Tag: Christian

How Then Shall We Live?

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The view in our yard, the glory of God shown on an autumn day

Yes, God is on the move in a mighty way. We are called to a high standard as those who profess Jesus Christ as Lord. It’s imperative that we learn from those who go before us. Let’s look at some passages from the book of Colossians, which the Apostle Paul wrote from prison to a congregation deep in the midst of secularism.

Captivity

Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Hollow & Deceptive Philosophy

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Hollow and deceptive philosophy? Think of the worldly wisdom coming from all angles on social media, advertisements, TV shows… many human traditions… even legalism in churches.

Each day,  I hear another  “doctor ” who knows just which foods or supplements, exercises or sleep things you should never do… or should always do. “Just watch this video to find out this simple household trick you can do to loose pounds.” Which leads to their special formula for supplements that will cost you $49.95 for a month’s supply. It’s sourced from the best things on earth, and you’d better order multiple bottles, because supply is limited. Then you’ll see ads connected to this video in your Facebook feed, as well as your YouTube watching.

Human Tradition

2:16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.

In Paul’s time, he was talking about the Jewish leaders and idol worshippers. Today, all religions get caught up in these things.

2:17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Elemental spiritual forces

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Elemental spiritual forces? Do you remember the earthly elements God attacked with the 20 plagues in Egypt? All the things they deified and worshipped. I’m sure by now you’ve heard of Matchu Pechu in South America.  [Spell Check didn’t even balk at this name, it’s currently so popular] What about aliens, the occult, crystals, “global warming”, Yoga, Reikei… calling in the elements to work for them, especially for healing the body and the earth.

2:20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.

Living in Jesus Christ

Set Your Heart On…

3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Questions: What things is your heart set on? What is your mind dwelling on? What kind of fruit is developing in your life from those things? How deep is your connection with Christ Jesus?

Devote Yourselves To…

4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Paul repeatedly speaks about thankfulness and gratitude in Colossians.  This is God’s will for us, to be prayerful, watchful, and thankful. Doing these things leads us away from grumbling, complaining, depressive, worldly thoughts and actions.

Be Wise…

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5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Pastor Josh Gmmiter reminds us to “see the one in front of me”. If we minister to that one with what the Lord has given us, we will share a supernatural encounter with them. You never know how you might bring down from heaven just what that person needs.

Your Conversation…

6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

What does this look like in our lives? Grace means not being critical or judgemental.  Seasoned with salt means sharing something that might irritate, but helps that soul thirst for the Word of Truth. Being tapped into the Holy Spirit helps you know what to say in each situation.

In Conclusion

May we all strive to make the most of each day, living in the grace and admonition of our Savior.

Grace be with you in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Battle Tactics From Nehemiah

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What an excellent book to be reading at this time, the book of Nehemiah! Today, I am using the NIV, reading in chapter 4. Join me as I lead you through.

The Enemy Taunts

In Nehemiah 4:1-3, Sanballat and Tobiah the Ammonite, in the presence of the army of Samaria, were taunting the Jews… “Even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

Is anyone taunting you? Despising you?

The godly pray

The Godly Pray

Nehemiah prays, “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads.” (4:4)

Note: Jesus tells us to do good to our enemies, bless and do not curse. These days, we hear testimony of how taunting captors surrender to Jesus through prayer and love.

Angry Plots

After Nehemiah prayed, the Israelites worked with all their hearts.  Sanballat, Tobias, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod heard the repairs continued. They became very angry, plotting together to fight and stir up trouble against Jerusalem.

Is anyone trying to stir up trouble, angry with you, or plotting against you?

Pray And Guard

Nehemiah tells us, “We prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.”

Oh, that we may pray to God, our help and our salvation, and do our part to guard what belongs to us as His children.

Discouragement

Meanwhile, the people of Judah were discouraged.  “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we can not rebuild the wall.”  On top of this, the Jews living near, ten times over, said, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” This hopelessness reminds me of Job’s wife telling him, “Curse God and die!”

What or who is causing you to despair?

