A great warrior (who would be king)’s prayer

I am led to post this whole psalm 18 today to encourage the one who may be discouraged right now because of the series of bad news just as what David had faced after he was anointed to become the new king of Israel and was viciously pursued and persecuted by king Saul who tried to hang on to his failed kingship.
Psalm 18 (NKJV)
God the Sovereign Savior
A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said:
18 I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
2
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
4
The pangs of death surrounded me,
And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.
5
The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.
6
In my distress I called upon the Lord,
And cried out to my God;
He heard my voice from His temple,
And my cry came before Him, even to His ears.
7
Then the earth shook and trembled;
The foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken,
Because He was angry.
8
Smoke went up from His nostrils,
And devouring fire from His mouth;
Coals were kindled by it.
9
He bowed the heavens also, and came down
With darkness under His feet.
10
And He rode upon a cherub, and flew;
He flew upon the wings of the wind.
11
He made darkness His secret place;
His canopy around Him was dark waters
And thick clouds of the skies.
12
From the brightness before Him,
His thick clouds passed with hailstones and coals of fire.
13
The Lord thundered from heaven,
And the Most High uttered His voice,
Hailstones and coals of fire.[a]
14
He sent out His arrows and scattered the foe,
Lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them.
15
Then the channels of the sea were seen,
The foundations of the world were uncovered
At Your rebuke, O Lord,
At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.
16
He sent from above, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
17
He delivered me from my strong enemy,
From those who hated me,
For they were too strong for me.
18
They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the Lord was my support.
19
He also brought me out into a broad place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.
20
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness;
According to the cleanness of my hands
He has recompensed me.
21
For I have kept the ways of the Lord,
And have not wickedly departed from my God.
22
For all His judgments were before me,
And I did not put away His statutes from me.
23
I was also blameless before Him,
And I kept myself from my iniquity.
24
Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness,
According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.
25
With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful;
With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless;
26
With the pure You will show Yourself pure;
And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.
27
For You will save the humble people,
But will bring down haughty looks.
28
For You will light my lamp;
The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
29
For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
30
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
31
For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
32
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
33
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.
34
He teaches my hands to make war,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation;
Your right hand has held me up,
Your gentleness has made me great.
36
You enlarged my path under me,
So my feet did not slip.
37
I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them;
Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed.
38
I have wounded them,
So that they could not rise;
They have fallen under my feet.
39
For You have armed me with strength for the battle;
You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.
40
You have also given me the necks of my enemies,
So that I destroyed those who hated me.
41
They cried out, but there was none to save;
Even to the Lord, but He did not answer them.
42
Then I beat them as fine as the dust before the wind;
I cast them out like dirt in the streets.
43
You have delivered me from the strivings of the people;
You have made me the head of the nations;
A people I have not known shall serve me.
44
As soon as they hear of me they obey me;
The foreigners submit to me.
45
The foreigners fade away,
And come frightened from their hideouts.
46
The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted.
47
It is God who avenges me,
And subdues the peoples under me;
48
He delivers me from my enemies.
You also lift me up above those who rise against me;
You have delivered me from the violent man.
49
Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles,
And sing praises to Your name.
50
Great deliverance He gives to His king,
And shows mercy to His anointed,
To David and his descendants forevermore.

Hebrews 12:12
AMPC
So then, brace up and reinvigorate and set right your slackened and weakened and drooping hands and strengthen your feeble and palsied and tottering knees,

Freedom from lack

positive thinking for wellness and success

Today we learn all about freedom. Jesus says that if we know the truth, the truth will set us free.

He also says that He is the Way, the Truth, and The Life.

Reading the passage below (Excerpted from John 8. Please read the whole chapter), we note that people just cannot understand Him. They are contented with the assurance or security they think they have from their genealogy and tradition.

But Jesus talks about the spiritual reality, indeed, the real authority and source of security and assurance, God Himself.

Jesus declares that to know God, the Father, and the One Whom God sent (Jesus) is eternal life.

The key is to KNOW God through Jesus in an intimate way like in a family.

We are called the children of God. Why? God wants a family relationship. He created family. We are His family. That is why Jesus has taught us to call God, ABBA. Father. The Holy Spirit in us enables us to call God ABBA Father. This is the true freedom. Free to live as the children of the holy God. Free to live the super-abundant life as citizens in the Kingdom of God, with the power of the Holy Spirit, authority of Jesus’ name, and all the benefits Jesus has given to His believers through the cross. By grace we become entitled and through faith we receive.

