Change Your Words, and Your Thinking to Change Your Life.

 

Change Your Words, and Your Thinking to Change Your Life.

At our Wednesday morning Praying over our city, my thought was to encourage our prayer warriors to equip their minds and hearts with boldness by changing the words they say and the thoughts they think. 

 

Many of our citizens in our city are trapped into a negative mindset and many believe they are to be eternally poor, without a job, sick, chained to habits and addictions, and can never be free. 

 

As we pray today we are asking God to motivate our citizens to be ready to receive truth that in Christ there is HOPE for a NEW day and a new year of deliverance. 

 

(During the lesson, we gave out a 2 sided paper with Positive Confessions to begin to speak over ourselves.  Each affirmation is strengthened with a Bible verse.  I have added a copy of that sheet at the end of this post.)

Viewing Judges chapter 6:  Israel was being oppressed by the Midianites and others because they had turned from God, and were worshiping other gods.  God allowed them to be persecuted and harassed.

Gideon was hiding as he threshed his wheat.  The Midianites would swoop in and steal the Israelites’ wheat and other food if they didn’t hide.  You might think Gideon was acting like a coward protecting his wheat in secret.  An angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, and he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior of valor.”   Gideon responded by saying, I am the least of my brethren.  He saw himself weak and small, but God saw him as a Victorious Leader.  Gideon needed to change his thinking and his words so God could use him to defeat the enemy.

Speaking and believing grant us access to salvation.  Romans 10:9 “That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.”

This Scripture offers a very important principle— speaking with our mouth and believing in our heart. Based on that premise, if we say it and believe it, we shall have it.

That’s both good news and bad; If you’re speaking blessings, favor, and deliverance that is what you will have.  Unfortunately, if you’ve been confessing; I’m tired, broke, and sick, you’re going to have just that.

You’re going to reap the words that you sow.  Whether you hear yourself talking or you’re listening to someone else, words can and do plant seeds in your mind. Those seeds, if tended, will grow.

What are you listening to on a regular basis? Are you listening to yourself condemn and criticize all day? Or is there someone near to you who fills your ears with gossip and defamation? If your ears are being filled with negativity, you’re going to have to change that and quick. Take your ears somewhere else. If you can’t remove yourself from the environment, learn to speak up and change the subject.

It’s time to make some changes. If faith comes by hearing the Word of God—Words of life—then it stands to reason that fear and doubt come by hearing the opposite—words of death and despair.

When we hear the Word of God taught, preached, or recited, it is sown into the soil of our minds. As we think about the words we hear, something happens in our spirit. If we’re open and receptive, we begin to feel uplifted and encouraged.

The more we meditate on the Word, the more we believe it. Before long we’re not just thinking and believing, we’re talking about it too. Faith comes from hearing God’s Word (see Romans 10:17). Faith increases, and doubt has to surrender.

Change what you hear, Change what you SAY and you will change what you think. Change what you think, and you will change your life. 

Proverbs 18:21  “Life and Death are in the Power of the tongue”  – Choose Life.

~ ~ ~

 

FAITH'S CONFESSIONS CREATE REALITIES
Meditate on God’s promises to YOU - - -Say These with your Mouth

WHAT I AM IN CHRIST (CONFESS DAILY)
I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. My spirit is created in the image and likeness of God. 2 Cor. 5:17, Genesis 1:26
I am complete in Christ Jesus. Colossians 2:9-10
I am righteous in Christ Jesus. I have right-standing with God just like I'd never done anything wrong. 2 Corinthians 5:21
I am redeemed from the curse of the law (poverty, sickness, and spiritual death). Gal. 3:13 and chapter Deuteronomy 28
I am God's child and a joint-heir with Christ. Rom. 8:16-17

WHERE I AM IN CHRIST (CONFESS DAILY)
I have been taken from Satan's kingdom and I am now in God's kingdom. Col. 1:13-14
I am part of the Body of Christ and Satan has no power over me. 1 Cor. 12:14-27, Luke 9:1; 10:9
I am seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus far above all power of darkness and all things are under my feet. Ephesians 1:20-23 and Ephesians 4:6

