Friday, August 31, 2018

Let us Go Up



    Digest Message from my notes as Pastor was ministering on Sunday




Our Pastor was teaching from Numbers chapter 13:  The Children of Israel had arrived at the promised land, and now it was time to go up and take the country.

First Moses chose 12 leaders (a representative from each tribe) to spy out the land and bring back a report on their findings.  "Go and see if the land is fruitful, god or bad and tell us about the land and the people.

At the brook Eshcol, they cut down a huge cluster of grapes, too large so that two had to carry it upon a staff;    and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs.

After 40 days searching and exploring, they returned saying; sure the land flows with milk and honey and this is a sample of their fruit. . . . never the less, the people are strong and the cities are walled and great and the people there are like huge giants.

Caleb stilled the people by saying, "We are able, let us go up for we shall overcome."  But the other 10 withstood Caleb and said, "No we are NOT able, because we saw the giants, and they brought an evil report.  And the people listened to the bad report and were afraid.

We overcome first in the Spirit and with our attitude knowing God will assist us to overcome the evil report that looms so large over us and the situations in front of our eyes, and we say, "I see the giants."

Let us understand that God is working in the back grounds in the details, behind the scenes.  Open up your eyes and see the fruit and believe the good report. "God is Able."

Is your marriage shaking?  God will help you both to reconcile and each make adjustments to learn to please one another instead of desiring your own way.  

It is the same with things of the Kingdom.  We rise up in rebellion, but God is urging us to give up control and pay attention to His will and plans.

Joshua, Caleb and Moses tore their clothes saying; "Do not be rebellious against the Lord, neither fear the people, for they are bread to us and their defense is departed and they are actually fearful of us !!

But the congregation would not heed them and took up stones to kill them.

God was not pleased and He took account of their rebellion. 

Understand, God is slow to anger and He is desirous that our respect and honor for Him and His Word, will cause us to adjust our lives to come into conformative with His purpose.

Be like Caleb, Joshua and Moses and heed the good report and be ready to go up and take the promises God has given you.




Abiding in the Vine


This Post is digested from my notes as our teacher Linda, 
taught the Bible Lesson on Sunday.




Abide in the Vine

The Jewish people understood about the vine in many of their scriptures, and were reminded about Jeremiah as he likened the Children of Israel to a noble Vine:

Jeremiah 2:21 Yet I had planted you a noble vine, wholly a right seed:  Also Psalms 128:5  "Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of your house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table."

Jesus stated in John 15:1,8-9 that He is the Vine and we are the branches. 
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

Jesus often spoke with word pictures and parables and He said in Matthew 23:  I would gather you as a hen does gather her little ones under her wing.  

There was much the Jewish people knew of their culture, but they did not understand the Words of Jesus.   They knew many scriptures used  grape vines as a metaphor, but now He was saying He is the True Vine.  They were puzzled.


Micah 4:4 called Israel rebellious and they were as wild grapes.


Psalms 80:8 Israel was compared to a vine brought out of Egypt.

Jesus said again in Matthew 26:29 that He is the True Vine, and that he prunes the vine so more fruit will come.  He trims and cuts away that which is dead and should not be there.

Pruning hurts but it is necessary and has a good effect on our growth.

We have a responsibility to submit to the cutting - - to our habits, thinking, emotional outlook, and be willing to yield to God's will in our lives.

1 Corinthians 9:7  reminds us:  He who plants a vineyard expects to eat the fruit there of.

Vineyards must be watered, and as we allow the water of the Word to seep deep into our being, we shall flourish and be fruitful in our lives.
  







Wednesday, August 29, 2018

I Must Needs Be Go Another Way.


This Message was prepared for our "Praying Over our City" meeting, 

To View "Go Another Way" on YOU-TUBE click HERE



It is Best to Obey God

I must needs be - - go another way.

My friend was sharing about getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.  The normal way was to go straight from the bedroom to the bath, but she was prompted to go through the kitchen which was the long way.  The next morning she could see that the Lord had caused her to avoid stepping into some cat vomit if she had gone the usual way.  

