
Endures all things
Never Fails (v. 8)
Love does NOT:
Envy
Parade itself
Puff up
Behave rudely
Seek it’s own
Get provoked
Thinks no evil
Rejoice in iniquity
As we evaluate ourselves we should ask ourselves is what I am about to say or do out of love as we see it here in scripture. An even simpler way is to ask “what would Jesus do” or “will Jesus be glorified by what I am about to say or do (1 Peter 4:7-11)?” While this concept may be more difficult to perform rather than understand, its fruit is still very important.
As we continue to grow in the faith we will begin to recognize that we are the cause of most of the problems we deal with. James 1:14-15 says “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Paul also confirms this in Ephesians 4:27 by saying, “neither give place to the devil.” So what then? How do we avoid snaring ourselves by our own words or actions? Peter said in 1 Peter 4:8, “above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
So is there any doubt why Paul told the Corinthians to pursue love?
For when we love we protect ourselves. For when we love we store up treasures in heaven. For when we love we remain clean in His sight. For when we love we bear good fruit. For when we love we accurately reflect the image of Jesus Christ. For when we love we please the Father Who is Love!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Don't Be Distracted By The Good Things He Gives You
This is a good lesson I learn that I am reminded of all the time. It is easy to get distracted by the good things He has put in our lives such as ministries, spiritual gifts, etc.
While getting involved with different ministries I soon realized that my focus had switched from relationship to task. This is a big issue for most Christians, while many of us know better this switch seems to sneak up when we least expect it or I should say when we're more distracted.
Let us not go forth in striving but rather let us go forth in surrender.
It's funny how the enemy throws things our way to slow us down and we think if we just make this our focus and strive a little harder I will have a breakthrough. Later we find ourselves striving harder before the enemy adds another distraction.
It's also funny that nearly all accidents are caused by distractions when we drive. Sometimes the distractions that causes the accidents are a good thing such as a beautiful landscape but when we are focused on the road we can see the potholes & orange barrells ahead of time to avoid them, we don't miss the signs and directions we are given, we don't waste time by getting off the wrong exit...
Keep your heart on Him and make your personal quality time with Him a priority even before ministry. Even if it seems like your not going anywhere be patient, for He may be waiting for traffic to be clear ahead of you.
God bless you!
While getting involved with different ministries I soon realized that my focus had switched from relationship to task. This is a big issue for most Christians, while many of us know better this switch seems to sneak up when we least expect it or I should say when we're more distracted.
Let us not go forth in striving but rather let us go forth in surrender.
It's funny how the enemy throws things our way to slow us down and we think if we just make this our focus and strive a little harder I will have a breakthrough. Later we find ourselves striving harder before the enemy adds another distraction.
It's also funny that nearly all accidents are caused by distractions when we drive. Sometimes the distractions that causes the accidents are a good thing such as a beautiful landscape but when we are focused on the road we can see the potholes & orange barrells ahead of time to avoid them, we don't miss the signs and directions we are given, we don't waste time by getting off the wrong exit...
Keep your heart on Him and make your personal quality time with Him a priority even before ministry. Even if it seems like your not going anywhere be patient, for He may be waiting for traffic to be clear ahead of you.
God bless you!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Vision of a River in the Wilderness
Here is a vision that may help those going through a wilderness season:
During a prayer meeting I saw desert place or wilderness. There was a darkened dry river bed which had a wooden dam holding back a large river of oil. When I got to the dam I noticed it had a swinging dooring to it with 2 padlocks, one above the other. The I nocticed 2 keys to unlock them. The top had the name "surrender" written on it, the secong key had the name "holiness" written on it. When both keys were used the river of fresh oil powerfully and abundently flowed through the dry riverbed.
Looking for a way out of a dry season myself, I believe the Lord was saying these two keys are the way out of desert places and into fresh anointings. I strongly believe that it wasn't simply for me but for others in dry places seeking more of Him.
I pray this word gives light and truth to those who meant to receive it in Jesus name may you all be blessed!
During a prayer meeting I saw desert place or wilderness. There was a darkened dry river bed which had a wooden dam holding back a large river of oil. When I got to the dam I noticed it had a swinging dooring to it with 2 padlocks, one above the other. The I nocticed 2 keys to unlock them. The top had the name "surrender" written on it, the secong key had the name "holiness" written on it. When both keys were used the river of fresh oil powerfully and abundently flowed through the dry riverbed.
Looking for a way out of a dry season myself, I believe the Lord was saying these two keys are the way out of desert places and into fresh anointings. I strongly believe that it wasn't simply for me but for others in dry places seeking more of Him.
I pray this word gives light and truth to those who meant to receive it in Jesus name may you all be blessed!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Hearing His Voice in the Wilderness
Hearing His Voice in the Wilderness
Deuteronomy 8:2-3 (NKJ) - And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.
There will be times in our spiritual walk with the Lord when He will take us into the wilderness. The wilderness is a place of surrendering, humility, testing, and perseverance. It is a dry and desolate place to break us and make us dependent on the voice of the Lord.
God allowed the Jews to hunger so that He could feed them through supernatural provision. This wasn’t to get them to depend on manna but rather to get them to depend on the Voice that told them He would supply them bread supernatural from heaven.
When we enter the wilderness we might not feel goose bumps, we might not have an easy road, we might not be the one making declarations from the pulpit but if we surrender and allow Him to break us and become dependent on His voice, He will soon lead us to the promised land. How long before He takes us to the promised land? It depends on us, 40 days or 40 years?
Deuteronomy 8:6-10 (NKJ) - “Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you can dig copper. When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you.”
Deuteronomy 8:2-3 (NKJ) - And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.
There will be times in our spiritual walk with the Lord when He will take us into the wilderness. The wilderness is a place of surrendering, humility, testing, and perseverance. It is a dry and desolate place to break us and make us dependent on the voice of the Lord.
