WHAT HAPPENED TO INNOCENCE?
I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT VALUES AND OUR CHILDREN. EVERYONE OF US WOULD SHIELD OUR CHILDREN NOW, BUT WE CANNOT.—-WHY? WE ARE AFRAID IF WE DO NOT TEACH THEM ALL ABOUT LIFE, NOW, THEY WILL LEARN IT SOME OTHER WAY. AND THIS IS TRUE.
MEDIA, SCHOOLS, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: ALL INFLUENCE OUR CHILDREN. I”M SURE YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT; BUT ARE WE GOING TO SIT BACK AND SEE THIS CONTINUE TO HAPPEN?
MY MOTHER AND I WERE HAVING A MOTHER-DAUGHTER DAY YESTERDAY, AND AS-YOU-WILL, WE BAGAN TO TALK ABOUT FAMILY.
WE WENT HERE AND THERE, AND THEN MOTHER BEGAN TO TELL ME ABOUT THE BIRTH OF HER BROTHER AND SISTER WHO ARE TWINS.
I WAS AMAZED TO HEAR THE STORY.
SHE SAID, “IN MY DAYS, AS A CHILD, WHEN A BABY WAS COMING, THE OTHER CHILDREN IN THE HOME DIDN’T EVEN KNOW THEY WERE GETTING TO HAVE ANOTHER BROTHER OR SISTER.
THE PREGNANT MOM WOULD HIDE THE BABY CLOTHES AT A NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE, SO THEY WOULDN’T KNOW.”
I STARTED ASKING MOTHER, “WHY?”
THEN I REALIZED THE ANSWER—-THEY WANTED THE CHILDREN TO EXPERIENCE CHILDHOOD IN INNOCENCE, UNTIL THEY WERE OLD ENOUGH TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT SEX.
THE PARENTS WOULD NOT LIE TO THEM, SO THEY JUST KEPT QUIET ABOUT IT.
ANYWAY, GRANDMOTHER WAS ABOUT TO GIVE BIRTH, SO HER NEIGHBOR TOOK ALL THE CHILDREN HOME WITH HER, AND SNUCK BACK WITH THE BABY CLOTHES AND BLANKET.
THEN IT HAPPENED! OUT COME MILDRED!!
MOTHER SAID, “IN THOSE DAYS THERE WAS NO WAY TO KNOW IF YOU WERE GOING TO HAVE A BOY OR GIRL, OR EVEN IF YOU WERE EXPECTING MORE THAN ONE.”
I GUESSED THAT WAS WHY THEY PUT DRESSES ON BOYS AS WELL AS GIRLS; I DON’T KNOW.
THERE WERE MANY GUESSES, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION, WHETHER THE MOTHER WAS BIGGER IN FRONT, OR BIGGER FROM THE BACK VIEW. NO ONE KNEW FOR SURE BUT GOD HIMSELF.
MOTHER CONTINUED, “AS SOON AS THEY GOT MILFORD CLEANED-UP, WRAPPED-UP—-TO THEIR SURPRISE, OUT CAME MILFORD! TWINS!!
THERE WERE NO CLOTHES FOR MILFORD, SO GRANDMA’S NEIGHBOR HAD TO RUN QUICKLY BACK HOME TO GET A BLANKET.”
I LOVE THIS STORY. THIS WAS A STORY I NEVER HEARD BEFORE.
I ENJOYED IT, BUT IT GOT ME TO THINKING.
WHAT HAPPENED?
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE INNOCENCE OF OUR SMALL CHILDREN?
WHY HAVE WE ALLOWED FAMILY VALUES TO BECOME SO POLLUTED?
WHERE DID WE GO WRONG?
MANY OF OUR SMALL CHILDREN KNOW MORE THAN I DID WHEN I GOT MARRIED.
THERE SHOULD BE A TIME OF INNOCENCE—-UNDISTURBED.
I KNOW YOU ARE ASKING,”HOW CAN WE KEEP OUR CHILDREN FROM GETTING ABUSED IF THEY DON’T KNOW?”
I BELIEVE THE TIME TO TELL THEM SOMETHING IS WHEN THEY BEGIN TO ASK QUESTIONS. BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO TELL THEM EVERYTHING: JUST ENOUGH TO SATISFY THEM.
LEAVE OFF THE “CABBAGE PATCH,” AND THE “STORK STORY,” AND TELL THEM THE TRUTH: JUST ENOUGH TO SATISFY THEIR CURIOSITY, BECAUSE TOO MUCH WILL ONLY CONFUSE THEM, AND CAUSE THEM TO ASK MORE QUESTIONS.
MEN AND WOMEN OF GOD, IF WE DON’T DO SOMETHING, THIS SPIRAL WILL CONTINUE DOWN HILL.
THE WORLD, AND EVEN SOME PSYCOLOGISTS, WOULD TELL YOU IT IS GOOD FOR CHILDREN TO EXPERIENCE SEX EARLY. THEY SAY IT WILL PREPARE THEM FOR ADULTHOOD.
THIS IS A LIE FROM SATAN.
I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE, WHAT IT CAN DO TO AN INNOCENT CHILD TO BE VIOLATED AT AN EARLY AGE.—-IT CAUSES THEM TO FEEL INFERIOR, AND MANY END UP IN MENTAL INSTITUTIONS; OR THROUGH UNCONTROLLED ANGER, EVEN A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY. SOME END UP IN HOMOSEXUALITY.
THEY ARE NOT PREPARED FOR SUCH AN ADULT ACTION.
YOU MIGHT THINK MY GRANDMOTHER MORTON WAS TOO PRIMITIVE!
WELL, AT LEAST MY GRANDMOTHER AND GRANDFATHER WERE DOING SOMETHING!!—-THEY WERE TRYING TO KEEP THOSE LITTLE ONE’S INNOCENT, UTIL THEY ERE READY TO EXPERIENCE LIFE.
YOU CAN CALL IT TOO PROTECTIVE IF YOU WANT, BUT WHAT IS GOING ON NOW IS FAR OUT OF HAND.
OUR TEENS, ON THE AVERAGE, ARE EXPERIENCING ACTIVE SEX LIVES. WHEN THEY MARRY, MANY OF THEM WON’T EVEN REMEMBER HOW MANY PARTNERS THEY HAVE HAD SEX WITH ALREADY.
CHILDREN SEE SO MANY ADULT PROGRAMS, THEY WANT TO BE AN ADULT TOO FAST: TOO FAST FOR THEIR MINDS AND BODIES.
CHILDREN ARE DATING CHILDREN. WHEN PUBERTY BEGINS, NUMEROUS CHILDREN HAVE ALREADY SEEN MANY SEX SCENES ON TV AND INTERNET WITH NO FILTERING.
THEY ACT OUT WHAT THEY SEE, NOT WHAT THEY ARE TOLD.
ALONG WITH SOME OTHER MINISTERS, I HELPED MINISTER DELIVERENCE TO A THREE YEAR OLD CHILD. HER STORY GOES LIKE THIS: SHE HAD VIEWED HER MOTHER AND MEN IN BED, AND SHE WAS TRYING TO HAVE SEX WITH HER DOLL REPEATEDLY. THE GRANDMOTHER BEGAN TO NOTICE WHAT SHE WAS DOING, AND BROUGHT HER FOR HELP.—-SHE RECEIVED DELIVERANCE.
I HAD A SUSPICION, ALSO, SHE MAY HAVE BEEN MOLESTED.
I AM HORRIFIED, THAT WE AS ADULTS, HAVE ALLOWED THINGS TO GET SO FAR OUT OF HAND.
YOU MIGHT SAY, “I AGREE, BUT WHAT CAN I DO?”