In the Bible there are different ones who went another way as they were directed by dreams, angels, prophets, or simply knowing in their heart.  God's reasons are best.

The wise men were warned in a dream to return home by another way instead of going back to tell the King about the baby Jesus.

On one occasion, Jesus sent his disciples to prepare the way for him and to go through Samaria, but the people there did not receive him.  James and John said to Jesus, "Lord shall we call down fire from heaven like Elijah did and consume them?  Jesus told them, 'You don't know what spirit  you are harboring, as I did not come to destroy men but to save them.  And they went another way through a different village.

I was reminded of the Old testament story in 1 Kings 13, of a Prophet who was sent to prophesy against the altar at Bethel as Jeroboam burnt incense there.
    
 And he cried against the altar in the word of the Lord, and said, O altar, altar, thus says the Lord; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon you shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.

And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the Lord hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be torn, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out.
Now when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, telling his servants to Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.

 The altar also was torn, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord.

 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Entreat now the face of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the Lord, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.

 And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward.

And the man of God said unto the king, If thou will give me half your house, I will not go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: For so was it charged me by the word of the Lord, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that you came.   So he went another way, and returned not by the way that he came to Bethel.

There are times we are desirous to do certain works for God, and even plan how to manipulate God to answer our requests, but God says, go another way.  
God's way might seem the long way around, or in some cases God's way may be the quickest way.   Always it is best to seek God and ask for guidance before making decisions to change our path.

The story of the man of God who prophesied at Bethel did not end there because as he began to go another way - - obeying to the word of the Lord, - - he was distracted.  An old prophet heard about him and saddled his donkey and caught up with him and said, are you the man who came from Judah?  And he said, I am. 

Then the old prophet said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread.
But he said, I may not return with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place:   For it was said to me by the word of the Lord, You shall eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou came.

 He said unto him, I am a prophet also as you are; and an angel spoke unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.  But he lied unto him.   So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water. 

There may be times in your life that a respected minister of God will give you a "Word" or a prophesy, but it does not agree with what God is showing you in your heart.  We are to Judge Prophesy, and in a case like this it would be good to wait and seek God. 

 And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came unto the prophet that brought him back:  And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus says the Lord, Forasmuch as you have disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and have not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded you;  But you came back, and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place, disobeying the Lords commandment to you; your carcass shall not come unto the sepulcher of thy fathers.

And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that the old prophet saddled for the man of God, the donkey, for his journey.   And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcass was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcass.

 And when the prophet that brought him back from the way heard thereof, he said, It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the Lord: therefore the Lord hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke unto him.

 And he spoke to his sons, saying, Saddle me the donkey for I must go after him.  And he went and found his body cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the body:  And the prophet took up the carcass of the man of God, and laid it upon the donkey, and brought it back: and the old prophet came to the city, to mourn and to bury him.   And he laid his carcass in his own grave; and they mourned over him, saying, Alas, my brother!

After this thing Jeroboam did not repent from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and the  King became one of the priests of the high places. And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth.

In the days ahead, our Pastor will again institute Wednesday nights as a time to prepare and become equipped to minister.  It would be profitable to take advantage of all that is offered.  Take time to perhaps go another way than you once thought and consider going deeper into the truths that God has prepared for you. 

In life, if you have been on a path that leads to destruction, perhaps it would be wise to consider taking another way - - - Take the path that Leads to Jesus, for He is the Way.


Sunday, August 26, 2018

Do This as Often As - - -


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Do This as Often As - - -   

Today at our Bible Study at our Church, our teacher asked me to present a short message as we prepared to take communion.  We read 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 the declaration of Jesus to eat this bread which is my flesh and drink this cup of the new covenant which is my blood shed for you.  Do this often in remembrance of my death until I come to receive you onto myself.