God allowed the Jews to hunger so that He could feed them through supernatural provision. This wasn’t to get them to depend on manna but rather to get them to depend on the Voice that told them He would supply them bread supernatural from heaven.
When we enter the wilderness we might not feel goose bumps, we might not have an easy road, we might not be the one making declarations from the pulpit but if we surrender and allow Him to break us and become dependent on His voice, He will soon lead us to the promised land. How long before He takes us to the promised land? It depends on us, 40 days or 40 years?
Deuteronomy 8:6-10 (NKJ) - “Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you can dig copper. When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you.”
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Prayer for the Salvation of Loved Ones
Prayer for the Salvation of Loved Ones
Dear heavenly Father,
We thank You and Praise You for choosing us to be Your blood bought children even before the foundation of the world.
Father, Your word says that You desire all to be saved, therefore in the name of Jesus we lift up _____________________________________ to you for mercy. We pray Father that You will make dark things in [his/her/their] life come to light. We pray that You expose any deception in [his/her/their] [life/lives] to them and reveal Your truth to [him/her/them] so that [he/she/they] may know Your plan for salvation through Your son Christ Jesus!
We pray that You soften [his/her/their] heart(s) and remove any walls or yokes of bondage that separate [him/her/them] from You. We pray that You bless [him/her/them] with Your peace, joy, faith, hope, love, and spiritual understanding and kindle an ever-increasing fire and passion to know and serve You within [him/her/them]!
Father, we pray in the name of Jesus that You send Your Holy Spirit to make a way where the enemy has brought spiritual blindness and hindrance. I pray that You come with a powerful breakthrough for Your namesake. I ask You Lord to “stop the devil’s plan to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).” I cry out to You my God for mercy and grace on behalf of [him/her/them] for Your word tells us that “mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).”
We thank You Father for the salvation of [his/her/their] soul(s)! Your word says that if we ask for anything according to Your will, You are faithful to answer and according to Your word, You desire all to be saved.
Now to the You, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to You be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen!
Dear heavenly Father,
We thank You and Praise You for choosing us to be Your blood bought children even before the foundation of the world.
Father, Your word says that You desire all to be saved, therefore in the name of Jesus we lift up _____________________________________ to you for mercy. We pray Father that You will make dark things in [his/her/their] life come to light. We pray that You expose any deception in [his/her/their] [life/lives] to them and reveal Your truth to [him/her/them] so that [he/she/they] may know Your plan for salvation through Your son Christ Jesus!
We pray that You soften [his/her/their] heart(s) and remove any walls or yokes of bondage that separate [him/her/them] from You. We pray that You bless [him/her/them] with Your peace, joy, faith, hope, love, and spiritual understanding and kindle an ever-increasing fire and passion to know and serve You within [him/her/them]!
Father, we pray in the name of Jesus that You send Your Holy Spirit to make a way where the enemy has brought spiritual blindness and hindrance. I pray that You come with a powerful breakthrough for Your namesake. I ask You Lord to “stop the devil’s plan to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).” I cry out to You my God for mercy and grace on behalf of [him/her/them] for Your word tells us that “mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).”
We thank You Father for the salvation of [his/her/their] soul(s)! Your word says that if we ask for anything according to Your will, You are faithful to answer and according to Your word, You desire all to be saved.
Now to the You, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to You be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen!
Prayer for the Salvation of "A LIst" of Loved Ones
Prayer for the Salvation of Loved Ones
Dear heavenly Father,
We thank You and Praise You for choosing us to be Your blood bought children even before the foundation of the world.
Father, Your word says that You desire all to be saved, therefore in the name of Jesus we lift up the following people up to you for mercy:
1. __________________________________________
2. __________________________________________
3. __________________________________________
4. __________________________________________
5. __________________________________________
6. __________________________________________
7. __________________________________________
8. __________________________________________
9. __________________________________________
10. __________________________________________
11. __________________________________________
12. __________________________________________
We pray Father that You will make dark things in [his/her/their] life come to light. We pray that You expose any deception in [his/her/their] [life/lives] to them and reveal Your truth to [him/her/them] so that [he/she/they] may know Your plan for salvation through Your son Christ Jesus!
We pray that You soften [his/her/their] heart(s) and remove any walls or yokes of bondage that separate [him/her/them] from You. We pray that You bless [him/her/them] with Your peace, joy, faith, hope, love, and spiritual understanding and kindle an ever-increasing fire and passion to know and serve You within [him/her/them]!
Father, we pray in the name of Jesus that You send Your Holy Spirit to make a way where the enemy has brought spiritual blindness and hindrance. I pray that You come with a powerful breakthrough for Your namesake. I ask You Lord to “stop the devil’s plan to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).” I cry out to You my God for mercy and grace on behalf of [him/her/them] for Your word tells us that “mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).”
We thank You Father for the salvation of [his/her/their] soul(s)! Your word says that if we ask for anything according to Your will, You are faithful to answer and according to Your word, You desire all to be saved.
Now to the You, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to You be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen!
Dear heavenly Father,
We thank You and Praise You for choosing us to be Your blood bought children even before the foundation of the world.
Father, Your word says that You desire all to be saved, therefore in the name of Jesus we lift up the following people up to you for mercy:
1. __________________________________________
2. __________________________________________
3. __________________________________________
4. __________________________________________
5. __________________________________________
6. __________________________________________
7. __________________________________________
8. __________________________________________
9. __________________________________________
10. __________________________________________
11. __________________________________________
12. __________________________________________
We pray Father that You will make dark things in [his/her/their] life come to light. We pray that You expose any deception in [his/her/their] [life/lives] to them and reveal Your truth to [him/her/them] so that [he/she/they] may know Your plan for salvation through Your son Christ Jesus!
We pray that You soften [his/her/their] heart(s) and remove any walls or yokes of bondage that separate [him/her/them] from You. We pray that You bless [him/her/them] with Your peace, joy, faith, hope, love, and spiritual understanding and kindle an ever-increasing fire and passion to know and serve You within [him/her/them]!