WE NEED TO PRAY, AND ASK GOD FOR A PLAN. HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF THIS DOWNWARD SPIRAL. WE NEED TO WATCH WHAT WE BRING INTO OUR HOMES.
WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXAMPLE WE SET.
WE NEED TO STOP LETTING OUR CHILDREN START DATING BEFORE THEY ARE READY.
WE NEED TO STOP RIDING OUR CHILDREN AROUND WITH THEIR DATES, BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT OLD ENOUGH TO DRIVE.
BELOVED, IF THEY ARE NOT OLD ENOUGH TO DRIVE, THEY ARE NOT MATURE ENOUGH TO DATE. SOMETIMES, I THINK PARENTS PUSH THEIR CHILDREN INTO DATING.
YOUR CHILD IS NOT READY FOR WHAT THEY MIGHT EXPERIENCE.
PEOPLE YOU TRUST MAY NOT PEOPLE YOU CAN TRUST.
WE NEED TO BEGIN AGAIN, AND TAKE CHECK ON OUR VALUES.
PROVERBS 7:7,8 – AND BEHOLD AMONG THE SIMPLE ONE’S, I DESCERNED AMONG THE YOUTHS, A YOUNG MAN VOID OF UNDERSTANDING, PASSING THROUGH THE STREET NEAR HER CORNER, AND HE WENT THE WAY OF HER HOUSE…
THIS IS DESCRIBING A YOUTH, NOT A MAN.—-SHE GOES ON TO TELL HIM THE MAN OF THE HOUSE IS GONE ON A TRIP AND NO ONE IS HOME.
VERSES 21,22,27 – WITH HER MUCH FAIR SPEECH SHE CAUSED HIM TO YEILD, WITH THE FLATTERING OF HER LIPS SHE FORCED HIM. HE GOETH AFTER HER STRAIGHTWAY, AS AN OX GOETH TO A SLAUGHTER, OR AS A FOOL TO THE CORRECTION OF THE STOCKS; HER HOUSE IS THE WAY TO HELL, GOING DOWN TO THE CHAMBERS OF DEATH. (OR IF YOU WANT TO FIND THE ROAD TO HELL, LOOK FOR HER HOUSE.)
CHAPTER 2:17 – WHICH FORSAKETH THE GUIDE OF HER YOUTH, AND FORGETTETH THE COVENANT OF HER GOD.
SHE HAS FORSAKEN WHAT SHE WAS TAUGHT BY HER PARENTS, AND BECAME ARROGANT, AND TURNED HER BACK ON GOD.
I THANK GOD FOR CHRISTIAN VALUES, MY PARENTS INSTILLED IN ME AS A SMALL CHILD. THEY TOOK ME TO CHURCH. THEY TAUGHT ME TO PRAY AND READ THE BIBLE EVERYDY. I LEARNED THAT AT HOME.
MANY WANT THEIR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN TO HAVE GOD AND HIS PEACE REST UPON THEM, BUT WE DON’T TO PAY THE PRICE OF DISCIPLINE.
TIS IS NOT TO BRING YOU TO CONDEMNATION, BUT TO SOUND AN ALARM.
PROVERBS SUMS IT UP THIS WAY (22:6) WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I SPAKE AS A CHILD, I UNDERSTOOD AS A CHILD…
A CHILD UNDERSTANDS AS A CHILD AND SHOULD BE PROTECTED: DON’T FORCE THEM INTO ADULTHOOD.
THERE IS NO CHILD-CARE LIKE THE CARE OF A LOVING GODLY MOTHER AND FATHER (OR FATHER).
THE GREATEST ANSWER IS PRAYER: PRAY FOR ALL OUR CHILDREN.
HOW TO BE FREE
JOHN 8:31,32 THEN SAID JESUS UNTO THOSE JEWS WHICH BELIEVED ON HIM, IF YE CONTINUE IN MY WORD, THEN ARE YE MY DISCIPLES INDEED.
AND YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE.
TRUE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST LOVE THE WORD OF GOD, THEY LIVE BY THE WORD OF GOD.
DISCIPLES OF JESUS HAVE A RELATONSHIP WITH THEIR MASTER.
I REMEMBER HOW BOUND I WAS WHEN I FULLY GAVE MY LIFE TO JESUS.
AS THE HOLY SPIRIT LED ME INTO THE PATH OF THE WORD OF GOD, MAJOR CHANGE TOOK PLACE IN MY LIFE. THE THINGS THAT I USE TO LOVE I BEGAN TO HATE AND THE THINGS I USE TO HATE I BEGAN TO LOVE.
THE TRUTH OF THE CRUCIFIED RESURRECTED CHRIST BECAME REALITY IN MY LIFE.
I BECAME A DISCIPLE OF JESUS, A DISCIPILINED FOLLOWER OF MY LORD.
DISCIPLES MAKE DISCIPLES WHO MAKE DISCIPLES.
JESUS CALLED US TO BE DISCIPLES THAT WE MIGHT HELP OTHERS TO BECOME DISCIPLES.
IF WE DON’T ALLOW GOD’S PROCESS BY CONTINUING IN THE WORD OF GOD WE WILL NEVER BE FREE OURSELVES. IF WE DON’T CONTINUE TO LIVE BY THE WORD OF GOD, WE NEVER CHANGE AND WE NEVER TOUCH OTHER PEOPLES LIVES THROUGH WHAT GOD WAS ALLOWED TO DO IN US .
IF WE BECOME FREE, WE CAN LEAD OTHERS INTO DISCIPLESHIP.
WE WERE BORN TO IMPACT THIS WORLD WITH THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
WE WERE ALL BORN TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF OUR LORD THROUGH PRECEPT AND CONDUCT.
APPEARANCES
I ASK YOU TO READ THIS MESSAGE WITH AN OPEN MIND AS I, AS AN OLDER WOMAN, TEACH YOU WHAT GOD HAS LAID ON MY HEART TODAY.
IN SCRIPTURE, WE ARE TOLD TO ABSTAIN FROM CERTAIN THINGS AND ACTIONS, SUCH AS: FORNICATION (I THESSALONIANS 4:3); ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL (I THESSALONIANS 5:22); AND FLESHLY LUSTS (I PETER 2:11).
GIRLS (AND GUYS), GOD HAS GIVEN A BEAUTIFUL BODY TO REJOICE IN.
ALL OF US ARE …FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE…(PSALM 139:14).
WHEN GOD CREATED WOMAN, HE FORMED HER FROM ONE OF ADAM’S RIBS; WHICH WAS THE FIRST RECORDED SURGERY. GENESIS 2:21-23 – AND GOD CAUSED A DEEP SLEEP TO FALL UPON ADAM, AND HE SLEPT: AND HE TOOK ONE OF ADAM’S RIBS, AND CLOSED UP THE FLESH INSTEAD.
AND THE RIB WHICH THE LORD HAD TAKEN FROM MAN, MADE HE A WOMAN, AND BROUGHT HER TO THE MAN. WOMAN MEANS: “AT LAST THIS ONE.” WHY DID ADAM CALL HER “AT LAST THIS ONE?” BECAUSE ALL THE ANIMALS CREATED HAD A MATE.—-…AND THE LORD GOD SAID, IT IS NOT GOOD THAT MAN SHOULD BE ALONE; I WILL MAKE A HELP MEET FOR HIM (ONE SUITABLE TO HELP HIM) (GENESIS 2:18).
SO HERE WE GO! IT IS GOD’S PLAN THAT MAN IS ATTRACTED TO WOMAN, AND WOMAN TO MAN.
IN GENESIS 4:1, WE SEE …AND ADAM KNEW EVE HIS WIFE; AND SHE CONCEIVED…
SEX BEGAN.
