Paul's "Status" Request: Continued from yesterday
Verses 8 & 9
"Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do that which is proper, yet for loves sake I rather appeal to you - since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus ---"
Paul is getting ready to "lay a big deal" on Philemon and so he finds it necessary to declare his status with Christ, not wanting to order Philemon to do as Paul wishes but rather appealing to his love for the brotherhood.
Remember back in another devotion that I said that when you see the word "Therefore" you should go back and see what it is there for? Well, here we are again. In yesterday's devotion, Paul made it known that he was praying very strongly and emotionally that the church at Colossae would become an "effective" church, growing in the "knowledge of every good thing...for Christ's sake". So because he has explained to Philemon these things he has "confidence in Christ" even if he must order this done by Philemon to do the right thing.
But of course, Paul reverts back to the love of the fellowship which compels him and others to act as Men of Christ in these issues. Do we find ourselves acting as "men and women of Christ" within the body? Paul refers to himself as "the aged" or an ambassador and now "a prisoner of Christ Jesus".
Before he even considers asking this favor, he declared his position which allows the request to be made. And we are also "prisoners of Christ Jesus" for His glory and our advancement in the kingdom of God. Do you consider yourself an ambassador for Christ? You should. Perhaps you don't fit the apostolic mold, but you are, without a doubt, an ambassador of Christ, able to call upon the fellowship of Christ for the advancement of the church. Galatians 3:26 says, "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." And then in verse 28 he says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." That pretty much establishes your authority in Christ, wouldn't you say?
So here Paul establishes his line of authority for making his request and tomorrow we will jump right into that request.
TO BE CONTINUED
Dave
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Epistle Of Paul To Philemon-Part II
Philemon's Love and Faith - continued from yesterday:
Verses 4-7
"I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother."
The first thing that Paul affirms is that he is continually thanking God for fellow Christians like his brother Philemon. He is always lifting the brotherhood up to God as he knows that the strength of the church lay in the power of God. He has obviously been receiving reports from time to time on the progress of the church and he affirms the love and the faith shown by the leadership of the church and toward all the saints as well. Just a line or two in his letter to express his appreciation for the care that they are taking with the church body.
Paul lets Philemon know that the focus of his prayers are that the fellowship may become "effective" and not stale through the knowledge they are receiving as they learn from God and others. He reminds Philemon that it is for "Christ's sake" that this work is done. We see in Philippians 1:9 "...that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment..." and again in Colossians 1:9 he say, "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." So Paul really has some pretty powerful things that he is praying for the church under the leadership of Philemon. Paul wants the church to become "effective" in all "spiritual wisdom and understanding". I wonder how often it is that we pray that way for our churches today!
And Paul expresses the fullness of joy that he has as he is comforted in the work done by the saints within the church. In fact, Paul's joy is like that of having a "newborn child" and you could easily change the word "hearts" in verse 7 to "inward parts" because that is the depth with which Paul concerns himself with his communion with God over the church.
Do we today realize this depth of love and compassion for the church, the body of believers within our midst? Do we feel the joy of each expression of salvation that we see or is it becoming somewhat "routine" in our churches today? Paul refers to them as "saints" or "holy ones" in his letter. I see that as very emotionally involved in the everyday "goings on" within the church.
We can learn a valuable lesson from these few verses concerning our passion, not only toward the Lord, but our love and desire for the church and its body.
TO BE CONTINUED
Dave
Verses 4-7
"I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother."
The first thing that Paul affirms is that he is continually thanking God for fellow Christians like his brother Philemon. He is always lifting the brotherhood up to God as he knows that the strength of the church lay in the power of God. He has obviously been receiving reports from time to time on the progress of the church and he affirms the love and the faith shown by the leadership of the church and toward all the saints as well. Just a line or two in his letter to express his appreciation for the care that they are taking with the church body.
Paul lets Philemon know that the focus of his prayers are that the fellowship may become "effective" and not stale through the knowledge they are receiving as they learn from God and others. He reminds Philemon that it is for "Christ's sake" that this work is done. We see in Philippians 1:9 "...that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment..." and again in Colossians 1:9 he say, "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." So Paul really has some pretty powerful things that he is praying for the church under the leadership of Philemon. Paul wants the church to become "effective" in all "spiritual wisdom and understanding". I wonder how often it is that we pray that way for our churches today!