Father, we pray in the name of Jesus that You send Your Holy Spirit to make a way where the enemy has brought spiritual blindness and hindrance. I pray that You come with a powerful breakthrough for Your namesake. I ask You Lord to “stop the devil’s plan to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).” I cry out to You my God for mercy and grace on behalf of [him/her/them] for Your word tells us that “mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).”
We thank You Father for the salvation of [his/her/their] soul(s)! Your word says that if we ask for anything according to Your will, You are faithful to answer and according to Your word, You desire all to be saved.
Now to the You, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to You be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Neuroscientific Look at Speaking in Tongues
A New York Times article covering a study done by the University of Pennsylvania taking a lcosr look at speaking in tongues.
Click here for the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/07/health/07brain.html
Here are some blurbs from the article:
[“The amazing thing was how the images supported people’s interpretation of what was happening,” said Dr. Andrew B. Newberg, leader of the study team, which included Donna Morgan, Nancy Wintering and Mark Waldman. “The way they describe it, and what they believe, is that God is talking through them,” he said.]
[In the study, the researchers used imaging techniques to track changes in blood flow in each woman’s brain in two conditions, once as she sang a gospel song and again while speaking in tongues. By comparing the patterns created by these two emotional, devotional activities, the researchers could pinpoint blood-flow peaks and valleys unique to speaking in tongues]
[Contrary to what may be a common perception, studies suggest that people who speak in tongues rarely suffer from mental problems. A recent study of nearly 1,000 evangelical Christians in England found that those who engaged in the practice were more emotionally stable than those who did not.]
Click here for the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/07/health/07brain.html
Here are some blurbs from the article:
[“The amazing thing was how the images supported people’s interpretation of what was happening,” said Dr. Andrew B. Newberg, leader of the study team, which included Donna Morgan, Nancy Wintering and Mark Waldman. “The way they describe it, and what they believe, is that God is talking through them,” he said.]
[In the study, the researchers used imaging techniques to track changes in blood flow in each woman’s brain in two conditions, once as she sang a gospel song and again while speaking in tongues. By comparing the patterns created by these two emotional, devotional activities, the researchers could pinpoint blood-flow peaks and valleys unique to speaking in tongues]
[Contrary to what may be a common perception, studies suggest that people who speak in tongues rarely suffer from mental problems. A recent study of nearly 1,000 evangelical Christians in England found that those who engaged in the practice were more emotionally stable than those who did not.]
A PRAYER FOR AMERICA
A PRAYER FOR AMERICA
Please forward this to all your family & friends so that we may come with one mind and accord in Christ to lift up our nation to our heavenly Father for mercy…
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to You in the name of Your precious son Jesus. We enter Your gates with thanksgiving and we enter Your courts with Praise! We exalt Your Holy name on the earth!
Father, Your word says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Father, Your word also says in James 2:13 that “mercy triumphs over judgment,” therefore, we humble ourselves and lift up the United States to You for mercy.
On behalf of ourselves, our leaders, and our nation, we repent for idolatry, violence, corruption, covetousness, addiction, gluttony, sexual immorality, envy, strife, division, rebellion, defiance, witchcraft, selfishness, lying, cheating, stealing, gossip, poor stewardship, lack of honor, not helping the poor, for any sin we have committed not mentioned here, for putting anything before You, or exalting anything above the knowledge of our God!
We seek Your face Father and turn from our wicked ways and pray that You will heal our land. We pray Father that You will safely return America back to You, that You again make America “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” because Your word tells us these things please You!
Father, we pray that Your word will again be heard in our schools and government. We pray that our currency will keep Your name. We pray that the leaders You want will be hired, appointed, and elected! We pray that that the United States will fully please the Lord, being fruitful in every good work, using its resources to preach the gospel and to help those around the world in need including Your beloved nation of Israel!
Father, we pray that You sweep our nation with a powerful move of Your Spirit. We pray that You move up the next generation of Paul’s, Peter’s, Stephen’s, Abraham’s, Moses’, and Elijah’s! We pray that You soften the hearts of our leaders and citizens, that people in their own hearts will hunger for You and Your righteousness!
Father, we pray You send Your Holy Spirit to make a way where the enemy has brought spiritual blindness and hindrance. I pray that You come with a powerful breakthrough for Your namesake. I ask You Lord to “stop the devil’s plan to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).” We give America back to You, the Lord our God, so that Your will be done here as it is in heaven!
Now to You, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen!
www.globalprayerday.blogspot.com
Please forward this to all your family & friends so that we may come with one mind and accord in Christ to lift up our nation to our heavenly Father for mercy…
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to You in the name of Your precious son Jesus. We enter Your gates with thanksgiving and we enter Your courts with Praise! We exalt Your Holy name on the earth!
Father, Your word says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Father, Your word also says in James 2:13 that “mercy triumphs over judgment,” therefore, we humble ourselves and lift up the United States to You for mercy.
On behalf of ourselves, our leaders, and our nation, we repent for idolatry, violence, corruption, covetousness, addiction, gluttony, sexual immorality, envy, strife, division, rebellion, defiance, witchcraft, selfishness, lying, cheating, stealing, gossip, poor stewardship, lack of honor, not helping the poor, for any sin we have committed not mentioned here, for putting anything before You, or exalting anything above the knowledge of our God!
We seek Your face Father and turn from our wicked ways and pray that You will heal our land. We pray Father that You will safely return America back to You, that You again make America “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” because Your word tells us these things please You!
Father, we pray that Your word will again be heard in our schools and government. We pray that our currency will keep Your name. We pray that the leaders You want will be hired, appointed, and elected! We pray that that the United States will fully please the Lord, being fruitful in every good work, using its resources to preach the gospel and to help those around the world in need including Your beloved nation of Israel!
Father, we pray that You sweep our nation with a powerful move of Your Spirit. We pray that You move up the next generation of Paul’s, Peter’s, Stephen’s, Abraham’s, Moses’, and Elijah’s! We pray that You soften the hearts of our leaders and citizens, that people in their own hearts will hunger for You and Your righteousness!
