Today is the day to understand prayer.
Most have heard of prayer, and know that it means talking to God. However, I am going to explain prayer in a new light.
First, consider reading Matthew 6. The entire chapter is about Jesus teaching prayer.
Now, let's look over Psalm 119:76, "Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant."
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Capitalism in the Kingdom
What is capitalism? Merriam-Webster: "an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market"
Old Testament law declared the right to own private property. Exodus 20:17: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's."
Right to own private property was not denied in the New Testament, either. Acts 5:4: "Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."
Old Testament law declared the right to own private property. Exodus 20:17: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's."
Right to own private property was not denied in the New Testament, either. Acts 5:4: "Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."
Hello all! I'm a BzzAgent, and have received (for free) six pairs of socks and three boxers to try out and review. I thought the process was fun, so now you get to know about it!
Awesome GoldToe socks, the G Collection. Also, includes boxers (underwear), which are very effective (and baggy, which is good for a man). Be amazed, and contact me if you want a coupon (for my nearby friends).
I'd love to share with you more. The coupon: $5 off any purchase of $25 or more on GoldToe brand items.
They have the following:
-GoldToe Socks
-GoldToe Underwear
-GoldToe Undershirts
These responsible items get fitted underneath all of your clothing, and can prove to be pretty attractive in intimate times. ;) But seriously, what a blessing!
Updated 11/15/12
Friday, February 3, 2012
He whom has the keys of Heaven
This morning, I am thinking of how we should use the power we're given to share the Gospel.
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19 ESV).
The phrase "to bind" and "to loose" was often used by the Jews. It meant to prohibit and to permit.
Jesus gave this power to the apostles, so that whatever was forbidden in the church would get divine authority behind it. Also is the authority in allowing something in the church.
I believe this also applies to Christians, in general, because we should use the power God has given us to bless others. By blessing others, or warning them about sin, we will get divine authority to assist us in it.
Some explain the keys as the ability given to people to teach Gospel truths. And by binding and loosing, this has to do with the preaching or teaching of lawful/unlawful things in the church. Notsomuch of laying on of hands or healing, etc.
Keep in mind, in biblical times, keys are a sign of power or authority.
When someone has a key to a house, car, or other building, they have some kind of power or authority, right? You don't just let the keys get in the wrong hands.
For those that are blessed, and believe in the everlasting power of the Lord, and are knowledgeable about the Word of God will receive the authority to teach others about the Word.
Let's jump forward a bit in Matthew:
"Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 18:18 ESV).
AND
"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (Revelation 1:18, Webster's).
Not only do we hold the power given from Heaven, but He whom gives us the power also has the power over hell and death. Therefore, our power will not diminish and neither shall His!
I hope you now understand the importance of teaching and sharing the Gospel.
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19 ESV).
The phrase "to bind" and "to loose" was often used by the Jews. It meant to prohibit and to permit.
Jesus gave this power to the apostles, so that whatever was forbidden in the church would get divine authority behind it. Also is the authority in allowing something in the church.
I believe this also applies to Christians, in general, because we should use the power God has given us to bless others. By blessing others, or warning them about sin, we will get divine authority to assist us in it.
Some explain the keys as the ability given to people to teach Gospel truths. And by binding and loosing, this has to do with the preaching or teaching of lawful/unlawful things in the church. Notsomuch of laying on of hands or healing, etc.
Keep in mind, in biblical times, keys are a sign of power or authority.
When someone has a key to a house, car, or other building, they have some kind of power or authority, right? You don't just let the keys get in the wrong hands.
For those that are blessed, and believe in the everlasting power of the Lord, and are knowledgeable about the Word of God will receive the authority to teach others about the Word.
Let's jump forward a bit in Matthew:
"Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 18:18 ESV).
AND
"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (Revelation 1:18, Webster's).
Not only do we hold the power given from Heaven, but He whom gives us the power also has the power over hell and death. Therefore, our power will not diminish and neither shall His!
I hope you now understand the importance of teaching and sharing the Gospel.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Don't Give Up!
As I return to my efforts of writing recently, I encounter one big thought: Don't Give Up!
We were specifically created for a purpose. Depending on our dedication to what the Lord has for us, will depend on how many missions we're assigned. When the Lord speaks to us, we're to obey as he says. In doing so, we will receive two rewards, usually. One is the reward for obeying the Lord. Two is the next mission. We get rewarded with another mission so we can keep getting the first reward. If we continue this good work, and bless the Lord by obeying Him, He will bless us.
However, when we begin doing our purpose, or even mission, what is the number one thing that people have a problem with when dealing with common decisions that require commitment? Giving up. It's always that give up spirit whispering in your ear, isn't it? The same give up spirit that told you that your job wasn't good enough to keep. The same one that told you your marriage wasn't good enough to keep. Ouch...getting there, huh? But seriously, what does it take to have some longsuffering and patience?
What if...God asks you to give somebody $500? What's the first thought? (Are you crazy? I don't have that kind of money [yes you do], how will I do that? Oh my [insert slang here], that's all my savings, but God do I really have to?)
