Live a Holy Life

 

Pastor Allan was reminding us that at times our situation seems hopeless, but God’s vision is one of Restoration.  God doesn’t want you to turn around and go back to your old ways.   I took notes and present his edited sermon here.

Discouragement is an enemy and we can sink into a pity party so easily when disappointment presses us down.  We set high goals and our expectation is up there, and when we fail we get depressed. 

Perhaps you said the “Sinners Prayer,” and life begins to get real and you are faced with daily choices.  It is time to trust God to carry you through each day; Moment by moment.

There are a lot of shaky Saints out there, perhaps you were like me and listened to others tell you negative words such as you are no good, you won’t amount to anything, and you believed those words.  Those were lies from the enemy and God’s words are full of life, victory, and success.  You have a new identity IN Christ.

The past weeks we have been talking about being a follower of Jesus.  Just because you are in the crowd, doesn’t mean you are a follower.  Jesus set the example how we are to live a holy life.

Systematically address all the issues of your day, taking time to fellowship with Jesus and build a relationship with Him. 

Jesus did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.  His teachings were from the Old Testament and the Law.  He did not void the law because He loved the law.  His sacrificial death was the fulfillment and no more was a sacrifice needed.  Easter is around the corner and it is the time we celebrate the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus.

God gave us the Holy Spirit so we could walk like Jesus.  The Holy Spirit will reveal to you if there is something in your life that is blocking sweet communion with Jesus.  When He does show you a hindrance, it is up to you to remove it from your life style.

Acts 15:1 tells of certain men who desired to put a yoke around the new believer’s necks and demand they follow Jewish tradition, combining law with grace.  After discussion the disciples said, in verse 20  “That they abstain from defilements of idols, and from fornication and from things strangles, and from blood.”

This applies to us today.  Keep it simple to live holy. Stay away from those things that bring you down including your old friends.  Avoid evil; be careful of your viewing habits on the inter-net, the TV or movies. 

 

If you are having an affair, quit it.  God’s word is clear and some stuff is a no brainer.

This is not being legalistic; it is just using common sense.  The question is not if something is right or wrong - - but is it wrong for you?

It is easy to justify what you enjoy doing, but don’t be foolish and harden your heart when you realize God desires you to stop doing certain things.

Some try to see how close they can walk with Jesus and still have one foot in the world?  Jesus desires a full commitment.

I love “Recovery Programs,” and I have taught them, but recovery can become legalistic.

Keep life simple – Do your best with God’s help to live a Holy life and listen to the Holy Spirit.

Pastor confided; “God told me to give us smoking and it wasn’t easy, but He helped me through the process to get free.”

Paul encourages us to grow up and mature and put away childish things.  If you do fall short, learn from it and begin again.

I don’t want to preach love and fail to love others.  I walk through our city and my heart is broken as I view so many who need Jesus. 

 

I am thankful for our church that includes all generations; all ages and all walks of life.

 

Are you a Fool or a Wise Person??

A Wise Person Builds on the Rock Christ Jesus

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)  The Wise and Foolish Builders

^{Matthew 7:24-27} “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

I didn't attend church this Sunday. I was chilling, coughing and running a bit of a fever. Robert said it is not a good idea to attend church today. The night before, I had baked 4 loaves of apple bread, so my husband drove me to church so I could set them out for those who come early. I also left some of my foot prints at church even though I could not stay.  I left Half dozen short Bible lessons for those who don't attend the downstairs Bible study; and some color papers for the children. I am posting the Bible Lesson tonight instead of Pastors sermon.   Monday morning I am traveling to Lincoln to see my Doctor.

The Lesson was about fools and wise persons.