WHAT I POSSESS IN CHRIST (CONFESS DAILY)
ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places are mine in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:3
ALL my needs are supplied by my Heavenly Father, in every area of life, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philemon. 4:19
I don't have to worry about anything, for God has commanded me to cast all of my cares on Him. I Peter 5:7

WHAT I CAN DO IN CHRIST (CONFESS DAILY)
In the power of the Holy Ghost I am a witness for Jesus. Acts 1:8
I can and do tell others about Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:18-20
As a believer and in the name of Jesus Christ I cast out devils, I speak with new tongues, and when I lay my hands on the sick they do recover. Mark 16:17-18
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philemon 4:13

FOR COMFORT AND STRENGTH (CONFESS DAILY)
The joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10
The Lord is the strength of my life. Psalms 27:1
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I John 4:4
I will not let God's Word depart from before my eyes, for it is life and health. Proverbs 4:21-22
I do not let foul words come out of my mouth, but only what helps, encourages, and is beneficial to the spiritual progress of others. Ephesians 4:29

I refuse to give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27
I speak the truth in love and grow up into Him in all things. Ephesians 4:15
No man shall take me out of His hand. For I have eternal life. John 10:28
I let the peace of God rule in my heart. I refuse to worry about anything. Col. 3:15 and 1 Peter 5:7
Whatever I refuse to allow here, God also refuses to allow, and that which I do allow, God also allows to come to pass here on earth. Matt. 16:19
I am a believer and these signs do follow me. I speak with new tongues, I take authority over the devil, I lay hands on the sick and they recover. Mark 16:17-18
I am complete in Him who is the head of all principality and power. Col. 2:10

FOR FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL NEEDS (CONFESS DAILY)
Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law. (Poverty, sickness, and death)
For poverty He has given me wealth, for sickness He has given me health, for death He has given me eternal life. II Corinthians. 8:9 and John 10:10
I delight myself in the Lord and He gives me the desires of my heart. Psalm 37:4
I have given and it is being given to me good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. Luke 6:38
I have paid my tithes and offerings and God has opened the windows of heaven and is pouring such blessings on me that I hardly have enough room to receive them. Malachi 3:10
God makes all grace come to me in abundance, so that I always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others 2 Corinthians 9:8
There is no lack for my God supplies all my needs, in every area of life, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
The Lord is my Shepherd I DO NOT WANT. Psalm 23:1

FOR GUIDANCE AND WISDOM (CONFESS DAILY)
The Spirit of truth abides in me and teaches me all things. He guides me into all truth. I have perfect knowledge of every circumstance and opportunity that comes before me. John 14:26;  16:13
I trust in the Lord with all my heart and do not rely on my own understanding. Proverbs. 3:5
In all my ways I acknowledge Him and He directs my path. Proverbs 3:6
God's Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalms 119:105
I let the Word of Christ dwell in me richly in all wisdom. Colossians 3:16
I follow the Good Shepherd because I know His voice.  I will not follow a stranger. John 10:3-4
I am not conformed to this world but I am transformed by renewing my mind with the Word of God. Romans 12:2

FOR FEAR AND WORRY (CONFESS DAILY)
I am part of the body of Christ and Satan has no power over me. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I John 4:4
I am not afraid because you are with me, Your Word and your Spirit comfort me. Psalms 23:4
I am far from oppression and fear does not come near me. Isaiah 54:14
No weapon formed against me will prosper for my righteousness is of the Lord. Isaiah 54:17
I produce much fruit and whatever I do will prosper because I am like a tree planted by the water. Psalm 1:3
I have been delivered from the evils of this world according to God's will. Galatians 1:4
God is my refuge. I trust in Him and I am safe! Psalm 91:2
Evil can't get close to me. No harm will come to my home. God has commanded His angels to protect me wherever I go. Psalm 91:10-11
In my pathway is life and there is no death. Proverbs 12:28
I obey God's Word and I am blessed in what I do. James 1:25
I use the shield of faith to stop everything the enemy brings against me. Ephesians 6:16
Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law. I forbid any sickness or poverty to come on me. Galatians 3:13 and Deuteronomy chapter 28
I overcome by the blood of Christ and the Word of my testimony. Revelation 12:11
I am submitted to God and the devil flees from me because I resist him in Jesus' name. James 4:7
God's Word is forever settled in heaven and in my heart. Psalms 119:89
My peace is great, because I'm God's child and I am taught of the Lord. Isaiah 54:13