When I was a child, I would listen to a Saturday morning radio story time called, "Let's Pretend."  To pretend means to imagine something is real.  Your imagination takes you to places no one else can see.  Little girls pretend to have a tea party with their dolls.  The dolls speak, and the water becomes real tea as they share together.

Imagination is a powerful tool as you come to pray because you are able to "See it done" as you ask God to bring an answer. 

Today we are going to "pretend," we are going to imagine that Jesus is here, setting before you bread and wine as we prepare for communion. 

We look and see Jesus in the garden praying; "Let this cup pass, but if not, your will be done."  Then an angel came and ministered to him.  Can you see Jesus there? Can you see the angel?

Then Jesus continued praying and sweating - - and his sweat was as great drops of blood.  His body was covered with salty sweat and salty tears.

The soldiers came and took him away and he was questioned; "Are  you the messiah?"   Jesus knew it was His hour.  Then they began to mock him, spitting on him and buffeting his face, especially on his mouth.  They yelled, "Prophesy to us," you see, Satan was there too, and he wanted to stop prophesy, to stop intercession, to stop praying in a heavenly language. 

You see - - Jesus already knew the heavenly language that reaches God's throne, and he would give tongues of fire to all who receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit when he completed drinking of his cup.  They bashed Jesus in the mouth trying to stop his vocal voice.  They whipped Him unmercifully and forced him to carry a heavy cross through the streets of Jerusalem.  Do you see him there?

Blood, sweat and tears flowed as they nailed him to that cross.  As the hours passed, and he was dying; a darkness covered the earth as all your sins, all your infirmities, all your weaknesses were placed upon his body.  Jesus carried all your sins and diseases away as His spirit left his earthly body.  The next three days were spent in Paradise preaching to the Old Testament saints telling them, "I am He who you looked for, I am the Messiah, and if you believe on me, you shall receive eternal life.

Today I have purposefully brought crackers that have salt on them.  As you taste the salt think about the tears and sweat as Jesus prayed.  As we partake of this bread and drink the fruit from the vine; Let us use our imagination to see his broken body, broken for you.  Let us visualize his tears, sweat, water and blood being poured out for you.

Break the bread before you which has salt on it. Understand as you eat - - it is the Lord's body that was broken, drenched in salty tears and salty sweat  that now becomes part of your flesh.  

Take the cup and drink from the vine as you consider; The life is in the blood, and it is the blood that heals and cleanses you from all sin and iniquity.  Take and drink as it becomes part of your blood and you become one with him.

Do this as often as you eat and drink,  in remembrance of his life, his death, and His resurrection until He returns to take us onto himself.


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Monday, August 20, 2018

I Will Not Leave You Comfortless



From my notes I present an edited message about our Bible Study on Sunday.




Jesus was poured out as sweet smelling ointment as a sacrifice for our Salvation.

As our Bible study began, we read from Song of Solomon 4:13-15  Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,  Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:  A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.

This reading reminds us of the precious oils and spices used for anointing and for incense in the temple worship with the priests.  Also that Jesus is the Living Water.

Jesus was telling his disciples that soon he was going away, but he would not leave them comfortless.  They did not understand why they could not go with him, as they thought he was traveling somewhere.  They did not realize that Jesus spoke of his death burial resurrection and his ascension into heaven.  He promised to send a comforter to be with them and in them bestowing them with power and boldness.

The Holy Spirit is the promise sent to abide with us and in us; to be our guide, our teacher and our assurance of salvation.

At Salvation we receive a quickening and a knowing from Holy Spirit that we have received Eternal Life.  Next we are to ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and a separate experience is ours.  At that time we are able to use the gift of tongues to pray and intercede.  There are other gifts available to encourage, direct and inspire us to go forth in Jesus Name and do exploits for him.

What sort of men were the disciples?  They were rough fishermen, business men, tax collectors, physicians, a motley crew.

John 13:33 Jesus calls us his children, he gives us a new commandment: to love one another and to be an example of right living to others.

John 14 15-17 If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but ye know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.

Jesus says to ask seek and knock believing we shall have what we ask for.