Despite our pride, many of us have been or are fools in the eyes of God. This is a very humbling thought, but it is God’s opinion and it is the one that matters and not ours. Noah Webster defined foolishness as “void of understanding or sound judgment, unwise, silly, vain, trifling, ridiculous, sinful …” In the book of Proverbs there are at least 42 verses dealing with foolishness. Here is how God defines foolishness in Proverbs:

A fool wants to do wrong, and does not think of the consequences:
“It is as sport for a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.” Proverbs 10:23

BE a WISE Person and Know God- - “A wise man fears God, and departs from evil: but the fool rage, and is confident.” Pr. 14:16
 

A fool listens to his own ideas, and is not concerned about others. He gets angry when others tell him what to do:  ( Be Wise and have a teachable spirit.)

“He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.” Pr. 28:26

“A fool despises his father's instruction: but he that regards reproof is prudent.” Pr. 15:5

“A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” Pr. 18:2

A fool lets his opinion be known right away:  (Be WISE and watch your words.)
“A fool utters all his mind: but a wise [man] keeps it in till afterwards.” Pr. 29:11

“A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.” Pr. 18: 6

This fool cannot shut up!   (God says be Wise – there are times to be silent)
“Do you see a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” Pr. 29:20

A fool does not learn from his mistakes:  (God desires you to learn from your mistakes - - to change and be a NEW person.)
 

“As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.” Pr. 26:11
 

A fool does not believe there is a God: (Psalms 14:1).
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.

Be Wise and receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord.  Know Jesus loves you and He will help you to become that Wise Person that pleases God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Do we Make Godly Decisions?

 

Our Bible Teacher was encouraging us to daily trust God.  I took notes and present an edited version of her lesson.

I Peter 3:8-9  finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, lobe as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.  Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing; knowing that you are there unto called, that you should inherit a blessing.

I Peter 3:10 - For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

It is important to Love God and to love Life, even during the hard times.  We must watch our tongue and our lips to use only words that please God.

Psalms 34:12  Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?

Peter knew God’s Word and he could draw from the Old Testament stories. 

I Samuel 17:4 - - - The Israelites were being threatened by the Philistines; Their champion was a giant 9’ 9” tall.  He challenged the Israelites, “send someone to fight me, and the winner will take all.”  David was only a teen ager, but he had experience protecting his sheep and knew how to use a sling shot.  He was able to stun the giant with one rock strategically placed, and cut off the giants head with the giants own sword.

Fast forward – I Samuel 21 - - David was older now and a warrior fighting and winning battles for King Saul. The people saw David as a “super star,” and sang songs about his victories, which caused jealousy in the heart of the King.

Peter reaches back to this story, and encourages those who are having an encounter with fear or troubling circumstances – to trust in God – no matter what.

I Samuel 21:8  David is without a weapon, so he requested the Priest to give him Goliath’s sword.  David is running for his life with the King in hot pursuit.  David thought another country might be safe, but there he was recognized, and the people planned to kill him.  He pretended to be insane and was able to safely leave, and hide in a cave.

Peter is remembering these stories and also David’s words penned in Psalms 34:11-19.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers them out of them all.”

We have choices everyday, how we are to speak and live.  Turn away from that which tempts you and choose to do that which is right.

We are easily distracted.  We have long days at work, where all co-workers are not cooperating, and we are feeling stress.

We can choose to worship God and depend on Him, because we can’t make choices for others.  They have their own responsibility to live decently.

David was in various dangers and God protected him through it all.

Peter refers back to David’s story to encourage believers.  

 

I Peter 3:10  For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile

 

A Prayer for the EYES - - By Guest Laura Gagnon

 

 

A Prayer for the EYES and other parts of the Body to be Healed in Jesus Name!

By Laura Gagnon, Intercessor

This is a prayer to heal and restore vision. There can be more than one cause to vision loss, including sin and generational curses, injury, trauma, illness and disease. My suggestion is to cover all your bases in prayer. I have a very thorough prayer to break generational sin and you can get the link on the right side of the home page. It's called the Breakthrough Prayer. This prayer also covers the area of the brain, for the brain function and the eyes are very closely related.       http://xpectamiracle.blogspot.com/  

PRAY THIS PRAYER OUT LOUD - - 

Father God, 

I thank You for Your Holy Spirit that gives us wisdom to know what to ask for in prayer. I come to you in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, Your Beloved Son. I first and foremost ask for forgiveness of sins, for myself, my family, and for the sins of my ancestors. I pray that the blood of Jesus would cover the sins of our family line, as well as the person I bring before you now in prayer. Let all generational curses be broken now and their sins forgiven, in Jesus name. I know You are a God of mercy, Lord Jesus, and You are able to heal. I know that whatever you ask from Your Father He will give you.