FOR HEALING AND HEALTH (CONFESS DAILY)
Jesus carried my sicknesses and diseases in His body on the cross and by His stripes I am healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 10
Jesus took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses. Matthew 8:17
I am a believer and these signs do follow me: I speak with new tongues, I take authority over the devil, I lay hands on the sick and they recover. Mark 16:17-18
When I am sick, I will call for the elders of the church to pray over me, anointing me with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save me and the Lord will raise me up. James 5:14-15
Jesus bore my sins in his body on the tree, so that I might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His stripes I am healed. I Peter 2:24

     Courtesy Jim Kaseman Ministries     
http://www.afeminternational.org/resources.php?page=faithaid 

 

I Can't Pray That Prayer - - and Why Not

The Bible is the only book where the Author is Present each time it is read

Aureole was speaking to my husband.  Her words were, “Bob would you pray that I read my Bible more?"

“Oh no, I couldn’t do that,” he told her.
 

She seemed surprised that he would not agree to pray for her to read her Bible, so she asked a good question, “Why Not?”
 

Carefully he explained, “There are some prayers that you must not pray and that is a prayer to take over the will of the person. 

Reading your Bible is something between you and God and my prayers would not be effective.
 

Look at it this way, if you failed to read your Bible, you would blame me and say my prayer did not work." 
 

There are other prayers that we are guilty of, and that is praying that God will save someone. 

Actually God has done all he can do to provide salvation, we cannot force someone to receive Jesus.  They have a free will and are responsible for their own salvation.

The proper prayer to pray is that God will send workers to the person, and that their hard heart will become softened to receive Truth.

We need to approach praying for others with a fresh awareness that we don't have the answers for them but that we know the One who does.

At times we pray for someone to be healed, and the sad fact is that they have damaged their body with obesity, smoking, drinking and even prescription drugs (or the other kind of drugs.) 
 

Then we are requested to pray that God will repair the destruction they have done to themselves.  Many times when there is true repentance and a change, God will have mercy and bring a miracle. 

God can bring recovery and restoration if the person is sincere and desires to walk right with our Lord.

The prayer, that I might have “Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it Jesus if you please,” is one that the person must do for themselves. 

Perhaps there is unconfessed sin that is blocking their communication with God.  “Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?” is a good question. 

 

God has not moved away from the person, and it is the individual who must make that step closer by reading their Bible, and by seeking quality time in prayer.
 

As the New Year approaches, may we rededicate ourselves to a daily reading of God’s Word.  Two chapters only will take about five minutes.
 

Would you like for me to pray that you will read your Bible more in the coming year ??? 

 

 

What Must I Do to Be Saved?

 

This lesson was prepared, for our Wednesday Praying over our City meeting. 

In a few weeks we will be going Door to Door with Bibles, and a church brochure.  There just might be someone with a question “What Must I Do to Be Saved?” and it would be wise to be ready with an answer.

In the Old Testament, the priest would slay an innocent animal as a sacrifice for the people.  The people were also required to obey the law which included the Ten Commandments.  The people were under the “Old Covenant,” that God gave to Moses on the mountain.

When Jesus died on the cross, He became the sacrifice once and for all.  By His death and resurrection, Jesus established a new and better covenant; and we no longer kill innocent animals to take away our sin.  His blood was enough for the sins of the entire world.

However when Jesus ministered on earth, He ministered under the Old Covenant because He had not died and rose from the dead at that time. 