BEFORE THE FALL, AND RECOGNITION OF GOOD AND EVIL, THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ONE MAN ONE ONE WOMAN TO BE CLOTHED IN GARMENTS. THEY WERE CLOTHED IN THE LIGHT OF GOD, IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN WHERE THERE WAS NO SIN OR CORRUPTION. ALL WAS PURITY AND PEACE. THERE WAS NO SEXUAL CONTACT BETWEEN ADAM AND EVE BECAUSE THEY WERE IN A PLACE OF HOLY COMPANIONSHIP.
DID GOD KNOW THEN THAY WOULD FALL AND SIN? YES, BECAUSE THE SCRIPTURES SAY IN REVELATION 13:8b – …THE LAMB SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD…SO WE SEE, GOD MADE PROVISION FOR OUR SINS BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH, BEFORE CREATION. GOD KNEW THE CHOICES OF MAN TO COME, AND GAVE US A SAVIOR THROUGH HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST. IT WAS GOD’S DIVINE PLAN THAT HIS SON WOULD DIE FOR US, AND RISE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY, AND ASCEND BACK TO HEAVEN TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR US. WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME TO JESUS. COME TODAY.
AFTER GOD PRONOUNCED THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN, IT IS RECORDED THAT HE CLOTHED ADAM AND EVE, AND AS HIS WIFE, SHE CONCEIVED A CHILD.
OUR AGE IS NOW CALLED A SEXUAL REVOLUTION: WITHOUT RESTRAINT, PORNOGRAPHY, FREE SEX, HOMOSEXUALITY OT OF THE CLOSET, EXPOSING ONE’S BODY, AND EVERYTHING GOES.
NOW, INSTESD ABSTAINING FROM ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL, IT IS TO BE TOLERANT OF EVIL; DO YOUR OWN THING; MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICES! —-WE ARE FREE TO CHOOSE, BUT TAGGED-ON ARE THE CONSEQUENCES, OR COULD WE SAY, THE HARVEST OF OUR CHOICES.
TAKE THE CHOICE OF FORNICATION OF WHICH THE DEFINITION IS: SIN, ADULTRY, INFIDELITY, EXTRAMARITAL AFFAIR (ACTUALLY IT MEANS ANY TYPE OF SEXUAL PERVERSION, EVEN CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE.
LOOK AT I THESSALONIANS 4:3-5– FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD, EVEN YOUR SANCTIFICATION, THAT YE SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM FORNICATION:
THAT EVERYONE OF YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW TO POSSESS HIS VESSEL IN SANCTIFICATION AND HONOR;
NOT IN THE LUST OF CONCUPISCIENCE (PERSONAL DESIRE), EVEN AS THE GENTILES (HEATHEN) WHICH KNOW NOT GOD.
WHEN THE CHOICE TO FORNICATE IS MADE, THERE ARE MANY CONSEQUENCES THAT EVOLVE. IT OPENS THE DOOR TO AIDS, VENEREAL DISEASES, HEARTACHE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, UNWED PREGNANCY, ABORTION, AND THE LIST GOES ON; NOT TO MENTION DOSOBEDIENCE TO, AND CHASTISEMENT OF GOD. MOST SAY GUILT IS THE HARDEST TO OVERCOME.
WHAT ABOUT OUR APPEARANCE, WHICH INCLUDES CHOICE OF CLOTHING, OUR ACTIONS; WHO WE TRY TO IMITATE; ANYTHING THAT WOULD GO UNDER THE APPEARANCES WE WANT TO REVEAL TO OTHERS WHO ARE WATCHING OUR LIVES?
ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL (I THESSALONIANS 5:22).
I WAS TOLD BY AN ACQUAINTANCE OF MINE, WHO CONFESSED TO BE A CHRISTIAN, “IT DOESN’T MATTER THAT I AM LIVING WITH A MAN TO WHICH I AM NOT MARRIED. WE DON’T SLEEP TOGETHER.”
I KNEW THE CONSEQUENCES SHE COULD FACE BECAUSE A MAN AND WOMAN LIVING IN AHAOUS TOGETHER, ALONE, WHO ARE ATTRACTED TO EACH OTHER, SPELLS FORNICATION.
I SAID TO HER, “WE ARE TOLD TO ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL.” SHE GOT VERY QUIET AND CONVICTION SET IN. PRAISE GOD, THROUGH A DANGER TO HERSELF, SHE GOT OUT OF THAT SITUATION. FROM THAT DAY SHE STAYED CLOSE TO THE LORD, AND SHE WENT TO BE WITH THE LORD TWO YEARS AGO.
WHAT ABOUT MODESTY? I PETER 2:11 – DEARLY BELOVED, I BESEECH YOU AS STRANGERS AND PILGRAMS, ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY LUSTS (DESIRES) WHICH WAR AGAINST THE SOUL;
STUDIES SHOW THAT MALES TEND TO BE MORE VISUALLY ORIENTED THAN FEMALES WHEN IT COMES TO SEXUAL AROUSAL. CHRISTIAN WOMEN, THEREFORE, HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY NOT TO TEMPT MEN BY THE WAY THEY PRESENT THEMSELVES. WE MUST KEEP THAT IN MIND WHEN WE EXAMINE PAUL’S INSTRUCTION TO TIMOTHY THAT WOMEN’S CLOTHING SHOULD BE MODEST, DECENT, AND PROPER. I TIMOTHY 2:9a,10 – IN LIKE MANNER ALSO, THAT WOMEN ADORN THEMSELVES IN MODEST APPAREL, WITH SHAMEFACEDNESS (REVERENCE TOWARD GOD, AND DECENCY; RESPECT) AND SOBRIETY (OR SELF CONTROL, SOUNDNESS OF MIND) …WHICH BECOMETH WOMEN PROFESSING GODLINESS) WITH GOOD WORKS.
THIS IS NOT THE DO’S AND DON’T”S—-IT IS ABOUT POWERFULLY COMMUNICATING OUR INDIVIDUAL VALUE AS WOMEN AND RESPECTING THE VALUE OF MEN. JUST LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE KINGDOM, MODESTY ISN’T ABOUT RULES AND REGULATIONS—-IT IS BORN IN THE REALM OF MOTIVES OR ISSUES OF THE HEART.
DON’T GET CAUGHT-UP IN OTHER PEOPLE’S STRIFE
WE ALL KNOW PEOPLE WHO SEEM TO STAY IN STRIFE. EVERY TIME YOU’RE AROUND THEM,YOU CAN FEEL IT. PERSONALLY, IF I CAN, I AVOID THAT KIND OF PERSONALITY. BUT IT’S VERY HARD IF THEIR STRIFE IS DIRECTED TOWARD YOU, OR THOSE YOU LOVE.
TODAY, WE WILL DISCOVER WHAT THE WORD HAS TO SAY ABOUT STRIFE: AND MY ADVICE TO YOU IS OUR TITLE FOR THIS MESSAGE: DON’T GET CAUGHT-UP IN OTHER PEOPLE’S STRIFE. AVOID IT WHEN YOU HAVE THE CHOICE.
ONE OF THE HARDEST CHALLENGES IN OUR WALK WITH THE LORD, IS TO STAY OUT OF STRIFE: JAMES 3:14-16 – BUT IF YE HAVE BITTER ENVYING AND STRIFE (OR QUARELING) IN YOUR HEARTS, GLORY NOT (DO NOT BE PROUD), AND LIE NOT AGAINST THE TRUTH.
THIS WISDOM IS NOT FROM ABOVE, BUT IS EARTHLY, SENSUAL, DEVILISH.
FOR WHERE ENVYING AND STRIFE IS, THERE IS CONFUSION AND EVERY EVIL WORK.