Father, we pray You send Your Holy Spirit to make a way where the enemy has brought spiritual blindness and hindrance. I pray that You come with a powerful breakthrough for Your namesake. I ask You Lord to “stop the devil’s plan to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).” We give America back to You, the Lord our God, so that Your will be done here as it is in heaven!
Now to You, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen!
www.globalprayerday.blogspot.com
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Three Prayers that Will Change Your Life!
Three Prayers that Will Change Your Life!
These three prayers, Paul prayed in His letters to the early church, anointed and inspired by the Holy Spirit, will change your life. Use them as a devotional to increase your walk with the Lord! I find reading first thing in the morning and last thing before bed will really open the Bible up for you. Please note: In this brochure, we have changed the word “you” to “I” & “me” so the prayers are directed toward us personally and not others.
Remember, “…man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord (Duet 8:3, NKJ).”
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Empowering (Eph 3:14-21) - 14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant me, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith; that I, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that I may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom (Eph 1:17-23) - I give thanks and pray “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of my understanding being enlightened; that I may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Paul’s Prayer for Knowledge of His Will (Col 1:9-14) - I pray in the name of Jesus and “ask that I may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that I may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
These three prayers, Paul prayed in His letters to the early church, anointed and inspired by the Holy Spirit, will change your life. Use them as a devotional to increase your walk with the Lord! I find reading first thing in the morning and last thing before bed will really open the Bible up for you. Please note: In this brochure, we have changed the word “you” to “I” & “me” so the prayers are directed toward us personally and not others.
Remember, “…man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord (Duet 8:3, NKJ).”
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Empowering (Eph 3:14-21) - 14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant me, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith; that I, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that I may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom (Eph 1:17-23) - I give thanks and pray “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of my understanding being enlightened; that I may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Paul’s Prayer for Knowledge of His Will (Col 1:9-14) - I pray in the name of Jesus and “ask that I may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that I may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Verse of the week: Romans 1:16
Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes... (NKJ)"
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes... (NKJ)"
Thursday, August 21, 2008
We Must Know His Severity and Goodness
We Must Know His Severity and Goodness
Romans 11:22 (NKJ) - Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
Fearing His severity too much can prevent us from doing what we are supposed to be doing:
This point is clearly illustrated through the evil servant in the parable of the talents. He so feared his master that he buried his talents instead of using them as the master has commanded (Matthew 25:14-30). As shown here, too much fear of His severity can prevent us from moving and the Lord considers it evil.
Properly fearing His severity will prevent us from making great mistakes.
King Saul did not fear the severity of God and His commandments when He decided not to wait on Samuel but to offer burnt offerings to the Lord himself. This mistake costs Saul his kingdom (1 Samuel 13:8-14). As shown here, a lack of fear of the severity of the Lord carried a great consequence.
Taking advantage of His goodness is dangerous:
Under the banner of grace, many people dangerously roll the dice and fail to observe the principles and commandments of God. Romans 11:22 (see above) clearly warns us to continue in His goodness or we will be cut off.
He honors those who love Him for His love and goodness.
Embracing the love and goodness of God and allowing it change us will bring us closer to Him. Psalm 91:14-16 (NKJ) Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has 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 honor him. With long life I will satisfy him. And show him My salvation.”
The conclusion:
Fear prevents us from doing something but love causes us to do something. When you were a child, fear prevented you from doing things you shouldn’t such as hurting a sibling but love made you do things to please your parents such as making them a handmade Christmas card in school. Knowing His severity keeps us safe and respects His authority and dominion over us, knowing His goodness allows us to love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul while loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Romans 11:22 (NKJ) - Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
Fearing His severity too much can prevent us from doing what we are supposed to be doing:
This point is clearly illustrated through the evil servant in the parable of the talents. He so feared his master that he buried his talents instead of using them as the master has commanded (Matthew 25:14-30). As shown here, too much fear of His severity can prevent us from moving and the Lord considers it evil.
Properly fearing His severity will prevent us from making great mistakes.
King Saul did not fear the severity of God and His commandments when He decided not to wait on Samuel but to offer burnt offerings to the Lord himself. This mistake costs Saul his kingdom (1 Samuel 13:8-14). As shown here, a lack of fear of the severity of the Lord carried a great consequence.
Taking advantage of His goodness is dangerous:
Under the banner of grace, many people dangerously roll the dice and fail to observe the principles and commandments of God. Romans 11:22 (see above) clearly warns us to continue in His goodness or we will be cut off.
He honors those who love Him for His love and goodness.
Embracing the love and goodness of God and allowing it change us will bring us closer to Him. Psalm 91:14-16 (NKJ) Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has 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 honor him. With long life I will satisfy him. And show him My salvation.”
The conclusion:
Fear prevents us from doing something but love causes us to do something. When you were a child, fear prevented you from doing things you shouldn’t such as hurting a sibling but love made you do things to please your parents such as making them a handmade Christmas card in school. Knowing His severity keeps us safe and respects His authority and dominion over us, knowing His goodness allows us to love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul while loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Friday, August 15, 2008
New Age Has Crept Into Pop Culture
Let me start this off by saying I'm not a doom and gloom believer nor am I a self-appointed watchman. Those who know me know that's the furthest from the truth but I feel I should post this as a warning of some things I have observed in pop culture:
1. I went to McDonald's a few weeks ago and bought a fruit n’ yogurt parfait. When eating I noticed the print on the cup. It was a woman in a new age meditative posture with her palms up, thumbs and index finger touching. For those of you who don't know, this hand position is what is called a mudra. The purpose of mudras are to position your hands in order to channel or manipulate energy in a specific way.
2. Months ago I saw a commercial with cows saying "OM." For those of you who don't know this is called a mantra. A Mantra is a repetitive chant to channel or manipulate energy for a specific purpose. These are typically vowels of the Sanskrit language, definitively not tongues, definitely not God.
