Showing posts with label God's Word. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's Word. Show all posts

Monday, November 27, 2023

Enter His Rest

The word rest is defined as, to cease from work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength; relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity. The word wrestle is defined as, to take part in a fight that involves grappling with one's opponent; to struggle with a difficulty or problem. As we can see by definition, these two words are in complete opposition to one another. The Apostle Paul tells us, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh." (2 Corinthians 10:3) Since Paul still has a body, he walks in the flesh and yet, though the nature of the flesh is so corrupt, he does not war according to the flesh. In other words, he walks in the flesh, but he does not walk by the flesh. Why is that or how does he not permit his flesh to dominate him? 

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10:4-6) Paul tells us that the weapons available to believers are not carnal or fleshly, but this weaponry derives from God alone. In the natural realm, warriors go into battle depending on their own might and on the wisdom and skill which plans the battle. However, the believers warfare is not from his abilities, plans or wisdom, but his total dependency upon God. He has no hope of victory except in God. Without his dependency upon God, he is sure of inevitable defeat.  

The purpose of these weapons is to strike down strongholds, fortresses, or strong fortification which are designed to oppose the believer and God's Word. All these strongholds deal with sins or works of the flesh and the wickedness of the world, both having their roots in the kingdom of darkness. Believers are to use God's weapons to cast down arguments, reasonings of the mind, that is, the various systems of false philosophy and vain imaginations. Believers are also to crush every exalted opinion; all the pride of the human heart and of the intellectual understanding; as well as everything else that is opposed to the knowledge of God, which we can find in the Word of God via revelation from the Holy Spirit. 

Believers are to bring into captivity, subdue, all these things, all the plans and purposes of the flesh, the reasonings, the imagination, and all the powers of the mind, and to bring them all under the authority and triumph of Christ. All the plans of life should be controlled by the will of Christ, formed and executed under his control, as captives are led by a conqueror. The sense is, that it was the aim and purpose of Paul for the church to accomplish this through the weapons that are mighty in God. The strongholds of philosophy, paganism, and sin should be destroyed and all the opinions, plans, and purposes of the world become subject to Jesus Christ.  

This is the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer. However, to the degree that a believer receives and acts upon revelation of God's Word by the Holy Spirit and the direct work of the Holy Spirit in the believer revealing the corrupt condition of the flesh, is the extent of how the believer uses God's weaponry.  Although the believer may agree mentally with God's Word concerning the corruption of the flesh, he nevertheless may lack the clear spiritual insight which in turn may lead him to oppose the flesh with his own strength. During such a time as this, the believer wages war by trying to improve or discipline his flesh. He prays, he searches the scriptures, and even sets up many rules. The Apostle Paul revealed this to us and asks why we would do such a thing, if we had died with Christ. (Colossians 2:20-23) Believers who engage in such practices, do  not comprehend that such treatment is useless. In actuality, this will assure the believer to experience more defeats than victories until finally it seems to him that complete victory over the flesh is impossible.  

However, if a child of God faithfully and honestly believes God's Word and sincerely yields to the Holy Spirit to reveal God's holiness to him so that he may know his flesh in light of God's holiness, he will no longer strive against the lust of the flesh. He will also be spared from the many sufferings that living by the flesh presents. He will come to live out the fact that, "For he who has died has been freed from sin (the works of the flesh)." (Romans 6:7) He will then come to appreciate true freedom that Christ has provided for all who truly believe. Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) So, let us stop wrestling with the flesh, but instead, cease from trying to fix the works of the flesh in our strength, and rest by faith in Jesus Christ. Let us completely yield to the working of the Holy Spirit and live in the victorious life that we have in Christ. Amen?...

Monday, April 10, 2023

Confess With Your Mouth Believe in Yor Heart

Why is the confession of God's Word so important to the believers life? As we look at these things let's keep in mind that in creation, "God Said...and it was so." (Genesis 1) Jesus said of Himself, "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak." (John 12:49) Jesus also tells us, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23) We see that God the Father spoke, Jesus spoke the Father's Words and believers are also to speak God's Word. The Apostle John tells us, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, (which is His Word) He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." (1 John 5:14-15)  

As in the Parable of the Soils, we see that believers are to confess God's Word because it is the way we sow seeds in the Kingdom. This is a principle of God. So to put it to work in your life, you must be obedient to His Word and do what His Word says, that is, "Hold fast to your confession of faith..." (Hebrews 10:23) Sowing by the Kingdom method will bring success in any area but you must "hold fast to your confession" regardless of what circumstance may dictate. A confession of doubt naturally is not one of faith. The Apostle James tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:5-8) Although James is focused on asking for wisdom, the principle and results are the same. Basically, if you do not ask (speak) in faith do not expect results. 

