Resist the devil and he will depart.
Come to think of it... it does work. As I resist temptation and deal with it immediately and resist it.... it does depart from my thoughts. But, when a seed is sown and given birth, it will carry on and live. I am talking about temptation. I can testify this is how it works. I know when I am going to sin and will-fully cave in and commit a wrong. Then I gotta ask for forgiveness and repent of the sin.
This world is ruled by a prince- the prince of the earth. Thats satan. He takes every opportunity given to cause destruction in ones life. Even if he knows that he could be defeated. And we are powerless on our own against temptation. In our natural state, we loved the ways of this world... lust, vanity, love of money, pride, self righteousness. The Lord says to depart from evil. That is to say, that the way of this world is the wrong way to live.
Did the Lord our God depart from this world of evil? Yeah, He defeated death and risen to the 3rd Heaven. In a sense, He did depart from evil.
This worlds living structure is based on a system that our earthly desires is very in tune with. The structure is based on principalities and powers, here to rule the earth and to deceive us in its ways.
Eph. 2:8-10 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own
doing; it is the gift of God--not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are
what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works."
For we are what He has made, created in Christ Jesus 'FOR GOOD WORKS'.
For good works.... not bad works. Not the way of this world.
My heavenly experience is very contrary to the natural system of this world. I have learned to receive what has been blessed and try to be happy with what I got with thanksgiving. I have been scoffed at by waiting on the Lord for employment. I do apply for work.... but it is as if it is a waste of time. God will put me in a the proper placement in His own timing. But for now, my needs are being met by faith. In this process, it is very humiliating before others... or HAS BEEN, but now I am resting in the hands of the Lord- and I must say, without the shame I once held on to. Receiving His teachings and provision in my life, trying to surrender myself and yield to His guidance. Trusting that He will restore my marriage, financial prosperity, unemployment, vehicle, home, separation from my children, dealings of this world. But, I know inside that He has my back and that is what I live by... that is all that I have left. Just Him. There is a song that I heard yesterday... that I am well spoken for...
Yes, I have spent countless hours in agony and pain and turmoil, But, I can say that I have made it this far. And I gotta give credit where it is due- to my Lord Jesus Christ. He has seen me through it all. He has carried me. He is healing me. He is restoring what was stolen by the enemy.
I have cried out in anger and did much rebellion against Him in ways a young child throws tantrums. I did this by the thoughts that was provided- by the prince of the earth. And I acted upon them. I focused on myself and became angry... just as the crafty one intended for me. But, He called out to me... I, as a sheep, recognized His voice and returned back to Him. All this time, in hindsight, I know that all this has been planned for my life. Knowing that it is for reason(s). This is not to say that the enemy still doesn't try and derail me, but I know that when he does, I can recognize it and confront him with the Armor of God.
God does work in mysterious ways- as they say. Sometimes.... no, much of the time, we do not know what or how He is guiding our lives in His Will. And our emotions will often object to what is happening at the moment- so we got to recognize those thoughts and depart from them... and wait for the Lord's response in the situation, so He can reveal the 'out' of that particular trial.
Because, He is always with us. He will give us an out, He will never leave us, nor forsake us. But, guide us if we turn to Him and learn to recognize His voice.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Be persistent in asking
When Christ was here in the flesh... people continually asked for His supernatural healing when ever He appeared. They asked for His help in what ever situation they we in, and He continually helped those who asked.
One thing that has been happening a lot lately is finding an item that has gone missing. It has happened enough times that I am should write and share about it.
I had a missing manual that was found.
A watch of my mothers that was stolen ten years ago was replaced by the offender.
A stinky odor that could not be found.
Golf clubs.
My mothers recording device that we look for intently for several days, only to be revealed upon asking.
In what ever case, try asking Him to reveal the lost item in prayer. He is here amongst us. We should continually recognize His presence here in this world. Tell Him that He is needed and that we love Him, and that He would Love us.
p.s.- there was one woman in the bible that did not receive in prayer what she was asking for... but she was persistent in her request that she FINALLY got what was asked...
One thing that has been happening a lot lately is finding an item that has gone missing. It has happened enough times that I am should write and share about it.
I had a missing manual that was found.
A watch of my mothers that was stolen ten years ago was replaced by the offender.
A stinky odor that could not be found.
Golf clubs.
My mothers recording device that we look for intently for several days, only to be revealed upon asking.
In what ever case, try asking Him to reveal the lost item in prayer. He is here amongst us. We should continually recognize His presence here in this world. Tell Him that He is needed and that we love Him, and that He would Love us.
p.s.- there was one woman in the bible that did not receive in prayer what she was asking for... but she was persistent in her request that she FINALLY got what was asked...