One day a rich young ruler came to Jesus with a question.  “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”  Jesus told him to keep the commandments and sell his goods and give his money to the poor. 

Now understand that although keeping the commandments is a good thing, and helping the poor is good, it is not how you receive eternal life.

Jesus was testing the young man, because He knew the gentleman loved his riches more than he loved God.

Jesus told us that He is Way the Truth and the Life and no one can come to the Father except by Christ Jesus.  Salvation cannot be earned by being a good person or by our good deeds.

Fast forward to Paul preaching under the New Covenant:  A crowd had gathered and they were listening intently as Paul spoke about Jesus the Messiah and believing on Him to receive Everlasting Life. 

The Bible says a woman named Lydia, heard Paul’s message, and she “OPENED UP HER HEART.”  Her spiritual eyes, ears and heart were opened to receive Jesus.  She requested to be baptized in water and then she invited the traveling ministers to stay at her home while they were in her city. 

Paul continued to preach in this city but daily he was bothered by a woman possessed with a spirit of fortune telling.  This woman became a nuisance and disturbed the meeting, so Paul took authority over the spirit and told the evil spirit to leave the woman.

The masters of the woman were upset because her fortune telling was making them a great deal of money.  They were so angry at Paul that they stirred up the people, and had Paul and Silas arrested, beaten with rods and cast into prison.

Even though their circumstances were not looking so good; Paul and Silas sang and praised God while chained and in the stocks.  God sent an earthquake and their chains fell off making it possible for them to escape.  The jailer was about to kill himself, because when your prisoners escape, the penalty is death.  Paul told the jailer, “Don’t harm your-self, for we are still here.”

Then the jailer asked the Big Question.  The one that you might be asked by someone you are speaking to.  Perhaps today, or tomorrow or next week, but someone will ask you this question –“WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?”  Therefore it is important that you have a certain amount of knowledge in the Scriptures and how to answer. 

When the jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?”  Paul answered simply, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”  Then he preached Jesus to the jailer and to his entire family.  They all believed and requested to be baptized in water. 

~ ~ ~ ~

There are 3 important requirements as you prepare to win souls to Jesus

1.     A fully yielded, cleansed and Spirit-filled life. Yield yourself to God, Romans 6:13;  Turn from evil, 2 Timothy 2:19; Be filled with the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:8;

2.     A complete reliance upon the Holy Spirit.  Allow the Holy Spirit to give you the right words, and know that the Holy Spirit will also be dealing with the person you are speaking to. 

3.     A working knowledge of the scriptures. Always point someone to the Word of God and show what God says. It is important to know our Bibles and where to find the references. John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, Revelations 3:20.  Use some bookmarks or tabs to assist you.

         ABC’s to Receive Jesus:

Admit
It starts with admitting that you are a sinner. 
 Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
(How many sins does it take to be a sinner?)  One lie is enough to be a sinner.

Believe    John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Commit   Romans 10:9  if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

~ ~ ~ 

When the person understands and follows the ABC’s: Tell the person: “Jesus stands at the door of your heart knocking.  You open the door by saying, “Come in Lord Jesus.” 

Ask the person:  “Will you do that now?”  Have them say with their mouth. Come into my heart Jesus.   Then – Ask the person:  “Where is Jesus now?” 

They should realize Jesus is now IN their Spirit.  Have them thank Jesus for saving them.

Encourage them to read their Bible every day and to attend a Bible Believing Church.  It would be good to leave them a brochure about your church or a pamphlet explaining what has just happened.

 

The Priestly Blessing

The Jewish Priest held his hands a certain way when he blessed. 
(We practiced trying to hold our hands this way)

The Priestly Blessing 

Our Bible Study teacher was referring to the Altar of Incense in the Tent Tabernacle.  We were reminded that our prayers are as sweet incense before God as we pray and worship. From my notes I present an edited message:

As Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the Holies of Holies in the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.  The finger of God reached out and ripped the curtain so that we might enter into the Holy Place provided by Jesus. 

