"Three Keys for Divine Protection"

If you are worried and fearful regarding Ebola and the Plagues that are coming from Africa and other lands, know as a Christian you can be protected. 

Read this exciting Biblical Study by Dr. Sandie Freed

 

  

"Three Keys for Divine Protection"

Dr. Sandie Freed, Hurst, TX

Zion Ministries

Abide, Anoint, and Plead the Blood of Jesus

Several weeks ago, the Lord began to speak to me concerning the Biblical term pestilence. I immediately began a Biblical word search to gain strategy for God's people as well as myself. While involved in an intense study, I was reminded that at the beginning of this year I gave a prophetic message and decree at our local church (Lifegate Church International in Hurst, TX) that we were to "be prepared for pestilence: learn the principles of the power in abiding in Christ, anointing our lives and homes, and applying the Blood to the doorposts" (prophecy and decree is paraphrased). I will explain more on this in a bit, but for now let's examine the term pestilence and how we can be "hidden in Christ" for divine protection.

Pestilence

Pestilence in the Old Testament is a Hebrew word that basically means "plague, to devour, to consume and to destroy." I believe it is safe to conclude that pestilence can be a plague (like a contagious disease) that attempts to destroy our health, our lives, and can also result in a death to our destiny.

There have been many different plagues throughout world history, as you know. There are many Believers who believe that plagues are a sign of the end times. While it is true that 2 Timothy 3:1 states that in the end times we will experience hard and difficult times, I would like to respectfully remind you that there have been plagues and pestilences historically documented throughout world history.

 

It is not my intent to discuss the "judgment" and the "timing" of these four seals of Revelation being opened. However, again, we cannot negate the fact that we have historical documentation of all four of these occurrences – wars for all three reasons and pestilence... for centuries and also just recently!

Keeping Our Focus on Christ

My main point is this – it's not a time to be fearful – it's time to rise up in faith! It's not a time to focus on pestilence, but rather a season to focus on Christ and who we are in Him! I am not in any way advocating that we put our head in the sand and not remain vigilant concerning our health and safety! We need to be diligently praying against terrorism, pestilence, and all opposing plans of our enemy. As Jesus instructs us – we are to pray that Heaven touches earth.

Yet, at the same time, we must rise up in our Godly authority, use our faith and thwart the plans of the enemy, especially the enemy of pestilence and destruction at this time. Still, to witness victory and peace, our thoughts and minds must remain on things above at this time.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Key #1 for Divine Protection: Remain Hidden in Christ

I would like to now discuss the first key of divine protection. We need divine protection because the enemy has many different avenues which he uses to destroy us. We are at war with evil – this is very obvious. However,  I am writing from two perspectives concerning these thoughts. First, I wish to empower you with knowledge of exactly what "pestilence" is and, secondly, to teach you how to remain "hidden in Christ."

This also involves further understanding of the anointing and applying the Blood of Jesus as we war against pestilence, against "the devourer" and war against the "thief" that comes to kill, steal and destroy.

I have written extensively on how to remain hidden in Christ and how to plead the Blood of Jesus over our lives in my recent book, Power in the Blood: Claiming Your Spiritual Inheritance. In this book you will discover the many different truths concerning the power of the Blood of Jesus to protect you from the plans of the enemy. If you have received prophetic promises, you will want to read how to plead the Blood of Jesus over every portion of your "land" that has been given to you! I also remind every Believer how "every knee must bow to the name of Jesus" and yes, this means the name of pestilence!

When I think of the perfect prayer against pestilence, I am like most of you, I meditate upon Psalm 91. This is a passage that is most familiar to many Believers and has remained a "go-to" prayer when we are faced with opposing situations and don't know how to pray, as well as being a prayer of comfort and divine protection. Praying Psalm 91 is a heart-felt prayer to God; it is a prayer of direction and also a prayer that reaches the throne of God. Psalm 91 is a prayer for healing the heart and physical body, as well as empowering us with His divine comfort and faith for protection.

Grab your Bible and read Psalm 91 in its entirety. I want to expand on a few verses and words for greater clarity. Keep this in mind – the Ancient of Days is wanting to speak to us concerning finding that secret place and the unveiling of mysteries from days past, as well as ancient strongholds that attempt to affect us today!

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. Psalm 91:1-6

Believer, I could have almost highlighted every word in the entire Psalm 91 passage! But for the sake of this article, allow me to get straight to the point. We, as Believers, must remain hidden under His wings! He will hide us in a "secret place." This means it will be a secret even to the enemy and a place where even pestilence can't find us! In hiddenness, we are divinely protected from every enemy which opposes us and our future. In this place we are also given counsel for godly living, something desperately needed, wouldn't you agree?

