Thursday, June 29, 2017

Depression and its Cure - - Part Two


Depression and its Cure  - - Part Two   - - Click HERE for Part One. 
 
 

Are you continually Sad?  Do you have feelings of hopelessness and feel that all is lost?  Do you have a ‘way of thinking’ that you are alone and no one cares?  Do you have thoughts that nobody truly loves you with their whole heart and no one really cares about you? 

Are your thoughts that you are “No good, you are worthless, insignificant and don’t deserve to be loved?” 

Do these thoughts make you sad – lonely and “depressed?”  There is a cure for Depression and it is up to you to cooperate with God.   Do you really desire to be free?   

I have good news for you.  You are NOT Mentally  Ill.  You are being tormented by your enemy Satan with thoughts that even God can’t love you. 

First understand that God in heaven loved the entire world from day one through eternity, so that includes YOU.  God loved YOU enough to send Jesus Christ to become the sacrifice for you and for your sin.  Jesus was willing to die for YOU.  Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in you when you accept Jesus into your heart. 

That being said, the fact is that YOU are loved by God the Father and you are also loved by Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit. 

1.     Realize that you are loved by God.
2.     Understand that you are forgiven by God.
3.     Your sins are forgotten by God as if they never existed. 

Your Spirit is saved but your soul is not saved nor is your body.  Your soul is your mind, thoughts, your will, emotions and feelings.  Jesus is the healer of our spirit, and body, but we must do our part to renew our mind (soul.)

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

Your soul must be renewed by the Word of God as you read, memorize, meditate and digest truth.  Practice “SELF TALK” by using powerful scriptures as you voice positive affirmations with your mouth.  

It is time to change your thinking.  Your Thought Life is important.  Are you thinking on these things?  

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—think and meditate on these things. 

If you will be honest and desire to be set free - - do consider all that has been said so far. 

The answer is on its way but I realize many are still plagued by thoughts of sadness. 

For most of us there is another important step we must take before we can be set free of depression: 

You have a part to play.  Your part is to forgive all of those who have ever hurt or abused you.  

This is done by going back in your imagination and visualize the time you were hurt, and in your mind - - see the person involved.  If course this makes you angry and fearful but pay attention and do this:   

With your voice say these words of forgiveness as if you were speaking to the person. 

“I am not happy you did this to me, but with Jesus’ help, “I FORGIVE YOU.”   Speaking aloud with your voice this act of forgiveness is powerful for your inner self to make closure. 

Sit quietly for a moment and listen to what Jesus says to you.  (He will probably tell you that He (Jesus) sees you as an innocent virgin and He loves you dearly, and that he also forgives the person.) 

You may need to keep forgiving because there are no doubt others who must be forgiven by you.  Repeat this visual activity for each person you are harboring regret and anger.   Continue until you sense peace - - 

Now it is time to forgive yourself.  You were not to blame - - and if you were a willing participant, you may have been deceived.  Tell yourself that you forgive YOU for being there and for participating willingly or not so willingly in the event. 

It is time to do some renouncing and making of declarations.  For each negative feeling in your thoughts take authority over it and tell it to go - - to leave and not return.  Then ask Jesus to flood your mind and thoughts with the opposite feeling.  For Sadness there is JOY and PEACE.  For Stress there is REST.  For doubt there is ASSURANCE.  For fear there is Boldness, Courage, and Confidence.


Martin Lloyd Jones a noted Bible Scholar says: 

1.     When you’re depressed, recognize it and begin to confront yourself as to why you’re depressed.

2.     If your depression stems from overwhelming circumstances, think biblically about those with trials in the Bible.  If I can’t change my circumstances, how does God want me to change my attitude?

3.     When you’re depressed, your main need is to seek God Himself, not just relief.

Seek the person of God, Seek His presence; seek to praise Him for himself. Seek His precepts (God’s word), Seek to be with other Christians. 

Have you not realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?  

Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them, but they start talking to you, they bring back the problems of yesterday, etc. Somebody is talking. Who is talking to you? Your self is talking to you. Now this man’s treatment was this; instead of allowing this self to talk to him, he starts talking to himself.... 