3. Oprah promoted the Secret ant A Course in Miracles. These are not of God, and definitely do not recognize Jesus as Lord.
4. Yoga was invented as a Hindu method to combine physical with spiritual. The positions were invented to open energy channels called chakras in order to manipulate the energy in these so called energy centers. A yoga master is called a yogi. Now some people say it’s for exercises but if you do, make sure you run from teachers who promote meditative or chanting type practicing, you're practicing Hinduism and not realizing it.
5. Relaxation methods are cover-up for new age practices such as reiki which a Buddhist healing modality that uses chanting and meditation and manipulation of energy channeling. Beware, these things many times are advertised wrongly without the person knowing what they are really getting into. At a relay for Life charity event there was a "relax with reiki" tent. Yeah, it everywhere! Even the Cleveland Clinic was running experiments on the medical benefits of this new age practice.
Take this for what it worth but take it as a fair warning...
I pray to our Abba Father that He blessing us all with wisdom, understanding, and discerning of spirits in Jesus' name!
Please repost this for your friends to spread awareness!
Your brother in Christ!
1. I went to McDonald's a few weeks ago and bought a fruit n’ yogurt parfait. When eating I noticed the print on the cup. It was a woman in a new age meditative posture with her palms up, thumbs and index finger touching. For those of you who don't know, this hand position is what is called a mudra. The purpose of mudras are to position your hands in order to channel or manipulate energy in a specific way.
2. Months ago I saw a commercial with cows saying "OM." For those of you who don't know this is called a mantra. A Mantra is a repetitive chant to channel or manipulate energy for a specific purpose. These are typically vowels of the Sanskrit language, definitively not tongues, definitely not God.
3. Oprah promoted the Secret ant A Course in Miracles. These are not of God, and definitely do not recognize Jesus as Lord.
4. Yoga was invented as a Hindu method to combine physical with spiritual. The positions were invented to open energy channels called chakras in order to manipulate the energy in these so called energy centers. A yoga master is called a yogi. Now some people say it’s for exercises but if you do, make sure you run from teachers who promote meditative or chanting type practicing, you're practicing Hinduism and not realizing it.
5. Relaxation methods are cover-up for new age practices such as reiki which a Buddhist healing modality that uses chanting and meditation and manipulation of energy channeling. Beware, these things many times are advertised wrongly without the person knowing what they are really getting into. At a relay for Life charity event there was a "relax with reiki" tent. Yeah, it everywhere! Even the Cleveland Clinic was running experiments on the medical benefits of this new age practice.
Take this for what it worth but take it as a fair warning...
I pray to our Abba Father that He blessing us all with wisdom, understanding, and discerning of spirits in Jesus' name!
Please repost this for your friends to spread awareness!
Your brother in Christ!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Are you still being transformed by the Spirit of the Lord?
Are you still being transformed by the Spirit of the Lord?
The prayer of salvation is merely a starting point. It is the beginning of a process that continues throughout our lives until we’re transformed into the very image of Jesus. The lives of many people have been changed by faith in Jesus but many of us fail to continue to change. It seems nearly every stage of development has its own plateau or obstacle to overcome and if we don’t face that obstacle we increase our chance to fall back to what we have already overcome.
This most clearly illustrated through the plight of Israel through the exodus. Once the Lord had freed them they were forced to make a decision; depend on the Lord to help them overcome a seemingly impossible obstacle of crossing the Red Sea or face the Egyptian Army and once again become bound in slavery. If Israel would have decided to not cross and remain stagnant between the Red Sea and the Egyptian Army they would have fallen back into bondage because they decided no to move forward.
This was merely one of many obstacles Israel would have to face before entering the promised land and like Israel each of us are in danger in falling back into our old lives by simply not moving forward. Remember when Israel complained that God has pulled them out of Egypt to let them die in the wilderness? They simply didn’t recognize the next obstacle to their journey and many of them wanted to return to Egypt because they failed to remember what obstacles the Lord has already moved for them.
With all this in mind, the Lord impressed on me to create an exercise to help believers remember what obstacles the Lord has helped them overcome and to keep them moving forward in Christ. This exercise comes in four easy steps that will help us overcome the new obstacle in our lives by reminding us what the Lord has already done for us individually:
Step 1: Make a list and write down the way you used to live before you were saved, the old you, obstacle you once had to face, etc.
Step 2: Make a list of the way you live now. This list will help you see what the Lord has already done in your life by comparing it to List 1.
Step 3: Make a list of things you want to overcome in your life, things that you need to work on, or goals you feel the Lord is leading you to accomplish. This list will proved direction for you moving forward in Christ. If you can’t think of anything simply take some quiet time in prayer and ask the Lord to reveal anything you need to remove or improve in your life.
Step 4: Read each of these lists daily, most preferably first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. Thank God for everything on List 2 that He has helped you to overcome. Pray that He will help you overcome or complete the things on List 3, remembering if He helped you to overcome List 1, He will definitely help you to overcome List 3.
Recommended reading: Face to Face With God by Bill Johnson.
The prayer of salvation is merely a starting point. It is the beginning of a process that continues throughout our lives until we’re transformed into the very image of Jesus. The lives of many people have been changed by faith in Jesus but many of us fail to continue to change. It seems nearly every stage of development has its own plateau or obstacle to overcome and if we don’t face that obstacle we increase our chance to fall back to what we have already overcome.
This most clearly illustrated through the plight of Israel through the exodus. Once the Lord had freed them they were forced to make a decision; depend on the Lord to help them overcome a seemingly impossible obstacle of crossing the Red Sea or face the Egyptian Army and once again become bound in slavery. If Israel would have decided to not cross and remain stagnant between the Red Sea and the Egyptian Army they would have fallen back into bondage because they decided no to move forward.