In the tent tabernacle as the priest burnt the incense, he would pronounce a blessing over the people.  This was relating to the "Altar of incense," where the special perfume was crushed and the fragrance filled the temple and drifted out to the congregation.

This is a picture of the Holy Spirit poured out upon those who position themselves to receive.

The Priest wore special garments made to specifications with beautiful stones on a breastplate representing the twelve tribes. He was to perform the offerings and ceremonies carefully and in the order regulated by God. 

 

Then the Priest would come out and bless the people.  While the blessing was being said, the people were not to look at him, but were to keep their heads bowed and their eyes to the ground.  From the fingers of the Priest would come light as he gave the blessing.  

We try to picture it, but it may not be exactly what we can imagine.  It must have been a beautiful and glorious sight, and such an intimate approval of God’s pleasure.

One of the names of God is El Shaddai; meaning “God Almighty.”  He is our Protector; He is omnipotent and All-powerful.

The Blessing pronounced over the people was from: Numbers 6:25  “The LORD make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” 

Can you picture God as a loving father holding a child?  This is the savor and flavor of Christ our King and our intimate relationship with Him as Lord.

God who created the universe desires to be intimate with each of us.  His desire is to prosper us with good health and with provision.  His face shines with pleasure in His people.

Abraham returning from battle met Melchizedek King of Salem, a priest onto God of the Most High.  He blessed Abraham and offered him bread and the spoils.  Abraham refused to take anything other than what his men had eaten, lest it be said that Melchizedek had made him rich.  Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek as an example to us.  It is interesting that there is no record of the linage of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:20 tells us that Jesus was made a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek and He forever lives.  The Priesthood changed with Jesus and also the law.  Jesus made a better testament and a better covenant.

Jesus was born from the line of Judah and not from the Levitical tribe where the Priests were selected.  The Virgin Mary was from the tribe of Judah, and Jesus’ father was God.  Jesus shed his blood on the cross and God was pleased with His sacrifice and He tore the veil in two opening up the way for us to enter in.

God raised Jesus from the dead, and He ever lives to make intercession for us.

Can you see Jesus now granting to you and me the Blessing and His face shining upon us?

 

God With Us

Pastor Allan was ministering and from my notes I present his edited sermon. 

The Prophet Isaiah had many prophesies about Jesus from his birth to his death and they have all been fulfilled.

Isaiah 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 

 

(Immanuel means God with us.)

God came in the Flesh to be with us on earth, and He continues to be WITH us and also IN us as we receive Him into our life.

Dig deeper into the scriptures and study the prophesies, and how they have been fulfilled. 

There is so much more about God and our relationship with him that we need to embrace.  It is not about religion, but about relationship.  We need to be aware of His presence daily as we go about our tasks of the day.   As we get ourselves into a position to receive, sometimes it may hurt as He changes and challenges us.  Physical therapy often hurts, but it gets better was we cooperate with the therapist.  Allow the Holy Spirit to use you and to confirm the things He has promised.   

Jesus no doubt worked in the carpenter shop and may have hit his thumb with a hammer a time or two.  He knew pain and suffering.  Jesus had difficulties and humiliation.

Understand you are not the only one with problems, but your troubles are not a challenge to God.  Be willing to share with others.  Be encouraged as you listen to the testimony of those who have found deliverance and realize that with God anything is possible.

Isaiah prophesied that Christ would be bruised for our iniquities and by his stripes we would be healed.

The physical and mental pain while Jesus hung on the cross was excruciating, but that is the reason He came to this earth, to become the sacrifice once and for all; for you and me. 

Our city is getting ready to change.  How we live and how we represent ourselves is the way people will relate to God. 

We must love as Jesus loved, and forgive as He forgave.  His cry was, “Father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing.”

The people were waiting for the Messiah.  (God with us)

Isaiah 9:6: For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 

Christmas has a lot of tradition and I don’t have a problem with Santa Clause, giving gifts, or decorating a tree.  Christmas is a time for families to gather and enjoy the fellowship of one another; but let us not forget to remind themselves that we are celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus.   Emmanuel - - God With us.