The main art in the matter of spiritual living is to know how to handle yourself. You have to take yourself in hand, you have to address yourself, preach to yourself, question yourself. You must say to your soul: ‘Why art thou cast down’--what business have you to be disquieted? You must turn on yourself, upbraid yourself, exhort yourself, and say to yourself: ‘Hope thou in God’--instead of muttering in this depressed, unhappy way. And then you must go on to remind yourself of God, Who God is, and what God is and what God has done, and what God has pledged Himself to do. Then having done that, end on this great note: defy yourself, and defy other people, and defy the devil and the whole world, and say with me: “I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance, who is also the health of my countenance and my God”.

 

FAITH'S CONFESSIONS CREATE REALITIES Courtesy Jim Kaseman Ministries

This Confession Aid was a hand out in our Two part Series on Depression and it's CURE .
Click HERE for Part One.  Depression in the Bible





FAITH'S CONFESSIONS CREATE REALITIES
Meditate on God’s promises to YOU - - -Speak These Daily with your Mouth
Courtesy Jim Kaseman Ministries 
 
WHO 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.afcminternational.org/resources.php?page=faithaid

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Wash Your Hands and Purify Your Mind



 

While I was visiting my daughter Judie in Sisters Oregon, she and I attended the Nazarene Church and Sunday school class.  The teacher in SS was reading from James chapter 4  (We were to consider ourselves if any of these verses applied to us personally.)

James was warning against Worldliness.  James said to stop acting like belligerent immature children.  The Christians were only thinking of themselves not considering others.
James asks the Christians;  What causes quarrels and fights among you? Is it not this; that your passions are at war within you? You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
Our teacher asked us to consider the spiritual application of the next verses:  James was saying the Christians were NOT being Christ-like, but rather were desirous to be like the World.  They were “Worldly,” thus not following God.  Set your mind on Godly things.
The Christians were committing spiritual adultery in their minds because their thoughts were not on God.  They were always excited and thinking about worldly activities. God cannot be shared with other gods.  It is not wrong to be human, but we must focus on God.
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
James urges the Christians to put aside pride and to be humble, submitting to God’s will. Allow God to exalt you, not blowing your own trumpet.  Our part is to resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  After you have resisted temptation it is time to draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
The class discussion turned to spiritual adultery, spiritual washing of our hands and our contradictory thinking.
 
My daughter Judie turned to me and asked, “Mom, do you want to add a comment to this discussion?”  So I was happy to oblige - -
 

“I was reminded of Jesus’ teaching when he said if your eye or hand offends you to pluck it out or cut it off - -  He was not speaking of literally removing your eye or hand, but to STOP the activity or thoughts and to exchange it for something pleasing to God.  Jesus considered our thoughts are very important; because he said even to look at a woman (to lust after her) was the same as committing adultery. 
 
The other day I was reading about the Pharisees.  They were sticklers about the “Law;” having over 800 rules and commands, over 1800 prohibitions and emulations.  They were known as the “Bleeding Pharisees,” because to avoid looking at a woman, they walked with their head down.  This caused them to bump into walls and other things.”
 

Jesus made the law impossible to keep and then he told us to keep it.  Jesus said, “Be perfect even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.

Our Bible lesson ended in prayer, and the sermon for today was: “By our fruits we shall be known because we have LOVE for one another.”  Jesus gave us the law of Love.
 
 
 

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Depression in the Bible –


This is Part one of  Depression and its cure.
 
 
 
Depression in the Bible –  
 

Yes, Even our favorite Bible Characters had times of depression.  At one time or another, we have all been in the mulli-grubs.  The thing is - - to only visit - - not to stay there. 
David spoke to himself:  "Oh My Soul, Why are you Cast Down?"

Psalms 42:5  Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God. 

The Bible tells us of those who experienced grief, sadness and depression and what they did about it. 

1.     David was troubled and battled deep despair.

2.     Elijah was discouraged, weary, and afraid.

3.     Jonah was angry and wanted to run away.

4.     Job suffered through great loss, devastation, and physical illness.

5.     Moses was grieved over the sins of his people.

6.     Jeremiah (the weeping prophet) wrestled with great loneliness, feelings of defeat, and insecurity.

7.     Even Jesus Himself was deeply anguished over what was before Him.
 

Each of these persons, suffered a pity party with kicking, weeping and screaming, but soon they picked themselves up and made a decision to trust God.
 