STRIFE OPENS-UP THE DOOR FOR EVERY EVIL WORK! WHEN I SAY THIS, I MEAN, STRIFE OPENS-UP THE DOOR FOR THE ENEMY OF OUR SOULS, TO BE INVITED INTO OUR HOMES, CHURCHES, AND WORK PLACES. THESE ARE EVIL WORKS SUCH AS: HATRED; PERVERSION; SIN; SCOFFING; GOSSIP; PRIDE; ANGER; AND FLESH.
ALL OF THESE CAUSE DIVISION; AND MANY TIMES, SEPARATION AND DIVORCE. NOT TO MENTION ALL KINDS OF CRIMES AND WARS —-AND YES, CHURCH SPLITS.
PROVERBS 10:12 – HATRED STIRRETH UP STRIFES… HERE, WE SEE STRIFE ORIGINATES FROM HATRED.
PROVERBS 16:28 – A FROWARD MAN SOWETH STRIFE: AND A WISPERER SEPARATETH CHIEF FRIENDS. THE DISOBEDIENT MAN OR WOMAN SOWS DISSENSION AND DAMAGES FRIENDSHIPS.
OVER THE YEARS, IT HAS BEEN MY ADVICE: DO NOT HAVE CONVERSATION WITH A PERSON OF STRIFE. IT IS DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD, AND IS POISON TO THE SOUL OF THOSE WHO GET INVOLVED WITH SUCH, AND IT CAUSES DIVISION.
IT IS VERY EASY TO CHOOSE SIDES, AND MANY BE DEFILED. IT IS NOT INNOCENT; IT IS DEVILISH: OR WE COULD SAY DEMONIC!
IT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE, THAT THOSE WHO GET INTO STRIFE, ALWAYS NEED A COHART, OR ACCOMPLICE. THEY HAVE A HARD TIME EXPRESSING IT WITHOUT AN AUDIENCE; AND MANY TIMES , IN THE CHURCH, THEY “DRAW-IN” A STRUGGLING NEW CONVERTWHO IS STILL ON THE “MILK BOTTLE”, SO-TO-SPEAK. THEY DON’T EVEN UNDERSTAND THEY ARE BEING USED BY THE HATE OF ANOTHER HALF-BACKSLIDDEN CHRISTIAN.
PROVERBS 17:19 – HE LOVETH TRANSGRESSION (OR LOVES TO OFFEND) THAT LOVETH STRIFE; AND HE THAT EXALTETH HIS GATE SEEKETH DESTRUCTION.
THIS VERSE WARNS THAT OFFENSES ARE EASILY COMMITTED BUT DIFFICULT TO DISSOLVE OR GO AWAY. IT’S LIKE ‘WILD FIRE” ON DRY TIMBER: IT IS HARD TO EXTINGUISH.
PROVERBS 22:10 – CAST OUT THE SCORNER, AND CONTENTION WILL GO OUT; YEA, STRIFE AND REPROACH SHALL CEASE. IN THIS VERSE, WE ARE REMINDED THAT CONTENTION AND BICKERING WILL EXIST AS LONG AS THE SCORNER IS AROUND. A GOOD REFERENCE FOR THIS IS MATTHEW 18:17 – AND IF HE SHALL NEGLECT TO HEAR THEM, TELL IT UNTO THE CHURCH: BUT IF HE NEGLECT TO HEAR THE CHURCH, LET HIM BE UNTO THEE AS A HEATHEN MAN AND A PUBLICAN (AS A PAGAN AND TAX COLLECTOR).
THE FUEL IS WHAT KEEPS THEN FIRE BURNING. —-I KNOW SOMETIMES IT IS HARD TO GET OVER THINGS, AND FORGIVE, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS AN ON-GOING OCCURANCE. BUT FORGIVENESS IS THE ONLY WAY OUT IN GOD’S WORD. WE ARE COMMANDED TO FORGIVE 70 TIMES 7 IN MATTHEW 18:22. IT IS SAID, THAT MEANS 490 TIMES IN ONE DAY.
IF ONE PARTY TO A QUARREL, REALLY WISHES FOR PEACE, HE CAN OFTEN OBTAIN IT BY SIMPLY ABSTAINING FROM MAINTAINING HIS CONTENTION. HIS OPPONENT WILL GET TIRED OF A ONE-SIDED WAR.
PATIENCE, MEEKNESS, AND QUIET ENDURANCE WILL MAKE PEACE IN THE END. THIS WAS CHRIST’S METHOD. HE BROUGHT PEACE BY HIS ACTIONS OF BROTHERLY LOVE, PEACEABLY SUBMITTING TO WRONG.
I BELIEVE MANY TIMES THE FIRE WOULD GO OUT IF A THIRD PARTY DIDN’T ADD THE FUEL. BUT A THIRD PARTY WHO IS ALWAYS IN STRIFE THEMSELVES, INTERFERES, NOT AS A PEACEMAKER; BUT TO TAKE ONE SIDE; OR TO MEDDLE IN PURE MISCHIEF MAKING, DELIGHTING TO STIR UP THE EMBERS OF STRIFE; OR TO SHOW THEIR OWN POWER AND IMPORTANCE.
GREAT HARM IS DONE, BY MERELY CARELESS GOSSIP OR TALE-BEARING. WHEN AN ELEMENT OF SPITE IS ADDED AND THERE IS A DELIBERATE TTEMPT TO AGGRAVATE A QUARREL, THE TALE-BEARER IS DEFINITELY CRUEL. MOST TALES ARE LIKE SNOWBALLS, THEY GROW AS THEY PROCEED.
THE WORD OF GOD SAYS IT SO WELL, EVEN A CHILD CAN UNDERSTAND: II TIMOTHY 2:23-25 – BUT FOOLISH AND UNLEARNED QUESTIONS AVOID, KNOWING THAT THEY DO GENDER STRIFES.
AND THE SERVANT OF THE LORD MUST NOT STRIVE: BUT BE GENTLE UNTO ALL MEN, APT TO TEACH; PATIENT,
IN MEEKNESS INSTRUCTING THOSE WHO OPPOSE THEMSELVES; IF GOD WILL PREADVENTURE (OR MAYBE) WILL GIVE THE REPENTANCE TO THE ACKNOWLEDGING OF THE TRUTH.
I ASK YOU TODAY, IF YOU HAVE AN AGENDA, JUST BECAUSE YOU WANT TO BE RIGHT—-TURN THAT OVER TO GOD AND LET HIM WORK ALL OF THIS OUT FOR YOU.
THOSE WHO ARE CAUGHT-UP IS SOMEONE ELSE’S STRIFE, TO REPENT, AND STAY AWAY (IF POSSIBLE), FROM THAY ANGRY AND UNFORGIVING PERSON, AND PRAY THEY WILL REPENT OF THEIR UNFORGIVENESS, BEFORE YOU FA;; INTO THAT SNARE WITH THEM.
SPEND TIME YOU HAVE BEEN WASTING: LISTENING, AND JOINING-IN ON THEIR STRIFE,—-IN PRAYING FOR THOSE THEY ARE AGAINST; THAT THEIR LIVES WILL CHANGE.
FOR HE THAT WILL LOVE LIFE, AND SEE GOOD DAYS, LET HIM REFRAIN HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL, AND HIS LIPS THAT THEY SPEAK NO GUILE.
I DESIRE INTIMATE TIME WITH YOU
“I DESIRE INTIMATE TIME WITH YOU.”
THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SPOKE TO ME THIS MORNING WHILE WE SPENT TIME TOGETHER IN OUR SECRET PLACE.
I KNOW SOME OF YOU THINK GOD DOESN’T SPEAK; AND OTHERS OF YOU THINK GOD IS LOOKING DOWN ON US, WAITING FOR US TO STEP OUT OF LINE, SO HE CAN BRING HIS WRATH ON US. BUT THIS IS NOT THE GOD OF THE BIBLE, NOR THE GOD WHO SPENDS TIME WITH ME EVERY DAY.