Confessing God's Word builds ones faith. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Hearing implies something must be continuously spoken and that you keep hearing and hearing, etc. It is a continuous process. Speaking the Word is setting the goal of that which you desire to come to pass. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) It can be in any area, healing, finances, emotional issues and or spiritual matters. No matter what, speak aloud what God says in His Word concerning you and or the situation. You declare it, you say it, you confess it and faith will come. Also, keep in mind, hope is important, but it has no substance, it is only the desired goal. Faith gives substance of things hoped for.

Confessing God's Word renews the mind. Because our mind was not renewed when we were born again, it is important to bring our entire soul (mind, will and emotions) into subjection to our recreated spirit. The Apostle Paul tells us, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) Confession of God's Word, that is, speaking and being in agreement with what His Word says, causes your mind to be renewed so you can think the way God thinks. This in turn will cause you to talk like God talks. Eventually, talking like God talks will cause you to be an imitator of God. "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." (Ephesians 5:1)

Confessing God's Word keeps the answer before you. What do I mean? When facing a problem and you find yourself constantly thinking about the problem, speaking the problem, praying the problem, then you will have faith in the problem because all you see, hear and think is the problem. But when you begin to confess the solution, God' Word, you are now doing something about the problem.  The Apostle Paul tells us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:6-8) You will never solve a problem by dwelling on the problem. You have to get off the problem and get to the answer, by keeping God's Word before you. Paul tells us a way to get our minds off the problem. It is by meditating on the things revealed in this passage. (verse 8)

Confessing God's Word changes your heart. "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:20-23) Every believer is to keep, or guard, their heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues, or source of life. Jesus tells us, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication's, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man..." (Matthew 15:18-20) Solomon tells us, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7) As with the Parable of the Soils, our heart must receive the good seed (God's Word) so we bring forth good fruit.

Confession of God's Word sets the law of faith in motion. Faith is a law of God. The Apostle Paul tells us, "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith." (Romans 3:27) Paul also tells us, "And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke, we also believe and therefore speak." (2 Corinthians 4:13) That's the way it works. What one believes, is what one speaks and subsequently, what one speaks, is what one will believe. This process causes either faith or fear to grow. Speaking God's Word, Faith. Speaking negative words of doubt and unbelief, fear. By speaking God's Word, you are putting it in motion the law of faith. It is not going to happen just because you say it. However, saying it is involved in setting it in motion. Your confession must be done in faith. That is why you must continue to do it. Often, believers will speak some things even though they may not believe it when they first say them, though they are in the Bible. You know the Bible is true, but it does not seem to be true in your life.  However, if you speak it, confess it, proclaim it long enough, your mind will come into subjection to your recreated spirit, which bears witness with God's Word, and you will eventually believe it. Again, what you continually speak, you will believe.

Confessing God's Word will put angel's to work for you. Many believers have never realized that the angels are listening to the words we speak. The writer of Hebrews says, "But to which of the angels has He ever said, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:13-14)  By virtue of being born again you are an heir of salvation which means that supernatural beings, angels, the ministering spirits of God, are here to minister for you. The Apostle John tells us, "Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” (Revelation 22:8-9) In other words the angel said, "Don't worship me, I am your fellow servant." Angel's are our fellow servants, fellow servant of the prophets, and fellow servants of those who keep the sayings of this book, the Bible. So, if you are keeping the sayings of the Bible, God's Word, then the angels are your servants. "The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word." (Psalm 103:19-20) If you are saying what God said, then you are assigning angels to go and cause things to manifest according to God's Word spoken with faith. 

For some, all of these things may seem to be outlandish or even extreme. However, the Bible tells us, "So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11 AMP) The simple fact is, it comes down to believing that time, space, culture, demons or faithless people do not have the power to change God's Word. His Word has not changed and is as powerful today as it was when it was first spoken. God's Word will also accomplish today, what it says, in the same way that it did when it was first spoken. I pray that you will apply these principles to your life daily and do not give up because you may not see immediately results. Never forget the God is faithful! "Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) May the grace of our Father fill your life abundantly through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday, March 20, 2023

A Heart For God

 In the last part of the "Parable of the Soils" we see the results of those when the Word of God is sown, "But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” (Mark 4:20) The good ground represents ground (a heart) that is useful, suitable for the seed to take root. A heart that submits itself to the full influence of truth, not the influences of the world or self. A heart spread open allowing God's Word to take deep root so it can produce a harvest, fruit.