Jesus declares he is the vine and we are the branches and we must bear fruit.  Jesus said without me - - you can do nothing.  We must depend on Jesus to do the work through us. 

As we abide in Jesus the true vine, there are rewards, both now and also later in heaven.

When we abide in Him, there will be fruit.  If we fail to abide, there will be no lasting fruit.  Jesus gave a warning if there is no fruit, about the vine being cut off.  

It is wise to stay close to Jesus and not break our connection with Him.



Saturday, August 18, 2018

Become a Giant Killer







Pastor was ministering as I took notes and present for you an edited sermon:

When we were kids, church was done with Bible Stories, learning Bible Verses and motion songs.  We did learn the pieces of the spiritual armor, but we did not learn about actual spiritual warfare.

There is an enemy and it is the "strong man" against you.  We are called to be soldiers where we are in life. 

As a shepherd boy, David came to bring his soldier brothers some lunch.  As he approached the Israelite men, there came out a Giant from the Philistines to taunt and mock the children of Israel.  He declared, send one of your men to fight me and who ever wins with be the victor. 

Pastor had two of our men come to the front, one a large tall fellow and the other gentleman much shorter.  On the wall extremely high up was a black tape signifying the height of the giant, quite a bit taller than either of these men.

Righteous anger rose up in David and he declared, "With God's help, I will fight this giant."  His brother's laughed at David, but he paid them no mind.  The King heard about David's words and called for him offering his personal armor for David to wear.  David thanked the king, but said he hadn't proved the Kings armor, so he would simply do what he knew best and what was familiar to him.

We as soldiers of God, can't hide behind the banner of the King's armor.  We need to equip ourselves with the spiritual gifts God has given to those who have been baptized with the Holy Spirit.  Discernment, prophesy, words of knowledge and words of wisdom, special faith, healing and miracles, tongues used as a prayer language are ours to use with boldness.  

David had confidence in His God as he picked up five of small stones.  Only one stone was needed to hit the giant in the small opening of his helmet.  David had no sword, but as he ran to the fallen giant, he grabbed the enemies own sword and cut off his head.  Well, is that enough violence for you?  In this case it was necessary and there are times when our war gets violent in some ways. (not to kill or murder of course.)

Our giants are works of the flesh and attacks to our mind and our way of thinking.  We shall overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and with our words.

David used a tool that was familiar to him.  We too must become familiar with the spiritual gifts and tools available to us.  Allow God to show you step by step how to advance.

Many things in our families have been passed down to enslave us.  Substance abuse has plagued many families.  The Giant curse continues to be passed down.  We have a lot of homeless friends.  Not every homeless person is our friend - -yet.

Why are they homeless?  Society tells you it is hopeless.  That is the Giant telling you, "All is lost, you might as well give up and medicate some more."

The truth is the real answer has been rejected by the majority.  The answer is the mighty King of Kings Jesus Christ who desires to make His abode in you.  With His strength to change you to become a new person.

David was the youngest, the least and not even a soldier, only a keeper of the sheep; but in his solitude, he worshiped and found God was real and able to work through him.  Inside he was a Giant Killer, able to do exploits.

When I first began in the ministry, I had to figure out who I was in Christ.  I wasn't called to imitate famous preachers, to find the tone and expertise. God showed me, I had to be me and allow God to anoint me to be the one He could use.  The bottom line is be yourself, but depend on Jesus in you.  

Yes, we have a real enemy, he wants to defeat you, keep you down and depressed, but inside you is the Holy Spirit the real Giant Killer.  Realize you are forgiven for your poor choices in the past.  The question is: Does God know all about you, and does He hold it against you? 

God knows your struggle, but come to him and if needs be, repent and pick up your sling shot and the tools he gives you to live a walk worthy of you. 

What is your calling,  your mission?  Find a need and fill it.  Just do what your hand finds to do and do it to the best of your ability.

Understand who you are in Christ and you don't need to wear someone else's armor.
God works in interesting ways, not always the same. 