HE LOVES ALL CREATION AND HE DOES, OF COURSE, JUDGE SIN.
FIRST, LET’S EXAMINE HIS CHARACTER: HE IS LIFE; HE IS OUR PEACE; HIS BANNER OVER US IS LOVE; HE IS EVERYTHING WE NEED IN ANY GIVEN SITUATION; HE IS THE DIRECT OPPOSITE OF THE ENEMY OF OUR SOULS, SATAN.
NOW, LET’S LOOK AT SATAN’S CHARACTER: HE IS SELFISH;HE BRINGS PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL DEATH; HE IS LIKE A ROARING LION, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR.
DOES THIS SOUND LIKE SOMEONE ON WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO BASE YOUR CHARACTER?
I FORGOT TO SAY, HIS END IS DESTRUCTION. HE DOES DESTROY, BUT IN THE END, HE WILL BE DESTORYED; ALONG WITH ALL WHO SERVE HIM.
TO FOLLOW GOD, IS TO BE WHAT HE WANTS US TO BE: BY ACCEPTING JESUS AS OUR SAVIOR, AND MAKING HIM LORD OF OUR LIVES.
IF WE WANT TO KNOW WHO TO BE INTIMATE WITH, WE LOOK FOR JUST THE RIGHT PERSON: THE ONE WHO IS FOR US AND NOT AGAINST US. LET’S DEFINE THE WORD INTIMATE: IT IS CLOSE IN FRIENDSHIP; WELL ACQUAINTED; FAMILIAR; AND CONFIDENTIAL.
WHY SHOULD WE EVEN SPEND THE TIME OF DAY WITH SOMEONE WHO DESPISES US AND WANTS TO TAKE US TO HELL? THINK ABOUT IT!
WE HAVE MANUALS TO GET ACQUAINTED WITH EVERY APPLIANCE OR GADGET WE BUY. THEY CALL IT INSTRUCTIONS. IT TELLS US WHAT THAT THING WILL DO, AND EVEN WHAT IT WON’T DO. HOW DO THEY KNOW? IT HAS BEEN TRIED AND TESTED.
WELL, WE HAVE A MANUAL, THE BEST SELLER OF ALL TIMES, YEAR AFTER YEAR, CALLED THE HOLY BIBLE. IF WE WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT GOD, OR SATAN, WE CAN FIND IT IN THIS MANUAL.
MY HUSBAND HAS STATED, REFERRING TO THIS, WHEN HE FELL IN LOVE WITH ME, HE WANTED TO KNOW ALL ABOUT ME. IF THERE HAD BEEN A BOOK WRITTEN ABOUT ME, HE WOULD HAVE READ IT TO SEE WHAT WOULD MAKE ME HAPPY.
I TELL YOU, WE CAN PLEASE GOD, BUT SATAN IS NEVER SATISFIED. HIS ONLY PLEASURE IS TO HAVE OUR SOUL AND DAMN IT TO HELL.
EVERYDAY PEOPLE MAKE CHOICES: SOME TURN OUT GOOD, AND SOME BAD; BUT I TELL YOU, THIS CHOICE TO SERVE GOD BRINGS EVERLASTING LIFE AND PEACE WITH IT. NOTHING ELSE WE CHOOSE WILL EVER STAND THAT TEST.
IF YOU WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT IS GOOD AND TRUE, SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES. THEY BRING EVERLASTING LIFE.
EVERY OTHER gOD, LITTLE “g”, THAT MAN HAS SOUGHT OUT TO BE INTIMATE WITH, HAS BROUGHT DEATH OR BONDAGE. WHY SHOULD ANYONE AS INTELLIGENT AS WE THINK WE ARE, WANT TO SERVE AND ENTITY LIKE THAT?
TELL ME, HOW COULD WHOLE NATIONS WORSHIP AND BOW DOWN TO A gOD WHO REQUIRES THEIR DEATH, FOR FALSE BENEFITS, AND TEACHES THEM TO TAKE LIVES? HOW COULD THEY?
WHEN WE FOLLOW JESUS, WE ARE FOLLOWING HIM TO WIN THE LOST FOR CHRIST. AND HE BRINGS US INTO HIS PRESENCE.
THE ANOINTING OR PRESENCE WE FEEL WHEN WE WORSHIP GOD, JEHOVAH, IS PLEASURABLE. WE GIVE OUR LIVES TO HIM, AND I KNOW SOME HAVE DIED FOR HIM BY BEING MARTYRED, BUT NO ONE HAS EVER COMMITTED MURDER FOR HIM, KILLED UNBORN BABIES FOR HIM, NOR COMMITTED SUICIDE FOR HIM.
WHY DO YOUM SUPPOSE THE MUSLIM god TELLS HIS FOLLOWERS NOT TO BE PROMISCUOUS, AND THEN TELLS THEM THEY CAN BE, IF THEY KILL AND COMMIT SUICIDE IN THE PROCESS? STOP AND THINK! IT IS IN THE KORAN, WHICH WE COULD SAY, IS THEIR MANUAL.
THERE ARE PRECIOUS SOULS IN THE BALANCE, AND WE SHOULD BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT WHO WE SERVE AND COMMUNE WITH. EVERYBODY AFFECTS SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE.
MY HEAVENLY FATHER WANTS COMMUNION WITH HIS CHILDREN, AND ALL OF US HAVE A PLACE WITHIN OUR BEING, THAT WANTS TO WORSHIP SOMEONE OR SOMETHING.
THE MESSAGE I DESIRE TO GET ACROSS TO YOU, IS: WORSHIP THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD!
HE DESIRES TIME WITH YOU, BUT TO SPEND TIME WITH HIM, YOU HAVE TO KNOW HIM PERSONALLY.
MY FRIEND, ALL OTHER gods BELONG TO SATAN AND HIS KINGDOM. HE HAS JUST THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU, TO DECEIVE YOU INTO WORSHIPPING THAT FALSE god; BUT IN REALITY YOU ARE WORSHIPPING SATAN, AND HE LOVES IT.
GOD THE FATHER IS THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD; GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, AND GOD THE HOLY GHOST: THREE IN ONE.
I HAVE READ THE REAL MANUAL, THE HOLY BIBLE, WRITTEN UNDER THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; AND I HAVE BEEN IN HIS PRESENCE, AND HAS SEEN HIS SUPERNATURAL OPERATION IN MY LIFE. HE HAS CHANGED ME, AND IS CONTINUALLY LOVINGLY CHANGING ME.
WHY DO I SERVE HIM? BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED ME, AND REACHED DOWN FOR ME. HE DREW ME TO HIMSELF. I ACCEPTED HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, AS MY SAVIOR AND HE CHANGED THIS GIRL INTO A WOMAN OF GOD WHO LOVES AND TRIES TO REACH ALL THE PEOPLE SHE CAN TO BRING THEM TO THE TRUTH.
I SPEAK BLESSINGS OVER YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS: SPIRITUAL, PHYSICAL, AND FINANCIAL BLESSINGS.
THE FORCES OF EVIL AND HOW THEY WORK
EVIL BEGAN WITH SATAN. WITH ADAM, SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD. MOST CHRISTIANS KNOW THIS, BUT THERE ARE THINGS WE MUST UNDERSTAND ABOUT OUR ENEMY, THAT KEEPS US FROM BEING THE BEST WE CAN FOR GOD. SATAN USES DEMONS, AND SHOWS UP HIMSELF, AT TIMES, AS WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
I DON’T MEAN HE CAN BE EVERYWHERE AT ALL TIMES LIKE GOD, BUT HIS DEMONS ARE DISPATCHED BY HIM TO FOLLOW US AROUND, TO SEE IF WE WILL OPEN THE DOOR FOR THEM TO ENTER.