This was merely one of many obstacles Israel would have to face before entering the promised land and like Israel each of us are in danger in falling back into our old lives by simply not moving forward. Remember when Israel complained that God has pulled them out of Egypt to let them die in the wilderness? They simply didn’t recognize the next obstacle to their journey and many of them wanted to return to Egypt because they failed to remember what obstacles the Lord has already moved for them.
With all this in mind, the Lord impressed on me to create an exercise to help believers remember what obstacles the Lord has helped them overcome and to keep them moving forward in Christ. This exercise comes in four easy steps that will help us overcome the new obstacle in our lives by reminding us what the Lord has already done for us individually:
Step 1: Make a list and write down the way you used to live before you were saved, the old you, obstacle you once had to face, etc.
Step 2: Make a list of the way you live now. This list will help you see what the Lord has already done in your life by comparing it to List 1.
Step 3: Make a list of things you want to overcome in your life, things that you need to work on, or goals you feel the Lord is leading you to accomplish. This list will proved direction for you moving forward in Christ. If you can’t think of anything simply take some quiet time in prayer and ask the Lord to reveal anything you need to remove or improve in your life.
Step 4: Read each of these lists daily, most preferably first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. Thank God for everything on List 2 that He has helped you to overcome. Pray that He will help you overcome or complete the things on List 3, remembering if He helped you to overcome List 1, He will definitely help you to overcome List 3.
Recommended reading: Face to Face With God by Bill Johnson.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Lists of People who actually claim to be Jesus
Is this what Jesus was referring to when He said false prophets would come and say they are Him?
Check out these links and you may be amazed how many are actually there are...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_who_have_claimed_to_be_Jesus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_messiah_claimants
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jose_Luis_de_Jesus_Miranda
Check out these links and you may be amazed how many are actually there are...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_who_have_claimed_to_be_Jesus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_messiah_claimants
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jose_Luis_de_Jesus_Miranda
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Become a Lions of Christ Prayer Warrior!!!
The Lions of Christ Prayer Warriors Group was created to connect Christian prayer warriors to those in need! If you love Jesus and want to see the earth filled with His love and glory then this is the place for you! Please join and become a Lions of Christ Prayer Warrior today!
To join please visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lionsofchrist/ or email lionsofchrist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to subscribe.
I hope to see all there!
God bless!
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I hope to see all there!
God bless!
Friday, June 20, 2008
What happened to the anointing in Acts?
Why does the modern church fail to operate in the anointing as in the book of Acts?
Why does the modern church fail to operate in the anointing as in the book of Acts?
Is it because in the last days people will be lovers of themselves and deny the power of God?
2 Timothy 3:1-9(NKJ) – 1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
Is it because we don't truly know Jesus or spend time with Him?
Acts 4:13(NKJ) – “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
Psalm 103:7(NKJ) – “He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.” Israel witnessed His acts & works and continued to rebel against Him but Moses knew Him and never left Him.
Is it because we don't truly believe with our hearts?
Mark 16:17-18 (NKJ) - "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; theywill take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
Is it because we don't need the power of God?
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NKJ) - "And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
Mark 16:20 (NKJ) - "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen."
Is it because it was only for the early church?
Joel 2:28 (NKJ) - "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days."
Is it because we have not stirred up the gift we were given?
2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJ) - Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Is it because we didn't use well what we were given?
Matthew 25:29-30 (NLT) - “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.”
Is it because of fear?
2 Timothy 7 (NKJ) - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”So why does the church fail to operate in the anointing we see in Acts, especially after Jesus said in the Book of John that we would do greater works because is going to the Father?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
7 Keys to Fulfilling Your Prophecy
7 Keys to Fulfilling Your Prophecy
All things that came to pass in the Bible did so first according to what was spoken (Romans 4:18). Like our spiritual mothers and fathers did in numerous Biblical accounts, many Christians today have received prophetic words through prophets, angels, or even the Lord Himself but are not sure of their role in the fulfilling of that prophetic word. The objective of this lesson is to take a look at a few of these accounts in order to illustrate the following keys to fulfilling your prophecy:
Believe what was spoken – Romans 4:18 says “who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be (NKJ).” We can do nothing if we first do not have faith in what the Lord has said. Bill Johnson teaches one of two main strategies the enemy commonly uses is to question what the Lord has said. We must not question but have faith in what the Lord has spoken to us.
Proclaim the word – After Gabriel gave Mary the prophetic word that the savior would be conceived through her she replied and proclaimed, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word (Luke 1:38 NKJ).” Once we are given a word from the Lord we need to proclaim it according to what was spoken and pray for the Lord to make it happen.
Walk by faith not by sight – Romans 4:19 says, “And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb (NKJ).” The second main strategy used by the enemy taught by Bill Johnson is that he will question who you are in Christ. Many times we limit God by our own limitations or inadequacies, Abraham, however, had such great faith that he did not consider his old age nor the barrenness of his wife Sarah.
Give glory to God - Speaking again of Abraham, Romans 4:20 says “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God (NKJ).”
Be fully convinced – “And being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness (Romans 4:21-22 NKJ).”
Ask the Lord to answer any questions or concerns – In Judges 6:15-16 Gideon asks the Lord for assurance, “So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” And the LORD said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man (NKJ).”
Don’t let any questions or concerns turn into doubt or disbelief.
Be obedient – Noah was given specific instructions on how to build the arc and Hebrews 11:7 says “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith (NKJ).”
All things that came to pass in the Bible did so first according to what was spoken (Romans 4:18). Like our spiritual mothers and fathers did in numerous Biblical accounts, many Christians today have received prophetic words through prophets, angels, or even the Lord Himself but are not sure of their role in the fulfilling of that prophetic word. The objective of this lesson is to take a look at a few of these accounts in order to illustrate the following keys to fulfilling your prophecy:
Believe what was spoken – Romans 4:18 says “who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be (NKJ).” We can do nothing if we first do not have faith in what the Lord has said. Bill Johnson teaches one of two main strategies the enemy commonly uses is to question what the Lord has said. We must not question but have faith in what the Lord has spoken to us.