Please note in your heart and mind that we must continually "abide" under the shadow of the Almighty. To "abide" means that we are to "stay permanently" there. This rules out all wavering concerning His grace, love and mercy. In other words, we can no longer doubt if God "really" loves us and "desires" to protect us. No! We need to be fully convinced that He loves us with an everlasting love and that He desires to bless us and empower us to overcome all evil. Let's also look at a passage concerning remaining "hidden" in Christ:

Colossians 3:1-4: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Emphasis added)

The word "hidden" in this previous passage is a verb which means "to conceal, hide or kept secret by covering." This means that when we are covered by the Blood of Jesus, we are hidden in Him. There are several obvious benefits in this place.

First, it is a place of safety. The devil cannot locate us, as I wrote earlier, when we are "hidden" in Jesus. Second is empowerment. Being hidden assures us of our power, authority and dominion in Christ. Remember, we are seated with Christ in heavenly places! Third is intimacy. To be hidden means that we are tucked away in a very private and intimate place with God. He covers us with His wings and hides us in Himself. It is in that place that mysteries are revealed. Fourth is blessing. God reveals His secret plans and gives us divine strategies to overcome the enemy and therefore possess our blessings! 

Key #2 for Divine Protection: The Anointing

The word "anointing" actually means "to rub" and can be interpreted as "to smear with oil." In Old Testament times, the priesthood was anointed for their duties in the Tabernacle. This was an example of their being "set apart" unto God. As Christians, we are also referred to as "priests" and are "set apart" unto God. Therefore, we are also anointed by Him to represent Him on earth and become empowered by Him to demonstrate His Kingdom. It is important that during this season we remember that we are "anointed" and "set apart" from all the evils of this world.

 

I can't write about the anointing without first mentioning that, to some degree, to walk in the fullness of anointing requires change.

Change? Why? Well, because God is calling many of us to repentance, and repentance involves "changing the mind." What does this have to do with the anointing?

Everything! First, many of us, including myself, have not fully believed that God desires to grace us and empower us to walk in our Godly authority. Unfortunately, we have failed to fully trust God, believe in all that He says about us and therefore, possess our spiritual inheritance.

We must change the way we think about ourselves so that we can receive and walk in our mantles of authority! God desires to clothe you with victory! There is an anointing from Heaven that will protect and heal you! This anointing will work many miracles in your life, home, workplace and ministry.

Take a moment and read the parable in Luke 5:36-39. You will read about how necessary it is to be a pliable wineskin. The story behind this parable is simple – one cannot remain an old wineskin to receive and contain new wine.

Dear ones, mysteries from Heaven are being given to us and we need a new wineskin for this season.

As divine strategy is given concerning God being our protector (and all the revelation in Psalm 91), we need to shift into agreement with His directives.

To be prepared, we must allow ourselves to be dipped in the water of His Spirit and rubbed with Heaven's oil to soften our hearts and remain flexible. Our hardened and dried hearts must be changed into soft and pliable vessels – ready for the new wine.

 

No pestilence can come near your dwelling! You may desire to recite the entire 91st Psalm, which by the way is what I have done recently also.

Key #3 Pleading the Blood of Jesus

Pleading the Blood of Jesus for divine protection is the third key I would like to share. Please hang in there with me... in just a few minutes you will be given sample prayers that will empower you with a victory structure.

When we plead the Blood of Jesus we are applying the Blood to our lives and also to diverse circumstances. We can compare this to the time that the Israelites were instructed to apply the blood of the lamb to their doorposts. When they did this, they were protected from the destroyer (see Exodus 12).

Pleading the Blood is a very scriptural truth because it means to stand on the spiritual rights that are "legally" ours through the Blood that Jesus shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Dear one, please understand that the Blood of Jesus gives you rights over the devil and rights with God!

Remember this important fact: we are in a Blood Covenant with God. "And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony and they loved not their life even unto death... And (God) hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Revelation 12:11, Ephesians 2:6).

This Covenant provides provision for our every need, including protection from accidents, satanic attacks, financial needs, emotional and physical healing and deliverance.