Jesus, the Light of the World, He came to give light to everyone.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

He came to witness for God who sent Him. Those who see Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son, they actually see God.

(Jesus declares), “I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”

Seeing is not enough. Knowing Jesus is a must. Knowing Him means knowing God. This is the key to eternal life and freedom from the bondage of sins that bring death.

Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not.  That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”

How will people know who Jesus really is? After His death on the cross and His resurrection. By His Holy Spirit we shall know the truth. The Holy Spirit came after Jesus ascended to heaven and sit at the right hand of God.

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he.”

Only those who believe in Jesus and remain faithful to His teachings (which will be explained by the Holy Spirit) will know the truth and receive the freedom Jesus has given.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,”

People who continue not to believe in Jesus remain slaves to sin. Slaves are not heirs. They have no share in the Kingdom (family) of God.

“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.  A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever, So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

Children imitate parents. God’s children imitate God. This is clearly evident. When we are born again by God’s Spirit, our genealogy changes. We become heirs of God, co-heir with Jesus.

“Our father is Abraham!” they declared. “No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example…, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. No, you are imitating your real father.”They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.”Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me.

Why some people cannot understand Jesus? Jesus explains: 1. They are not God’s children. 2. They love to do what the devil does.

(Jesus told them), “Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me!

Reality check 1 for all Christians: Children of God love to listen to God’s words.

(Jesus told them), “Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”

Reality check 2 for all Christians: God’s children honor God. in honoring Jesus, we honor God.

The people retorted, “You Samaritan devil! Didn’t we say all along that you were possessed by a demon?” “No,” Jesus said, “I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father—and you dishonor me.  And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge.  I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!”

Reality check 3: Those who know God will obey Him. Jesus does that. God gives honor to those who honor Him.

Jesus answered, “If I want glory for myself, it doesn’t count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, ‘He is our God,’ but you don’t even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him…”

a horizontal outlook from a watchman

Today I woke with one thing in my mind: an outlook. An outlook can mean: a person’s point of view or general attitude to life: broaden your outlook on life.
a view: the pleasant outlook from the lodge window.
a place from which a view is possible; a vantage point.
the prospect for the future: the deteriorating economic outlook.

What is my outlook in the new horizon? I speak from my little horizon. The spot where I position in a time and a space in time.

Attitude: My general attitude to life will not change much. By adding one chronological year does add wisdom in the conventional sense, such as an increase in the knowledge in modern technology. Virtual reality put us increasingly into the world of the computer. The year has made an exponential difference in this aspect, which in turn impacts all other aspects of life. Overall I have benefitted from solid Biblical spiritual study.

Physical view: Well I have gained some views too by being a traveler. Looking out of different windows in the world has broadened my perspectives. I must admit that many parts of the world are truly beautiful to the eyes. The physical earth is still beautiful.

Vantage point: Spiritually yes. Two big international events took place in two important (as Biblical type) nations this year and confirmed spiritual promptings received beforehand. Changes ahead.

Prospect for the future: Do I see an economic outlook? Yes, I do. My only advice is for readers to read the story of Joseph again and ask the Lord which year you (as an individual) are in now. The fourteen years of prosperity and famine do not fall on the same chronological years for everyone. What about the globe? Or even one particular nation? You may ask. The same principle applies You have to ask the Lord which year now your nation or the globe is at.

Here are some photos I took over this year on the different horizons of life.  Take note that the horizons are not stagnant or fixed. There are at least two sides: my side of the perspective and the other side across the horizon. Someone stands at the other side and looks toward my side and it becomes his horizon. If I look far enough I may see myself there. Remember, the earth is round.
At different New Horizon I have stood. Have I?

Day Two : Amos 8 & John 8 “A matter of God passing by”

Vision of the Summer Fruit: Thus the Lord God showed me: Behold, a basket of summer fruit. 2 And He said, “Amos, what do you see?”

So I said, “A basket of summer fruit.”

Then the Lord said to me:
“The end has come upon My people Israel;
I will not pass by them anymore.
3
And the songs of the temple
Shall be wailing in that day,”
Says the Lord God—
“Many dead bodies everywhere,
They shall be thrown out in silence.”

4
Hear this, you who swallow up[a] the needy,
And make the poor of the land fail,

5 Saying:

“When will the New Moon be past,
That we may sell grain?
And the Sabbath,
That we may trade wheat?
Making the ephah small and the shekel large,
Falsifying the scales by deceit,
6
That we may buy the poor for silver,
And the needy for a pair of sandals—
Even sell the bad wheat?”