And Paul expresses the fullness of joy that he has as he is comforted in the work done by the saints within the church. In fact, Paul's joy is like that of having a "newborn child" and you could easily change the word "hearts" in verse 7 to "inward parts" because that is the depth with which Paul concerns himself with his communion with God over the church.
Do we today realize this depth of love and compassion for the church, the body of believers within our midst? Do we feel the joy of each expression of salvation that we see or is it becoming somewhat "routine" in our churches today? Paul refers to them as "saints" or "holy ones" in his letter. I see that as very emotionally involved in the everyday "goings on" within the church.
We can learn a valuable lesson from these few verses concerning our passion, not only toward the Lord, but our love and desire for the church and its body.
TO BE CONTINUED
Dave
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Treason and Tyranny in America
I'm one of Sean Hannity and Fox News Network's biggest fans and after watching the Mark Levin interview, I believe it is time to stop talking about poll numbers and start talking about the treason and tyranny that America is being subjected to by this administration.
"Still, tyranny is a threat that looms over all societies, preventable only by the active vigilance of the people. The Statist [Liberal] in America is no less resolute than his European counterpart but, by necessity, he is more cunning – where the European lurches and leaps, the American’s steps are measured but steady.”
Mark Levin (from Liberty and Tyranny)
Dave
"Still, tyranny is a threat that looms over all societies, preventable only by the active vigilance of the people. The Statist [Liberal] in America is no less resolute than his European counterpart but, by necessity, he is more cunning – where the European lurches and leaps, the American’s steps are measured but steady.”
Mark Levin (from Liberty and Tyranny)
Dave
The Epistle Of Paul To Philemon-Part I
Today I would like to try something different. I have always been an admirer of the book of Philemon in the New Testament so I want to try to break it down into "bite size" pieces to share over the next several days, sort of like an expository teaching only in a devotion. If I get lost or confusing, please feel free to let me know: (Email - papadave2@cox.net)
The Epistle of Paul to Philemon
Verses 1-3
"Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house; Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
This very small book of the New Testament is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to Philemon about a runaway slave by the name of Onesimus. The slave, Onesimus had been converted during his time with Paul and now it was time for Onesimus to be returned. Paul mentions Timothy here and that is important because Paul takes care to report the whereabouts of one of his fellow soldiers in the faith. Timothy was a young preacher that was being disciplined and groomed by Paul himself.
The introduction in this book is short, it is obvious that Paul and Philemon are friends from back when he assisted in starting the church, perhaps in Philemon's home, and he is polite in mentioning other leaders, Apphia being a Christian lady in the church at Colossae, and Archippus referred to as the "master of the horse" and a church worker at Colossae.
And then he concludes his introduction in this letter by offering "Grace & Peace" as always, from God the Father and never failing to mention the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul wants to settle an issue or two within the church, as he is always expressing his apostolic teaching within the scriptures. Notice that the church is mentioned within his introduction and also there were "looming" problems at the time of the early formation of the church, one being the "master-slave" relationship within the church as a whole. We know that Onesimus had "absconded" (depart in a sudden and secret manner, to avoid capture and legal prosecution), and Paul, by returning the once slave of Philemon, was instructing concerning the principles that govern relations between Christian brothers and also expressing "free will" in Onesimus' return.
And so Paul begins his letter to the leader of the church at Collosae. In Christ there is a new frame of reference that transforms all earthly relationships; brotherhood is the focus on which all other relationships must be evaluated. And so concludes Paul's "Salutation" to his brother in Christ, Philemon.
TO BE CONTINUED
Dave
The Epistle of Paul to Philemon
Verses 1-3
"Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house; Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
This very small book of the New Testament is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to Philemon about a runaway slave by the name of Onesimus. The slave, Onesimus had been converted during his time with Paul and now it was time for Onesimus to be returned. Paul mentions Timothy here and that is important because Paul takes care to report the whereabouts of one of his fellow soldiers in the faith. Timothy was a young preacher that was being disciplined and groomed by Paul himself.
The introduction in this book is short, it is obvious that Paul and Philemon are friends from back when he assisted in starting the church, perhaps in Philemon's home, and he is polite in mentioning other leaders, Apphia being a Christian lady in the church at Colossae, and Archippus referred to as the "master of the horse" and a church worker at Colossae.
And then he concludes his introduction in this letter by offering "Grace & Peace" as always, from God the Father and never failing to mention the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul wants to settle an issue or two within the church, as he is always expressing his apostolic teaching within the scriptures. Notice that the church is mentioned within his introduction and also there were "looming" problems at the time of the early formation of the church, one being the "master-slave" relationship within the church as a whole. We know that Onesimus had "absconded" (depart in a sudden and secret manner, to avoid capture and legal prosecution), and Paul, by returning the once slave of Philemon, was instructing concerning the principles that govern relations between Christian brothers and also expressing "free will" in Onesimus' return.
And so Paul begins his letter to the leader of the church at Collosae. In Christ there is a new frame of reference that transforms all earthly relationships; brotherhood is the focus on which all other relationships must be evaluated. And so concludes Paul's "Salutation" to his brother in Christ, Philemon.
TO BE CONTINUED
Dave
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sheep & Goats
In the 25th chapter of Matthew, Jesus shares a passage concerning "Judgment" and it is a familiar passage. Most of us have heard part or all of it either in a sermon or song. The entire subject passage was also made famous by a 1970's contemporary Christian artist by the name of Keith Greene and he called it "The Sheep & Goats".
I want to focus on a couple of verses here and they are verses 34 - 36 and it says, "Then the King will say to those on His right, Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me."
These would be considered the "Sheep" in Keith's song. Those who continually ministered as they went through life. There are those who's heart it is, to try to ease the burden of others who are experiencing pain and suffering in life. We have tried to offer that ministry to others and there are those who have "bathed" us in this ministry throughout my illness over the last four years. Jesus looks at these people with very high regard for these are the kingdom of God.
Great reward lay ahead for those who fall into this category for their ministering hearts for it is Jesus Himself who says in verse 40, "And the King will answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me."
Jesus is preparing a place for those who's heart it is to minister the love of Christ to his fellow man. In this chapter Jesus offers His Judgment of the Nations and this is very different from the "Great White Throne Judgment" as the "Son of Man comes in His glory...verse 31!
I want to focus on a couple of verses here and they are verses 34 - 36 and it says, "Then the King will say to those on His right, Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me."
These would be considered the "Sheep" in Keith's song. Those who continually ministered as they went through life. There are those who's heart it is, to try to ease the burden of others who are experiencing pain and suffering in life. We have tried to offer that ministry to others and there are those who have "bathed" us in this ministry throughout my illness over the last four years. Jesus looks at these people with very high regard for these are the kingdom of God.
Great reward lay ahead for those who fall into this category for their ministering hearts for it is Jesus Himself who says in verse 40, "And the King will answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me."
Jesus is preparing a place for those who's heart it is to minister the love of Christ to his fellow man. In this chapter Jesus offers His Judgment of the Nations and this is very different from the "Great White Throne Judgment" as the "Son of Man comes in His glory...verse 31!
- At this judgment, He will judge the living nations (Joel 3:11-16) - At the white throne judgment, He will judge the wicked dead.
- At this judgment, there will be no resurrection of the dead - At the great white throne all the wicked dead are raised (Rev. 20:13)
- At this judgment, the judge is God "the King" judging the living nations in His earthly kingdom - At the great white throne, the judge is God, judging only the wicked dead.
- At this judgment, there are no books opened - At the great white throne, the "books were opened."
- At this judgment, there are three classes judged: "sheep", the elect of Israel (Rev. 7:9-17); "goats", the unsaved (2 Thess. 1:7-10); "tribes", the elect of Israel (Rev. 7:1-8 & Rom. 11:25-28; - At the great white throne, there is only one class; "the dead."
- At this judgment, the King gives the kingdom to those who have eternal life - At the great white throne, there are no saved and no kingdom; they are all "thrown into the lake of fire."
There is so much more that could be discussed in this passage of scripture but never is there the room. The entire passage concerning this judgment is Matt. 25:31-46 and it would be good to review this message from the Lord frequently.
The point I am trying to make is that the Lord is looking to us to do His "bidding" daily as we walk this earth, just as He did when He was here Himself. We have a job to do and this is to show our love and compassion to those "hard hit" and suffering physical and emotional difficulties. We continue to try to reach out as much as possible to those in need and people have certainly been there to help me when needed. I guess I can say that I have had the opportunity to meet quite a few "Sheep & Goats"!
Dave
Monday, June 29, 2009
Men's Hearts Failing Them for Fear
I found this article from Eternal Life Ministries and find it to be very "timely". I have verified the authenticy and received permission from the author to post is "as written". It is a lengthy article but very worth the time needed to read it. It was requested that I not change a word of the article, which I am honoring, so before you get to the article, I have place a scripture verse that very vividly represents the worthiness of it and current events. The scripture verse is "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." (Luke 21:26 KJV)
People get ready! There is "Pain" coming!
Dave
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Men's Hearts Failing Them for Fear
"Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life" (I Timothy 6:19).
The Cost Involved in Preparing for the Storm
I believe God's people are being prepared for what is coming. Dark days are upon the land and only the strong in Christ will remain standing. The sun may be shining, all things may be as normal, but if we could see the things which are unseen, we would be startled to see the things that are taking place in the heavenlies. Wars are taking place in the heavenlies as Michael, the archangel, and the heavenly host are doing battle against satan and his hordes of Hell. We may not be able to see this in the natural, but the level of the fight that is intensifying in the spirit on a daily basis, let's us know that the war is on! Satan is fighting with great wrath at this very hour to destroy anyone that has set their heart to serve The Living God. He knows that his time is short and he is fighting with great intensity. However, we have been given a strong consolation in the hope we have in Jesus Our Lord. He, JESUS, has ALREADY won the victory for us! It is simply our job to hold on to Him, cling to Him, trust Him, obey Him, and wait for the final redemption which is soon to take place at His appearing!
The false prophets and teachers are here just as Jesus said they would be, proclaiming, "peace and safety," deluding the Christian masses into deep, deep sleep. False prophets and twisted teachers continue to pervert the message of the gospel by spouting messages of prosperity, wealth, and doctrines of devils! They enjoy poking fun at True believers that realize that, "...................we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). They twist just enough scripture to convince their audiences that they are telling the truth. The masses--blind, ignorant, and with little knowledge of The Word of God--follow, without questioning a word.
The false teachers and prophets are very good at what they do. They use smooth, convincing words. They take an audience, get them on their side, and then seduce them with, "...................great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantoness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error" (II Peter 2: 18). Jude says it this way, "...................and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage (Jude 16). Listen to what Jude says these false deceivers would be doing, "But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts (Jude 17-18). What would they be mocking? Jude was referring to the words of the Apostle Peter, "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming.................?" (II Peter 3: 1-4). They would be mocking the return of The Lord Jesus Christ! They would not say this in words. That's why they are deceivers. But, in works, teaching a gospel of laying up for themselves treasures IN THIS LIFE, they would be denying the promise of the hope of His coming and minimizing the longing for eternal life! The early servants of God were so concerned with this falling away from the truth that they passed it on from the days of the holy prophets, to the days of the apostles, and onward. Today, it is our responsibility to know this same Truth.
The deceivers would be preaching their own deluded gospel of self and prosperity. Instead of proclaiming, ".................seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6: 33), they would be preaching, ".................another Jesus and another gospel..............." (II Cor. 11: 4). They are in our midst today, "Seek your own desires, seek wealth, seek money, seek prosperity, seek to maximize your potential, seek your dreams, live life to the fullest, God wants you to have it all, seek to have it all now!" Many would say, "What's wrong with this? Doesn't God want you to have nice things?" The answer to that is what it says in the Holy scriptures, "....................my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phillipians 4: 19). God will more than abundantly provide and supply, yet, Jesus DID NOT come into this world and suffer so that His people could have an earthly kingdom. Jesus told Pilate, "...................My kingdom is not of this world.................." (John 18: 36). Rather, Jesus says to us, "......................If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16: 24). He tells us, "...................lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6: 20). With the exception of a few faithful ministers, these words are rarely taught. The majority of Christian television or contemporary church programs rarely teach the actual words of Jesus Christ.
The deceivers in the latter days will be preaching the exact opposite of what the True Gospel instructs. While the gospel of wealth and prosperity shouts, "Have it all. You deserve it. God wants you to have it all now. You're a king's kid!" The Voice of Jesus thunders, "Lay NOT up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal....................For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6: 19 and 21). The false teachers and prophets make light of these words by diverting attention to the carnal senses and causing their captives to think with the sensual mind of man. They are good at ignoring or twisting the words of scripture and causing their congregations to receive a message that appeals to the flesh. They poke fun at words like this and arrogantly say, "Well, if you want to be poor, beat up, and have nothing, go ahead. But, I serve a god that wants me to prosper." This is what Peter meant when he stated, "For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantoness................." (II Peter 2: 18). Their congregations, immediately, without thought, soak up the error they are being taught, and the prophesied scripture of old becomes more readily apparent as we draw closer to the return of Our Lord Jesus Christ, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (I Timothy 4: 1).
The truth is, Saints of God, that we must know and understand both, "....................the goodness and severity of God..................." (Romans 11: 22). We must know that, "...................our God is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12: 29). We must receive the fact and understand, ".......................therefore the terror of the Lord..................." (II Corinthians 5: 11). We must be thankful that God will bless us beyond compare, but know and understand that we must, "..................endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (II Timothy 2: 3).
Saints of God, these are perilous days for the children of God. There is so much false doctrine floating around that it will be only the very elect that will not be deceived, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24: 24). Be forewarned, contrary to the false gospel that teaches otherwise, this journey is NOT easy! It is a fight to the end, a fight to remain sober, a fight to stand ready, a fight to keep wearing the armor of God, a constant fight with the enemy that only intensifies as we draw closer and closer to the return of The Lord Jesus Christ!
We are soon to see the hopes dashed to pieces of all that have put their trust in the gospel of prosperity. We are soon to see a great falling away, as all that have trusted in climbing the christian ladder to success will be devastated and sell out to the beast when his mark is given in exchange for the wealth and riches that they have become so accustomed to clamoring for, "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a FALLING AWAY first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition" (II Thessalonians 2: 1-3).
The days ahead will not be like a "Left Behind" book! They are going to be REAL! You will not be able to sit back and watch your favorite prophecy movie! Friends of God, someday soon the movie screen is going to be REAL and we better get ready for it! We better stop standing idle, enjoying the latest drama, and get ourselves down to prayer! People are going to have to live through it! They're going to have to stand strong! They're going to have to choose this day whom they will serve!
God is preparing His people to go through the fire! He is preparing us to stand strong as the world around us and the church itself begins to shake, ".......................Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain" (Hebrews 12: 26-27). Translated? Everything that can be shaken will be shaken! Every preacher, teacher, prophet, priest, evangelist, pew sitter, everybody, will be shaken! And, if we are shakeable--if we are moveable--we will be shaken out!
It is not that God wants us to be shaken. On the contrary, He wants us to be part of His Glorious Bride! But, in the same way that He came down to the children of Israel to prove them, He will also do the same with us. In the same way that He warned Peter, "..................Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat" (Luke 22: 31), He is warning us also to be on the alert! Sobering? Yes! But, in the same way that He prayed for Peter, we can know that He will pray for us as well, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not...................." (vs. 32).
We are going to be tried on every side, yet we must prepare ourselves to stand strong! We do not trust in ourselves, our strengths, our own merits, "......................but in God which raiseth the dead" (II Corinthians 1: 9)! We trust in the faith we have in God! We trust in Him to bring us through! There have been times when I have been almost apprehensive to ask for a closer walk because, over time, I have learned what it will cost. I have learned that we do not just receive strength and patience without also being taught the proper lesson and the tried and chosen way to get us there. I have learned to say, "O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing" (Jeremiah 10: 24). It is not an easy thing to learn righteousness. It does not come naturally, nor does it come easily, "...................we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). Jesus is our example in all things, "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" (Hebrews 5: 7-8), ".......................who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12: 2). The underlying fact is that it will be worth it all when we step onto the streets and glories of eternal Heaven!
Until we get to our final destination and inherit the mansion that has been built for us, we must have our eyes set upon getting there. In the coming days, the hearts of men are going to be tried, "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21: 25-26). Reports are of record weather extremes being reported everywhere. Everywhere you look, the abnormal is becoming the normal and vice versa. The United States just finished seeing the worst month of tornadoes ever on record. Heat waves are beating down upon several areas of the world, while records lows are reported in others. Storms and excessive rainfalls are occurring, causing flooding. The frequency and intensity of these extremes are increasing and becoming more and more unstable all of the time.
We must prepare ourselves TODAY to stand strong in the midst of an unstable world reeling, "....................to and fro like a drunkard..................." (Isaiah 24: 20). We must allow God to strengthen our hearts so that when these things come, the door of our hearts will be locked in with Christ, "Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Ephesians 3: 13-19). This is what we need for the days that are coming! We must allow God to strengthen our hearts! The world is going to be overtaken and some men's hearts will fail them for fear! But, we must stand strong in faith, IN Christ, being rooted and grounded in Him!
This warning goes out to ALL! Passively sitting in church will not prepare you for what is coming in the days ahead! Following world events for entertainment value ONLY will not save or strengthen you for the days that are coming! We must know and understand TODAY that hard times are coming and prepare ourselves to stand! Our strength is NOT in ourselves, it is IN Christ ALONE! But, we must be IN HIM! We must be strengthened with might by HIS Spirit! Fearful sights shall be coming upon the face of the earth and we must prepare ourselves today!
The false teachers and false prophets will not tell you these things. They will not tell you to prepare, for they are totally dull of hearing themselves. They will not tell you to prepare for tribulation and enlarge your bank accounts at the same time. They will not tell you to cling to the eternal riches of God when they, themselves, are telling you that God wants you to have it all now! They will not tell you to deny yourself when they, themselves, are telling you to maximize your potential. They will not focus on things of the eternal, when they, themselves, are focusing on things of the natural. They will not tell you, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him...................... (II Timothy 2: 12), when they are telling you that God wants you to prosper! They will not tell you, "Lay NOT up for yourselves treasures upon earth...................... (Matthew 6: 19), when they, themselves, are actually telling you to do just that! "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh" (James 3: 11-12).
Some may not actually hear this word. But, the message has been brought forth just the same. Hold on, brethren, until the time of the very end! We do not have much time to wait! Look up, your redemption draweth nigh! In God you will find peace, and the answers to all of life's problems that you will ever face!
Be strong and encouraged in The Lord and in the power of His might! Rest in Him until the day of His coming!
Praises be to the Name of Our God! Amen and Amen! The just shall live by faith. Amen!
Rich Fyke
Eternal Life Ministries
etrnlife@midwest.net
http://home.midwest.net/~etrnlife/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dave
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Men's Hearts Failing Them for Fear
"Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life" (I Timothy 6:19).
The Cost Involved in Preparing for the Storm
I believe God's people are being prepared for what is coming. Dark days are upon the land and only the strong in Christ will remain standing. The sun may be shining, all things may be as normal, but if we could see the things which are unseen, we would be startled to see the things that are taking place in the heavenlies. Wars are taking place in the heavenlies as Michael, the archangel, and the heavenly host are doing battle against satan and his hordes of Hell. We may not be able to see this in the natural, but the level of the fight that is intensifying in the spirit on a daily basis, let's us know that the war is on! Satan is fighting with great wrath at this very hour to destroy anyone that has set their heart to serve The Living God. He knows that his time is short and he is fighting with great intensity. However, we have been given a strong consolation in the hope we have in Jesus Our Lord. He, JESUS, has ALREADY won the victory for us! It is simply our job to hold on to Him, cling to Him, trust Him, obey Him, and wait for the final redemption which is soon to take place at His appearing!
The false prophets and teachers are here just as Jesus said they would be, proclaiming, "peace and safety," deluding the Christian masses into deep, deep sleep. False prophets and twisted teachers continue to pervert the message of the gospel by spouting messages of prosperity, wealth, and doctrines of devils! They enjoy poking fun at True believers that realize that, "...................we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). They twist just enough scripture to convince their audiences that they are telling the truth. The masses--blind, ignorant, and with little knowledge of The Word of God--follow, without questioning a word.
The false teachers and prophets are very good at what they do. They use smooth, convincing words. They take an audience, get them on their side, and then seduce them with, "...................great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantoness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error" (II Peter 2: 18). Jude says it this way, "...................and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage (Jude 16). Listen to what Jude says these false deceivers would be doing, "But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts (Jude 17-18). What would they be mocking? Jude was referring to the words of the Apostle Peter, "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming.................?" (II Peter 3: 1-4). They would be mocking the return of The Lord Jesus Christ! They would not say this in words. That's why they are deceivers. But, in works, teaching a gospel of laying up for themselves treasures IN THIS LIFE, they would be denying the promise of the hope of His coming and minimizing the longing for eternal life! The early servants of God were so concerned with this falling away from the truth that they passed it on from the days of the holy prophets, to the days of the apostles, and onward. Today, it is our responsibility to know this same Truth.
The deceivers would be preaching their own deluded gospel of self and prosperity. Instead of proclaiming, ".................seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6: 33), they would be preaching, ".................another Jesus and another gospel..............." (II Cor. 11: 4). They are in our midst today, "Seek your own desires, seek wealth, seek money, seek prosperity, seek to maximize your potential, seek your dreams, live life to the fullest, God wants you to have it all, seek to have it all now!" Many would say, "What's wrong with this? Doesn't God want you to have nice things?" The answer to that is what it says in the Holy scriptures, "....................my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phillipians 4: 19). God will more than abundantly provide and supply, yet, Jesus DID NOT come into this world and suffer so that His people could have an earthly kingdom. Jesus told Pilate, "...................My kingdom is not of this world.................." (John 18: 36). Rather, Jesus says to us, "......................If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16: 24). He tells us, "...................lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6: 20). With the exception of a few faithful ministers, these words are rarely taught. The majority of Christian television or contemporary church programs rarely teach the actual words of Jesus Christ.
The deceivers in the latter days will be preaching the exact opposite of what the True Gospel instructs. While the gospel of wealth and prosperity shouts, "Have it all. You deserve it. God wants you to have it all now. You're a king's kid!" The Voice of Jesus thunders, "Lay NOT up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal....................For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6: 19 and 21). The false teachers and prophets make light of these words by diverting attention to the carnal senses and causing their captives to think with the sensual mind of man. They are good at ignoring or twisting the words of scripture and causing their congregations to receive a message that appeals to the flesh. They poke fun at words like this and arrogantly say, "Well, if you want to be poor, beat up, and have nothing, go ahead. But, I serve a god that wants me to prosper." This is what Peter meant when he stated, "For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantoness................." (II Peter 2: 18). Their congregations, immediately, without thought, soak up the error they are being taught, and the prophesied scripture of old becomes more readily apparent as we draw closer to the return of Our Lord Jesus Christ, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (I Timothy 4: 1).
The truth is, Saints of God, that we must know and understand both, "....................the goodness and severity of God..................." (Romans 11: 22). We must know that, "...................our God is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12: 29). We must receive the fact and understand, ".......................therefore the terror of the Lord..................." (II Corinthians 5: 11). We must be thankful that God will bless us beyond compare, but know and understand that we must, "..................endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (II Timothy 2: 3).
Saints of God, these are perilous days for the children of God. There is so much false doctrine floating around that it will be only the very elect that will not be deceived, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24: 24). Be forewarned, contrary to the false gospel that teaches otherwise, this journey is NOT easy! It is a fight to the end, a fight to remain sober, a fight to stand ready, a fight to keep wearing the armor of God, a constant fight with the enemy that only intensifies as we draw closer and closer to the return of The Lord Jesus Christ!
We are soon to see the hopes dashed to pieces of all that have put their trust in the gospel of prosperity. We are soon to see a great falling away, as all that have trusted in climbing the christian ladder to success will be devastated and sell out to the beast when his mark is given in exchange for the wealth and riches that they have become so accustomed to clamoring for, "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a FALLING AWAY first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition" (II Thessalonians 2: 1-3).
The days ahead will not be like a "Left Behind" book! They are going to be REAL! You will not be able to sit back and watch your favorite prophecy movie! Friends of God, someday soon the movie screen is going to be REAL and we better get ready for it! We better stop standing idle, enjoying the latest drama, and get ourselves down to prayer! People are going to have to live through it! They're going to have to stand strong! They're going to have to choose this day whom they will serve!
God is preparing His people to go through the fire! He is preparing us to stand strong as the world around us and the church itself begins to shake, ".......................Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain" (Hebrews 12: 26-27). Translated? Everything that can be shaken will be shaken! Every preacher, teacher, prophet, priest, evangelist, pew sitter, everybody, will be shaken! And, if we are shakeable--if we are moveable--we will be shaken out!
It is not that God wants us to be shaken. On the contrary, He wants us to be part of His Glorious Bride! But, in the same way that He came down to the children of Israel to prove them, He will also do the same with us. In the same way that He warned Peter, "..................Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat" (Luke 22: 31), He is warning us also to be on the alert! Sobering? Yes! But, in the same way that He prayed for Peter, we can know that He will pray for us as well, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not...................." (vs. 32).
We are going to be tried on every side, yet we must prepare ourselves to stand strong! We do not trust in ourselves, our strengths, our own merits, "......................but in God which raiseth the dead" (II Corinthians 1: 9)! We trust in the faith we have in God! We trust in Him to bring us through! There have been times when I have been almost apprehensive to ask for a closer walk because, over time, I have learned what it will cost. I have learned that we do not just receive strength and patience without also being taught the proper lesson and the tried and chosen way to get us there. I have learned to say, "O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing" (Jeremiah 10: 24). It is not an easy thing to learn righteousness. It does not come naturally, nor does it come easily, "...................we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). Jesus is our example in all things, "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" (Hebrews 5: 7-8), ".......................who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12: 2). The underlying fact is that it will be worth it all when we step onto the streets and glories of eternal Heaven!
Until we get to our final destination and inherit the mansion that has been built for us, we must have our eyes set upon getting there. In the coming days, the hearts of men are going to be tried, "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21: 25-26). Reports are of record weather extremes being reported everywhere. Everywhere you look, the abnormal is becoming the normal and vice versa. The United States just finished seeing the worst month of tornadoes ever on record. Heat waves are beating down upon several areas of the world, while records lows are reported in others. Storms and excessive rainfalls are occurring, causing flooding. The frequency and intensity of these extremes are increasing and becoming more and more unstable all of the time.
We must prepare ourselves TODAY to stand strong in the midst of an unstable world reeling, "....................to and fro like a drunkard..................." (Isaiah 24: 20). We must allow God to strengthen our hearts so that when these things come, the door of our hearts will be locked in with Christ, "Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Ephesians 3: 13-19). This is what we need for the days that are coming! We must allow God to strengthen our hearts! The world is going to be overtaken and some men's hearts will fail them for fear! But, we must stand strong in faith, IN Christ, being rooted and grounded in Him!
This warning goes out to ALL! Passively sitting in church will not prepare you for what is coming in the days ahead! Following world events for entertainment value ONLY will not save or strengthen you for the days that are coming! We must know and understand TODAY that hard times are coming and prepare ourselves to stand! Our strength is NOT in ourselves, it is IN Christ ALONE! But, we must be IN HIM! We must be strengthened with might by HIS Spirit! Fearful sights shall be coming upon the face of the earth and we must prepare ourselves today!
The false teachers and false prophets will not tell you these things. They will not tell you to prepare, for they are totally dull of hearing themselves. They will not tell you to prepare for tribulation and enlarge your bank accounts at the same time. They will not tell you to cling to the eternal riches of God when they, themselves, are telling you that God wants you to have it all now! They will not tell you to deny yourself when they, themselves, are telling you to maximize your potential. They will not focus on things of the eternal, when they, themselves, are focusing on things of the natural. They will not tell you, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him...................... (II Timothy 2: 12), when they are telling you that God wants you to prosper! They will not tell you, "Lay NOT up for yourselves treasures upon earth...................... (Matthew 6: 19), when they, themselves, are actually telling you to do just that! "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh" (James 3: 11-12).
Some may not actually hear this word. But, the message has been brought forth just the same. Hold on, brethren, until the time of the very end! We do not have much time to wait! Look up, your redemption draweth nigh! In God you will find peace, and the answers to all of life's problems that you will ever face!
Be strong and encouraged in The Lord and in the power of His might! Rest in Him until the day of His coming!
Praises be to the Name of Our God! Amen and Amen! The just shall live by faith. Amen!
Rich Fyke
Eternal Life Ministries
etrnlife@midwest.net
http://home.midwest.net/~etrnlife/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Country
THIS MAN SURE HAS A GOOD VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR COUNTRY!
'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!'
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God.'
Please share this with someone, possibly someone you love. We who believe this way may very well be the last chance for the world to recover! One Nation Under God.
Dave
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