You are the resurrection and the life, Lord, and I lift up (_________________), (be specific) to You right now in prayer.

I ask that You would fill any areas of (his/her) body that may have deficiencies, with the fullness of Your Holy Spirit, for it is written the Lord is our Shepherd and we shall have no lack, according to Ps. 23:1.

 

I specifically speak to the brain, the spinal cord, the nerve conductors, and the eyes.  

Let the brain chemicals of seratonin, noradrenalin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine and all chemicals produced by the brain be correctly balanced. Let every deficiency be filled and every over secretion be reduced to just the right levels for each individual. Let there be no over production of cortisol. Let every amino acid neurotransmitter function with perfect wholeness and soundness as it is in Jesus Christ. Let every gene that has carried defective or mutated DNA that would perpetuate weakness,  compromised health, mental instability or that which carries the result of a curse be healed at the cellular level. Infuse every cell, every gene, every strand of DNA with the DNA and healing of Jesus Christ.

 

Let every curse be broken and sent back to the source, for You, O God, did not give us any DNA that would carry a curse. It came from the evil one, and I command him to take back everything that he has brought into (name the person you are praying for). I pray that any damage to the brain itself, the neurotransmitters, and the centers for impulse control in the cerebral cortex be healed now in Jesus name. Let there be light in every darkened area of the brain, emotions and in their spirit man.

 

I declare the amino acid and peptide neurotransmitters be rewired to function in perfect health and send the proper amounts of chemicals to regulate impulse control, stress management, peace, pleasure and pain management in perfect balance. Let the acytlcholine functions be healed and restored to perfect health. Let the chemical agents and the communication messengers between brain cells function in perfect harmony, balance and soundness in every cell. Let all things in the molecular structure that affect mood, anxiety, appetite, sleep, temperature, heart rate, self-control, discernment, impulse control, aggression, fear, stress management and other physical and psychological appetites, desires and occurrences be healed and restored to the perfect wholeness that exists in Jesus Christ.

Let all areas that have been damaged, those areas that are genetically unsound, weak, impaired or afflicted be healed, for it is written, "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed," in Is. 53:4, 5. Lord Jesus, You told us, Your disciples, to lay hands on the sick and they would recover, (Mark 16:18). You said in John 14:7 and again in John 14:16 that if we abide in You, we could ask whatever we desire in Your name and Your Father would do it, because it would bring glory to Your name. So I ask that those I have prayed for would be healed in the cellular, molecular level of their genes, in their DNA, and that anything that resides there that is not of Your placement, nor Your will for that person, would be supernaturally removed, replaced with Your fullness and restored to perfect health right now. I command illness and disease to be removed and for their body to be healed in the name and authority of Jesus Christ.

 

I speak now to the EYES. I command the layers of tissue at the back of the eye to be filled with resurrection life in Jesus name. I command the choroid tissue to be filled with oxygenated blood and nourishment and for the retina to reattach itself to the retinal wall. Let all the veins and capillaries that feed blood to the retina and the retinal wall open up and flow with oxygen rich blood that sustains healthy tissue development. I command all debris in the blood stream and those particles that might be lodged behind the eye to be supernaturally removed now. Let any holes or leaks in the vitreous gel-like substance of the eye be healed. Put a patch over the leak, Lord. Let there be new growth of healthy cells and tissue. If there is any collection of vitreous liquid under the eye, then supernaturally let it be removed and replaced back where it belongs, to provide a proper amount in the appropriate place in the eye.  