...not as I will, but as You Will
Lord, help me to meet your Will. Help me to put my desires aside and to focus on what your provision is for my works. You say that I was saved so I could do good works. Well, I am signing up for these good works and will wait for your directions. As I wait in anticipation for Your movement, prepare my heart and mind so that I can receive Your Wisdom.
I cannot deny what you are doing in my marriage even though I still have much judgement and confusion for what happened and for what I want and desire. For I truly know when I can really let go of our past, it is until then in your perfect timing, I must be patient and pursue this inner Love that resides in me.
Thank you for putting me at ground zero. For I really have had everything destroyed in my life. But, I cry out to you 'O great restorer for your mercies and grace to be granted in my life and those around me. Increasing our vision and hearing to admonish Your works. Prepare us a heart of flesh from our hardened hearts, light us with Holy Fire for the glory and advancement of Your Kingdom.
Lord God, I can only say that You are going to do what You are going to do. But, I know that I must ask for You to prepare my heart and mind to receive Your Wisdom, because I am unable to prepare it myself- unworthy for Your Holiness. But it is not about me... IT IS ALL ABOUT YOU. I can, with Your help, come before the foot of the cross and fall to my knees, letting go my past and the promise of Your future in me. It is my prayer that You send prosperity now, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
I cannot deny what you are doing in my marriage even though I still have much judgement and confusion for what happened and for what I want and desire. For I truly know when I can really let go of our past, it is until then in your perfect timing, I must be patient and pursue this inner Love that resides in me.
Thank you for putting me at ground zero. For I really have had everything destroyed in my life. But, I cry out to you 'O great restorer for your mercies and grace to be granted in my life and those around me. Increasing our vision and hearing to admonish Your works. Prepare us a heart of flesh from our hardened hearts, light us with Holy Fire for the glory and advancement of Your Kingdom.
Lord God, I can only say that You are going to do what You are going to do. But, I know that I must ask for You to prepare my heart and mind to receive Your Wisdom, because I am unable to prepare it myself- unworthy for Your Holiness. But it is not about me... IT IS ALL ABOUT YOU. I can, with Your help, come before the foot of the cross and fall to my knees, letting go my past and the promise of Your future in me. It is my prayer that You send prosperity now, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Confusion??? or Understanding
What an amazing Life we can experience if we only surrender to it.
As I continue to realize... or rather- as I continue to present myself to the Lord my God, He is teaching me much about His Mystery; that of which is truly hidden until it is revealed. But, my earthly desired-life keeps getting in the way. There is a song by Tenth Avenue North that sings... 'don't fight these hands that are holding you'. In other words... we naturally desire to live on the desires and naturality of this world while the Lord is holding us, directing us, teaching us, guiding us, ministering to us. He says that I got you- pretty much right where He wants you... right in His hands. Seeing us through our trials and tribulations, always there- never forsaking us or leaving us; to ensure that we WILL MAKE IT THROUGH ALL OUR TRIALS SAFELY AND WITH VICTORY.
The more I meditate and seek Him, the more I am learning that we are to live by Grace and not by our own ways.
Your ways are not My ways.
It is no longer I live, but Christ Jesus who lives in me.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works."
But, as I live my own life, I have realized that it is not I that has to even -live- it. Yes, it is my life and I can do anything that I very well please. But if I empty myself and make my self available to the Lord, then I can Live the Life that He has intended for me to live.
For I have great plans for you.
“As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel”.
So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honourable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.
But if I do not surrender myself and seek His Will, then how can God do His work in me if I do not present myself to Him? Other wise I am just wasting an opportunity to live a perfect life....... hmmmm, just as Christ did.... CAPISCH? But, perhaps this is very far fetched and impossible and contrasting to the word of God. We are, after-all, designed to be sinners. But, then again, God wants us to conform to His own image- which is Love.
The bottom line is we are put through sufferings as ordained by God Himself. We will fall, but He is always there to help us, to call out to us, to shepherd us, to reconcile us through Him to God. In Him we have a new covenant with God through Christ... after all, before the coming of Christ in the flesh, the penalty for sin is death; but Christ came and died and rose so we can be pardoned of our sin by the shedding of His blood.
There is much process that is in my mind to discern all that is shared with me... I just want to say that, because, when I am not seeking Him, I am not feeding on the daily bread that is offered for each day.