BY THIS, I MEAN, WHEN WE GET IN THE FLESH,OR LOOK BACK TO THE WORLD, WE CAN TAKE A BACK-STEP INTO WHAT WE USED TO BE BEFORE SALVATION, AND BE TEMPTED TO TURN BACK TO OUR OLD CARNAL WAYS.
WHY DO YOU THINK GOD’S MINISTERS BACKSLIDE?—- MOST OF THE TIME, IT’S BECAUSE THEY GOT SO INVOLVED IN GOD’S WORK, AND THEY DON’T MAKE TIME TO SPEND WITH THE GOD THEY SERVE.
WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY OF THESE OCCULT RELIGIONS GET AS FAR AS THEY DO? —-THEY PRAY MANY TIMES A DAY TO THEIR FALSE god, WHICH OPENS THE DOOR FOR SATAN TO INCREASE THEIR GROWTH, AND SPREAD THEIR DOCTRINE OF ERROR. EVIL WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF THE CHURCH AGE, THEN IT WILL BECOME MORE FURIOUS DURING JACOB’S TROUBLE: THE GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS, AND WILL APPEAR AGAIN FOR A SHORT TIME, AT THE END OF THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST.
WE AS CHRISTIANS, SHOULD GUARD AGAINST, OR BE WATCHMEN, CONFRONTING EVIL.
SURPRISINGLY ENOUGH, SOMETIMES, WE AS CHRISTIANS, CAN BE INFLUENCED BY SATAN, TO DO HIS WORK.
HOW?—-HEARTS OF UNBELIEF! – HEBREWS 3:12,13 – TAKE HEED, BRETHREN, LEST THERE BE IN ANY OF YOU AND EVIL HEART OF UNBELIEF, IN DEPARTING FROM THE LIVING GOD.
BUT EXHORT ONE ANOTHER DAILY, WHILE IT IS CALLED TODAY; LEST ANY OF YOU BE HARDENED THROUGH THE DECEITFULNESS OF SIN.
SOME BEGIN TO WANDER OFF FROM THE WORK OF GOD, AND GOD HIMSELF, WHEN THE FIREY TRIALS COME. THEY MIGHT GET CRITICIZED FOR THE WAY THEY DO THINGS AND BECOME DESPONDENT AND LOOSE THEIR VISION, INSTEAD OF TURNING IT OVER TO GOD.
FEAR COULD ARISE, AND THEY MIGHT NEVER START WHAT GOD HAS CALLED THEM TO DO.
WHEN WE SERVE THE LORD WITH ALL OUR HEARTS, THE TRIALS WILL COME TO TRY TO STOP GOD’S WORK. I HAVE FOUND, THROUGH EXPERIENCE, THIS IS WHEN GOD IS GETTING READY TO DO SOMETHING GREAT IN THAT WORK (THEIR VISION).
STAY WHERE YOU ARE, PRAY, PUT ON SOME WORSHIP MUSIC AND BEGIN TO WORSHP GOD AND THANK HIM FOR MOVEING IN YOUR SITUATION. WAIT, AND HE WILL. —-DON’T GIVE UP, YOU ARE ON THE BRINK OF A MIRACLE!!!!!
WE HAVE THE POWER THROUGH GOD’S WORD AND HOLY SPIRIT’S POWER OVER SATAN AND HIS DEMONS. II CORINTHIANS 10:3-5 – FOR THOUGH WE WALK IN THE FLESH, WE DO NOT WAR AFTER THE FLESH:
(FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD THROUGH THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONGHOLDS;)
CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST;
MATTHEW 16:19 – AND I WILL GIVE UNTO THEE THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: AND WHATSOEVER THOU SHALT BIND ON EARTH SHALL BE BOUND IN HEAVEN: AND WHATSOEVER THOU SHALT LOOSE ON EARTH SHALL BE LOOSED IN HEAVEN.
THERE IS SO MUCH POWER IN USING THE WORD OF GOD IN YOUR BATTLES. THEY ARE NOT REALLY YOUR BATTLES, BECAUSE THE BATTLE BELONGS TO GOD; BUT WE ARE TOLD OT BIND AND LOOSE THOSE POWERS THAT ARE COMING AGAINST US AND OPERATING THROUGH OTHERS AROUND US; AND USING THEM THEM TO COME AGAINT US AND OUR VISION, AND GOD WILL IN TURN BIND AND LOOSING THOSE THINGS FROM OUT OF HEAVEN.
THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S!!
HE JUST WANTS US TO GET INVOLVED BY PRAYING HIS WORD, AND BELIEVING HIM TO TAKE CHARGE.
DON’T GIVE UP!! YOU’RE ON THE BRINK OF A MIRACLE!!
CONTENTMENT
JAMES 1:6-8 – BUT LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, NOTHING WAVERING. FOR HE THAT WAVERETH IS LIKE A WAVE OF THE SEA DRIVEN WITH THE WIND AND TOSSED.
FOR LET NOT THAT MAN THINK THAT HE SHALL RECEIVE ANYTHING OF THE LORD.
A DOUBLE MINDED MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS.
PRAYER IS NOT REAL UNLESS IT IS THE EXPRESSION OF FAITH. IT MUST ISSUE FROM A “LIVING SOURCE WITHIN THE WILL,” AND BE INSPIRED BY PERFECT CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S READINESS TO HELP.
THERE IS SO MUCH UNBELIEF IN THIS DAY AND TIME ON THE SUBJECT OF PRAYER! THE SCIENTIFIC TONE-DOWN OF THIS AGE MERELY ALLOWS A MAN TO PRAY TO GOD , “IF THERE IS A GOD—–TO SAVE HIS SOUL,—– IF HE HAS A SOUL.”
AND THE FORCIBLE WORDS OF JAMES, IN THESE THREE VERSES, SUGGEST—-THAT STILL, IN THE CASE OF VERY MANY CHRISTIANS, AN IMPERFECT FAITH IN GOD’S READINESS TO RESPOND TO THEIR PRAYERS, IS ONE OF THE GREATEST DEFECTS OF THEIR SPIRITUAL LIVE.
WE OFTEN SPEAK OF EVIDENT ANSWERS TO PRAYERS AS UNUSUAL, AND —-WHEN THEY DO OCCUR—-AS REMARKABLE!!
THE GIFT OF WISDOM IS PROMISED ONLY TO HIM WHO ASKS IT WITH A STEADY FAITH, AND WHO MANIFESTS THE REALITY OF HIS FAITH BY A LIFE OF CONSISTENT PURPOSE.
GOD, OUR FATHER, DEMANDS THE CONFIDENCE OF HIS CHILDREN. “NOTHING DOUBTING” SHOULD BE THE CHRISTIAN’S MOTTO IN PRAYER. THE PETITIONS SHOULD NOT SHIFT BACKWARDS AND FORWARD BETWEEN FAITH AND DOUBT, LIKE A TUMBLING BILLOW OF THE SEA. HE MUST NOT SWING LIKE A PENDULUM BETWEEN CHEERFUL CONFIDENCE AND DARK SUSPICION.
IT MUST BE FIXED PERSUASION THAT GOD IS, AND THAT HE IS A HEARER OF PRAYER. WE MUST EXPECT ANSWER TO OUR REQUEST.
IT IS THE MEN AND WOMEN WITHIN WHOM FAITH IS THE DOMINATE POWER WHO TAKE THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BY FORCE. GOD IS SIMPLICITY HIMSELF, AND HE GIVES WITH SIMPLICITY: SO HE HAS NO SYMPATHY WITH AN UNSTABLE DOUBLE MINDED SOUL.