I command all shrinkage and contraction of muscles, tissue, ligaments, and the vitreous substance to cease now and for proper amounts to be maintained for healthy function of the eye, in Jesus name. I speak to the sclera, the cornea, the anterior and posterior chambers, the iris, the lens, the retina and vitreous humor, the rods and cones, the optic nerves and optic disk, the macula and the photoreceptors; I speak healing, restoration and recovery of sight in every area where it has been impaired or lacking. Let the rods and cones be of normal length, size and function. Whatever has been missing, even color cones, let them be restored now. I command all abnormal blind spots, or those that came as a results of injury, illness, trauma, disease or placed there by the enemy to be removed now, in Jesus name. I command all shadows or curtains over the eye to be removed now and for correct vision to be restored.  I command each part of the eye to function as they were designed to function in God’s perfect will. Let every injury, defect or the result of trauma, illness or disease be supernaturally reversed now, in the name and authority of Jesus Christ.

 

Father God, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit, I thank you for hearing my prayer and responding to it quickly. I know that all healing comes from You and I thank you for releasing healing for those I’ve prayed for, in Jesus name, Amen.

Following Close to Jesus

 

 

Pastor Allan began his message by stating “You need an appetite in order to eat.  We must be hungry and thirsty for the things of God.  I took notes and present his edited sermon here.

Psalms 51:9-12  Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of they salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Our desire must be to serve God with a passion we never had before.  This could be problematic in some households when they notice the change in you. 

 

A case in point: one of our adult members received Jesus at 10 years old, but his Step Dad did not like the change in the lad and commanded him not to attend church.  Years later he came back to Jesus but his past life tells a sad tale. 

 

Parents will be held accountable when they prevent their children from serving our Lord.

How to follow Jesus and walk in power like he did is simply to step into His presence and remain there.  Don’t be satisfied with the basics, but press into a life-style of repentance.

There are some things we must turn our backs on; in order to be Christ like.  We need a desire to be strong and grounded in the Word.  As we study and search the scriptures, we discover some of the previous concepts taught to us are wrong.  Be willing to change and line up with the Scriptures.  Be willing to allow God to change you into a follower of Jesus.

It is true that some of the Bible Saints failed God in some way.  When they received power from the Holy Spirit, they started to turn their world upside down.  They began to understand there was something greater that they didn’t know about in the past. 

When you share Jesus with others, you may need to speak at a child’s level, especially when you are teaching new believers.

Tradition has a lot of bondage, but the pure gospel is love which covers a lot.  Be salt and light to season and light the darkness around you.  We have something better to offer to make their present condition better. 

Some times our job is harder, because of the walls people build to keep out the truth.

As we look at the world, they often say, “Do it to them before they do it to you. And be sure to take the first punch.”

The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and it works.  Wow, what a concept.  It is easy to love someone who loves you back.

Let us not say, “What can I get?” but instead say, “What can I give?”  It is time to start bearing fruit.  Let us not just talk, but let us do the walk.  May our life line up with the simple truth of God’s Word.  Dig into the scriptures to find the Gold.  Do you want wisdom, “Ask for it?” 

During his ministry, Jesus had hundreds of followers, but only 12 disciples selected to spread the gospel of the Kingdom.

Our church has a lot of broken believers - - actually that is a sign of a healthy church. 

 

Our people have a lot of secret sins, and secret struggles, but God is ready to deliver.  Some will receive freedom immediately and others a step at a time.  When you open up the lid of the garbage can the smell is terrible.  Jesus is ready to clean up the sinner.

Some are weak, but we don’t want to put them on the shelf or cast them aside.  We pray for them and show them love.

Paul talked about the struggle of his flesh, but by the Power of the Holy Spirit, he was able to over come. 

I am reminded of the scripture, “If my people will humble themselves, repent and cry out in prayer, I will hear them and heal them.”