7
The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob:
“Surely I will never forget any of their works.
8
Shall the land not tremble for this,
And everyone mourn who dwells in it?
All of it shall swell like the River,[b]
Heave and subside
Like the River of Egypt.

9
“And it shall come to pass in that day,” says the Lord God,
“That I will make the sun go down at noon,
And I will darken the earth in broad daylight;
10
I will turn your feasts into mourning,
And all your songs into lamentation;
I will bring sackcloth on every waist,
And baldness on every head;
I will make it like mourning for an only son,
And its end like a bitter day.

11
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God,
“That I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the Lord.
12
They shall wander from sea to sea,
And from north to east;
They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,
But shall not find it.

13
“In that day the fair virgins
And strong young men
Shall faint from thirst.
14
Those who swear by the sin[c] of Samaria,
Who say,
‘As your god lives, O Dan!’
And, ‘As the way of Beersheba lives!’

-->

They shall fall and never rise again.”

Footnotes:
a. Amos 8:4 Or trample on (compare 2:7)
b. Amos 8:8 That is, the Nile; some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate read River; Masoretic Text reads the light.
c. Amos 8:14 Or Ashima, a Syrian goddess

John 8 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 Now early[a] in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught[b] in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded[c] us that such should be stoned.[d] But what do You say?”[e] 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.[f]

7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up[g] and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience,[h] went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her,[i] “Woman, where are those accusers of yours?[j] Has no one condemned you?”

11 She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and[k] sin no more.”

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Jesus Defends His Self-Witness

13 The Pharisees therefore said to Him, “You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true.”

14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. 17 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.”

19 Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?”

Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”

20 These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come.

Jesus Predicts His Departure

21 Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.”

22 So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, because He says, ‘Where I go you cannot come’?”

23 And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

25 Then they said to Him, “Who are You?”

And Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.”

27 They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father.

28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” 30 As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.

The Truth Shall Make You Free

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”

34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Abraham’s Seed and Satan’s

37 “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with[l] your father.”

39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.”

Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds of your father.”

Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.”

42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.

44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”

Before Abraham Was, I AM

48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?”

49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”

52 Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ 53 Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

54 Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your[m] God. 55 Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”

57 Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”

58 Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

progress to be made in hearing God

This is a pertinent issue for every Christian. Progress to be made to hear God. When I read through some of my old blogs I realize the length, breadth, height, and depth I have gone since then. My old blogs of walking by the Spirit reflected what I went through during a time of change, from not knowing God the Holy Spirit to discovering and encountering God in the Spirit. Those were days of wonders. When I read some of my blogs now I find that I have nothing much to say of my own experience except in the words of God. The words of God are my daily experience. My wonders. My signs. Do I still see visions? Do I still talk to God and receive His replies? Do I open the Bible and often see the exact words He uses to answer me? Do I still receive confirmations? Do I still see His words come to pass? Are my prayers still being answered and requests granted? Do I still pray in new tongues? Am I hearing God’s yes or no clearly? can I still have regular conversation with the Lord? Have I received more new light in understanding His words? The answer to all the aforementioned questions is “YES”. Then why am I not sharing them with my readers? Because now I know they are for me for a purpose. All I need to do is to listen and follow.

I would encourage you to ask the Lord too for His specific guidance. Read His words, pray in tongues, ask, and listen and/or read His words again for confirmation. Always wait for His replies. I have a sharing about speaking in tongues or praying in tongues. One recent day I was walking on the treadmill and broke out in tongues. I prayed for sometime and worshiped in the spirit, singing songs in tongues. Then I realized I was praying in a tongue which I had never heard or prayed or spoken before. It just appeared and came out from me. I knew it’s a new tongue. I continued to let it flow out like what Jesus said, “rivers of living water will flow from within them. ” (John 7:38-39) another occasion I was woken to pray in tongues for my nation. After I prayed I asked the Lord about my own near future direction and I asked for a vision. The vision came. I asked further what it meant and heard the Lord telling me what to do next and when it would take place. So I recorded for my future reference.

Behold! The Kingdom of God has come!