Proclaim the word – After Gabriel gave Mary the prophetic word that the savior would be conceived through her she replied and proclaimed, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word (Luke 1:38 NKJ).” Once we are given a word from the Lord we need to proclaim it according to what was spoken and pray for the Lord to make it happen.
Walk by faith not by sight – Romans 4:19 says, “And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb (NKJ).” The second main strategy used by the enemy taught by Bill Johnson is that he will question who you are in Christ. Many times we limit God by our own limitations or inadequacies, Abraham, however, had such great faith that he did not consider his old age nor the barrenness of his wife Sarah.
Give glory to God - Speaking again of Abraham, Romans 4:20 says “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God (NKJ).”
Be fully convinced – “And being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness (Romans 4:21-22 NKJ).”
Ask the Lord to answer any questions or concerns – In Judges 6:15-16 Gideon asks the Lord for assurance, “So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” And the LORD said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man (NKJ).”
Don’t let any questions or concerns turn into doubt or disbelief.
Be obedient – Noah was given specific instructions on how to build the arc and Hebrews 11:7 says “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith (NKJ).”
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Cleaning Your Soul Closet - Part 1
Cleaning Your Soul Closet - Part 1
This is simple enough and most of us would agree but we seem to miss a crucial step in this cleansing process. Many times during my spiritual walk I was surprised to find that at times I had to deal with issues I thought I have already dealt with. It was during one of these times I thought I did something wrong or committed a sin I wasn’t aware of when I cried out to Jesus and the Holy Spirit gave me this revelation in which I am about to share.
When we are born again we are made a new creature by receiving the Holy Spirit but our souls are still corrupt. The battleground is the mind, this is where our daily battles are either won or lost. Paul said our minds are transformed day by day which is why we must take up our cross and crucify our flesh everyday.
Everyday, the Holy Spirit works with us to remove darkness we may not even realize we have. It’s a continual process until we are perfected in Christ. Once we overcome one aspect in our lives the Holy Spirit will convicts us or work with us in another aspect, allowing us to be transformed one step at a time. It was this process deep in our souls that the Holy Spirit revealed to me using the illustration of a closet.
Our souls are like messy closets that we threw a bunch of junk in. When we are saved, the cleaning process begins. We open the closet door and start in the front because it is so cluttered we can’t even get to the back if we wanted to. As we go through the junk we decide what to keep and what to throw away. Once one section is done, we start cleaning in another part of the closet. Each piece we take a look at and decide what we are going to do with it. Are we going to let it go and throw it away? Are we going to keep it or are we going to shove it in the back and hope it will go away on its own?
Each time we grab something in our closet, we look to see what it is before we decide what to do with it. Each time we pick up an item we once again experience and relive that part of our past. This may be a good experience such as picking up an old baseball glove and relive that moment we won the varsity championship. This could also be a painful experience such as picking up a picture of an ex from a bad breakup and reliving the heartache of being betrayed. This part of the process is often overlooked but is inevitable if we want to overcome. The key here isn’t if the experience is either good or bad but rather understanding the process and what to do when the experience comes.
To illustrate this further, the example of finding the picture of the ex from a bad breakup may be best. When we pick up this picture we have three options: 1. We can let it go and throw the picture away (get over it). 2. We can do nothing and leave it where it is at (Let it stay on our minds). 3. We can put off dealing with it by burying it behind all the other junk we need cleaned out (storing it deep down to deal with later). It is obvious that option 1 is the best option. Option 2 and 3 are equally bad but if I had to pick the worst I would have to say it would have to be option 3.
When we choose to bury the issue we will still have to deal with it later. This is a huge roadblock to spiritual development that many Christians seem to struggle with. We think we have properly dealt with an issue in our life but then it comes back to the surface and we experience it all over again and will continue to do so until we overcome it and let it go. Jesus taught us that these corrupt things come up from within, it is crucial that we overcome them through the power of the Holy Spirit.
While we cannot escape dealing with them, we can prevent them from putting us back into bondage according to the power that works in us through Christ Jesus! Whenever you face an issue during this cleansing process, nail it to the cross and plead the blood of Jesus, because He overcame we to can overcome through Him!
Jesus saves church from fire in Africa
Muslims come to burn down church and school operated by missionary Chris Okumu in Kenya. When they came, they saw it burning so they left but it was not burning, the Holy Spirit made it look like it so it would not be harmed.
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGxdrUxM1Nc
For more Lions of Christ videos on You tube check out http://www.youtube.com/lionsofchrist Take care and God bless!!!
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGxdrUxM1Nc
For more Lions of Christ videos on You tube check out http://www.youtube.com/lionsofchrist Take care and God bless!!!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Religion is Not Recognizing Jesus
Religion is Not Recognizing Jesus
By Lions of Christ.com
In The Bible, the Pharisees, the teachers of religious law failed to recognize Jesus. Jesus said that they were more concerned about man-made laws rather than truth and pleasing men more than pleasing God. The ironic thing here is that they were Jews, sons of Abraham, and God’s chosen people and while they knew traditions and scriptures of old they failed at the most important thing, recognizing Jesus when He came. Much of the church has seemed to follow in the footsteps of the Pharisees. While they believe in Jesus, they seem to follow tradition, rituals, and routines more than seeking and following Him. How many churches have you attended that limit worship to 20 minutes or make sure their services end absolutely no later than noon on Sunday? This is not recognizing and following Jesus, this is trying to fit Jesus into our mold.
Did not Jesus tell us to take up our cross and to follow Him? How can we follow Jesus if we don’t know how to or fail to recognize Him? The only way we can truly follow Jesus is to know Him and be able to recognize His voice.
So where have we gone wrong?
The story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 provides much insight into this matter. The Bible says that “Martha was distracted with much serving” but Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and heard His Word. When Martha complained to Jesus that she was doing all the work Jesus said to her, “you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
It is clearly shown here how many of us have been distracted with serving like Martha did. We get caught up in the machine and our focus turns to operating and maintaining it rather than staying on the one who gave us the machine.