Because of the Resurrection of Jesus, we can now have God IN us as well. The Holy Spirit abides in us when we receive Jesus as our Lord.  We are not God, and we are not the judge, but we represent God in all of our actions.

It is important to realize that God sent His only begotten son to dwell among us to be with us and also to be IN us.

Jesus came to restore our relationship with the Father.  We were separated from God because of sin, but Jesus came to bring us back into the fold.

Thank you God for the Gift we celebrate at Christmas - - the babe in a manger.

Fast forward 33 years.  God continued to give by the sacrifice of Jesus to provide us with eternal life and a future home in heaven.  Then He gave us the gift of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit to empower us to share the gospel and to walk a life worthy of Him.

God knows the frailty of our flesh but His Grace and His mercy continues to draw us to him when we fall.  He is ready to lift you us as you come to him in full surrender.

Those things of the past no longer are able to hold you in bondage.  Our role is to desire to continually be in His presence.  Remember you are the church and God is with you and God is IN you.

  

Angels are Available to Assist Us and Protect Us

Warring Angels Fight the Enemy for God's People

 

As we began our prayer meeting to pray over our city, I asked our congregation to consider asking God to send the Angels to walk the streets of our city and to prepare the hearts of our citizens to receive the message of salvation.   

Angels are mentioned many times in the Bible.  They are often messengers, but at times they are protectors or warriors.  Many times Angels go before you preparing the way. 

 

Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.

 As we approach Christmas I am reminded that a (Messenger) Angel announced to Mary that she a virgin would bare the Savior of the World. 

At the birth of Jesus; shepherds keeping watch over their flock by night, beheld, an angel of the Lord stand before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Paul and Silas were in prison And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.  

Who do you suppose was active in that instance? 

 

Although the Angel was not visible to them, someone unlocked their chains so that they were set free.  They did not escape, but rather stayed and ministered to the jailer and his family and led them to receive Jesus. 

Peter was also released from Prison by an Angel who led him out of the jail and sent him on his way. 

An Angel from God, shut the mouth of the lions so they could not harm Daniel. 

In the Old Testament, many times God sent an ARMY of his Heavenly Host to fight and destroy the enemies of the Children of Israel.  This army was Angels sent on a mission to assist God’s people.   

God has so much more available to us in the Supernatural that He desires to give us to accomplish His Will. 

If you are not already Baptized in the Holy Spirit, this is important to ask Jesus for this gift.  Praying in the Holy Spirit is a powerful tool to accomplish God’s purpose in this earth, in this city and in the lives of your loved ones. 

Angels are sent from God to Work with us as we pray and ask God to send them: 

 

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? 

Rev Steve Shultz of Albany, Oregon, saw a vision of a multitude of Angels being sent out with assignments as they moved at the speed of light over the United States; They are ready to protect and to avert problems as we pray and ask God to send them to fight for us.   

Rev Shultz gives us some suggestions how to ask God for Assistance from Angels: 

(We do NOT pray to Angels, but we ask God to send them)

Strategic Prayer for Warring Angels, For USA and For Our Families and City

1. Pray for God to send Angels on Assignment to complete each mission without interference for you, for your family, and for your nation.

2. Pray that the USA will be protected from within and from without by these angels – from more terrorist activity. Pray for other nations in the same way!

3. Pray for your family members and friends. Pray for them by name.

It would be good to pray "Psalm 91" over all our family members. Do that for your family and for the family of God – the Body of Christ.  Especially pray Psalm 91:9-12 about ANGELIC PROTECTION!

4. Pray that the post-election chaos will die down and that we will have a peaceful transition from one administration to the next in the White House.

5. Pray against all terrorist acts. Ask God to send Angels throughout the earth and throughout the US – thwarting terrorist attacks.