As I continue to realize... or rather- as I continue to present myself to the Lord my God, He is teaching me much about His Mystery; that of which is truly hidden until it is revealed. But, my earthly desired-life keeps getting in the way. There is a song by Tenth Avenue North that sings... 'don't fight these hands that are holding you'. In other words... we naturally desire to live on the desires and naturality of this world while the Lord is holding us, directing us, teaching us, guiding us, ministering to us. He says that I got you- pretty much right where He wants you... right in His hands. Seeing us through our trials and tribulations, always there- never forsaking us or leaving us; to ensure that we WILL MAKE IT THROUGH ALL OUR TRIALS SAFELY AND WITH VICTORY.
The more I meditate and seek Him, the more I am learning that we are to live by Grace and not by our own ways.
Your ways are not My ways.
It is no longer I live, but Christ Jesus who lives in me.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works."
But, as I live my own life, I have realized that it is not I that has to even -live- it. Yes, it is my life and I can do anything that I very well please. But if I empty myself and make my self available to the Lord, then I can Live the Life that He has intended for me to live.
For I have great plans for you.
“As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel”.
So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honourable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.
But if I do not surrender myself and seek His Will, then how can God do His work in me if I do not present myself to Him? Other wise I am just wasting an opportunity to live a perfect life....... hmmmm, just as Christ did.... CAPISCH? But, perhaps this is very far fetched and impossible and contrasting to the word of God. We are, after-all, designed to be sinners. But, then again, God wants us to conform to His own image- which is Love.
The bottom line is we are put through sufferings as ordained by God Himself. We will fall, but He is always there to help us, to call out to us, to shepherd us, to reconcile us through Him to God. In Him we have a new covenant with God through Christ... after all, before the coming of Christ in the flesh, the penalty for sin is death; but Christ came and died and rose so we can be pardoned of our sin by the shedding of His blood.
There is much process that is in my mind to discern all that is shared with me... I just want to say that, because, when I am not seeking Him, I am not feeding on the daily bread that is offered for each day.
Monday, May 10, 2010
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith i
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
In the history of my life, I fathom of how will people go to receive Christ. People go about their lives living in their own desires and ways happily forever- in their own eyes and without the need for Christ. They think of Christianity as just a religious act of craziness, even though they may acknowledge that God does exist. Many lives will be lost without accepting Christ as Savior. But, all the work belongs to God, so it is He who draws us, ministers to us, helps us, dishing out consequences to us.
I have struggled much lately... but only after flourishing with Life. And I question how and why I am living such a fruitless life this week. It is because I am not sowing the right seeds... or any seeds for that matter. Because the Lord renews us daily with His mercy and grace, we too must receive this and sow seeds that are given for that day. I find that when I do not seek the Lord everyday (not sowing seeds), that I begin to struggle with hopelessness. And when I am not sowing the good seeds, I am actually sowing fruitless seeds that lead to destruction. So, I guess I better get back up on to my feet and stand on the foundation that has been provided for me.
I have been a lowly man, living with financial struggles, marriage, unemployment, unable to provide my children with the basic necessities needed to live. That is who I am. That is who I am in the 'flesh'. I am set up as failure on my own. But, as I acknowledge whom I have been and what earthly promise I have- I will continue to be a 'nothing'. And this is the problem when I begin to live on my own.
In actuality, I need to put all my focus on the Lord. So that He can fulfill His Will for me. He tells me that 'He has great plans for my life'. Really. Well, I have been focusing on my own plans for my life, marriage, house, transportation- stressing out in all of the above. He tells me- 'do not worry about tomorrow'. He also tells me that 'He is my provider'. He tells me that 'He loves me'. It is no longer I who live! Well, that is great news for me because I am probably one of the greatest of failing people on earth.
How do I seek His provision, especially if I do not pray or ask for it? How do I find out what His plans are for my life, so I do not have to worry about tomorrow- He is my provider, but only if I can glorify Him. I can say that He has done much pruning in my life; saying that... He has pruned my of everything in my life- just so He could get through to me and my wife- so that I would have nothing but Him left.
it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. I gotta look at this verse and say... here ya go! Its yours. I gotta put my life on the track and push cruise control. Because ya know what??? I wanna truly Live and do what I was designed for- to serve Him. Christ did not come to judge the world, but to serve it. We too must come in the name of Jesus Christ- not to come and judge the world, but to serve it in Christ. We often judge others in our lives in many fashions, and we do it a lot. But, Christ wants us to forgive each others seven X seventy. The greek word for 'forgive' is- let go. LGLG- let go, let God. Only One has redeemed us. Only One has paid the price for our sins. And, only One is worthy of forgiving. Yes, it is tough to give things up and put them at the foot of the cross... and if we don't- what we hold onto is judgement, resentment and bitterness. I can only say this from experience; and I have experienced it many of times.