Jesus uses another parable to show us the results of not only what it means to receive the Word when sown, but also the fruit of believers sowing (speaking, confessing) the Word. "And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)

First, as we see in this parable, it is not necessary that one completely understands everything about God's method, but you must understand how to apply it. To put this principle of God to work in our life, we must be obedient to God's Word and do what it says to do. We will never produce a crop (build our faith and receive the promises of God) if we do not sow (confess) His Word. The more we confess God's Word, the more our faith will grow. (Romans 10:17) The more our faith grows the greater understanding (revelation knowledge) we will have of the Word and subsequently, the less chance Satan has to steal it. Next, we must understand that in this parable, God does not sow the seed, man does it. God furnishes the seed, (His Word) but believers must sow it. 

So, what one confesses is of vital importance. If God said it, it is an established truth. But that truth will not necessarily be manifest in our life unless we sow it in our heart. Notice what the Apostle Paul tells us, "...The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart..." (Romans 10:8) The Word is sown from our mouth first and is then received in our heart. This is why God told Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8) Again, God's Word is to be spoken first and foremost. 

Another important key in sowing God's Word is, we must agree with it, we must believe it, we must add our faith to it. Then it becomes a seed that is sown in your heart, because faith works in the heart, not in your head. Our mind is not born again. The Apostle Paul tells us, "the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be." (Romans 8:7) The "law of God" is referring to is the law of faith. "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith." (Romans 3:27) Our minds will not operate in the law of faith, because it was not designed to do so. We think with it and we must also keep in mind that our speech is a product of our thoughts and meditations. This is why Paul tells us, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) and "be renewed in the spirit of your mind." (Ephesians 4:23) 
 
As God's Word renews our mind through hearing it, our faith will grow (Romans 10:17) to the place where we will see more and more of God's promises manifesting. However, we must "confess with our mouth and believe in our heart" God's Word constantly, because the scripture does not say faith comes by having heard the Word of God, but faith comes by hearing, and hearing, and hearing, etc., the Word of God. We sow seed (the Word) by speaking the desired promise, (John 16:23) we then add our faith to the word sown and God makes good on His Word. "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23)

Notice, it is not the saying alone that causes the manifestation in your life. The saying is not an end in itself. However, saying is involved in causing the manifestation. Think abut it. How could we have what we say if we do not say it first? God will honor His promises. But it is up to the believer to first set the goal (the desired promise),  plant the seed (God's Word), which then causes faith to grow. There are two other things to keep in mind. First, you must be in agreement with God's Word. You must believe that what God said is what He means and what He will do. "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19) "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

The second thing to keep in mind is not to have a double confession, that is, confessing God's Word, His promise that we desire and then if the promise does not manifest as fast as we want it to, make a second confession, that being one of doubt. Doubt. This is a scheme of the devil which will neutralize faith. The interesting thing is, as faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God, so doubt comes by hearing the words of the devil, that is, believing what the devil says more than what God said. If we are confessing doubt, we are confessing the words of the devil. This may be why the promises of God are not manifesting in our life. The way to prevent this from happening is to work at standing on God's Word regardless of what the circumstances may dictate. Of course for most, this is easier said then done, because most have been trained to trust in what their five senses can comprehend, not what the Word of God says.   

So, if the promises of God are not manifesting in our life, do not give up; do not become discouraged, but confess and meditate on scriptures like these, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12) "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32) "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11) "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 11:23) May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ our Lord keep you strong...

Monday, March 13, 2023

No Weeds Here

Looking again at the "Parable of the Soils", next, Jesus explains yet another aspects that reveals the human condition when it comes to the Word of God being sown. "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." (Mark 4:18-19) Have you ever been in a situation where your mind is focused on a particular thing when someone says something to you, you hear what they are saying, but when they are finished speaking you barely remember what they said? You heard them, but your mind was consumed with something else so you really did not give them your attention and listen to what they had to say. In the same way, for some, when God's Word is sown, they are so consumed with the cares of the world, the love of money and the possession of material things, the Word of God is choked, blocked, denied of its life giving breath. 

The Word of God shows us the high premium the Lord places on ones soul and how the the world deceives many into believing that wealth and material possessions bring true happiness. Proverbs tells us, "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." (Proverbs 11:4) Jesus tells us,  "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26) The Apostle John shows us that the love of things other than God is not a new thing. Quite the contrary, it began in the Garden of Eden. John tells us, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:15-17) Look at the account that took place in the Garden, "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, (lust of the flesh) that it was pleasant to the eyes, (the lust of the eyes) and a tree desirable to make one wise, (the pride of life) she took of its fruit and ate." (Genesis 3:6)   

Jesus also tells us another parable concerning a rich fool, "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21) Jesus also tells us, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)

Now before you swear to a life of poverty, having wealth and material things are not contrary to God's Word. For instance, "Both riches and honor come from You (God)..." (1 Chronicles 29:12); "...Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." (Psalm 35:27); "As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor, this is the gift of God." (Ecclesiastes 5:19); "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38) As the parable tells us, it is when "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things" are placed above our love, devotion and service of God, that the problem arises. 