However, we should be very cooperative! Instead of submitting to that give up spirit...we should be joyful in giving. It is, therefore, best to confirm with the person you are handing the money to, that they have a specific need for it, so your money is not handed with an incorrect purpose.
Or better yet, let's focus on a more cryptic story, shall we? A man goes to the doctor, because of being gravely sick. The doctor diagnoses him with a rare cancer and tells him he has 3-4 weeks to get the first treatment (if he wants to catch it early before it causes death), and if he doesn't, he risks death. The man prays to the Lord in hopes that the cancer will be conquered and leave his body, so he does not have to pay thousands of dollars in treatments. See something wrong here?
For starters, asking the Lord for immediate treatment is no way to act. We don't question death! It is better for the man to ask the Lord to help himself be cured. The best plan of action is to have, at least, the first treatment done, because that is the first step in faith on your part. Don't let that give up spirit get involved.
We deal with tons of spirits like that don't we? The adultery spirit, the porn spirit, the sodomy spirit...get where I'm going with this. It's as if our enemy is graphing each of his demons with a specific curse/sin and sending it our ways throughout our lifetimes.
Now, on to more encouraging details to help you to give up the right way...or NEVER give up! Which choice, the former or the latter? I'll pick the latter for 100 points!
Galatians 6:9 reads this: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
As we read here in Galatians, if we do not give up, we will reap. That means you receive the reward, if you choose not to give up. Good stuff!
John 8:44 tells us this "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
We are told that the devil is a liar and is the father of lies. We're not to follow the wiles and other tricks of the devil, but rather follow God's desires so we may live life correctly, and in truth.
Philippians 4:12-13 says specifically: "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me"
We are instructed not to give up. To push on through, even when things seem hard. Because God equips you with the strength to do the task assigned, you should go forth and figure out how to accomplish it no matter what!
Put on the full armor of God, as stated in Ephesians 6:14-17, and don't give up. You shall be equipped!!
The next time that you think you should give up, ask the Lord first!
We were specifically created for a purpose. Depending on our dedication to what the Lord has for us, will depend on how many missions we're assigned. When the Lord speaks to us, we're to obey as he says. In doing so, we will receive two rewards, usually. One is the reward for obeying the Lord. Two is the next mission. We get rewarded with another mission so we can keep getting the first reward. If we continue this good work, and bless the Lord by obeying Him, He will bless us.
However, when we begin doing our purpose, or even mission, what is the number one thing that people have a problem with when dealing with common decisions that require commitment? Giving up. It's always that give up spirit whispering in your ear, isn't it? The same give up spirit that told you that your job wasn't good enough to keep. The same one that told you your marriage wasn't good enough to keep. Ouch...getting there, huh? But seriously, what does it take to have some longsuffering and patience?
What if...God asks you to give somebody $500? What's the first thought? (Are you crazy? I don't have that kind of money [yes you do], how will I do that? Oh my [insert slang here], that's all my savings, but God do I really have to?)
However, we should be very cooperative! Instead of submitting to that give up spirit...we should be joyful in giving. It is, therefore, best to confirm with the person you are handing the money to, that they have a specific need for it, so your money is not handed with an incorrect purpose.
Or better yet, let's focus on a more cryptic story, shall we? A man goes to the doctor, because of being gravely sick. The doctor diagnoses him with a rare cancer and tells him he has 3-4 weeks to get the first treatment (if he wants to catch it early before it causes death), and if he doesn't, he risks death. The man prays to the Lord in hopes that the cancer will be conquered and leave his body, so he does not have to pay thousands of dollars in treatments. See something wrong here?
For starters, asking the Lord for immediate treatment is no way to act. We don't question death! It is better for the man to ask the Lord to help himself be cured. The best plan of action is to have, at least, the first treatment done, because that is the first step in faith on your part. Don't let that give up spirit get involved.
We deal with tons of spirits like that don't we? The adultery spirit, the porn spirit, the sodomy spirit...get where I'm going with this. It's as if our enemy is graphing each of his demons with a specific curse/sin and sending it our ways throughout our lifetimes.
Now, on to more encouraging details to help you to give up the right way...or NEVER give up! Which choice, the former or the latter? I'll pick the latter for 100 points!
Galatians 6:9 reads this: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
As we read here in Galatians, if we do not give up, we will reap. That means you receive the reward, if you choose not to give up. Good stuff!
John 8:44 tells us this "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
We are told that the devil is a liar and is the father of lies. We're not to follow the wiles and other tricks of the devil, but rather follow God's desires so we may live life correctly, and in truth.
Philippians 4:12-13 says specifically: "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me"
We are instructed not to give up. To push on through, even when things seem hard. Because God equips you with the strength to do the task assigned, you should go forth and figure out how to accomplish it no matter what!
Put on the full armor of God, as stated in Ephesians 6:14-17, and don't give up. You shall be equipped!!
What are reasons why we should not give up?
- God loves me! -Ref. John 4:10
- I am God's handiwork! -Ref. Ephesians 2:10
- God won't give up on me! -Ref. Hebrews 13:5
- God is my supplication! -Ref. Philippians 4:19
- I am part of the family of God, and we're not quitters!! -Ref. Galatians 4:4-5
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