This world as we live in, CAN be easy to live in... but only if we can truly receive the Love that will not hurt us. And by faith, I receive.
Thank you Lord for all that you do for us. For you forgave and forgive us of all that we do wrong against you, but all too often, we do not even forgive those who trespass us. You pardon us, even as we convict those around us. Forgive me for living is such a wicked way- for that can only come from the adversary... but I want to live according to your provision in my life- for I know that You have great plans for me. And Lord, could You help me to seek those Plans... because I can only do it with Your help. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
In the history of my life, I fathom of how will people go to receive Christ. People go about their lives living in their own desires and ways happily forever- in their own eyes and without the need for Christ. They think of Christianity as just a religious act of craziness, even though they may acknowledge that God does exist. Many lives will be lost without accepting Christ as Savior. But, all the work belongs to God, so it is He who draws us, ministers to us, helps us, dishing out consequences to us.
I have struggled much lately... but only after flourishing with Life. And I question how and why I am living such a fruitless life this week. It is because I am not sowing the right seeds... or any seeds for that matter. Because the Lord renews us daily with His mercy and grace, we too must receive this and sow seeds that are given for that day. I find that when I do not seek the Lord everyday (not sowing seeds), that I begin to struggle with hopelessness. And when I am not sowing the good seeds, I am actually sowing fruitless seeds that lead to destruction. So, I guess I better get back up on to my feet and stand on the foundation that has been provided for me.
I have been a lowly man, living with financial struggles, marriage, unemployment, unable to provide my children with the basic necessities needed to live. That is who I am. That is who I am in the 'flesh'. I am set up as failure on my own. But, as I acknowledge whom I have been and what earthly promise I have- I will continue to be a 'nothing'. And this is the problem when I begin to live on my own.
In actuality, I need to put all my focus on the Lord. So that He can fulfill His Will for me. He tells me that 'He has great plans for my life'. Really. Well, I have been focusing on my own plans for my life, marriage, house, transportation- stressing out in all of the above. He tells me- 'do not worry about tomorrow'. He also tells me that 'He is my provider'. He tells me that 'He loves me'. It is no longer I who live! Well, that is great news for me because I am probably one of the greatest of failing people on earth.
How do I seek His provision, especially if I do not pray or ask for it? How do I find out what His plans are for my life, so I do not have to worry about tomorrow- He is my provider, but only if I can glorify Him. I can say that He has done much pruning in my life; saying that... He has pruned my of everything in my life- just so He could get through to me and my wife- so that I would have nothing but Him left.
it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. I gotta look at this verse and say... here ya go! Its yours. I gotta put my life on the track and push cruise control. Because ya know what??? I wanna truly Live and do what I was designed for- to serve Him. Christ did not come to judge the world, but to serve it. We too must come in the name of Jesus Christ- not to come and judge the world, but to serve it in Christ. We often judge others in our lives in many fashions, and we do it a lot. But, Christ wants us to forgive each others seven X seventy. The greek word for 'forgive' is- let go. LGLG- let go, let God. Only One has redeemed us. Only One has paid the price for our sins. And, only One is worthy of forgiving. Yes, it is tough to give things up and put them at the foot of the cross... and if we don't- what we hold onto is judgement, resentment and bitterness. I can only say this from experience; and I have experienced it many of times.
This world as we live in, CAN be easy to live in... but only if we can truly receive the Love that will not hurt us. And by faith, I receive.
Thank you Lord for all that you do for us. For you forgave and forgive us of all that we do wrong against you, but all too often, we do not even forgive those who trespass us. You pardon us, even as we convict those around us. Forgive me for living is such a wicked way- for that can only come from the adversary... but I want to live according to your provision in my life- for I know that You have great plans for me. And Lord, could You help me to seek those Plans... because I can only do it with Your help. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Imagine everything that happens in our lives... happens with purpose.
We are ignorant before God. Even the greatest of minds that have learned the ways of this world in a business manner- are but simple men and women before Him. We are nothing before Him because of the fact that we can offer nothing as far as insight in God's Will for this Life- where there is no time, there is no currency, there is no doubt, there is no second guessing. But, even those that have been put in charge of commissioning this world in a business manner- Presidents, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary of Treasure... many positions given to very educated people by means of a 'gift'.
God created us- He gave us a personality, He gave us hair, He gave us a heart beat, He gave us wisdom in how to invent things (of which- those are His inventions from His Wisdom).