So how do we turn our focus back on Him so that we can recognize and follow Him?
We need to diligently seek Him and when we find Him we need to constrain Him before He passes us by. The solution is clearly illustrated throughout the Bible. In Luke 24:13-31 Jesus drew near to two men walking to a village called Emmaus but their eyes were restrained so they would not know Him. Verse 28 & 29 says “Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, ‘Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent’ And He went in to stay with them.”
In Song of Solomon 3:1-4, seeking and constraining Him is also illustrated. Verse 4 says “When I found the one I love. I held him and would not let him go.” When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water in Mark 6:47-50, He would have passed them by but they cried out.
The only way we can truly take up our cross and follow Jesus is not to just simply know about Him but to know Him. Our job as believers are to continually seek Him, cry out to Him, hang on to Him, and follow Him and if we learn to continually hear the voice of the Good Shepherd we won’t fail to recognize Him, therefore, He will not pass us by.
Acceptable Use Policy:
This teaching is brought to you by Lions of Christ.com and is free to use for non-commercial purposes as long as the content is not changed and contains the URL www.lionsofchrist.com.
Please email this to all your friends, family, and Christian brothers and sisters.
By Lions of Christ.com
In The Bible, the Pharisees, the teachers of religious law failed to recognize Jesus. Jesus said that they were more concerned about man-made laws rather than truth and pleasing men more than pleasing God. The ironic thing here is that they were Jews, sons of Abraham, and God’s chosen people and while they knew traditions and scriptures of old they failed at the most important thing, recognizing Jesus when He came. Much of the church has seemed to follow in the footsteps of the Pharisees. While they believe in Jesus, they seem to follow tradition, rituals, and routines more than seeking and following Him. How many churches have you attended that limit worship to 20 minutes or make sure their services end absolutely no later than noon on Sunday? This is not recognizing and following Jesus, this is trying to fit Jesus into our mold.
Did not Jesus tell us to take up our cross and to follow Him? How can we follow Jesus if we don’t know how to or fail to recognize Him? The only way we can truly follow Jesus is to know Him and be able to recognize His voice.
So where have we gone wrong?
The story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 provides much insight into this matter. The Bible says that “Martha was distracted with much serving” but Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and heard His Word. When Martha complained to Jesus that she was doing all the work Jesus said to her, “you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
It is clearly shown here how many of us have been distracted with serving like Martha did. We get caught up in the machine and our focus turns to operating and maintaining it rather than staying on the one who gave us the machine.
So how do we turn our focus back on Him so that we can recognize and follow Him?
We need to diligently seek Him and when we find Him we need to constrain Him before He passes us by. The solution is clearly illustrated throughout the Bible. In Luke 24:13-31 Jesus drew near to two men walking to a village called Emmaus but their eyes were restrained so they would not know Him. Verse 28 & 29 says “Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, ‘Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent’ And He went in to stay with them.”
In Song of Solomon 3:1-4, seeking and constraining Him is also illustrated. Verse 4 says “When I found the one I love. I held him and would not let him go.” When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water in Mark 6:47-50, He would have passed them by but they cried out.
The only way we can truly take up our cross and follow Jesus is not to just simply know about Him but to know Him. Our job as believers are to continually seek Him, cry out to Him, hang on to Him, and follow Him and if we learn to continually hear the voice of the Good Shepherd we won’t fail to recognize Him, therefore, He will not pass us by.
Acceptable Use Policy:
This teaching is brought to you by Lions of Christ.com and is free to use for non-commercial purposes as long as the content is not changed and contains the URL www.lionsofchrist.com.
Please email this to all your friends, family, and Christian brothers and sisters.
Friday, May 30, 2008
How to Know a Man of God?
How to Know a Man of God?
They will be persecuted; are they being publicly persecuted?
JOHN 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
You will know them by their fruit; are they saving souls? Display love? Faith, etc?
MATTHEW 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
A kingdom divided cannot stand; are people delivered in their ministry?
MATTHEW 12:25-30 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
By the demonstration of the Spirit and power; are people being healed, etc.?
1 CORINTHIANS 2:4-5 “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
By the testing of spirits; do they confess Jesus is the Son of God?
1 JOHN 4:1-5 & 15 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” Verse 15 “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”
They will be persecuted; are they being publicly persecuted?
JOHN 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
You will know them by their fruit; are they saving souls? Display love? Faith, etc?
MATTHEW 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
A kingdom divided cannot stand; are people delivered in their ministry?
MATTHEW 12:25-30 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
By the demonstration of the Spirit and power; are people being healed, etc.?
1 CORINTHIANS 2:4-5 “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
By the testing of spirits; do they confess Jesus is the Son of God?
1 JOHN 4:1-5 & 15 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” Verse 15 “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”
Made Perfect Through Love
1 John 4:17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
How to test spirits according to the Bible
Again, with all the mudslinging on Todd Bentley with people calling him a false prophet, I thought I post how to test spirits for those who are unsure...
There are three good ways to test or discren spirits:
1. Does the spirit confess Jesus Christ was made flesh, died, and was raised, and is Lord. (see scripture below).
2. Does it align with the Bible? Not what you where taught but what the Bible actually says.
3. A spiritual gift of discerning of Spirits. (see 1 Corinth 12).
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
In regards to Todd, does he confess Jesus and glorify Him?
So, according to 1 John 4, is Todd a true or false prophet?
I hope this helps to clarify things for some!
God bless!
There are three good ways to test or discren spirits:
1. Does the spirit confess Jesus Christ was made flesh, died, and was raised, and is Lord. (see scripture below).
2. Does it align with the Bible? Not what you where taught but what the Bible actually says.
3. A spiritual gift of discerning of Spirits. (see 1 Corinth 12).
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
In regards to Todd, does he confess Jesus and glorify Him?
So, according to 1 John 4, is Todd a true or false prophet?
I hope this helps to clarify things for some!
God bless!
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