Notice what the Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Apostle Paul concerning this matter, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:10) Notice, that it is not money itself, but the love of money that is a root of all kinds of evil. Also take note that the love of money causes believers to be led away from the truth producing much grief and pain. The sad thing is, far to many believers in the USA do not realize or maybe they know, but will not admit how the thorns of the world have choked off God's Word from their life. They go to a church service every Sunday, have a Christian vernacular so to speak and even say how God is first in their life, yet not realizing how much hold the world has on them. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)  

If we would take some time and be honest with ourselves, we may find that there are areas in our life that the thorns of the world have taken hold. If this is so, do not try to justify yourself with reasons and do not condemn yourself because it is true, just "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6) Know this very important fact, God cares for you, but the world hates you (John 15:18-19) All that is needed is to become a hearer and a doer of God's Word. (James 1:22) Finally, after the Apostle Paul warned Timothy of the love of money and its consequences, he encourages Timothy in which I also want to encourage you, "But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:11-12) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all...  

Monday, March 6, 2023

Good Habits Build Good Character

One of the areas covered in the "Parable of the Soils" deals with people who lack character within them selves. "These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble." (Mark 4:16-17) Jesus explains this as denoting those who hear the gospel, who receive the Word as something new or pleasing, who appear to be greatly delighted with it, and who are full of zeal for it. Yet they have no root in themselves. They have no resolve that comes with the life changing power of God's Word. They are either not true Christians or they to are mere carnal Christians. Their hearts are not changed. Rather than having the eyes of their understanding open through the revelation of who God is and seeing need for transformation of their heart, when they are tried and persecution comes, they fall as rootless grain that withers from the scorching rays of the noonday sun.  

Though they receive the Word with gladness and things seem to be "going their way" they have no inner strength, they lack the character to resist trials or persecution. They have no real love of the Savior nor the Word of God so when times of trial and persecution are placed in their path, they show that they have no real trust in God, the Word, and therefore immediately, quickly, fall away. The soul has not been convinced of its guilt and depravity because the heart (soil) has not been properly plowed nor the rocks removed. The soil (heart) will work just as hard to make a stone produce as it does a seed. It furnishes the same nutrients to a stone as it does to a seed. But the stone will not produce, because there is no life in it. The stones actually rob the moisture and nutrients from the seed because the soil will give as much time, space, moisture and nutrients to a stone as it will to a seed. Peter tells us, "having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." (1 Peter 1:23) James tells us to, "...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21) The Word of God is incorruptible seed and it is full of spirit life. So by removing the stones and sowing the incorruptible seed of God's Word, we change the heart.  

 Although the scripture does not say the seed that is sown on stony ground is one who does not understand God's Word when it is sown, the fact is, unchanged character within believers still comes down to not understanding God's Word. Jesus tells the Sadducees, "...you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29) Think about this. Ones attitude toward the Word of God, determines the place that God holds in their daily life. Let us not say that God is first in our life when His Word is rarely sown from our mouth. John tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1, 14) God and His Word are One!  

 God's Word should always be understood as the Father speaking to us. It should never be viewed as a message from an ordinary book. It should be as real to us as though Jesus (the Word) stood in the room and spoke to you personally. The writer of Hebrews tells us, "For the Logos of God is a living thing, active and more cutting than any sword with double edge, penetrating to the very division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow scrutinizing the very thoughts and conceptions of the heart. And no created thing is hidden from him; all things lie open and exposed before the eyes of him with whom we have to reckon." (Hebrews 4:12-13 Moffatt) God's Word has power to show what man is. It is like a penetrating sword that lays open and exposes the whole person. This is not to scare people away from God, but to draw them near for the purpose of transforming them into the image of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:18)  

Believers must keep in mind that when they were born again, it was the spirit that was recreated, became a new creation, not the soul (mind, will and emotions) or the body. (2 Corinthians 5:17) This is why the Apostle Paul tells us, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2) Believers are to dedicate their bodies to God and renew their minds. This is a continuous work on the part of every believer and one of the best way to accomplish this is through sowing, speaking, confessing God's Word.   

 So let us give place to the inner work of the Holy Spirit through the confession of the Word of God so that our character is a reflection of our heavenly Father.    