What did David do?
Samuel 30:6  And David was greatly distressed; - - but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. 

What did Jesus do?
Jesus submitted to God’s will:  “Not my will but thine be done.” 
 
They no doubt heard the still small voice bringing them comfort and telling them, “I understand and - - It will be alright – just trust me.” 
They made a choice to adjust their attitude from sorrow to hope as they reached for joy.
 
This is where “SELF TALK” will become a cure.   

Instead of itemizing all of the reasons you are sad - - In its place and as a replacement for depression, begin to count your blessings.  Speak to yourself  and say with your mouth:  “YOU are a blessed person and God is your helper, comfort and protector.”  Speak positive truth over yourself.  It is good to use a Confession list of Positive Scriptures to do this. 
 
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  When you HEAR yourself speak God's word it builds up your Faith. 
 
You might be interested in Jim Kaseman’s Web site with scriptures to encourage and build up your Faith and Trust in God.

 
To be continued soon with Part 2
 
 

 

 

Teachings Of Jesus


Our Bible Study Lesson was taught by Donald
this post is from my lesson notes and gleanings



Jesus taught about His Father and the Kingdom of God

Teachings Of Jesus  (For this lesson we are considering Five Commands of Jesus) 

Understand that our past is not me.  There is a place in time where we draw the line and begin to follow Christ Jesus.  All is new, and we discover we have many “Pastors,” but only one Shepherd.   Today’s lesson we will reflect on five of Jesus teachings.

1. Be Reconciled   Matthew 5:23-24

•Learn to walk in harmony with others, discerning their needs and building bridges.
•Valuing people more than things. 
 
Take care of past offence and make peace with your brothers.  If you are accused, perhaps agree with your adversary lest you be taken to court.  You can’t always make something right, or like things once were, but the important thing is to forgive and move forward. Forgiveness toward others will set you free.  Understand you are forgiven by God.

2. Do Not Commit Adultery  Matthew 5:29

•Learn to protect your marriage and your children.
•Mastering the appetites of the physical senses and building the spiritual senses
to discern right from wrong.

3. Keep Your Word  Matthew 5:37

•Learning to make commitments you keep and recognizing how personal integrity
feeds our confidence and influence.  Understanding the power of words and expectations.

4. Go the Extra Mile  Matthew 5:38-42

•Giving beyond what is required to change the context of the relationship. 
 
If someone asks for a loan, give realizing you do not expect it to be paid back.  If he asks for a jacket, give him a coat also.

5. Love Your Enemies  Matthew 5:44-46

•Destroying your enemies, by making them your friends. Whatever you give
energy too expands. By feeding hate you get more hate. By loving enemies we
feed another powerful spirit, and it in turn, feeds us with peace of mind.

If you only love those who love you, that is easy.  Realize we are to love everyone even our enemies.

Jesus said:  Follow me.  What did Jesus do?  He went about preaching, teaching and healing the sick.

Know that you are salt.  Salt brings flavor to this sour world. 
 
Rejoice if you are persecuted. 
Pre-plan your reaction before it happens, and decide to sing like Paul and Silas did when they were in prison.

Let your light shine, so others will see your good works and glorify God about your good works. 

Matthew 6:33  Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all will be added to you.

Don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will take care of itself.
 

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Honoring Fathers


 (This post is from my notes as Pastor Allan brought the Sunday morning message at church.)
 
 


It is important to honor our father.  In this world today, there is so much “Put Down,” on men. 
 
My dad was a great guy, but there were faults too.  He taught me to walk up and down, in and out like a roller coaster.  There were situations where my Dad was not honest and was difficult to depend on.  It has affected the way we look at God. 

We face God and say, “You remind me of my Dad.”  Can I depend on you God?  Many of us have ‘Daddy issues.”

I have worn many hats:  Son, student, pastor, husband, but the best one is to be a Father.

We come to church to worship and we praise Jesus, but how often do we approach the Father. 

Psalms 68:5  God is in his holy habitation.  God is a father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows.

God is our provider, our protector and He cares about us everyone.

Jesus tells my favorite story about the Prodigal Son who returns to his Father.  He came to his senses and made a decision to go back home.  His father was expecting his return.  His father did not give up on his son.  Our father’s love endures and is ever compassionate, and rejoices in the return.  This is about repentance and relationship restored that was once broken.

Sometimes we give up on some people, but God never gives up.  You were worth it for God the Father to give His Only Son to die for you.  It is about having a relationship with our Father God. 

1 John 3:1  Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not.

We are debtors after the flesh and are led of the Spirit of God.

Romans 8:16,17 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

We are God’s children and we can call out 'Abba Father.'  We have been grafted into the blood line and have become co-heirs with Christ.  We are no longer bound by fear, but are covered by grace and love, becoming joint-heirs with Christ.

You can’t get any closer than that.

Of ourselves, we aren’t perfect, but because we are “one” with Jesus, we are being perfected.

“Daddy” is a term of affection.  Relationship with our Father we will understand His Father’s heart, to protect and care for you.

Pastor’s 6 year old daughter brought up a stool to sit next to her Dad.  She was acting up a bit and fell.  Pastor picked her up in a hug and comforted her as he patted her on the back.

Pastor said, Our Father God, picks us up when we fall and gives us comfort.

We fellowship with God, but we also need a relationship with one another.
 
Pastor called Father's to the front and 16 men came forward.  He prayed a prayer of blessing over them and gave each one a small gift.

 

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

A Kingdom of Priests


A Kingdom of Priests  - -  a few excerpts are from Rod Parsley’s devotional
 
 

As a Priest - - We can Pray from God's Throne Room
 

As we began our Wednesday prayer meeting, I was reminded that as Christians, we have been delivered from the “KINGDOM” of Darkness and have been translated into the “KINGDOM of Light.”  We are children of God’s Kingdom and are to pray believing God hears and He delights to answer our prayers.   

Something else that occurred to me was the Priest who entered the Holy of Holies wore a beautiful robe.  We are clothed with the Robe of His righteousness; and Garments of Salvation. 
 
Just a thought:  (As we enter into the Holy Throne room, we do not wear the armor of God which we often wear as we intercede, but we wear a gorgeous robe.) 

Our lesson was to show that we have the right and privilege as Priests to enter the very throne room of God and bring our requests. 

Revelation 5:10  And has made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.  A literal translation renders this verse not "kings and priests" but rather "a kingdom of priests."
 

Matthew 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.   We pray to bring down heaven to this earth so God’s will may be done. 

Fifteen hundred years before Jesus ever came to the earth, God told His people they would be a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6) You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. 

God is now fulfilling His original plan through you and me—His church! Just as the priests of the Old Testament bore the ark on their shoulders, we are to bear His glory wherever we go—the malls, the streets, or the workplace.    Carry the Glory of God with you and people will notice. 

We have all been called into kingdom priesthood and anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit to minister the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.  When the Priest of the Old Covenant was anointed, oil was poured over his head that ran down to cover his body.  

The Oil of the Holy Spirit anoints us and although in ourselves we are nothing, IN Christ we are an anointed King and a Priest. 

You are part of a holy nation, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out. 

Live today as a priest, a minister, an intercessor, and one anointed to take the gospel into every area of your life. 

(Luke 4:18-19 NKJV) “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”

1. The anointing is given to preach the Gospel to the poor
2. The anointing is given to heal and restore people
3. The anointing is given to proclaim freedom to the captives
4. The anointing is given to open blind eyes
5. The anointing is given to set people free
6. The anointing flows in God’s timing and proclaims God’s timing
The anointing is given to preach the Gospel to the poor, to bring the revelation of God’s love to those who are seeking.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

What to do When Oppressed - -


This post is from notes at our Bible Study Sunday morning at 9:30 am at Open Door Church.
Lions Inhabited the Dry Places where the City Once Was


What do we do when we pray and don’t seem to get an answer?  We trust that God is at work behind the scenes.

When we are oppressed, we must allow God to vindicate us.  “Vengeance is mine I will repay,” says God.

God’s mercy is great, but His justice requires Him to sometimes punish evil.  As we study the prophesies of Nahum against Nineveh we discover that God sent foreign armies to destroy the city and finally it was inhabited with lions.  What a great city it had been. There was much national pride and celebration in their accomplishments. 
 
Much gold and silver adorned the city and the King was extremely rich and powerful.  His Assyrian Army was fierce with well trained horses as they made their conquests.  The King would even hunt lions, but eventually after the city was overthrown, the lions took over.

Nahum 2:11-12  NLT Where now is that great Nineveh, that den filled with young lions? It was a place where people--like lions and their cubs--walked freely and without fear. The lion tore enough for his cubs and strangled prey for his lionesses; he filled his caves with prey and his dens with torn flesh.

The city was now empty and a waste land.  Messengers, leaders of Government will not be heard in its gates anymore.

Why would God destroy a nation?  God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked.  The mouth of the people showed love, but their heart was full of covetousness and pride.

Ezekiel 33:28-29 “I will make the land a desolation and a waste, and the pride of her power will cease; and the mountains of Israel will be desolate so that no one will pass through. “Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I make the land a desolation and a waste because of all their abominations which they have committed.”

The people were disobedient to God’s laws.  They ate blood, worshipped idols committed adultery, and thought nothing of murder.  Their hearts were quick to do all kinds of evil and they were turned away from serving God in Heaven.

God is patient, but finally enough is enough. 

False prophets brought in damnable heresies and as 2 Peter 2:1 denotes, we must still deal with such falseness today.

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were turned into ashes by God.  Balaam was not allowed to curse Israel, but he persuaded them to party and commit sexual sins.

Proverbs 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes.

It is important for us to not break covenant, lest punishment come to us.  God is Long Suffering and gives lots of opportunity for us to repent, but we must not take advantage of His mercy.

A Nation that shall be blessed must seek God and serve Him.  It is time for our land to clean up their act, and eliminate those things that displease God.  There must be complete submission to God and to His Way. (will.)

2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Part of our nation is rebelling against our God.  Pray for revelation knowledge to chose Jesus. 
 
We all have a personable responsibility to choose to serve God. 
 
It is up to us to pray and seek God and His face for ourselves.  It is always an issue to make that choice to have a relationship with Christ Jesus.

 

Monday, June 12, 2017

I was Dead and Now I am Alive.


This post is digested from my notes as Pastor Rodney ministered Sunday Morning
 

 

Sometimes we get tired and consider giving up, but think about this:  IN Christ I Can do all things, so what holds you back?

Usually it is our thoughts of past condemnation, but understand this; we are not under condemnation of our past.

2 Corinthians 5:17, declares “I am a new creature the old is gone and look, all New things have come.

Romans 8:1 reminds us “There is no condemnation for those who walk in the Holy Spirit.”  Keep being filled with the Holy Spirit of God.

Our new self nature is in Christ, so what does IN CHRIST mean?

We are not the same person we once were when we were walking in darkness.  We have come to the light, and we are able to change our thoughts.  Our thoughts are what condemn us and according to God’s Word, I can chose to think on good things.

It is a known fact that we cannot think on two things at the same time, so I choose to Praise Jesus and think on lovely things.

Jesus never gives up on us and He is there to comfort, bless and encourage us. 

Don’t blame the church for not paying more attention to you.  Watch the spirit of offence when you begin to slip into a pity party and are feeling sorry for yourself.

Understand that once you were Not IN CHRIST and the old life had control.  We must recognize that the Bible is true.  Take it for real and accept God’s promises.

Heed the voice of the Holy Spirit.  There are conditions:  God says; “If you will do this, I will do that.”  We have to believe God’s Word is true. 

God says: “Put aside foolish things, and put on my righteousness.”  All that Jesus IS, you are - - because you are IN Christ. 

Of yourself you are nothing, but IN HIM, you are a giant ready to overcome the enemy.  You have a choice.  That is how it is.  We have a responsibility to follow God’s Word and live as His will dictates.

Be quick to repent and quick to forgive. 

Keep in the Word of God daily and pay attention to what you read.  Digest it, think about it and meditate on the words as you take it to heart.

As we saturate ourselves in God’s Word and in His presence, we are daily being changed from glory to glory. 

Paul mentioned that we are in a race, and there is a prize of the High Calling.  Those who complete their race will wear a victor’s crown.