Examine yourself by the yard stick of the Word of God, and then go out to prosper, to sow the seed, water the tender plants, and to bear fruit,

 

Possessing the Gates by Guest Laura Gagnon

Possessing the Gates  by Guest Laura Gagnon

 

God has given us incredible promises to enable us to triumph over our enemies, but we all know that when fighting for a victory, it doesn’t necessarily come easy. War is war, is it not? When you’re contending for a victory it’s going to take a dedicated effort to persevere until you see it manifest.

There is a specific promise that God has been speaking to me about recently. It’s found in Genesis 24:60. Abraham’s servant went in search for a bride for Abraham’s son, Isaac. Holy Spirit led the man to just the right woman and she agreed to come back with him to be Isaac’s wife, but before she left, her family, household servants and friends gathered together to pronounce a blessing upon her.

 

This is what they said: “And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the GATE of those which hate them.” (Genesis 24:60 KJV) 

It sounds very similar to what God told Abraham years earlier, when He promised a miraculous birth to an older, infertile couple. “I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her." (Genesis 17:16) 

The promise was repeated again in the life of Isaac’s son, Jacob. “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies…” (Genesis 22:17) 

Allow me to call your attention to the word ‘Gates’ in Genesis 24:60. The promise to multiply and be fruitful is one part of the promise, but possessing the gates of enemies is quite another. Some translations say ‘take over the affairs of the city.’

The gate was where all the central activity of that city occurred. Judicial matters and court settlements occurred at the gate. The gate of the city was also where business transactions took place and messages were heralded. If a person wanted to deliver a message that would reach the masses, they announced it at the gate. It was the center of marketplace activity as well. A gate, also referred to as a door, is an entrance or an exit into something greater.

 

God’s intent is to give us far more victories than what we might imagine! His desire is to give us strategies to take authority over whatever "Mountain" may stand in our path. God has already given us a promise that it’s His desire for us to overcome it. Whether it’s a health issue, an issue with someone on the job, enemies in the natural such as ISIS or even our own government agencies implementing corrupt policies; God wants us to exercise our God-given dominion so that the Kingdom of God is manifested in that situation.

 

As God’s children we declare His kingdom come, His will be done – on earth as it is in heaven.

 

I was talking to a woman the other night that was struggling in her work environment. She mentioned that there were members of a witches’ coven in her workplace. When I asked where she worked, it was a very prominent place. Important decisions that affected everyone in our nation were made in the very place she worked, and that was where the enemy had his people in place.

 

It didn’t surprise me, but it did jolt me awake a bit to realize that we too, as God’s ambassadors, need to be on our toes all the time, declaring God’s kingdom in all of our circumstances. We need to declare His word over all the power of the enemy so as to ‘possess the gates of our enemies.’ Friends, don’t let evil go unchecked.

 

Set down the boundaries established by the Lord in His word. Find the scriptures that speak to your particular situation and enforce the King’s Law – in your home, workplace, and community. Never underestimate the power of your declarations! You never know what evil you stop in it’s tracks by doing so. And, by doing this, you make room for the Kingdom of God to burst in to your circumstances!

Posted by Laura Gagnon at 8:14 PM  02/11/16

 

http://xpectamiracle.blogspot.com/2016/02/possessing-gates.html  

 

 

 

How Should We Live?

How Should We Live?

One Hundred Pennies = One Dollar

Our Bible Study at Open Door Church began by our teacher illustrating a dollars worth of pennies.  I took notes and digested her lesson here. 

If you have 100 pennies and slowly take away one, then another; at first you don’t realize the depreciation.  There are things happening in our world that we often turn away a blind eye refusing to look.  Our freedoms are being slowly removed.

 

Protestors winning their right to blaze sin openly, to remove God's Word from Schools, and Government buildings; and now the President by executive order is removing the words, “Under God,” from the pledge of allegiance and elsewhere. 

Our Bible Study lessons have been about persecution in the Bible and also in our day.

Christian’s under heavy persecution are calling out to the Father God, as the pressure is too much, and hard to deal with.  We must be cautious not to judge those who suffer. 