Monday, February 20, 2023

Acting Like Our Father

The Holy Spirit tells us through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." (Ephesians 5:1) This is not just some casual statement that Paul is making. He literally means that believers are to copy God's actions and speech exactly. It means to act like God Himself. Now for many, this may seem difficult to believe or it might even seem absurd, but there lies the problem, not agreeing with God's Word. Jesus tells a parable that reveals why many people have such a difficult time believing God's Word. He tells us a parable that we have entitled "The Parable of the Soils." He reveals some important information concerning this particular parable by asking two questions, "...Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?" (Mark 4:13) So, why is this parable so important for believers to understand? Let's see...

Jesus starts the parable by saying, “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow." (Mark 4:3) To get a better understanding of this parable, let us look at Jesus' explanation of it a piece at a time. "The sower sows the word" that is, the Word of God. (Mark 4:14) Simply put, to sow is to scatter (seed) over the ground for growing. In this parable the ground in which God's Word is to be sown, is the human heart, man's spirit, for the purpose of "growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18) James tells us to, "...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your soul." (James 1:21) The more a believer sows God's Word, the more they become imitators of God. The Apostles Paul also says, "...being transformed into the same image (of the Lord) from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18) Unfortunately, for many believers, they are quick to gloss over this highly important point in this parable. Let's look at why this is so.

In Genesis chapter one we see the account of creation. Nine times we see, "then God said." (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 29) In the earth ministry of Jesus, the Son of God, Jesus tells us, "...Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." (John 5:19) "...I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things." (John 8:28) "...I always do those things that please Him (the Father)." (John 8:29) "I speak what I have seen with My Father..." (John 8:38) "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak." (John 12:49-50) Without doubt, Jesus was imitating God the Father in His words and actions. Do you see the pattern here? "God said...and it was so." (Genesis 1:3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 20-21, 24, 26-31) Jesus only spoke the words of the Father and I might add, it too, was so. 

It is no different for the believer. Believers are to be imitators of our Heavenly Father just like Jesus was during His ministry on earth. This is one of the most important areas for the believers life, sow (speak) God's Word continuously. Moses went to Pharaoh a number of times and spoke God's Word to Him in saying, "The Lord God of the Hebrews has sent me to you saying, Let My people go..." (Exodus 7:16, 8:1, 20, 9:1, 13, ) If we fully read this account, we will see that Moses continually spoke God's Word, the Word eventually prevailed over the circumstances and the children of Israel were released from their bondage. (Exodus 12:31) But it did not stop there. The power behind God's Word spoken from the lips of Moses unleashed ten plagues that covered Egypt, but had no effect on the children of Israel (Exodus 7 - 12) Also, Israel left Egypt with their possessions, all of the Egyptians wealth, (Exodus 12:31-36) and the entire nation had perfect health. (Psalm 105:37) 

God tells Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8) Notice, the first thing that God tells Joshua concerning His word is, "This Book of the Law (God's Word) shall not depart from your mouth..." God commanded Joshua first and foremost to continuously speak His Word. Why is that? Paul tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) We are to speak, that is, confess God's Word because it causes faith grow. Paul does not say that faith comes by having heard the Word, but hearing and hearing and hearing, etc. the Word of God. The word for "word" in Romans 10:17 is the Greek word "rhema," the spoken word or revelation of the written word, the scriptures.    

Speaking, that is, confessing God's Word is the pattern that God reveals in creation. Throughout the Bible we see the same with the people of God, speaking God's Word. The gospel of John is where we see this in Jesus' ministry on earth which also reveals incredible results. Why is that?  "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11) "The Word of God is living and powerful..." (Hebrews 4:12) God's Word is as powerful today as it was when He first spoke it. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8) So, we have a choice. We can confess God's Word continuously, have our faith built up and see the salvation of the Lord in incredible ways or we can confess the problems of life and muddle our way through life letting the problems literally squeeze the life out of us. 

Look at the words of a very wise man, "You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth." (Proverbs 6:2) "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21) Jesus tells us, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63) In other words, the words of the flesh or the natural words spoken by mankind, have no intrinsic value because they do not produce life. In fact, as we saw in Proverbs, negative confession literally snares us, traps us, and produces death. I want to encourage you today by saying, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:29-30) Corrupt words do not only mean obscene or filthy conversation, but any words that do not produce good fruit. Yes, corrupt words from our mouth will grieve the Holy Spirit. So, let us begin to speak edifying words by doing as Paul tells us, "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Exercising an attitude of thanksgiving in all things will aid us in promoting healthy, edifying, good fruit bearing words, that is, confessing God's Word, because it always bears good fruit. Amen...    