The Kingdom of God has come and Christians can live in the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven, just as the prayer that Jesus has taught His believers pray daily. What does it mean? It means we live in the presence of God and we live a life different from that of the unbelievers. When they believe in Jesus they can live inside this Kingdom too. While in the Kingdom we enjoy the abundant life and supernatural protection and undeserved favor of God, a supernatural living over the natural world——under the grace and mercy of God.
Is there a proof of this in the Bible? Yes. We read Acts 27 afresh today to see the proof.
God will tell us what he has planned for Christians to accomplish in this world. He will guide us to make the right decision at the right time in the right manner. This includes all aspects of our daily living. There are two things He will tell us: What His believers should do, and what the unbelieving world will encounter. The same physical natural storm comes upon both believers and unbelievers. The outcome will be different when Christians live the Kingdom of God life.
Here is a brief summary of the difference between those living in the Kingdom of God (people of God) and those living outside (people of the world): THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS REAL WHERE CHRISTIANS LIVE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND LIVE IN THE SPIRITUAL REALITY OF THE UNSEEN REALM OF GOD.
1. What the world saw was merely physical and not the unseen: In the eyes of the world at the beginning of the journey, Paul was a mere prisoner just like any other prisoners. And he had no control over the journey. (Acts 27:1-8)
2. Paul gave his advice even when no one listened: but the world chose to listen to the wisdom of the physical man and not to God through a spiritual man. (Acts 27:9-13)
3. The storm event confirmed God's words: the prediction of Paul, a spiritual man who lived in the Kingdom of God. (Acts 27:14-20)
4. God showed His favor for His own people: that even though the unbelievers chose to go their destructive way, because of the presence of His people (Paul and his fellow Christians) on board, His supernatural protection would also include those who happened to be on board with His people. An angel told Paul this, “God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Just imagine, God favored Paul so much that the presence of Paul on board had saved the lives of all other on board as long as they stayed with Paul. (Acts 27:21-36) Why? Because Paul lived in the Kingdom of God, with the mighty presence of the living God!
5. When the unbelievers believed and obeyed God’s advice through Paul (a Kingdom of God citizen), continued to stay with Paul and even took steps to stop wanting to kill or harm him, the unbelievers were all saved and reached shore safely. (Acts 27:37-44)
This is how the Kingdom of God works.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Acts 27
²¹ After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. ²² But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³ Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴ and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ ²⁵ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ²⁶ Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

⁴² The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. ⁴³ But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. ⁴⁴ The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.

The real birthday of the King

Only the Truth sets free (John 8:32)

This morning I was woken at 3am and I asked the Lord how Christians are to avoid being drawn into the perilous time this season. Again I was told a specific and also a general avoidance.
The general and generic advice is: Depart and be separate from the pagans’ celebrations of their idols.
 In simple Bible words: Do not conform to the world or its way. Be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Do not love the world or the love of the Father is not in you. Abide in Jesus and let the Word of God abide in us. Be joined to the Lord and one Spirit with the Lord. Be led by the Spirit as sons of God are led by the Spirit. Know the truth. Only the Truth sets people free.
John 8:31-32 New International Version (NIV)
³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

1 Corinthians 10:14-22 New International Version (NIV)

Idol Feasts and the Lord’s Supper

¹⁴ Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. ¹⁵ I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. ¹⁶ Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? ¹⁷ Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.
¹⁸ Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? ¹⁹ Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? ²⁰ No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. ²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. ²² Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 New International Version (NIV)

Warning Against Idolatry

¹⁴ Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? ¹⁵ What harmony is there between Christ and Belial^[a]? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will live with them
    and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.”^[b]

¹⁷ Therefore,

“Come out from them
    and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
    and I will receive you.”^[c]

¹⁸ And,

“I will be a Father to you,
    and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”^[d]

Footnotes:

1. 2 Corinthians 6:15 Greek Beliar, a variant of Belial
2. 2 Corinthians 6:16 Lev. 26:12; Jer. 32:38; Ezek. 37:27
3. 2 Corinthians 6:17 Isaiah 52:11; Ezek. 20:34,41
4. 2 Corinthians 6:18 2 Samuel 7:14; 7:8

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The real birthday of the King
Jesus was not born on December 25. I recommend that we all read the Bible and pray that the Lord gives us discernment and understanding. We must teach our children the truth. This following article gives a good Biblical calculation by a Messianic Jew on the actual date which should be in September-October during the Jewish Feast of the Tabernacle. The first day of this feast falls on September 28th this year.
Messiahmas? On the Birth Date of Jesus of Nazareth
http://www.ldolphin.org/xmas.html