Peter was a working man, a fisherman.  He spent three years of his life, following, listening, and carefully observing Jesus. 

When Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, He agonized with drops of sweat as blood.   He asked Peter and the others to diligently pray as the time was short.

What did Peter do?  Yes, he went to sleep instead of praying.

Jesus was under physical threat of being taken prisoner, and Peter’s good idea was to draw his sword and cut off an ear of one of the soldiers.  Jesus picked up the ear and put it back, healing the man.

Peter bragged, “I will die with you.”  Then reality set in, and shortly Peter is cursing and denying that he even knew Jesus.

In 1 Peter, he is familiar with the “Crush of persecution.”  He knows what he is talking about.

1 Peter 3:8  Finally, all of you, be like minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

We are reminded how Jesus lived and ministered.  John 12:49;  14:31  He spoke only what the Father told him.  Jesus acknowledged that the Father gave Him commandments to follow.  (He was commissioned an assignment – to be the sacrifice for you and me.)

Saying something and living it is another thing.  Peter tells us how to deal with family, government, and employers.  Yes they tell us, “Watch out, don’t do that, do this, Stop that, do it this way.”

As we listen to the Holy Spirit He will show us how to live an abundant life. 

If we sin, and disobey, we will pay the consequences.

Peter’s letter is to encourage and instruct both the old and new believer.

If you are told to do something and it does not line up with the Word, you have the responsibility to seek the truth. 

Treat non-Christians with grace, not rendering evil for evil. 

Romans 2:4  Or do you despise the riches of His goodness and forbearance, and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God is leading you to repentance?

1 Peter 3:9  Peter is urging not to retaliate evil for evil and to watch our mouth. 

We should not cut off others in mid sentence, or push out of the way and be disrespectful

Let us return to look again at Jesus.  How did He live?  He did not curse at people who were rude.

We can be critically minded not critical but critique the situation.

Day by day we should ask, “How should I live?”  Let us remember:  We are accountable to the Father God.

Early on we see Peter as a wishy washy person, but he learned obedience to his calling.

We are called to be different than those in the world. 

Tolerate those bad things that happen to us, to become a learning experience allowing us to grow, to mature and to learn obedience.

 

  

Being Like Jesus

 

Pastor Allan was ministering as I took notes and digested his sermon here for you.

“The last few weeks we have been talking about being Christ like.  The scripture in Acts refers to the Believers first being called Christians at Antioch.  They were called little Christs, because they walked like Jesus, acted in His power, and did miracles like Christ.

What is the church today called?  I see some things I don’t like.  Some attend church regularly, but are not following Christ.  When we hang out on the outskirts, following the worldly crowd, we are not following Jesus.  Do others see Christ in you?

I am not saying we are totally there yet, but we need to shed self righteousness and man made rules of other churches. 

We must become programmed to a life style of repentance.  Yes, we come one time to Jesus for salvation, but we must guard our hearts to remain pure.  Every time we are aware of an attitude that should not be there, we must learn to quickly repent.  We are a people being delivered, healed and set free. 

Jesus set the standard of how we should live, in Matthew chapter 5.

2Jesus opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The poor in spirit will live boldly.  The words of Jesus proclaimed Kingdom living.

He put a stop on Religious living and opened up true Relationship with the Father.

He taught us how to pray and gave us the Golden Rule.

 4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
 5“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

 6“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

 7“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

  8“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

  9“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

As we walk down our streets, we see our world is in turmoil.  Our land is spiritually bankrupt.  We see the precious and the vile, devoid of spiritual riches.  We know that Jesus is the answer to every need.  All we need to do is ask.  The only way to the Father is through Jesus.

The Sanhedrin and the Pharisees were rule keepers, but they had no power.  “Religion” can be very binding.  We preach “Relationship,” and there is a difference.  We receive salvation through Christ.  We realize we were a sinner in need of repentance, “REAL genuine repentance, from the cry of our heart.  David cried, “Don’t take the Holy Spirit from me.”  I need you Lord.