Monday, January 23, 2023

Let's Not Be Denied

Ice hockey is a fast paced contact sport that was developed in Canada in the 19th century. In short, ice hockey has two teams of six skaters, who attempt to drive a small solid rubber disk (the puck) into the opposing goal with a stick that has a hooked or angled end used to move the puck along the ice and for making goals. The sport has not changed much except today it is played in an ice rink. One of the things that I remember when at a ice hockey rink watching a game, was when the goalie, (a player who guards his teams net to prevent the opposing team from scoring a goal) would block a shot from an opposing team player from entering the goal net. When this happened, the screen on the score board which hung from the ceiling of the rink above the players in the center of the rink would have big flashing letters that said, "DENIED."

In my travels in ministry, as well as reading various media by Christian authors and viewing online videos of various ministries concerning the church today, has cause me to grieve at what is going on in the church, what the church has accepted as truth (which isn't), the twisting of God's Word with liberal New Age influence interpretations of scripture and what it refuses to do concerning building the church up spiritually. I not only believe, but I also see the very thing that General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army said over 100 years in full swing today in the church. I quote, “I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century (meaning the 20th century, we are now in the 21st century) will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell.” Let's not be naive. This statement is true in most sectors of the church whether Catholic or Protestant. This should grieve every believer and should move us to change.  

The fact is, we are being "denied" or actually denying ourselves of the wonderful blessings, gifts and callings that the Lord has given to the church. Let us not be deceived with large numbers in congregation thinking that God is somehow blessing us when the spiritual maturity of the church is that of carnal Christianity. (1 Corinthians 3:1-4) Let us not be taken by our large congregations when we are not building according to God's Word and being led by the Holy Spirit. There are numerous organizations with large numbers of people who are anti-Christ and anti-church.

One of the things that should grieve us most is our lack of love for one another especially when Jesus, our LORD, commanded us to "love one another." In reality, the early church also had its share of problems, but it had leaders that were willing to confront the issues with God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, not the opinions, thoughts and intellect of man. For instance, Acts 15 reveals a situation between the Jew and Gentile believers that arose and could have split the church completely apart. The issue was over the necessity of the Gentile believers as to whether they should be circumcised or not. However, the outcome came down to who had the preeminence in the church, the apostles and elders or the Holy Spirit? In making this crucial decision we need to notice the order of things, "For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us..." (Acts 15:28) It seemed good to the Holy Spirit above the opinions, thoughts and intellect of these mighty men of God. They submitted to the Apostle James' answer because they recognized the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking through him. If it was only James' word, they would not have been in agreement. But they submitted to the Holy Spirit speaking through James and submitted to one another.

Let's be honest, if church leaders are truly being led by the Word of God and what the Holy Spirit is speaking, there will be no division in the church, only submission to one another in the Lord, as it should be. However, this will not be accomplished without "...Faith working through love." (Galatians 5:6) which begs another question. Are church leaders truly letting faith work through love? Without faith working through love the church will be denying itself of all the blessings that are for her through Jesus Christ.  

I believe one of the reasons why the church has lost much of its glory, power and influence which we have not experienced as a whole for nearly 1700 years is due to its lack of dependency on God's Word and the Holy Spirit. This has led the church into the "Dark Ages" for 1000 years which brought on what is called the "Protestant Reformation." Though the protestant reformation which started in 1571 by Martin Luther with his work entitled, "The Ninety-Five Theses" was meant to bring reformation and restoration to the church, it also caused division and disunity from those who refused to return to the Word of God and the voice of the Holy Spirit. But even now, especially among the Protestant churches the division and disunity continues to spread. I am not trying to paint an ugly picture of the Body of Christ, but to bring us to the reality of where we are. Until we are able to admit our faults to one another and turn away from them, have a true love for Christ, His church (all believers), God's Word and to be led by the Holy Spirit, we limit ourselves in bringing hope to a lost world. 

However, there is good news. No matter where we find ourselves, the LORD is always at work in His church, even if it is a remnant that is willing to be a new wine skin to receive the new wine, the continuous working of the Holy Spirit. I also believe that the Body of Christ in many sectors will begin experience the supernatural things of the LORD that have not been seen since the inception of the church. PTL          

Monday, January 2, 2023

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

When someone truly believes something, no matter what it is, they have no problem acting on it. Well it is the same with God's Word. If we truly believe it we will have no problem acting on it. However, when someone has only a mental or intellectual understanding of the Word, they will only admire it or admit that it is true, but they do not act on it. Acting on God's Word is letting Christ act through us and it gives God the opportunity to use us for His purposes.