A MIND THAT IS “WISHY-WASHY” IN IT’S CHOICE, WILL BE PRONE IN THE END TO FAIL IN BOTH OF THE PURPOSES BETWEEN WHICH IT HAS HESITATED.
IT IS LIKE A “SPLIT PERSONALITY,” PART OF HIM WANTS TO BELIEVE, WHILE PART OF HIM DOES NOT. HE IS UNRELIABLE ABOUT EVERYTHING HE THINKS, FEELS, AND DECIDES (V. 8).
TEMPORARY EMOTIONS ARE NOT RELIGION OR GODLINESS.
STEADFAST FAITH, AND THAT ALONE, WILL GIVE A MAN OR WOMAN, SINGLENESS OF EYE, MAKE HIM OR HER STRONG TO KEEP HOLD OF THE COVENANT, AND DRAW DOWN UPON HIM, THE RICHEST BLESSINGS OF GOSPEL GRACE.
THERE IS A SECRET TO CONTENTMENT. IT IS A RARE AND PRECIOUS CHRISTIAN GRACE.
IT IS A QUIET RESTFULNESS IN THE MIDST OF ALL KINDS OF CHANGING EVENTS.
IT IS A GRAND ACCOMPLISHMENT TO BE ABLE TO ADAPT TO, AND BEHAVE ONE’S SELF IN EVERY STATE OF FULLNESS OR NEED.
CHRIST IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN BRING US TO THIS PLACE OF CONTENTMENT.
HE ENABLES US TO LIVE IN FAITH, BELIEVING, THAT EVEN NOW, ALL THINGS ARE ORDERED WISELY AND KINDLY BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, THAT THEY ARE WORKING TOGETHER FOR GOOD NOT YET SEEN.
THEY ARE WORKING FOR US A MORE EXCEEDING AND ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY, SO WE LEARN TO BEAR THE PRESENT MYSTERY OF TRIAL, IN HOPE OF THE FUTURE REVELATION OF BLESSEDNESS.
CHRIST LEADS US TO LIVE IN THE SPIRITUAL.
THIS IS THE REAL SECRET.
EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING.
AT THEIR BEST, THEY WILL NOT SATISFY THE SOUL’S DEEP HUNGER.
WHILE WE LIVE IN THOSE CHANGES , WE ARE OFTEN DISAPPOINTED AND DISCONTENTED.
BUT BY RESTING IN GOD, WE WILL BE CONTENT IN EVERY VARIETY OF EARTHLY AFFAIRS.
PHILIPPIANS 4:19, 23 – BUT MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS.
THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOU ALL. AMEN.
RIGHT REVELATION WRONG UNDERSTANDING
MATT 16:13-26 WHEN JESUS CAME INTO THE COASTS OF CAESAREA PHILLIPPI, HE ASKED HIS DISCIPLES, SAYING, WHOM DO MEN SAY THAT I THE SON OF MAN AM?
AND THEY SAID, SOME SAY THAT THOU ART JOHN THE BAPTIST: SOME, ELIAS; AND OTHERS, JEREMIAS, OR ONE OF THE PROPHETS.
HE SAITH UNTO THEM, BUT WHOM SAY YE THAT I AM?
AND SIMON PETER ANSWERED AND SAID, THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD.
AND JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, BLESSED ART THOU SIMON BARJONA: FOR FLESH AND BLOOD HATH NOT REVEALED IT UNTO THEE, BUT MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.
AND I SAY ALSO UNTO THEE, THAT THOU ART PETER, AND UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; AND THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT.
AND I WILL GIVE UNTO THEE THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: AND WHATSOEVER THOU SHALL BIND ON EARTH SHALL BE BOUND IN HEAVEN: AND WHATSOEVER THOU SHALT LOOSE ON EARTH SHALL BE LOOSED IN HEAVEN.
THEN CHARGED HE HIS DISCIPLES THAT THEY SOULD TELL NO MAN THAT HE WAS JESUS CHRIST.
FROM THAT TIME FORTH BEGAN JESUS TO SHEW UNTO HIS DISCIPLES, HOW THAT HE MUST GO UNTO JERUSALEM, AND SUFFER MANY THINGS OF THE ELDERS AND CHEIF PRIEST AND SCRIBES, AND BE KILLED, AND RAISED AGAIN THE THIRD DAY.
THEN PETER TOOK HIM, AND BEGAN TO REBUKE HIM, SAYING, BE IT FAR FROM THEE, LORD: THIS SHALL NOT BE UNTO ME
BUT HE TURNED, AND SAID UNTO PETER, GET THEE BEHIND ME, SATAN: THOU ART AN OFFENCE UNTO ME: FOR THOU SAVOUREST NOT THE THINGS THAT BE OF GOD, BUT THOSE THAT BE OF MEN.
THEN SAID JESUS UNTO HIS DISCIPLES, IF ANY MAN WILL COME AFTER ME , LET HIM DENY HIMSELF AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS, AND FOLLOW ME
FOR WHOSOEVER WILL SAVE HIS LIFE SHALL LOSE IT: AND WHOSOEVER WILL LOSE HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE SHALL FIND IT.
FOR WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL? OR WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?
PETER WAS GIVEN A REVELATION OF WHO JESUS WAS BUT HE DID NOT UNDERSTADING OF THE CROSS.
PETER WANTED SALVATION WITHOUT A CROSS.
TODAY A SELF GOSPEL IS BEING PREACHED, ITS ALL ABOUT MAN, AND WHAT GOD CAN DO FOR US.
ITS A GOSPEL WITHOUT SACRIFICE, ITS A GOSPEL WITHOUT A CROSS.
THE CROSS IS AN OFFENSE, IT REPRESENTS DEATH TO OUR WILL, IT REPRESENTS DEATH TO OUR FLESH.
DOES GOD CARE ABOUT OUR NEEDS, OUR DESIRES? YES HE DOES, HE HAS A WAY TO TAKE CARE OF US.
MATT 6:33 SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ALL THESE THINGS : SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU.
IF WE SURRENDER OUR LIFE TO CHRIST AND TAKE UP OUR CROSS DAILY AND FOLLOW HIM, HE ACCEPTS THE RESPONSABILITY OF TAKING CARE OF US.
GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES, WHAT JESUS DID THROUGH THE CROSS IS ALL ABOUT US, BUT THE MOMENT WE ACCEPT THE WORK OF THE CROSS, ITS ALL ABOUT HIM.
OUR LIVES BELONG TO HIM, PRESIDENT KENNEDY SAID SOMETHING I SHALL NEVER FORGET, ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU? BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY?
WHEN WE BECOME A CHRISTAIN, OUR QUESTION SHOULD BE, JESUS, WHAT CAN WE DO FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
WHEN WE COME TO THE CROSS, THERE IS SOME SUFFERING. WE IN THE USA REALLY FACE LITTLE PERSECUTION. FOR SOME ONE TO COME TO JESUS IN MANY NATIONS THERE IS MUCH SUFFERING. I ADMIRE THESE PEOPLE VERY MUCH.
WE NEED REVIVAL IN AMERICA, A REVIVAL OF PUTTING THE LORD FIRST IN OUR LIVES.
A REVIVAL THAT ONCE AGAIN FILLS THE CHURCHES WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND PEOPLE.
PEOPLE WHO ARE REPENTING OF THEIR SELF LOVE AND TURNING THAT LOVE TO THE LORD.
REVIVAL BEGINS WITH SELF BEING CRUCIFIED.
WHAT A JOY IT IS TO BE CLOSE TO GOD, WHAT A BLESSING TO BE IN HIS PRESENCE EVER DAY.