Our children, our children’s children, their children’s children…

Remember God/Generations

Nehemiah posted families with weapons at the most exposed places. Then, after looking things over, he said,“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Currently, the Sprit is putting emphasis on the generations and our responsibility towards those coming after us. Discern your vulnerable places and don your Spiritual weapons. Let faith and love keep your fear away. As Pastor Josh Gmmiter said in his sermon October 18 & 19, we should fear the Lord God Almighty more than we fear anything else!

Be Aware & Prepare

Their enemies heard that they were aware of them and that God had frustrated their plot. The people returned to work, half of them building and half guarding. Those who were carrying materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.

Identity In Christ

How do we go about our day? Do we realize the war that’s raging in the spiritual world as well as the natural? Daily putting on our godly armor will equip us for what’s ahead. Wisdom is discerning who we are in Christ and who He truly is to us – relationship!

Sound The Trumpet

Nehemiah kept the trumpeter at his side because “the work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”

Our work is also extensive, and we are also widely separated. Let’s sound the unifying Trump of the Lord. Remember, our God still fights for us! We are to work faithfully to spread the glory, love, and salvation this world truly needs.

Here’s an interesting quote by D. L. Moody, that’s on my calendar: ‘”Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.” Lord, thanks for Praying Hyde and Father Nash, two praying saints behind previous moves of God that come to mind.

Pastor Josh Gmmiter, October 18th & 19th,
ACF Church

It’s Time To Take Back…

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What The Enemy Stole! This election is more important than we can imagine.  Will we let the anti-christ have its way, or will we see a victory?

Bible Study

I want to share Psalm 12, today’s chapter in my devotional. I think it’s an excellent fit for this time in our land. We begin with idle, flattering lips.

Psalm 12:1 Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases!
For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.
2 They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

Just watch the news bites to see an example of this!

3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
and the tongue that speaks proud things,
4 Who have said,
“With our tongue we will prevail;
Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”

It’s more than politics. Who is Lord? Only Elohim, the one who uses the earth for his footstool! Remember, vengeance is Mine, says the Lord.

5 “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy,
Now I will arise,” says the Lord;
“I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.”

God Hears

This is our faithful God. He has heard our cries, even as he heard the Israelites when they were under the oppression of the Egyptians. Think about the trafficking of women and children, of people who are homeless, and who can’t afford the rising food prices and crazy rise in the cost of living.

6 The words of the Lord are pure words,
Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,
Purified seven times.
7 You shall keep them, O Lord,
You shall preserve them from this generation forever.

God Keeps His Word

Our God keeps his promises. Jesus, the Lamb Slain from the foundations of the earth, came to the earth at just the right time. All Father God’s promises he gave through his prophets were fulfilled in Jesus. All His promises to Israel and all our promises were have in Jesus Christ will also come to pass.

Days Of Evil

8 The wicked prowl on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men.

This final verse describes what we have been living through these days. It seems like evil and vileness are all around us.

I was listening to Kevin Zadai’s Coffe Talk videos while I cleaned today. He reveals that evil has been part of life on earth since Adam and Eve were banned from God’s garden. He said Cain was used by Satan in the first murder because he thought righteous Abel was the promised Messiah. The devil does not know exactly what God is doing or His timing. So, the devil uses someone in almost every generation to try and bring the anti-Christ to power. Nero and Hitler come to mind.

Well, our generation is not exempt. This election will determine what happens next. As we who claim the name of Jesus unite in praying for God’s will to be done, things can change. Remember when I said only about 33% of professing Christians exercise their right to vote? The devil loves it when we step back and let him work!

Our Red Sea?

This could be our Red Sea moment. There is no human way possible to come through this season unscathed. If the prophets are right,  we will soon see the hand of God and His glory overcome.  There will be dancing in the streets and people coming to us asking how to be saved. Are we ready?

How Do I Vote?