Jesus said, "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

Building on the rock is building on God's Word and it requires action. Therefore, the one who hears God's Word must become a doer, that is, a builder. If he is not a doer of the Word, it is like building a house on sand and when the storms of life come the entire structure (the person) falls. So, the wise man is a doer of the Word, whereas, the unwise person hears it but does not act on it. The main reason why many do not act on God's Word is due to reasoning which erodes faith and therefore their spiritual life is built on sand. If he has faith in anything, it is in man, what man has done.You can tell whether a person is building on the sand or on the rock, by noticing whether they are putting into practice, that is, acting on God's Word. The one who thinks that knowledge is all that is necessary will fail.

James tells us, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:22-25) 

There is a grave danger of deluding our own selves in this way; we know the Word; we may be familiar with the original Greek or Hebrew; we may know the history of the Word, but that is all wasted energy if we do not live the Word, practice it, act on it. For instance, one who acts on God's Word, when they come to a hard place, and need money, without a second thought, they will turn to the Lord, to the Word, because they know that "...My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) You have taken your place and have acted the part of a real believer, trusting on the integrity of God's Word no matter what the circumstances may dictate. Instead of turning to the world, you turn to the Father to provide.

Maybe a loved one is sick. Instead of being fearful, you remember, "Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses) and carried our sorrows; (pains) yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-5) You remember, "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness, by whose stripes you were healed." (1 Peter 2:24)

Maybe some calamity has come, some rumor, something that the devil has stirred up against you. Instead of going into a mode of panic you confidently confess,  "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17) Your trust is in God's Word, because you can bank on Him to be faithful to do what He says He will do.

Unless one is a doer of the Word, he is not a believer of the Word. He has nothing but a mental assent of God's Word, a mere empty profession of religious words. Jesus would call them a sand foundation, a house on the seashore waiting to be destroyed by the next incoming tide. What danger there is with a religion of words if there is no corresponding action. It is a doer of the Word that receives things from God. Idle words may entertain men, but they do not reach God. Please do not take these words as condemning, but encouraging, as the apostle Paul tells us, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) and in and through Christ so can we.

Therefore, I want to encourage you in this. As we become doers of the the Word, not be a hearer only, the Lord begins to do in us and through us great and wonderful things. So, do not let reason or vain thoughts have their way but, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) PTL... 

Monday, September 12, 2022

Words

Did you ever notice that when you are around a person or group of people who talk negative, how it seems to weigh on you? For the most part, negative speech comes from people whose heart, their most inner person, has been either hurt or has been inundated most of their life with negative speech from those around them. Jesus tells us, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)

Negative speech usually comes in three forms, blaming, murmuring and or complaining. People who continuously play the "blame game" blame everyone else for the problems in life that they experience. Basically, one goes through life not taking responsibility for anything. All they do is blame someone or something. This certainly is nothing new. As a matter of fact, the blame game started in the Garden of Eden immediately after the fall of man. "Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:9-13) Notice that the Adam blamed the woman and God and the woman blamed the serpent.

Murmuring is very similar to complaining. The difference is that one who murmurs speaks their distress, displeasure or discontentment in a low voice so that they are the only one that can hear clearly, whereas one who complains voices their distress, displeasure or discontentment loud and clear. The children of Israel were notorious for their murmuring and complaining against God, especially His way of doing things. "Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord..." (Numbers 11:1) "And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron..." (Numbers 14:2)

In the incidences shown above, we see that blaming, murmuring and or complaining come with consequences. Solomon tells us, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21) For Adam and the woman, they lost their perfect and pure standing before God; were banished from the Garden; lost their spiritual dominion to their soul (mind, will and emotions); became spiritually dead and eventually died physically. (Genesis 3) For Israel, they took themselves out from Gods provision, protection and blessings and became prey for their enemies, both natural and spiritual, to have their way with them. (Deuteronomy 28)

It is very important that believers stand watch over their tongue for the same reason. Our words will either takes us captive, "You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth" (Proverbs 6:2) "A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul." (Proverbs 18:7) or they will put us over, "A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth," (Proverbs 12:14) "He who guards his mouth preserves his life" (Proverbs 13:3) "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." (Proverbs 15:4) As we can see, negative speech has serious consequences whereas wholesome speak releases blessings.

The Apostle Peter tells us, "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing" (1 Peter 3:8-9) Unfortunately, many believers never receive the blessings (promises) of God due their their constant blaming, murmuring and complaining. If you find yourself in the position of always looking at something or someone to blame, always murmuring and or complaining due to your distress, displeasure or discontentment, then it is time for you to have heart surgery. Not with a surgeons scalpel, but with the Word of God.