 

Applying the Blood of Jesus

Recalling once more Exodus 12 and the instructions to the Israelites, they were to apply the blood of a lamb with the branch from a hyssop bush. Further instructions were that they were to apply it to the sides and to the top of the doorposts of their homes (verse 7). This signifies the protection of their going out and coming in. If they did not apply the blood with hyssop, they did not receive the full effects of the blood. It was available, but it had to be applied to receive the benefits. I love the fact that the "word of our testimony" is the New Testament hyssop.

The hyssop becomes the confession that we make regarding the Blood of Jesus. Precious saint, it's time to plead the Blood of Jesus and apply it over every circumstance that concerns you!

The following is a sample prayer to demonstrate how to apply the Blood of Jesus for divine protection and health. (For other concerns, stop now and write a list of all that you would wish to cover by His Blood, such as your spouse, children, family, job, safety, etc. You will want to add these areas as you pray.)

Walk through your home place and pray that God will cover each door or your house with his anointing oil, and claim the blood of Jesus for protection over all who enter (and exit) through its doors.

Let's Pray:

Father, I confess today that You are my Lord and that I am Your anointed child. I come to You in faith, knowing that it is Your desire to perfect all that concerns me and my life. I plead the Blood of Jesus over myself. (Reader, this is the time to add others, such as family, spouse, children, job, etc.) I cover my body, mind, emotions and spirit with the Blood of Jesus. As I plead the Blood of Jesus against any diseases, viruses, pestilences or illnesses that would try to overtake me (you may wish to add family, etc.), I release the healing virtue of Jesus Christ into my body.

I thank You that through the Blood of Jesus I am completely redeemed out of the hand of the evil one. I take my rightful authority as one who is set apart and anointed by You and also as one in divine covenant, and claim my right to curse every demonic assignment upon my health and my protection. (Again, you may wish to include others as you pray.) I declare that Jehovah-Rophe healed me and has promised that He keeps me in perfect health all the days of my life. I plead the Blood of Jesus against calamities, catastrophes and any hidden dangers that would attempt to come against me (and others you wish to pray for may be added here as you continue to pray). Amen!

Reader, I believe you are completely protected from the enemy! The Blood of Jesus is covering you and all that concerns you!

In Christ,
Sandie Freed - Zion Ministries
Co-pastor, Lifegate Church, Hurst, Texas
Email: zionministries1@sbcglobal.net
Website:  http://lifegatechurch.org/

Theres Always a Starting Place

My Niece Barbara Cabrera has written a book that will make you cry and laugh. 

You might like to order her book to give to a friend who has suffered abuse.

 

 

There’s Always a Starting Place by Barbara Cabrera

Type:  Paperback

ISBN: 9781629524177

Price:  19.49

 

 

Book Summary

Barbara Cabrera writes about her life growing up and the secret about her mother's choices. From spending quality time with her mom to missing her mom to being disconnected by her, Barbara didn't understand what was happening. More problems followed her mother's decisions and behavior, problems that would follow Barbara around for life. Having her own children and meeting God turned out to be the new start she needed.

 

How to order:  On line for Bargain Sale price:

http://www.christianbookstore.net/theres-always-a-starting-place-by-barbara/catalog-6170609/

or 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D8081575011&field-keywords=isbn+9781629524177+

 

Amazon offers free shipping on orders over $25.

 

 

Who’s Responsible?

 

Who's Responsible? - Not Me

Our entire congregation visited the Trinity Presbyterian Church where Rev Stan Henderson is the Pastor. The combined choir was joyous as they sang several numbers. 

I took notes from Pastor Stan as he read from Matthew 12:28-35 and also from Micah 6:6-8.

The new testament setting was as Jesus was being asked questions and his answer quieted those seeking to entrap Him.

Matthew 12:29-31  Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

In this world there are many seeking to blame someone else.  Actually we should have no excuses.  At times we need to face up and say “The buck stops here,” and to accept the consequences of our actions.

When things go wrong in Politics, the blame game begins.  It is helpful if they have used a “Task force,” then the politician can point to the team and say it is their fault.

If something is not our fault, we may not be responsible.

We need to teach our children to be responsible citizens, to others and to the family.  Our children being taugh to respect those in authority should be a given.

Responsibility begins with our relationship to God. 

Hold on to Godly precepts before you can begin to solve problems.

The children of Israel were being led out of Egypt by Moses, but they had been in a godless society for a long time.  Old habits are difficult to break.

While Moses tarried on the mountain, the people begged Aaron to make them a god so they could worship.  They desired to worship something they were used to.  So Aaron melted their gold jewelry and created a molten calf.  Upon his return Moses threw down the tablets of stone and angrily requested an answer.