6. Ask God to send yet more angels than He has already sent. He literally has more than enough angels, but GOD SEEKS OUR PRAYERS TO FULFILL HIS WILL. THAT'S HOW HE SET UP THE UNIVERSE. YOUR PRAYERS ARE NEEDED!

 

Sweet Incense

 

Our Worship to God is as Sweet Smelling Incense

 

Our Bible Study opened with a printed call to worship, inspired by Ephesians 4:1-16 - “Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you are called.  Rejoice in the Oneness of Christ’s Body.”  I took notes and present an edited message here.

Our teacher was reminding us of the altar of incense in the tent tabernacle and that our worship is as incense to our God. 

 

We look for ways to help us to enter into His presence.  Focus on Jesus and come with a thankful heart reminding yourself of what He has done for you.  Allow your gratitude to create an atmosphere of God’s presence.  Build a sanctuary within your spirit for God.

In life things happen that are not pleasant, but He is able to meet our needs in spite of the circumstances.

The Song of Solomon is a love story and also an allegory of Jesus and our relationship with him as the bride of Christ.  We are reminded that marriage is holy.  Song of Solomon 1:3 Your ointments have a goodly fragrance; Your name is as ointment poured forth;

The church is spoken of as an altar of incense. 

2 Corinthians 2:15  For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish;

We are a sweet fragrance as Christ indwells us.  We have the responsibility to be sincere and to walk holy before God.  

 

We are to be loving and attractive with the Gospel.  Some react badly to the Gospel because the light illuminates their pride and their sin.  John 3:  Darkness does not like the light, and the gospel may not agree with their opinion of being good enough to reach heaven on their own merit.

Remember - - It is the Holy Spirit who draws us to Christ. 

Exodus 30:7, 10  And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dressed the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.  And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD. 

Every morning the sweet incense was to be burnt, and God said, “I will meet you there.”  This was to be a daily routine of worship.    The aroma went out to the congregation and they became involved in the worship. 

The carefully chosen spices were crushed and then blended into a precious oil to be burnt daily.

Jesus shed His blood for us, and it pleased the Father to crush and bruise Him as the sacrifice for our sins.

God was pleased with Jesus and He has been elevated and exalted and given a Name above every Name.

Psalms 141:2  Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Take time daily to pray and worship because your prayers are pleasing to God and are as incense.  Lift up your hands and praise God for his marvelous blessings to you. 

Affirm your worship to become a rhythm of life and your communication and relationship with him will increase. 

 

Be faithful and grateful and understand that God is Good and Worthy of our worship and of our praise.

 

 

 

Santa's Beard 2

Santa's Beard

“I’m the oldest, so let me be first,” I said to my younger brother and sister.  

It was a few weeks before Christmas, and Mother had agreed to take us downtown to view the Holiday window displays with all the animated figures at the major stores.   

Inside the Largest store was a Santa Clause sitting on a large throne waiting for the children with their lists of wishes.  

Now I must let you know that my mother had already told us kids that there was NO Santa Clause. 
 

She explained that it is a story about a good man who is no longer alive, but the story lives.  Each year, men dress up like Santa and it is sort of a game.  We know the truth, but it would be fun for you children to visit Santa and get a free candy cane. 
 

So here we were in line waiting for our turn to tell Santa what we wanted for Christmas and receive the free candy. 
 

I told Santa I wanted a doll with eyes that opened and closed and she must say Mama.  Since I am the investigating type, I looked very carefully at his disguise, and said “Thank you,” as I took my candy.
 

I spoke to my brother, “Allen, it is your turn next, but look closely at his beard and you will see a red string just under his chin.” 
 

Perhaps Allen was not quite as observant as I was, because at first glance, he could not see the red ribbon.  He tilted his head and tried to look under Santa’s beard causing some embarrassment to Santa. 
 

When Allen was satisfied the beard was fake, he told Santa he wanted an electric train and left with his free candy.

~ ~ ~ 

In life, all is not always as it seems.  We listen to the promises of the politicians and are confused when we discover their many lies. 
 