end times Sword of the Spirit: be perfect, just as God is perffect

The Sword of the Spirit – the word of God, slashes through and divides between truth and lies, spirit (born of God) and soul (human mind and emotion, born of flesh). In the end days the Sword of the Spirit is the weapon that Jesus will use to defeat His enemies. We too must use this powerful weapon to snatch some from the fire, just as Jude had urged.
When do we wield this supernatural sword? When we see and hear false teachings being taught in the church. Wield your sword. use the words of God. (definition of wielding: If you wield a weapon, tool, or piece of equipment, you carry and use it.)
Today we slash and destroy the false teaching that Christians are human and cannot be expected to attain perfection. (The false implication is that we can safely sin just as if we do not have Jesus Christ – His Holy Spirit in us)
Prayer: Dear Abba Father, “In Jesus name I pray that now as we read these words of truth, let the sword of the Spirit manifest, let your Son manifest in each of us, and destroy the work of the devil. Let the mind of Christ  take over our mind, just as your word has said. Let the veil on our eyes melt and the Spirit of Christ sets us free.” Thank You Father. (1 John 3:8; Ephesians 6:17; 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 3:16-18)
Proclaim this truth: Christians are the children of God. God is perfect and has made provision for His children to be perfect.

Matthew 5:48

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Deuteronomy 32:4

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.

Genesis 6:9

[ Noah Pleases God ] This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

2 Samuel 22:31

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

Psalm 18:32

It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.

Psalm 19:7

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

Psalm 119:96

I have seen the consummation of all perfection, But Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Psalm 138:8

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;

Luke 6:40

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.

John 17:23

I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

Romans 12:2

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.

2 Corinthians 7:1

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Galatians 3:3

Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

Ephesians 4:13

till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

Philippians 3:12

[ Pressing Toward the Goal ] Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Colossians 1:28

Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

James 1:4

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

James 1:25

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 3:2

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

1 Peter 5:10

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

Revelation 3:2

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.

Prayer power

The book of Acts was full of records of prayers. Why did the early disciples pray so often? They knew that was the key to the power from above. Prayers moved spiritual realm. The early believers knew and believed this. Jesus has taught this key by His life. The lack of prayers accounts for spiritual weaknesses in churches today. The pattern is all there written in the Bible. Even Jesus prayed. His apostles prayed after Jesus was raised to heaven. Where are the praying churches now?
________________________

²³ And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 

 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 

 ²⁵ who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:

‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
²⁶ The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’

 

²⁷ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together ²⁸ to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 

 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:23-31)

James 5:15-16  (KJV)

¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

¹⁶ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Elijah praying for rain

 

See God: The power of His Resurrection !

The power of His Resurrection

(Bible verse are from New King James Version unless otherwise annotated)

Philippians 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Ephesians 1:19-20 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

Colossians 2:12-15 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

Colossians 3:1-4 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Colossians 2:6-10 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.


Isaiah 53:2 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.
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Warfare now ! (from inside out)

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

John 12:31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. (NLT Bible)

Colossians 3:5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. (NLT Bible) 

  

how to be happy?

How to be happy?

How To Be Happy - Article Previous Article Next Article How To Be HappyBy Andrew Wommack   Related Materials   •  Free MP3 download   •  Online TV broadcast   •  CD album   •  DVD album Everyone longs for happiness, but few possess it. The pursuit of it is universal and timeless. Generations ago, the writers of the United States Declaration of Independence recognized that longing. In it they wrote that every man is endued by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, one of which is the pursuit of happiness. For most people, however, happiness is elusive. To make it even more elusive, many Christians have been told that holiness and happiness just don’t go together. That’s because in the church, there has been an emphasis placed on Jesus as a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” However, that is not the whole story. The same Bible that says Jesus suffered also says He was anointed with the oil of gladness above everyone else and that the joy of the Lord is our strength. “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Heb. 1:9). “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). No joy—no strength. This is one of the reasons we have a lot of weak Christians. So, is true happiness obtainable? And if so, how do we get it? First, let me say there are many scriptures that command us to rejoice and be glad (Ps. 32:11, 40:16, 68:3, 70:4, to list a few). Some specifically command rejoicing in the midst of trouble (Ps. 34:1, Matt. 5:12, and John 16:33). The people of Israel were even punished because they didn’t serve the Lord with joyfulness and gladness of heart for the abundance of all the things the Lord had done. “Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee” (Deut. 28:47-48). So, if joy was a command and people were punished for not rejoicing, then happiness is something we can control. Otherwise, the Lord would have been unjust in commanding us to do it. Today people think happiness is a result, instead of a choice. They believe that if they didn’t have any problems and if they had an abundance of good things, happiness would be the inevitable result. That’s not true. Happiness isn’t a state of being; it’s a state of mind. A person can be happy when everyone and everything around them is in turmoil. They can be content no matter what the financial or physical conditions might be. True happiness and contentment isn’t dependent upon circumstances. Take Paul as an example.... read on at http://www.awmi.net/extra/article/be_happy download mp3 to listen to the teaching by Andrew Wommack: http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1019