Aaron blamed the people, and said when he melted the gold; low and behold out came a golden calf.  Now what do you think of that excuse?

We must recognize our need before God.  Our hands and hearts are filled with his provision.  Responsibility means to be responsible for ourselves, our lives to fill our needs. 

We are responsible to ourselves and also to others. 

When we are accused rightly or wrongly, we feel bad, embarrassed, and sometimes angry.

I am responsible for my emotions and this is were maturity begins.

We are responsible for our happiness.  We should not be looking for someone else to keep us happy.

I don’t want others to decide my response.  If they are mean and ill tempered, that is their problem.

God asked Cain, “Where is your brother.”  He answered, “Am I my brother’s keeper.”

The answer is YES.

The French rescued 5000 Jews and when asked why they did such a thing, they answered, “Because they needed our help.”

What does the Lord require of me? 

The answer is; To do justly; beyond our own needs.

God calls us to act responsible.

NOT QUITE – BUT ALMOST !




Almost but Not Quite !

 

Recently I wrote about a time in my young life when I ran out of gas and how a kind service station attendant helped me get it right.  I stated that to this day I have never ran out of gas again. 

Thinking back several years ago when our family was returning from Oklahoma to California;  I remembered when we were very close to running out of gas, “Almost – but not quite.”

Our daughter, Becky was riding with me as I drove our car.  Robert was driving a U-Haul truck, and we met each evening at a designated city and motel.

The next morning we would set out again with our schedule in place.

As Becky and I drove, we were talking merrily as mother and daughters often will do, and I had not paid any attention to the gas gauge.

The car began to cough and alert us that something was definitely wrong.

Quickly inspecting the gas indicator I realized we were in trouble.

As we peered down the highway, staring far into the distance we thought we could make out a gas station on the other side of the road.

I cried out to God; “Oh Jesus, as you multiplied the loaves and fishes and fed a multitude, I ask you to please create enough gas so we can make it to that station.”

The sputtering stopped, and we slowed down, but we kept a steady pace toward our goal.

I kid you not, but that car purred all the way - - at least half a mile, until we finally arrived to fill up our tank. 

In life there are times when we know to do the right thing but something beyond our reasonable intelligence causes us to hesitate. 

We almost make the correct choice but not quite.

Almost but Not Quite !

As Paul stood before King Agrippa, the King declared, “Almost you persuade me to become a Christian."

When it comes to receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord it is time to not just entertain the thought - - but to accept Him.  The Bible says “Today is the day of Salvation.”

A preacher once said, "He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved is to be entirely lost."

You might enjoy the Lyrics to the Hymn “Almost Persuaded.”

Running Out of Gas

Early experiences in life can cause you to be careful about things you want to encounter only once. 
 

I was a young bride, just having received my driver’s license, and decided to visit my friend Maude.  She lived about three blocks off one of the main highways in our town, so the trip did not take long.
 

After a lovely visit, it was time to leave so I could get home in time to fix supper.
 

We said our good byes, and Maude went back into the house, and I jumped into my car.
 

I turned the key in the ignition and all I heard was a grinding noise.  My car refused to start.
 

Because I was a fairly new driver, it had not occurred to me to watch my fuel gauge and sure enough I was out of gas.
 

Pulling my wits around me, I grabbed my purse and took off walking to the main road. 
 

I remembered there was a gas station at the highway, and I was healthy and a walk was good exercise.
 

When I arrived at the station, I explained to the kind attendant my problem and he shook his head while biting his lower lip, to show he understood and felt bad for me.
 

He walked briskly into the garage area and returned with a red gas can and put just enough gas in the can to accomplish the next step. 
 

The gentleman that he was, he escorted me over to one of the cars near by and showed me how to lift the hood.  He explained that after I poured most of the gas into my tank, I needed to do something else.
 

“Look right here,” he said, as he showed me where the carburetor was.  You need to pour some gas into the carburetor to make sure your car will start.
 

He knew I was just a kid, so he did not require a deposit on the gas can, but he did tell me to come right back and return it, and if I had enough money, I might want to purchase a bit more gas.
 

The can was not that heavy, but it did slow me down a bit on my return trip to my car.
 

After I had poured most of the gas into my tank, I gingerly pulled the hood release, and proceeded to put the rest of the gas into the carburetor as instructed.  
 

Putting the can in the back seat - - making sure it was upright, I headed back to the gas station.
 