Be open to what He shows you and be willing to obey as the Holy Spirit guides.



Friday, August 17, 2018

Cast your Care


This edited post is from my notes during our Sunday Bible Study.  Linda and Donald were co-teaching.




1Peter 5:6-7  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. 

Our Bible study opened with Donald bringing a review of John 14 when Jesus told his disciples not to be troubled or anxious.

Jesus had just told them he was going away, and they were confused not knowing where he was going and why they could not go with him.

They wanted to follow Jesus, but they didn't know where he was going.   Jesus said, I go to my Father and we are one.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  Jesus said, I am the way to the Father.

He gave them encouraging words saying, "In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you.  Jesus said, he was going to prepare a place for them, but He would return and take them onto himself. 

Jesus came to reveal His Father, and the disciples asked, "show us the Father." Jesus continued and said, "We shall make our abode with you and in you. 
He that believes in me shall do the works that I do and even greater works, because I go to the Father."

Jesus continued; "I am in the Father and He is in me, and the Father who dwells in me does the works.  Jesus listened to the Father's voice and then did what he heard. 

Jesus made available healing of all types:  Spiritual, physical Health, our minds and our Decisions, of demons, of emotions, relationships; You are my healer, my all in all.

We too much develop our inward listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit.  

We ask, "How can we know and believe?  Translated this means to accept, agree, and confirm what the Bible is telling us.  Our hearts will be quickened with joy as we receive truth.

Jesus said, "Let your heart not be troubled, because I will not leave you comfortless, because I will send the Holy Spirit soon to be your comforter.

Jesus says, come follow me.  Are you on the pathway to follow Christ?  If not perhaps you need to make a change in direction.  You have a choice and when you chose to follow Jesus you are never alone.  He is with you always and brings you peace.


In My FATHER'S HOUSE are many mansions.


View on You Tube: In My Father's House Click HERE 

Today's post is from the lesson given at the Praying Over our City meeting



John 14:2  In My FATHER'S HOUSE are many mansions.

Reading from Ephesians chapter 2:5-6  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 

Notice this verse is telling us we are seated with Christ in heavenly places spiritually, while we are yet physically here on earth.  (Two places at once.)

Let's take a look at where my Father's House might be.    

Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God, and as we think about it, just where is this Kingdom?   Can it be in heaven and also on earth at the same time?  Located in heaven and also in our hearts?

These questions cause us to consider that heaven is closer to us than we once thought.

Here in our city, we are the County seat, with a court house and a District Attorney to rule.  Our state has a capital building and the Governor of our state lives in the Governor's (__________­­­___) yes a mansion, which is a beautiful enormous home in a lovely neighborhood.   As we think about mansions we usually consider a mansion to be a lovely, large, luxurious and grand palace.

In Washington DC we have the mammoth White House where a lot of business is always going on.  The President has living quarters there, and there are special rooms for meetings, large and small.  There is a huge ball room, and various dining areas.  The President's "mansion" is huge and compartmentalized.  A great amount of things are happening there both public and also secret things.  Some activities are on a 'need to know basis,' even for those in authority.

We can liken The White house to the Father's house, where a LOT of activity is going on.  Many rooms and people perhaps music, chatter, and secret things.

Jesus said He came down from heaven, but he is also in heaven.  John 3:12,13 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of  heavenly things?  And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 

Paul gave us something to think about when in Hebrews chapter 11:
Abraham  looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 
Where was this city?  It was both physical and spiritual.  It was the promised land, but also the final resting place.

Paul continued to speak about a country:  (earthly and also heavenly)
Hebrews 11:16  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 

When we think of heaven, usually we consider that Jesus is building us a mansion that will be our final home.  But today let us expand our thoughts to take in not just a building, but God is preparing for us a better country including a whole city.

What is it about the Father's house?  In God's house there are many mansions.   The word house and mansion means place of abode?  Is the Father's house expandable with special meeting places to be alone with Him?  - - perhaps even now as we enter our personal secret place.  In my father's house there are spacious banquet rooms, libraries, spa areas with tubs and oils.  - - and we haven't even gone outside to explored a bit.