I am not as crafty and quick thought as my brothers, I am not as intuitive as was Albert Einstein or the Wright Brothers... or Benjurmin Franklin, or that cave man on the Geico commercials. All have had significance in the history of this existence. Although I do not know if they claimed the glory for themselves or not....... or, if they gave the glory to whom Wisdom was given to process such great and knowledgeable information.
We are all different. Let's look at ourselves in this body and look to see what characteristics God has made us into. I am but a simple person- and 10 years ago, I couldn't even fathom thinking of writing for the One whom sent me. Here is what I see... Pastor Nathan- our spiritual leader... brother Paul- our financial support... sister Connie and Marie- business administration... brother Walt- our worship inspirer... Marilyn- a beautiful singer... some people are great supporters in setting an example for coming to church faithfully. There are many talents amongst us. Each one of us are here for a reason. Each one of us has been given a desire to accomplish something. It just wouldn't make much sense if God gave us all desires be financial gurus, would it???
Pastor Nathan has 'shared' that he cannot do everything himself; to a degree in one fashion or another. He has been humbly calling out to us to find our true talents and desires to help Him... help the lost... and to help others amongst us. I don't think that he is being overburdened, or... being taken advantage of... but............. it is actually God that is desiring growth in His body. God wants to use us for the advancement of His Kingdom.
There is a structure that our Lord desires for us to conform to. Not necessarily by means of a formal business Presbyterian format, but in a way that is most useful to Him; for the advancement of His Kingdom by means of spiritual gifts. Much has already been put into place, but there are a few empty positions that are open that we should identify. Perhaps, we can identify those positions and this can be drawn up on chalk board in the near future and with prayer, we can anticipate with amazement what has already been put into place for tomorrow.
Peace be with you,
Brother Peter
The amazing thing about prophesy in the bible was it all became active. People of the time did not know when things were going to come to pass- but they did. But, as I share such insight- I cannot claim these words as mine. This letter must be approached with much discernment and be waited on my means of confirmation.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
We are ignorant before God. Even the greatest of minds that have learned the ways of this world in a business manner- are but simple men and women before Him. We are nothing before Him because of the fact that we can offer nothing as far as insight in God's Will for this Life- where there is no time, there is no currency, there is no doubt, there is no second guessing. But, even those that have been put in charge of commissioning this world in a business manner- Presidents, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary of Treasure... many positions given to very educated people by means of a 'gift'.
God created us- He gave us a personality, He gave us hair, He gave us a heart beat, He gave us wisdom in how to invent things (of which- those are His inventions from His Wisdom).
I am not as crafty and quick thought as my brothers, I am not as intuitive as was Albert Einstein or the Wright Brothers... or Benjurmin Franklin, or that cave man on the Geico commercials. All have had significance in the history of this existence. Although I do not know if they claimed the glory for themselves or not....... or, if they gave the glory to whom Wisdom was given to process such great and knowledgeable information.
We are all different. Let's look at ourselves in this body and look to see what characteristics God has made us into. I am but a simple person- and 10 years ago, I couldn't even fathom thinking of writing for the One whom sent me. Here is what I see... Pastor Nathan- our spiritual leader... brother Paul- our financial support... sister Connie and Marie- business administration... brother Walt- our worship inspirer... Marilyn- a beautiful singer... some people are great supporters in setting an example for coming to church faithfully. There are many talents amongst us. Each one of us are here for a reason. Each one of us has been given a desire to accomplish something. It just wouldn't make much sense if God gave us all desires be financial gurus, would it???
Pastor Nathan has 'shared' that he cannot do everything himself; to a degree in one fashion or another. He has been humbly calling out to us to find our true talents and desires to help Him... help the lost... and to help others amongst us. I don't think that he is being overburdened, or... being taken advantage of... but............. it is actually God that is desiring growth in His body. God wants to use us for the advancement of His Kingdom.
There is a structure that our Lord desires for us to conform to. Not necessarily by means of a formal business Presbyterian format, but in a way that is most useful to Him; for the advancement of His Kingdom by means of spiritual gifts. Much has already been put into place, but there are a few empty positions that are open that we should identify. Perhaps, we can identify those positions and this can be drawn up on chalk board in the near future and with prayer, we can anticipate with amazement what has already been put into place for tomorrow.
Peace be with you,
Brother Peter
The amazing thing about prophesy in the bible was it all became active. People of the time did not know when things were going to come to pass- but they did. But, as I share such insight- I cannot claim these words as mine. This letter must be approached with much discernment and be waited on my means of confirmation.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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