Although I did not have much money with me, I purchased several gallons of gas, thanked the nice man and drove home to tell Robert my unhappy, but exciting experience!
 

Lessons learned can be painful while the process is going on and I am a fast learner.
 

To this day, I have never ran out of gas again. 
 

In life, we often run out of Spiritual fuel, and when this happens it is time to visit God’s fueling station. 
 

 

Our spirit runs on the fire of the Holy Spirit and the living water from Jesus; and although the fire and water are free, the value is priceless.  

 

So if you are running low, perhaps it is time to “Fire Up" with a renewed Holy Spirit infilling, and another big drink of the fresh living water - - for it is just a prayer away. 

 

 

 

What Do We Owe You, God?

 

 

I took notes as Pastor Jerry read from Matthew 22:15-22.

The Pharisees asked: “Is It Lawful to Pay Taxes to Caesar?”  But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?  Show Me the tax money.”  So they brought Him a denarius.
And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”

And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Pastor began his message.  At a party or gathering there are certain topics we avoid; Religion, politics, and sex.  Today I want to talk about money.

We will see how faith touches our lives and even our finances.
Jesus comes down hard on the Scribes and Pharisees as they moved to trick Jesus.  These men were usually opposed to each other, but now they teamed up in an attempt to trap Jesus. 

They began with flattery saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth;” then they asked their question hoping to get Jesus in trouble with the Roman Government.

The Romans had a lot of taxes; the Temple tax, Land, tax and the Imperial Tax which was actually a tribute to Rome, for the privilege of being oppressed.

Pastor Jerry quoted Richard Brant. “We have a duty to support Caesar as long as Caesar is doing what he is supposed to do.  We do not owe Caesar our total loyalty when Caesar oppresses.

The denarius was the coin used to pay this Imperial Tax.  It had the value of a day’s wages, and to the Jews the coin was offensive. On one side there was a graven image of Caesar, and on the other side an inscription declaring that Caesar was divine. 

 “Is It Lawful to Pay Taxes to Caesar?” they asked Jesus.  The Roman soldiers were standing near by, and a crowd was gathering.  Jesus was in a hard place, but he saw through their divisive scheme, and asked for a coin, the denarius.

His answer, “Give to Caesar what is his, and unto God what is His.

The tables were turned on the accusers.

God is the creator and sustainer of us all.  God created us, and we are God’s coin.

What belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God?  These things are separate.

Taxes have nothing to do with religious commitment.  The Law is the Law and we have a duty to support our Government.

There may be another meaning that we should consider.  “No one can serve two masters.”

Jesus was not describing the coin, which was clearly against the second commandment.

Who in our story possessed such a coin?  Certainly not the poor disciples, but it was the rich religious leaders.

The coin was made by humans.  In Genesis we read that God created humans.

The Big questions is: Whose image is on us?

That which bears God’s image belongs to God.

We must use responsible wisdom with our finances, and certainly the church needs our support - - but - -

God is not after your money, but He wants YOU.

Come Onto Me

 

This post is shared at Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

 

The Lord is Your Shepherd

THE LORD IS YOUR SHEPHERD

By Roy Lessin  

He doesn't drive, He leads.
He doesn't starve, He feeds.

He doesn't abuse, He affirms.
He doesn't confuse, He confirms.

He doesn't quit, He remains.
He doesn't deplete, He sustains.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

 

New Tires

 

Tires do wear out, and our pickup truck had made it across country and back plus other traveling. 

My dad decided he would provide us with a gift of four new tires and paid to have them installed. 

After Robert inspected the tires already installed on the truck, he confided in me that although he appreciated my father’s kind gesture, he knew that the tires were the wrong size for the wheels.   

Gift Horse

He hoped that perhaps the tires would be okay so he drove his truck for several days and all was fine. 

Then one very hot Summer day, Robert needed to travel to another city close by.  After he had been gone for awhile, I received a telephone call from him. 

He told me he was at a tire place in that town and was replacing all four of the new tires with the correct size. 

Due to the heat of the day, the tires could not take the pressure placed on them, and all at once, NOT ONE but all four tires went flat. 

We never told my dad what had happened, because he had been so happy to be able to give us this nice gift.
 

There are times when the old saying, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” might just be true.

In life when it comes to God and his blessings,  His Gifts are always to be trusted. 

The Bible promises us in Matthew 7:22  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Rejoice in the Lord Always !


 

 

Be Wary Of Leviathan

 

"Be Wary Of Leviathan"

Guest post by Troy Goode, Providence, RI

The Leviathan Spirit has many characteristics, but it mainly manifests itself as pride. The very word "Leviathan" means "to twist."

Leviathan is deceptive because it preys upon very real hurts and wrongs that have happened to you.  

Your pain is not imagined; you were actually wronged, but Leviathan is seeking to make you fix your gaze solely on your problem; so you never pull back from how you were wronged and pray the heroic prayer: "Lord, heal ME!" 

This is a season of the great reconstruction. A time when God is building a new force of elite soldiers that will ascend their mountain of culture but also possess the character to stay on top and release God's love and healing in a manner that brings glory to Him.  

God is purposefully poking you where it hurts and forcing you to deal with internal issues you've masqueraded and hid behind for too long.

4 Keys To Confronting Leviathan

1) Come In The Opposite Spirit. At the root of your vulnerability to Leviathan is authentic hurt and anger. The Bible says we are to be angry but not sin.

Here it is critical that we acknowledge our anger but intentionally forgive and not give too much energy to thinking about how we were wronged.

2) Create A Healthy Environment. The old adage is true, "misery loves company," but during these critical times we can't be surrounded by people who will "co-sign" and enable our dysfunction.

We need friends that will hold us accountable and tell us the truth about ourselves even when it hurts. The Bible says the wounds of a friend are faithful. We don't need fans...we need friends.

3) Be Teachable. Leviathan is especially dangerous for leaders and leader-types, because they are so used to having the answers for everyone's problems that they struggle with seeking answers for themselves.

Leaders think they always have to be tough, that they have to appear strong, and those attributes work against them when they are the ones under God's magnifying glass and in need of help themselves.

4. Fixate on God’s Promises. God is always good, and Scripture teaches us everything works together for the good of those that love God and are called according to His purpose.  

We must focus on God's promises to come at the end of all this reconstruction. We can't get sidetracked by the pain or how badly we were wronged.

God is working on us to bring us to a better, more sustainable place. Ultimately He's taking us from glory to glory, and that must be our main focus.

 Excerpt's from the Post by Troy Goode, Senior Pastor
New Dimension Church Providence RI

REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS ?

 

 

During the Sunday Service, I gleaned from Pastor Jerry’s sermon as he read from Philippians 4:1-9. 

 

Paul was writing from prison, yet even in his situation he was rejoicing in the Lord. 

 

In his letter he urged the Christians to be of like mindedness and not to argue; not to worry or be anxious, but to present their needs to God in faith believing that they would receive.  Paul also advised them to be cautious about their thought life.

 

^{Philippians 4:8} Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 
 

Pastor said there is an old Chinese proverb that says:

“May you live in interesting times.”

 

Today we worry about many things, terror, disease, our planet, our health and our family’s health.  It only takes a moment to understand crisis that others are going through here and world wide and it makes our problems seem small.

 

Pastor mentioned that he had just re-read the classic book “Grapes of Wrath” set during the great depression, and the incredible issues and treatment by fellow Americans.

 

Back to Paul’s letter 62 AD to the Philippians, as he told them to rejoice in the Lord Always and not to worry.

 

Jesus also admonished people not to worry or be in fear.

 

We might say, “That is easier said than done.”

 

The Christians all had problems of their own and Paul was in prison, a terrible dungeon, yet he was able to rejoice in God.  He rejoiced nine times in different ways.

 

Before Paul received Jesus he was successful, well educated, respected and looked up to.  He was willing to give all that up to follow Christ Jesus.  He counted the loss of all things as nothing compared to the peace and blessing given to him by the Lord.

 

Sometimes it is difficult to rejoice always.  Thankfully we have assurance in the Living Word of God.  We can invest our time in prayer and worship and practice thankfulness.

 

We can’t live in constant anxiety.  Do we want an inner calm?  We can learn to put our mental energy into productive thoughts as we remember the proclamation of Paul in verse 8. 

 

Maybe Paul is right and we can mature to discover peace even in tough times.

 

We have good intentions to pray, but our mind goes off in all directions as we think of things we need to do.

 

Paul encouraged the members to get along with each other, to do good works and to rejoice, not worry and bring their thoughts into subjection.

 

It is important to be concerned and not forget about the needs of the world and of others close by.  There are troubles in our church as we face the future. 

 

The main thing is - - if we excessively worry we fail to feed the poor and go about doing the things we need to do.

 

At times we need to read the newspaper or watch the news to at least keep up with what is going on in our world and in our town so we know how to pray. 

 

We do live in interesting times.