We are meeting to pray over our city.  May we consider that God is preparing for us to take a "city," my city, and of course YOUR city for Him.  Let us expand that and realize he is also promising us a country - - - which can and should include our county, our state and our Nation.

Saturday, August 11, 2018

God is Always Available


From my notes I present a digested Sunday Morning Sermon





Pastor acknowledged that we are in the Glory Cloud and miracles happen in the presence of God.
Zero in on God and do not pay attention to things going on about you.  We must come into an understanding of what God means when he says, "I am the Same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

We can stand on the scriptures Psalms 46:1 HCSB "God is our refuge and strength a helper who is always found in times of trouble.  We will not fear even when mountains shake or waters roar with turmoil."

Our hope is in Christ.  The world is in fear and doubt, but as believers we have Hope and our trust is placed in Jesus who delivers us from destruction.

Psalms 46:4,6  There is a River - it's streams delight the city.  Nations rage, kingdoms topple, the earth melts when He lifts His voice.

God's voice vibrates and moves situations.  He is always available for me and you as we come to Him with our need.  

declare that God will bring you through in victory.

We are talking about our daily struggle, to be lifted up above the trouble, as we quiet down and get still before God.

Ps 46:10 Be still and know that I am God, who is exalted among the Nations exalted on the earth above all else. 

At times we go through the motions, because it is expected, but we are doing this in our own power.
On the quick side is when we yield to the Holy spirit and allow Him to go before us as we follow.

We get ahead and think God should follow us.  Truth is; we must trust and depend only on Him.   Not performance, but his perfection.  In him will I trust for He is my refuge.

God is not insane.  He says things that seem impossible, but He is God of the possibility.  God's weakness is stronger than our might.  This is why we must allow Him to work in our life.

All is not lost.  That what you can "SEE" into the Spirit is able to manifest in the Natural, as we reach out in faith.  See it done.  God is at work now. 


Speak the good things that you are IN Christ.


 This post is from my notes as our teacher ministered the Bible Lesson

Spiritual Warfare - Art

As our Bible Study began, our teacher reminded us to acknowledge every good thing in you which is in Christ.

Philemon 1:6 That the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 

When Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to be our comforter, to empower us to serve, and to instill in us gifts to use to help others.

The spiritual world is unseen with our physical eyes, but there are battles going on all the time.  There is Spiritual warfare that attacks our minds with doubt and unbelief.

As we speak out we will be building up our faith as we say words, such as "I shall not fear for God is with me,"  "I am the Righteousness of God In Christ."  "I have peace in every situation, because I have received the gift of peace and assurance that God is at work behind the scenes," 

It is good to write out the scriptures and keep them with us to verbally make our confession for victory.  They will constantly remind us that Healing is ours, Happiness is ours, and we shall Prosper and have Good Success.

Our enemy the devil uses people for his purpose and he has influence over people and cultures in the spirit realm.  Satan is a liar, a thief, a murderer and he uses others to attempt to destroy people, nations and you and me.  Jesus has given us authority in Christ to defeat our enemy the devil. 

As we acknowledge all we are In Christ, and our "New Man Person," becomes real to us in our heart not just our head, we can overcome satan by using our words, saying the scriptures and the Name of Jesus and pleading The blood of Christ which is all powerful.

Revelations 12:11 "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb."  We overcome the attacks of the enemy by holding onto our Faith in Christ and standing Fast in the Liberty of which we have been set free.

1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that we have powerful spiritual gifts to use in our walk with Christ: Discernment using the Word of wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, special faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles; prophecy, seeing into the spiritual world, divers kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. 

Our teacher cautioned us to take heed not to teach fables and be caught up in endless genealogies which do not edify us or others.   Fear God and walk humbly before Him.

Remember the words of Jesus who gives us His grace, His mercy and discernment so that we can walk worthy of our calling, and reach out to bless others.