FELLOWSHIPING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I AM PENTECOSTAL, AND I PRAY IN TONGUES A LOT, I LISTEN TO ALL KINDS OF WORSHIP MUSIC AND SINGING.
WE CAN CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE THAT DRAWS GOD’S PRESENCE, IN THAT ATMOSPHERE I GAIN THE STRENGTH TO DIE DAILY.
MY FLESH OR MY OWN SELFISH DESIRES DISAPPEAR IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF HIS PRESENCE, THE OLD MAN DIES AGAIN AND THE NEW MAN STEPS FORWARD.
IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO SAY, JESUS THY KINGDOM COME THY WILL BE DONE IN MY LIFE. I ACCEPT YOUR WILL IN MY LIFE.
PLEASE DON’T WASTE YOUR LIFE ON SELF, GOD HAS A PURPOSE IN HIS KINGDOM FOR YOU, SEEK HIM AND YOU WILL FIND IT.
DON’T GO TO HEAVEN AS A TREE STUMP, CARRY SO FRUIT WITH YOU.
GRAVEYARD WORSHIP
MARK 14:3-9 AND BEING IN BEHTANY IN THE HOUSE OF SIMON THE LEPER, AS HE SAT AT MEAT, THERE CAME A WOMAN HAVING AN ALABASTER BOX OF OINTMENT OF SPIKENARD VERY PRECIOUS: AND SHE BRAKE THE BOX, AND POURED IT ON HIS HEAD.
AND THER WERE SOME THAT HAD INDIGNATION WITHIN THEMSELVES, AND SAID, WHY WAS THIS WASTE OF THE OINTMENT MADE.
FOR IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN SOLD FOR MORE THAN THREE HUNDRED PENCE, AND HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO THE POOR, AND THEY MURMURED AGAINEST HER.
AND JESUS SAID, LET HER ALONE, WHY TROUBLE YE HER? SHE HATH WROUGHT A GOOD WORK ON ME.
FOR YE HAVE THE POOR WITH YOU ALWAYS, AND WHENSOEVER YE WILL YE MAY DO THEM GOOD: BUT ME YOU HAVE NOT ALWAYS.
SHE HATH DONE A WHAT SHE COULD: SHE IS COME AFOREHAND TO ANIOINT MY BODY TO THE BURYING.
VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, WHERESOEVER THIS GOSPEL SHALL BE PREACHED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE WORLD, THIS ALSO THAT SHE HATH DONE SHALL BE SPOKEN OF FOR A MEMORIAL OF HER.
MAN HAS ALWAYS WANTED TO CONTROL HOW PEOPLE WORSHIP AND WHERE THEY WORSHIP.
NO ONE IS THIS HOUSE WAS OFFERING WORSHIP TO JESUS, BUT THIS WOMAN.
THIS ACT OF WORSHIP COST HER SOMETHING. WHEN SHE OPENED THE BOX AND BROKE THE SEAL AND POURED THE OIL ON JESUS’ HEAD.
TRUE WORSHIP DOESN’T ORGINATE FROM A RELIGIOUS SELF RIGHTEOUS SPIRIT, A PRIDEFUL SPIRIT CAN NEVER WORSHIP GOD.
THE FRAGRANCE WAS RELEASED WHEN THE WOMAN OPENED THE BOX AND BROKE THE SEAL.
THE HEART OF A PERSON HAS TO BE HUMBLED AND BROKEN BEFORE IT CAN WORSHIP GOD.
THIS SPIKENARD WAS A VERY FRAGRANT COSTLY OIL. IT WILL COST YOU SOMETHING TO TRULY WORSHIP GOD. CHEAPE OIL DOESN’T HAVE A GOOD FRAGRANCE.
WE HAVE TO BRAKE THE SEAL AND POUR OUR LOVE ON JESUS. WORSHIP IS NOT JUST WORDS BUT A SURRENDERED LIFE.
TRUE WORSHIP IS ATTACHED TO THE NEW BIRTH, BUT IT IS ALSO ATTACHED TO DEATH. JESUS SAID THE ACT OF WORSHIP WAS DONE TO ANOINT BY BODY FOR BURYING.
TRUE WORSHIP IS ONLY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, TRUE WORSHIP IS WHEN OUR OLD MAN IS BURIED AND WE HAVE RESURRECTED TO A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST.
WORSHIP IS FROM A CHANGED HEART THAT PUTS MORE VALUE ON JESUS DEATH ON THE CROSS THAN ON MAN’S SOCIAL PROGRAMS AND MAN’S OPINION OF HOW TO WORSHIP.
WE MUST TAKE CARE OF THE POOR BUT IT CAN NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE CROSS. A PERSON CAN GO TO HELL WITH A FULL STOMACH OR AN EMPTY STOMACH, BUT HE CAN’T GO TO HEAVEN WITHOUT JESUS AND HIS CROSS.
TODAY WE HAVE A SOCIAL GOSPEL TRYING TO WORSHIP GOD THROUGH MANY WAYS.
GOOD WORKS IS NOT WORSHIP UNLESS IT COMES FROM FAITH IN THE DEATH OF JESUS AND THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS.
NO RELIGION WORSHIPS GOD, ONLY THOSE WHO WORSHIP HIM IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH. JESUS IS THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE NO ONE COMES UNTO THE FATHER BUT BY HIM.
WHO GIVE MAN THE AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE HOW TO WORHSIP GOD, THE MURMURERS ARE CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL. I SAY THIS WITH GREAT SADNESS. MANY GOOD PEOPLE ARE GOING TO HELL BECAUSE THEY DON’T HAVE FAITH IN THE WORK OF THE CROSS.
THIS WOMAN HAD FAITH IN JESUS AS THE JEWISH MESSIAH, SHE KNEW WHAT SHE WAS DOING, SHE WAS ANIONTING HIM FOR BURYING.
GOD BORROWED A WOMB AND BORROWED A GRAVE.
JESUS DIDN’T LIMIT THIS GREAT ACT OF GOD TO JUST ISRAEL, BUT HE SAID IT WAS DONE, THAT THE GOSPEL OR GOOD NEW’S WOULD BE PREACHED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE WORLD.
THE HEAD IS JESUS, THE HEAD IS THE ANOINTING AND THE ANOINTER.
IF YOU DON’T HAVE THE HEAD (JESUS) YOU ARE DEAD.
ALL OF THESE PEOPLE WHO SCOFFED AT THIS ACT OF ANOINTING THE HEAD FOR BURIAL, WHO GAVE YOU THE AUTHORITY TO DECIDE WHO YOU WORSHIP.
GOD IS THE CREATOR AND THE SUPREME AUTHORITY, MANS RELIGION AND LEADERS CANNOT GET YOU TO GOD. ALL THE RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD THAT DENY THAT JESUS IS NOT ONLY THE SON OF GOD BUT IS GOD COME IN THE FLESH, THEIR TEACHING IS A DECEPTION OF SATAN TO CARRY YOU TO HELL.
I SAY THIS WITH GREAT LOVE AND HUMILITY, IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE MERCY OF GOD I WOULD BE INVOLVED IN RELIGION. BUT GLORY BE TO JESUS I RECEIVED REVELATION OF THE CROSS AND RESURRECTION OF MY SAVIOUR, THE JEWISH MESSIAH JESUS.
IF YOU DON’T HAVE HIM IN YOUR HEART BY FAITH, YOU ARE LOST, AND ON YOUR WAY TO HELL.
COME TO HIM AS YOU ARE AND HE LOVES YOU SO MUCH HE WON’T LEAVE YOU THAT WAY. HIS GRACE WILL SAVE YOU AND GIVE YOU HIS CHARACTER AND CHANGE YOUR DESIRES.
CALL ON HIS NAME AND ASK JESUS TO COME INTO YOUR HEART.