But, “I don’t know how to vote,” or, ” I don’t know who to vote for!” Do not let fear immobilize you. Which candidates support Israel? Which ones think life is sacred? Who will support families? Who do we need to be  in office at this time? Is it politics as usual, or could a businessman or woman who has experience in other countries and cultures be what we need?

More than which candidate, God is waiting for the body of Christ to come together behind the Father’s will. Pray, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, and get out to vote!

Shalom to you, my dear readers. Until next time, may Jesus be near and msy you experience Heaven close at hand.

Father is using His billboard well these days!

Pray For… And Prepare!

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Psalm 122:6 tells us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem… May they prosper who love you.” Do you pray Shalom for Jerusalem? I do, and I realize this is the major reason that my family is prospering… not just financially, but in all ways.

This morning, my devotional chapter is Genesis 43, when Jacob finally lets his sons take his youngest son, Benjamin, to Egypt.  Katie Davis Majors says this chapter marks the beginning of God’s redemption story for Judah… and ultimately, I say, us! It always overwhelms me to tears with the great love and restoration of our God displayed. I like what Katie said,

“How often we hold on to something we believe to be precious, only to realize later that letting go yielded a much better result.”                                                            -Our Faithful God Devotional p. 249

Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 … indeed, I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…  that I may gain Christ.

Are you holding on to something God is asking you to give to him? I’m asking the Holy Spirit to show me what -and how- to give up what I’m holding on to… and what that thing  is! I realize that there’s nothing in my life that didn’t come from God. I also realize from  God’s Word that in Christ, all things consist, and all things come from Him and go back to Him.

What do you need to give up to go deeper in the things God has for you in Christ Jesus? I just read Eddie Hyatt’s book:

Turns out, God has kept a remnant through all generations that have experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Those who moved in the Spirit, spoke in tongues, and exercised the gifts of the Spirit, such as healing, were often written out of history. Alternately,  their stories were written from their detractors’ point of view. They were branded heretics, witches, or of the devil. They were put out of the church, lost family, friends…, burned at the stake, persecuted in many ways. To this day, those who won’t deny Jesus, who move in the gifts and speak in tongues, are persecuted in these ways. God doesn’t change, and neither does the devil and his tactics.

From reading Hyatt’s book, I found Phoebe Palmer. Her book is an account of Phoebe and her  travels with her husband to England, Scotland, and Ireland in the mid-to-late 1850s. They were part of the revival that was happening in the U.S.A. at this time, and the churches in the British Isles begged them to come spread the fire.

Watch and pray, get deep into the Word, and release your heart and life from the dross of the world that’s built up. We need to cleanse ourselves to run freely.

I found you can get the Kindle edition of this book for $.99 or a hard copy for an exorbitant price. You know which I chose! Some of what occurred has been repeated in revivals since then, like the contemporary Toronto Blessing. The Sword of the Spirit was piercing hearts and laying many out as they wrestled with the sin in their hearts. Afternoon meetings ran into evening meetings. Bars and stores closed.

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Well, I believe another heavy move of the Spirit has begun. Out of the turmoil we’re experiencing, I believe people’s hearts are going to be [and are] touched, and multitudes will come running and ask us how to find Jesus! Are we ready?

I leave you with my Scripture for 2024, which I haven’t referred to recently. Hold on to this as you walk through the coming days.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Psalm 5 and What’s going on?

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A visual for the battle… spiritual and natural

Welcome to this week’s musings. A battle is raging on earth and in heaven.  Many are asking where God is in all of the turmoil. You probably guessed that Psalm 5 was my Wednesday chapter in my devotions this week.  Let’s take a look at what David had to say… to… and… about God in this Psalm.

A Prayer for Guidance
To the Chief Musician.                                With flutes.                                                           A Psalm of David.  

5 Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.
2. Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.

In the first two verses, David implores the Lord to hear and consider what he’s saying, thinking, and agonizing over. He reaffirms the Lord as his King, his God.  He knows from experience that no one else can help him.


3. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You,
and I will look up.                                         David knows where to direct his voice.  He knows the morning is an apt time to seek the Lord. Notice that he directs his voice to look up to Him.