Followers of Christ will produce fruit.  Some are listening to the Holy Spirit, but are not acting on it.  I am talking about swimming upstream.  Jesus said, “I want you to be hungry for more.  Those who hunger shall be filled.”  Taste and see.  Not our own righteousness but more of Jesus. 

Lord show me my heart, and remove the stones, rocks and pebbles, and give me a tender heart.  Guard your heart against the World, allowing your heart to remain pure. 

Shun worldly ways, use caution on the inter-net, TV, and worldly entertainment.  When we compromise our integrity, something is shaved off – little by little. 

If you are tempted to get a “hair cut” – then quit walking by the barber shop.  You get my meaning. 

Moral courage is doing the right thing no matter what others around you are doing.  As we purify our heart, our influence will shake our neighbors.  Be a peacemaker and reconcile with those who have made war with you.  Love your neighbor and enjoy peaceful living and not turmoil.

If you have been in church for a few years, we shouldn’t have to spoon feed you.  It is time to grow up and learn to feed yourself by being daily in God’s word.  Take time to commune with Jesus and develop your relationship with Him.  God does not enjoy taking you to the wood shed, so make those corrections before God finds it necessary to chasten you.

You may be criticized, and even talked about, but the opposition will strengthen you.  Be joyful and happy as this is the reward.  Recognize the secret of a fulfilled life in Christ; The more you press in, the more is received.

God gives us chance after chance and leads us to repentance.  You have been delivered so walk free.

The more we strive to become like Christ, we will realize we are NOT like Him, so keep  pressing in.”

 

Do Wives Always Submit?

 

Our teacher, Linda presented a Bible lesson taken from 1 Peter chapter 3.  I took notes as she brought us the study from God's word and present a summary here.

1 Peter 3   Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation (holy behavior) of the wives;  While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:  Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 

Note the word says submit “to your OWN husband.”  Not necessarily to other men as they are not your husband.  I once knew a Pastor who thought the congregation should submit to his authority.  If a Pastor is being controlling and not himself submitted to God's word that is a warning signal. 

A look at another translation gives us a deeper breath, about inward beauty.  Notice it is NOT telling woman it is wrong to dress in style, or wear jewelry, but stressing the importance of a gentle and right spirit.

Sara obeyed her husband when he told her to lie, in order to save his life.  The King found out about Abraham's lie, but spared his life. 

 

Husbands should never ask their wives to sin or do anything against their conscience.

We are to be subject to God first, then to the authority of our husband, our boss, or leaders over us.  It is difficult at times to be humble, but our holy conduct will be an example to others.

God is not impressed with pious prayers, even those written out, or memorized.  God is listening for the cry of our heart, and desires us as women to have a gentle and quiet spirit.  Not a person, trying to get attention, but submissive in service first to God, then to rulers, employers, wives to husbands, and youth to their elders.

Honor your husband knowing God has a plan in the background to bring about a good life.  Some things are perishable, but God brings the natural into the supernatural. 

The flesh must die.  This means dying to self or selfishness.  Being willing to put others first, especially your husband.

Notice the duty of the husband to give his wife honor knowing that the two of you are “one.”  He is responsible for her and should treat her with kindness and respect, lest his prayers be hindered.

A husband should be cautious and not take advantage of his place, or be controlling and dictatorial with an angry attitude.  He needs to be considerate of his wife's feelings and view her as an equal, not crushing her spirit but allowing her to be her own person. 

Each person in a marriage has their own role and responsibility to each other using common courtesy and showing love from a tender heart.

When Adam saw Eve for the first time, he was happy and desired to please her, which got them into trouble and also us.  The husband must listen carefully what his wife says, and know that the final decision weighs heavily on his shoulders.

Ephesians 5:22-23  Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord,  For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church. . .

In every area of our life may we seek to please God first and then our husband. 

This honors and pleases our Father God.