The Bible tells us, "He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." (Psalm 107:20)  "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) God's Word is so powerful that it heals the heart by revealing to us the things that are of the mind, will and emotions, which have not been born again, and the spirit, which has been recreated in the image of God in righteousness and true holiness. So. let the Word of God rule and reign in our heart so that we no longer "Let corrupt words proceed out of our mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." (Ephesians 4:29) May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all...        
   

Monday, August 8, 2022

The Battle Is Ours

The Bible makes it quite clear, that the church is in a battle against darkness. However, it is important for believers to see their position in Christ so that they can "fight the good fight of faith." (1 Timothy 6:12) Typically, there are three views that believers have of the church…

The Defeated Church: This view is based on experience, on what the five senses can comprehend and assimilate. Even though the Bible says it to be true, if I don’t experience it, then no matter what happens, good or bad, it must be God’s will. It comes out of ignorance of the believer’s position in Christ. When a believer does not know their position in Christ, their faith is neutralized.

The Militant Church: This view depicts the church as still battling and trying to gain our victory over an enemy. It acts as though the enemy has not been fully defeated by the Lord Jesus Christ. This view comes by taking Matthew 11:12 out of context and producing an unscriptural meaning or interruption.   

The Triumphant Church: This view is the Biblical view of the church. Believers know their position in Christ; that they are seated with Christ in the heavenly places, 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. (Ephesians 1:20-21, 2:6) The believer who knows their position in Christ is not defeated nor do they need to be militant. They simply uphold and enforce their redemptive rights and privileges in Christ.      

To some, this may be easily said, but most often difficult to carry out. Believers need to be fully convinced that what God’s Word says is absolutely true now and forever. "My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips." (Psalm 89:34) "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89) "The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

God's Word is just as powerful today as it was when it was first spoken. However, Satan does not want the church to know this fact. So, he uses the same tactic today as he used in the Garden of Eden, “Did God Say?” (Genesis 3:1) His tactic is for believers to question the integrity of God’s Word by getting them to reason, “Did God really say…Is it really God’s Will…You do not deserve God’s promises…If God really loved you this would not have happened…No matter what the devil says or how he says it, it is always an attacked against the integrity of God’s Word.

With all the demonic activity that goes on, it is vital that believers know what their redemption in Christ entitles them to. Believers need to be fully convinced that they have been given the same authority over all the works of the devil in the same manner and level that Jesus had when He walked this earth. "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19) Matthew tells us what Jesus said after His resurrection and before His ascension. "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matthew 28:18) If all authority has been given to Christ, then it stands to reason His church also has authority because we are His body.

The Bible lists 30 names given to Satan which reflects his nature, such as…
The adversary (1 Peter 5:8); A Thief (John 10:10); A murderer and liar (John 8:44); The accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10); The ruler of this world (John 12:31); The prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2); The god of the world system (2 Corinthians 4:4) It is Satan who is the author of all sin, all sickness and disease and all manner of evil, not God! Unfortunately, many believers have accused God of being the author of evil based on one verse of scripture."I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things." (Isaiah 45:7 KJV) This tells us that God directs judgments, disappointments, trials, and calamities; he presides over adversity as well as prosperous events. The passage does not prove that God is the author of moral evil or sin, and any teaching that promotes such attacks the character and nature of a Holy God.

The Bible tells us that God is…
The God who sees (Genesis 16:13); God Almighty (Genesis 17:1); The Lord who provides (Genesis 22:13-14); The Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26); The Lord our Banner (Exodus 17:15); The Lord who Sanctifies (Exodus 31:13); The Lord who does not lie (Numbers 23:19); The Lord is Peace (Judges 6:24); The Lord who does not afflict (Job 37:23); The Lord our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1); The Lord who is good (Psalm 34:8); The Lord our deliverer (Psalm 34:17); The Lord who is merciful and gracious (Psalm 103:8); The Lord who is full of compassion and good to ALL (Psalm 145:8-9); The Lord our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6); The Lord who does not change (Malachi 3:6); The Lord who gives good things (Matthew 7:11); The Lord of life (John 10:10); The conqueror of Satan (Colossians 2:15); The Lord who is faithful (Hebrews 10:23); The God of love (1 John 4:16)…The conqueror of death and hell (Revelation 1:18)… To name a few…

Jesus said, "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)
The church has the keys; the church has the authority; the church has the name above all names, Jesus; the church has been endued with the power of the Holy Spirit; and the church has God's Word that is living and powerful. So, let’s take our position as the triumphant church and uphold and enforce all that Jesus did. Let us never again give Satan even an infinitesimal amount in our lives, our families nor the church and take our position in Christ as the triumphant church that we are…