4. For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You.

David has a track record with God. He knows God is not pleased with wickedness, and evil can not abide with Him. Next, David shares what God thinks of the boastful and those who work iniquity:
5. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.

David continues to enumerate the things God abhors:
6. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

In light of his knowledge of the Lord, David now turns to Him with his response to the situation.

7. But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You, I will worship toward Your holy temple.

David realizes that he can’t overcome his enemies on his own. He asks God to lead him and make his way straight because he knows God’s right-ness. As you read on, think about what we are dealing with these days.                 8. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
make Your way straight before my face.

9. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.

Are you watching the debates or the news commentators?  Maybe you have a battle above and beyond the election fracas? Read  the next verses with this in mind.
10. Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.

Thank God for the grace sinners have because of Jesus Christ.  Are you rejoicing in the midst of what’s swirling around you? Read on as David shares a godly way to respond to these people.                                                                  11. But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.                                       12. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor. You will surround him as with a shield.

A God who blesses us with such glory in the clouds should make us pause and meditate on things. What an awesome God we serve! He loves us so much. He can handle our cries and complaints, but temper them with magnifying His Name. He truly is worthy!

I leave you with  Luke 23:34.

23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.

Love them anyway…  the paraphrase on a sticker on the back of my phone case. Even our worst enemy doesn’t deserve the dark, evil, torturous, eternal fires of hell. Rescue the perishing and speak life where death is trying to overcome. Let the light of Jesus Christ break through the darkness that encroaches.

Until next time, Shalom to you all.             Don’t forget to pray and vote!

Vengeance?!

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Romans 12:19 NKJV
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

This was a motor home one of our neighbors brought to their piece of property down the hill from us. Notice that the front and the side window sill can still be read : VENGEANCE. Sorry, I took the photo with the trees in the way; this vehicle went all the way back to where it looks like it was!

When we left for an early morning testing run, this abode was in pristine condition.  On our way home from the run, we wondered why the garage doors on the firehouse were open. Then we drove past this motor home. Apparently, one of the rear supports sparked, and flames quickly spread from back to front. By the time we saw it, there was no fire, just a burned out shell..

I’m not sure why my neighbors chose this phrase for their temporary home, but apparently, the devil took full advantage of a flaw in the construction. Kind of reminds me of the insurance ads with “Mayhem” in them, reminding you to buy their insurance to protect your car from mayhem.

Apparently, the neighbors had insurance. There’s now a much smaller motor home parked on their property. Needless to say, it does not say VENGEANCE! Now it’s MALLARD and a bit shorter from front to back. Can anyone say, “Humbled!”?

What about your life? Are you usurping God’s authority and seeking vengeance of your own? Is there anyone you are holding a grudge against, despising, bitter against, or unforgiving? Maybe a government official, abuser, or accuser?

Hebrews 10:30-31 NKJV
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” [31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Those who belong to Jesus Christ are to live a crucified life. His kingdom is generally at odds with what we’ve been humanly taught. This includes forgiving those who wrong us, doing good to those who hurt us, and praying for those who persecute us. I am subscribed to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly magazine. It includes testimonies from Believers in difficult circumstances who are rejoicing in the Lord, loving and forgiving those who persecute them or take away their loved ones. It brings me back to the reality that we must forgive, or we hurt ourselves and we hurt others with our attitude.

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We have a multitude of chances to take vengeance ourselves in these days. The world encourages it. My husband is watching a series of Cold Case murders right now. All these families, for decades, are seeking peace by finding the perpetrator. Finally solving the murder and watching the perp arraigned, the family has settled their vengeance, but can never bring their loved one back by the years spent fighting.

Psalm 94:1 O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs— O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!

My Lord God, bring us to a place where we can love like You do and forgive like Jesus has forgiven us. We will stand our ground in You, Lord, and look for Your justice to shine in this darkness that so many of us are living in. Keep us humble, at Your feet, and lead us on paths of righteousness, for Your sake. Amen.

I leave you with encouragement from Donna Rigney Ministries: