Heritage of the Saints Ministry Presents

As we allow the God to guide our Bible study, we return to our Word uncovering more of what God has hidden (embedded) in His process of deliverance. Despite the seemingly difficult process, the instances of deliverance are instrumental in developing and preparing us for the destiny and destinations only God's magnificent plans and purposes intend for impactful lives lived unto God. We will spend time in Hebrews 4 and John 17 to help us understand God's way and will for our lives as His representatives that remain in the world. 

Part 2 - Continuing our journey through God's Word, this week our segment on DELIVERED TO, we meet King David showing kindness to Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan - who many would call a forgotten son, being restored to a seat at the king's table (2 Kings 9). David's private vow is publicly displayed when he seeks to honor his word to his beloved friend Jonathan, now transitioned to be with the Lord. It is the integrity, ethics, principles and kindness of a king/queen who keeps God's Word hidden in their heart that keeps them in the position God has elevated him/her to and makes kingdoms thrive. We will conclude our session in the New Testament, meeting Mary, Joseph, Jesus, Simeon (a devout man) and Anna the prophetess in the temple on the 40th day of Jesus' incarnate life as an infant (Luke 2). Here prophecy will be fulfilled and the announcement of Salvation goes forth in Jerusalem - the very same city where the King of kings would be crucified. Let's go to work..

Continuing in our deliverance series, this week we will begin our work around DELIVERED TO. In Acts 8 we meet Ananias (a devout Christian) and Saul of Tarsus persecutor of early Christians following Jesus' crucifixion (who would later become known as the Apostle Paul). Acts 8 reveals to us that sometimes God uses other people to jumpstart the beginning of our pre-ordained destiny, delivering us to the ONE (God) who knows and holds our Identity & Calling.

Part 2 - Continuing last week's Bible study on the subject of DELIVERED FROM, we will now wrap up in Judges 4 where we meet Deborah, the only female judge of Israel who would receive and relay God's war strategy to emancipate Israel from their (seen) oppressive enemy, the kingdom of Hazor. Deborah's fervent prayer life and devotion to God enabled God to step in and war for Israel, transitioning the battle from the natural world to the spiritual realm. We wrap up this session, intimately meeting and becoming acquainted with Mary Magdalene (New Testament). In this portion of our Bible study we will learn about the torments of the unseen enemies (evil spirits) that imprison and oppress individuals mentally, emotionally and relationally causing stigma and ostracism.

As we continue our journey through books of the Holy Bible, we will examine instances of ' DELIVERANCE FROM ' across two episodes. In each example, we will see God Almighty standing firm on HIS WORD to deliver us from our enemies: seen and unseen. In Part 1 of our two-hour session, we will look at John 11 & 12 (Mary, Martha and Lazarus). In Part 2 we will wrap up by examining Judges 4 (Deborah and the Israelites), and the Gospels (Mary Magdalene) and hear a personal testimony of deliverance from an oppressive, depressive spirit of darkness.

In this week's segment on deliverance, we will examine the appetites of three sons (royal princes) who would become Kings - Belshazzar (Daniel 5; son of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar); Solomon (Proverbs 23, Ecclesiastes 7-9; son of King David) and Jesus (the Gospels; son of the supreme & majestic heavenly Father - God).

This week session will be grounded in 1 Corinthians 2 and Matthew 22 as we look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, for understanding what studying the Word of God reveals about deliverance through the study of Jesus - our Deliverer, our Messiah.

As we continue our study of the Holy Bible for insight and understanding as to how deliverance is a tool in the hand of God, this week's episode is ministered by the prayerful saint, Minister Marion. Deliverance in the hand of God (to, from and through) difficult situations and circumstances is a personal process in disguise to grow us as individuals from the inside-out. Our soul's greatest value is found in SERVING not in Ruling. Jesus came to serve and not be served though HE IS THE MESSIAH of the world. If the Messiah was able to set aside his majesty and rulership while in earth, how much more would we too benefit setting aside power, status, position and titles for the accomplishing of good works, submitted and surrendered to God? Deliverance teaches us that in order for it accomplish its purpose, we must be like Jesus.  By studying Jesus' example through the studying of God's Word, we discover that Jesus walked, talked and role modeled how to be patient with difficult, obstinate people; the importance of a prayer life; what the Kingdom of God is liken unto (parables to teach Biblical truths) and ultimately reveal the personality, character and attributes of God (kind, just, merciful, compassionate, and full of limitless miracles). Throughout the Gospels, Jesus answers the colloquial questions that once adorned wristbands, shirts and lanyards WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? He answers these questions through the answers of prayers  submitted to HIM. We see the instructions, commands and strategy for deliverance vary from Genesis to Revelation, nevertheless, the same GOD by whom it is accomplished. The instrument of prayer all throughout allows for the two-way communication between man / woman and God for the roadmap of deliverance for the situation faced, instructions along the way and commandments to be kept once delivered. In the dispensation of grace, we are commanded according to Jesus:  [Matthew 22:37-40] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” To further emphasize the seriousness of heeding God's Word, Jesus in John 14:15 (Amplified) instructs,  If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments. Through the impartation of revelation to His apostle for instructing the churches and one another in their walk of faith for Christian living, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (Amplified) instructs us to: We [earnestly] urge you, believers, admonish those who are out of line [the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly], encourage the timid [who lack spiritual courage], help the [spiritually] weak, be very patient with everyone [always controlling your temper]. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. So, let's get to work. Study Scriptures: Psalm 62 Mark 11:1-9 1 Corinthians 2  Ephesians 6

In the second portion of our Bible study on deliverance, you will find us exploring Jesus' Coming and the accomplishment of His sacrifice on the Cross, fulfilling the Law, NOT abolishing it. Why would Jesus want to fulfill the Law of Moses (613 Laws - dictating moral, civil and ceremonial conduct for governing the children of Israel - God's chosen people)? Ever heard of church hurt? Marginalization? Isolation? Financial oppression & instability? These things were going on at Jesus' time too! He's no stranger to them, in truth, He is well acquainted with them. The church (synagogue) was resistant to the working of miracles (a GOOD WORK) on the sabbath. If you have ever been in a painful, debilitating, tormenting condition desperately seeking release, you would understand why God does want to put off your release for another day... however the Pharisees would have it otherwise. One thing about Jesus, HE WILL BREAK A RULE FOR A GOOD WORK! Review the gripes of the religious orders throughout the Bible - two things they claimed they had reason to have Jesus either stoned or crucified: for doing "work" on the Sabbath declaring Himself as the Son of God (because Jesus didn't just claim it, he came packing all the works of God too). In their words " we do not stone you for a good work"... they just wanted it done with their permission - because Jesus was rogue - not restricted to ANY AUTHORITY above Him except the Father and Holy Spirit, nor constrained by the confines of any one synagogue. Jesus is the real G. Deliverance seeks to free you from past hurts, soul injury, people bondage, lack of knowledge of HIM, financial cages, limited mindset, areas of paralysis or lameness, anything plaguing your health - LET HIM DO A GOOD WORK IN AND FOR YOU! Study: Judges 6, Matthew 8, Mark 5, John 5 and Acts 5

As we continue our Bible study, deep delving into deliverance, this week we look at the injuries of soul wounding - which can hinder your deliverance if you are unable to face the giants in your life that were not killed by previous generations. In colloquial terms, generational curses / hereditary. What if I told you that you can deliver your family from these giants? That you were created for a time such as this? While our giants may no longer be the defeated Philistine champion Goliath (I know that's an oxymoronic statement) or the Amalekites ravaging crops ready for the harvest, anxiety, depression, replay of past mistakes, fear, sickness, disease, broke-ness, brokenness and so many other unseen (invisible) hindering forces are giants in many peoples' lives today. The children of Israel's failure to slay all the giants in the land God promised them for their inhabitance would later be the descendants that the Psalmist, King David would meet in battle in the Valley of Elah. In the first part of this week's lesson, we open with a recap of Deliverance episodes 1.1 & 1.2, which requires the core-work of intimacy with GOD, obedience to GOD and being rooted in the Word of God so that it is an immovable anchor in the time of storm. Building upon these, we recount the different needs for deliverance in Exodus (Moses and the Hebrews vs. Pharaoh & the Egyptians), in Judges 6 (Gideon and Israelites vs. Midian & Amalekites) and in John (Jesus vs. Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes and Sanhedrin council). Study: Hebrews 4 and Ephesians 6 to understand how God's Word operates on our souls and defends His people (Jews and Christians).

(Deliverance 1 cont'd) As we continue to build the foundation necessary to begin examining, understanding and applying God's Word to our lives for deliverance, keep in mind that deliverance requires the working together of Life Principles 1-3 as outlined by Charles Stanley. Think of these core principles as general education. Preparation, time, and effort applied to intimacy with God, obedience to God and anchoring in the Word of God prepares you to walk the path of deliverance that only God (the Good Shepherd) can lead you from or through. The Good Shepherd (Jesus) cares for, defends, and protects his sheep (believers / followers) from the ravenous wolves of the kingdom of darkness (deceptions, lusts and temptations). It is imperative that you know the voice and Word of God to follow Him. Have you ever been in a dark place where you could not see as there was no light, but you could feel and hear your way towards safety or the voice of a trusted parent or friend? While far away, those familiar voice are faint, at times hard to hear. But as you move closer to their position, their voices are louder and less influenced by other noise. The same is true when Christ's sheep follow him, heeding his commands and instructions. When following Jesus, one must believe God's goodness, trustworthiness and faithfulness to His Word. The Bible testifies of the Father's, Son's and Holy Ghost's integrity, immovability, immutability. Wherever God leads, be willing to follow, even when it looks scary. God knows just what to do and how to do it so that the only chains His sheep are bound to are love, peace, joy and liberty in and through Him. Recommended Bible Study: Psalm 23, 91** Deliverance, Protection and Restoration Proverbs 3** Instruction and Wisdom Isaiah 53** Immutability of God 2 Kings 18-19 ** Deliverance Matthew 11: 25-30** God's Care 1 Peter 5: 5-11** Deliverance through submission to God

Thank you for joining us for our first session of Season 2 Bible Study with Heritage of the Saints Ministry. We are beginning this episode recapping Season 1, revisiting and discussing Charles Stanley's top three principles for Godly, Christian living. You can re-listen to episodes 1-4 to learn more on Intimacy with God, how it is His (God's) highest priority for our lives and determines the impact of our lives. Intimacy with God acquaints, familiarizes and acclimates us to the Voice, Vision, Vicinity and Victory that comes through relationship and closeness with God. Seemingly lost to us through the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1 thru 3), we gain restoration to right standing with God through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the Cross. Obedience to God is a key feature of our love, devotion, dedication and trust in God as we allow Him to instruct our total being through His written Word (the Holy Bible), his apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers and wise godly counselors so that we may avoid the stumbling, falling and succumbing to the alluring deceptive temporal sensations of lust and temptation. John 14:15, Jesus says "Those that love me, obey my commands (Me)". That's about as concise as it gets. It is also a standard that is attainable through the renewing of the mind, sanctification by the Spirit of God and surgical operation of the Word on the hearts and minds of man (woman) Hebrews 4:12. Lastly, the Word of God is an immovable anchor in the times of storm is the last principle addressed in Season 1. The Word, engrained into the fiber of your being - how you think, feel, choose and decide - helps you to sustain enduring seasons, times, situations and circumstances. The Word firmly rooted in your core prevents the Christian follower from being tossed by tumultuous periods in life and maintain hopeful, faith thinking that: no storm lasts forever; and He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

Get ready! We are preparing for the release of new Bible study segments beginning in just more four more weeks. Season 2 of Heritage of the Saint Presents Bible study will consist of a twelve week dive into Scripture, drawing faith and encouragement from instances of deliverance in Scripture and our own lives. Yes!! Even in this time and day, deliverance is very much real for the Christian believer. Deliverance can be physical, financial, circumstantial, emotional, mental / psychological and most importantly spiritual. Spiritual deliverance occurs when one chooses to open their heart to God and receive salvation Romans 10:9. Deliverance in the other areas that makeup the facets of life occur over the course of the faith walk with Jesus as Lord and Savior, integrated in the process of sanctification. We touched briefly on this process trhoughout season 1 segments and how sanctification is the undoing of the habits of sin that have integrated into the soul (mind and heart) and flesh of a man / woman as a result of the Fall in the Garden of Eden. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life provides a way of escape out of every temptation that has befallen man which is packaged with our salvation = DELIVERANCE. What does deliverance look like? How do I achieve deliverance in my own life? Will all instances of deliverance follow the same pattern? These and many more of your questions will be answered over the course of our next in-depth twelve week Bible study. We hope to answer the most pressing and challenging questions you have through our sessions so that your faith builds and becomes resiliently strengthened. Please feel free to submit questions to us at grandma.andmebiblestudy@gmail.com. So be encouraged, may you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers. Love, Heritage of the Saints Ministry Apostle Gloria Harper Elder Gloria Castor Minister Marion Putman

We miss you!! Heritage of the Saints Ministry Presents will be returning with new pre-recorded Bible study sessions dropping July 4th and released every Monday for 12 weeks. If you're interested in attending via zoom we have 4 slots available for our LIVE Thursday night sessions. Please email heritageofsaintsministry@gmail.com to secure your spot! See you in class..

This week delivering our word to build us in praying the Word of God is Minister Marion. Who is God? He is a battle axe in the time of battle, He is shelter in the time of storm. Who is GOD? He is the supernatural, sovereign Being that created the world and all that is in it (Genesis 1, 2 and Psalms 24:1). God is His Word, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1). God is the Father, the Son - the Messiah - Savior of the World Jesus Christ and the resurrecting power - the Holy Spirit. His Word is present, powerful, accurate and applicable today, RIGHT NOW just as it was and will continue to be and has always been as evidenced in Scripture. Hebrews 6: 17-20 lays out two unchangeable things about God: because He is not a man that He should lie, His promises and oath are steadfast and an anchor for the soul. This anchor, our HOPE is what holds fast in Heaven so that we may endure the storms of Life. Storms of life are inevitable as long as we exist in the earth, under the rays of the sun and light of the moon. But when you have rooted and grounded yourself in the Word of God, studying, learning, understanding and applying it, you can begin to shift your perspective as to how you view storms, trials, tribulations and even the temptations of the workers of iniquity. The Bible empowers believers (not those who simply read it) to endure these seasons of adversity, for they reposition themselves under the Almighty God. By submitting ourselves to God, believers & followers gain revelation and insight to see opposition and pressure as 1.) an opportunity to experience God (building the experiential resume that those before us and those with us presently attest to) and 2.) enables us to abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (the supernatural strength and force that is not of ourselves). How is it that believers & followers have access to such equipping for adversity? Hebrews 11:6 KJV declares, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God), for he that cometh to God must believe that He is (exists), and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Being Anchored in Prayer is wrapping faith simultaneously around all our previously discussed anchors: Anchored in the Word, Anchored in the Blood (of Jesus, the garment of Blood worn by Him during His earthly ministry, shed on the Cross and remains powerful with no diminishment), and Anchored at the Cross (Crucifixion, Descension and Ascension of Jesus Christ). Revisit Immovable Anchor segments 1-3 for review and understanding.

Last week we began exploring what it means to be anchored in the Blood of Christ. In Ephesians 2: 13-16 [AMP], the Scripture details the price paid to bring us back into right standing with God. Because of Christ's great sacrifice on the Cross, the Blood shed on Mt. Calvary re-establishes peace between man / woman and the supremacy of the authoritative sovereignty of the triune God (the Father, the Son - Jesus, and the Holy Spirit). The Word of God reads as follows:  13 But now [at this very moment] in Christ Jesus you who once were [so very] far away [from God] have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace and our bond of unity. He who made both groups - [Jews and Gentiles] - into one body and broke down the barrier, the dividing wall of [spiritual antagonism between us], 15 by abolishing in His [own crucified] flesh the hostility caused by the Law with its commandments contained in ordinances [which He satisfied]; so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thereby establishing peace. 16 And [that He] might reconcile them both [Jew and Gentile, united] in one body to God through the cross, thereby putting to death the hostility.  Working simultaneously and in cooperative agreement with the Blood of Christ is His Cross - ultimately we find ourselves coming to know and understand the purpose and power of the Crucifixion. Without the Cross of Christ, there would be no Blood, hence there would be no salvation. But because of Christ's great love for us, He fixated and remained obedient unto death for the accomplishment of deliverance of God's creation (mankind) so that we may obtain unto salvation the guaranteed promise of everlasting life and the future home of Heaven (Life with God beyond the grave). So let's get into our newest segment, so that we may learn and understand how important it is that we anchor ourselves unto the Cross of Christ, and pick up our own individual crosses dying to ourselves daily, which is our reasonable service unto the Lord Christ Jesus.

In the literal sense, typically an anchor is a nautical device, usually made of a metal strong enough to anchor water vessels to the seabed for maximum holding power so the vessel and its passengers are able to endure adverse sea conditions that would otherwise threaten safety and security of persons and commodities. Similarly, though starkly different, the anchor of hope (in the Kingdom of God) comprised of spiritually assembled components that no man can manufacture. Instead of being made of metal, the anchor of hope is built by TRUSTING, RELYING, and DEPENDING on God (Proverbs 3:5-6) and continuously honed and shaped by the endurance and triumphal perseverance through testing, trials and tribulations which living in this world brings to all people. This anchor draws upward to heaven, anchored by confidence that God hears us (believers and followers) and answers according to His will and that we also hold fast to our confession of faith (1 John 5:14). Endurance and perseverance are the elements faith produces for durability in times of storm. By the Blood of Jesus (on the Cross of Calvary) the veil of the temple of Jerusalem is rent so that through our confession of faith acknowledging the Crucifixion of Christ, we can anchor our hope in heaven, having access to the power, authority and victory we need to overcome any situation, circumstance or problem we will ever face in life. Repositioning our anchor to heaven and not the world gives us placement among heavenly things and the promises allocated to those who full-heartedly seek and trust in the Lord (mind, body and soul). There's nothing more powerful than the Blood of Jesus Christ.

Truth be told, the Christian walk is not without its obstacles, trials, and challenges. In fact, they are just what you need for building the Christian, godly life. How is this so? If we were not faced with daunting opposition, we would rely on ourselves to get us out or through unsavory situations and circumstances. But because we serve a trustworthy, faithful, BIG GOD, He promises to be in it with us.....If God is in it, WE WILL WIN IT! God's promises of presence and assistance runs all throughout the Bible, Genesis to Revelation. The outpouring result of God's commitment to those who love Him is VICTORY. Through the sacrifice of Christ on Mt. Calvary and connection with God (intimacy and obedience), we will be immovable, steadfast in the times of storm as the man / woman that has built their house on the ROCK (the Word of God) and not the sand (Matthew 7: 24-26). This week's segment is focused on developing and becoming ANCHORED in the WORD. Like the nautical device used by fishermen and sailors, the anchor digs deep into the bottom of the sea to keep boats / ships from running aground, being wildly tossed by tumultuous waves thus providing maximum holding power (brittanica.com). Likewise, the anchor of faith, our hope must be set on the things above, not things on earth (Colossians 3:2), and on two immutable things of God's counsel: It is impossible for God to lie and if God promised it, he is able to perform it (Numbers 23:19). For even Abraham, after he endured patiently, obtained the promise of God who swore by Himself because He could swear by no one greater promised, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." Abraham, who by faith produced Isaac, who with faith produced Jacob who birthed the twelve tribes of Israel, who now through Jesus' crucifixion has torn the veil allowing us access and rightstanding with God (Hebrews 6:13-19). Becoming anchored in the Word provides the believer with maximum holding power -clinging to God, endurance and perseverance to OVERCOME whatever this world throws at us.

Welcome back! We hope these sessions have added to your walk of faith in Christ. As we are rounding out our segments on obedience to God, in this last but not final addressment, we will continue to build our understanding of obedience to God and how its development relates to Life Principle 1 as outlined by Charles Stanley, 'Intimacy with God is highest priority for our lives'. Obedience in the Kingdom of Light (God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Christianity) is ONLY born out of the quality time spent with God, getting to know Him, His ways, commands and instructions. Ultimately, trustworthiness for obeying God is predicated on the believer / follower decisively concluding that GOD IS GOOD all the time. As it is written in Jeremiah 29:11-15 (AMP) : 11 For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,' says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you. 13 Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,' says the Lord, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and I will [free you and] gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' says the Lord, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.' Through the process of developing obedience to God (not darkness or its affiliate principalities, ideologies, strategies, philosophies - who's exile is bondage in the mental, emotional, psychological and/or physical) the born-again Christian is able to possess the freedom and liberty through communion with the risen Christ and soul restoration through daily renewal of the mind, possessing the promised inheritance of the believer's rest : peace in the thinker, feeler and chooser of the humanly dual existential spiritual experience in the flesh, and most importantly, peace with God.

Why does obedience (to God) seems so hard to achieve? This week's Bible study session seeks to answer this question with Bible backed truth regarding the weakness of the flesh, necessity for renewing the mind and ultimately coming to know the trustworthy goodness of God (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). This session will recap what obedience and disobedience are in God's Kingdom and how time spent studying and meditating the Word of God is the transformational process that enlightens the mind to think on the things that Jesus focused His mind on for the accomplishment of Salvation (Philippians 4:8; 2 Timothy 1:7). We further examine Scripture observing the obedience and disobedience of King David, the rewards and consequences of his actions and how obedience brings about deliverance, rescue, escape, healing and breakthrough (John 9). Please feel free to email us with your questions @ grandma.andmebiblestudy@gmail.com. We look forward to hopefully addressing your questions with Biblical truth as revealed by the Holy Spirit.

In the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible, 1 Samuel 15:22 says, " But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the Lord, your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams."" What does this all mean? In this week's Bible study session, we will begin examining obedience to God, which is more than just outward actions. Obedience to God necessitates an internal environment attuned to the Word of God - intentions, motives, thoughts, feelings and meditations of the soul - which culminates how we think, feel, choose and decide. Could it be that the external changes you are seeking will only be accomplishable through an internal acclimation to God's Word? I believe so, if and only if we take on the mind of Christ Philippians 2:5-11. The synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John allow us front row seat into the mind of Christ through their accounts of Jesus as they followed Him as His disciples. Jesus' humility, wise teaching and obedience to the will of God garnered God the Father's exclamation (Mark 1:11;Matthew 17:5; 2 Peter 1:17): "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." If Christ is our example, are we sons (daughters) of light if we disobey God? Or have we submitted to the plans of the adversary, thus being children of disobedience. We will begin the Prescription of Obedience by way of subscription to the mind of Christ, His thoughts, His ways, HIS WORD - the final authority.

Wow! I hope new understanding and insight has been acquired these past few weeks as we explored what intimacy with God looks like biblically and how each one of us through Jesus Christ are also able to commune and fellowship with the ONE TRUE GOD, Yahweh, Elohim. The TRUTH of the matter is that your mind has been veiled by the deceptions of darkness and spiritual wickedness, both subtle and apparent. But I am determined that YOU shall know the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall set you free (John 8:32). This week will add to our faith, and build upon intimacy with God by exploring obedience. Obedience to God is commanded and desired of HIM. Disobedience, which constitutes sin places one in opposition, against God. While we are imperfect beings and challenges present making obedience to God seem difficult to achieve (of the flesh), a renewed mind (Romans 12: 1-3) and partnership with the Holy Spirit bring the flesh into submission to God through testing, training and fasting. Over the coming weeks, we will begin to explore obedience, defining it, notating the consequences associated with disobedience, rewards for obedience and the manifestation of its Fruit (Galatians 5). Let's do some work!

Let me just begin by saying, "God, thank you for blessing me with a praying grandmother. She loves you and adores you and it brings tears to my eyes when I hear her talking to you or pleading before you. Thank you for such a good role model and wise counsel. I get it now and you know what I mean." - GloriaJ. While this is our final week focusing on intimacy with God, this is merely just a component of the foundation for the temple of God to be built in you and segway us into next week's life principle: Obey God and leave the consequences to HIM. Knowledge, wisdom and understanding of God's Word will restore the proper thinking to the original creation. Hopefully this week will bring roundness to the dominion, power and glory God created you with and available to you this day. Time spent with God is the greatest investment you can make with the currency faith. You will come to know the truth and no longer be able to be held by the lies, deceptions, false doctrine, teaching, preaching or prophesying soon to increase in coming days. While we focus on today and leave tomorrow's worries for tomorrow, nonetheless it is imperative to renew your mind to know : YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR THROUGH HIM WHO LOVES US.

The Eden Encounter (cont'd) As we continue to explore intimacy with God (continued) Examination of Genesis 1 through 3 distinctively displays the difference between man and woman compared to animals. Man and woman are made in the eternal nature of God, created with a purposeful intentional intimate relationship with GOD. Through confession, connection and communion with God you can come to know GOD unwaveringly and reveal to the world your TRUE IDENTITY, as a reflection of His glory. So what went awry in the Garden between Adam, Eve and God? How do we return to close relationship with God? How do we not succumb to the subtle sly suggestion of spiritual wickedness? This lesson will conclude our excavation the fall of man in Genesis followed by an explanation how the restoration of relationship with God is available to every believer because of Jesus Christs' vouchsafe of HIS body to the Cross on Mt. Calvary and is advantageous to building a life consistently obedient to the Word of God.

As we continue to explore intimacy with God - how it's God highest priority for us (His creation), we return to the Garden of Eden. God made man in HIS image, according to HIS likeness (Genesis 1:26). What does this mean? What connotation can understanding this intentional emphasis on IN OUR IMAGE contribute to our relationship with God? Examination of Genesis 1 through 3 distinctively display the difference between man and woman compared to animals. Man and woman are made in the eternal nature of God, created with a purposeful intentional intimate relationship with GOD. Through confession, connection and communion with God you can come to know God unwaveringly and reveal to the world your TRUE IDENTITY, as a reflection of His glory. So what went awry in the Garden between Adam, Eve and God? How do we return to close relationship with God? How do we not succumb to the subtle sly suggestion of spiritual wickedness? The next two lessons will excavate the consequences of sin, followed by an explanation how the restoration of relationship with God is available to every believer because of Jesus Christs' vouchsafe of HIS body to the Cross on Mt. Calvary and advantageous to building a life consistently obedient to the Word of God.

The bulk of this week's session will explore the examples of intimacy with God, its varying forms, modalities and degrees. Despite the betrayal, trials and sufferings of King David, David boasted continuously in song about the unseen God of Israel's redemption, faithfulness, love, mercy, goodness, forgiveness, protection, provision, power and abilities to save and rescue those that seek Him and love Him. Differing in modality, the Samaritan woman at the well encountered God incarnate (Jesus Christ). Through the open-ended questioning between the two, this unnamed woman left the encounter with revelatory understanding of God's immeasurable forgiveness of sin through the love gift of Christ. Time spent in the Word of God is time wisely invested. Prioritizing time with God is directly correlated with manifested evidence in one's character, conduct, decisioning and heart posture aligning to Scripture and Godly living. If you intend to set out in the right direction to reach the destination of PURPOSE and DESTINY, you must begin with learning, understanding and applying the Word of God (Holy Bible) to your mind and heart (Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 29:11). This is why this study of Life Principles as outlined by Charles Stanley commences with the importance of re-establishing and growing your relationship with God and follow HIM.

This 12-week focused Bible study will assist in laying a firm foundation of faith based on inerrant Scripture for application to life. The following three Life Principles as put forth by Charles Stanley are critical to walking by faith and not by sight. You will be empowered to courageously face the challenges and hostilities in this world as you grow in grace and live a life transformed by the encounter with The Truth, Love, Mercy and Forgiveness of God. The focus of this first segment will center on 1. Intimacy with God is HIS highest priority for our live AND determines the impact of our lives; followed by 2. OBEY God and leave all the consequences to HIM and lastly, the last four weeks 3. God's Word is an IMMOVABLE ANCHOR in times of storm (crisis).