We pay good money so our children can attend college to discover many professors are teaching them to hate America and Israel, and cast away all morals learned at their mothers knee.  Some middle school teachers are requiring students to learn about the Muslim faith, and say a prayer to Allah.
 

Anymore we wonder what is fake and what is real.
 

I am reminded of the old hymn, “Standing on the Promises of God.”  It is in God’s Word that we will find the answer to REAL Eternal Life, by following the REAL Jesus.  He is the Way the Truth and the Life. 
 

May we take a good look at the manger, the walk of Jesus, the cross and the empty tomb, and His promise to return. 
 

You will find that there is a red line running all through the Bible and it is the blood of Jesus to wash away all our iniquity.
~ ~ ~ ~

P.S. At the time I wrote this, I shared this story along with my thoughts - - at the Traditional church I then attended, and when I sat down, the Pastor said, "We don't always agree with people's opinions about politics and I doubt very much if our schools are teaching our children to hate America and to embrace the Islam way of life."

~ ~ ~
 

(Me again) The sad thing is that our schools began to fail many years ago when the Bible and prayer was removed from our schools.  Muslims admit they are using a system called the "Trojan Horse."  It is to slowly slip in a bit here and there until they finally take over.  Many college students are refusing to say the pledge of Allegiance to our flag, and history books are being rewritten.  It pays to do a Google search with the questions, "Are our children being taught to hate America and a second question, Are our children being taught to embrace Islam."  It might surprise you what comes up when you do some research.

 

By the way - - Soon after this, I left the Traditional church and now attend a church that believes in truth.

 

 

WAIT ABIDE and REST

 

Pastor Allan was encouraging the congregation to enter into God’s presence.  I took notes and present his edited message.

God desires fellowship with us.  In the garden God came to walk and talk and be with Adam and Eve in the cool of the evening.  God gave Adam the job to tend to the garden and to care for the animals.  God’s desire was to bless mankind and He desires to bless you as you are in a receiving mode.  God has good plans for you that include overflow.

God desires to give more and to pour out His Holy Spirit.  Our responsibility is to be open to receive.  “Ask, seek, knock and receive.

The Holy Spirit is not reserved for Sunday mornings.  What happens when you leave church?  Continue to be in His presence through out the week. 

God’s vision has never changed, but we change and may do things different than we did yesterday. 

Theology does not change.  New believers open their Bible and it might as well be in Chinese.  However as we continue in the Word of God, our theology builds.  It is good to study “words.”

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

Let us look at the words with a “W:”  Weak, Wait, Walk.

When working with metal, the craftsman will take three types of metal and twist them together, pounding them until they are one and they become strong together.

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.”  As we live and dwell in Christ, and become a part of His presence.  He who abides will bear much fruit as they partake from the strength of the vine. 

Jesus abides in us, and we are to abide In Him.  Live and stay in a relationship with Christ. 

“Rest”  We all need a day of rest.  Put the normal things aside and dwell in God and in His presence.  Take a day to do something different.  Go to the park, take a drive in the country.  Take a walk, but not at the detriment of the family.  Be able to re-set and avoid Burn-out.  Take care not to forget who you are serving.

The shepherd leads by still waters to rest, to be strengthened, to be empowered.  Wait, Abide and Rest.

There is also a time of action.  Our theme for next year is:  “All Hands on Deck.”  Find a place where you can participate and use your gifts to bless others.  Follow where God leads you.  He desires to make of you, Spiritual fathers and Spiritual mothers. 

A church models as a family and we grow together, work together and fellowship together.  We are not just one person, but we are a team, a body of believers.

In perspective:  Wait – Abide – Rest.  Wait on the Lord, Abide in Christ, and learn to rest in him as well.  Take care of yourself, physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

Pastor indicated that it would be good to attend meetings outside our church.  Be faithful to your church, but if other churches have a special seminar or conference, it would be good to take advantage of it.

Step up with confidence and boldness into the next level where God is leading you.  Wait upon the Lord, Abide In Him, and Rest in Him.