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Marketplace Entrepreneur for the Kingdom of God • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org Please help us fight back and take a stand: www.ToddCoconato.com/give We are in a critical hour where the lines between sacred and secular are blurring—not because we're compromising the Gospel, but because God is invading every sphere of society through His people. The Church is not confined to the four walls of a building. In fact, many of the greatest battles and victories of this generation will not take place in pulpits, but in boardrooms, offices, construction sites, online platforms, and homes. You don't have to be a pulpit preacher to be in full-time ministry. If you're called to the marketplace, then you're on the frontlines of spiritual warfare, influence, and kingdom advancement. 1. Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV) “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” 2. Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV) “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” 3. Proverbs 13:22 (NKJV) “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” 4. Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV) “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” 5. Acts 18:1-3 (NKJV) “After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila… with his wife Priscilla… because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.” 6. Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV) “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” 7. Isaiah 60:1-3 (NKJV) “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” 8. Luke 19:13 (NKJV) “So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.'” 9. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NKJV) “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” 10. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (NKJV) “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, for you do not know what evil will be on the earth.” 11. Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV) “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy… or he who gives, with liberality… he who leads, with diligence…” God is raising up Josephs, Daniels, Deborahs, and Esthers in the marketplace—leaders who can manage resources, interpret dreams, influence kings, and save nations. You may not stand in a pulpit, but your calling is no less holy. Your business is a platform for truth, your clients are a mission field, and your profits can fund revival. This is the hour to rise up as a kingdom entrepreneur—set apart, filled with the Spirit, and unashamed of the Gospel in the business world. CCLI: 21943673

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬There is nothing that can separate you from God's love. Scripture is clear that Jesus' death paid for all of your wrongdoing —past, present, and future. Not even your own mistakes could keep God from loving and forgiving you.you are not alone believe it!!

It Was Won on the Cross: Complete and Total Victory • Sunday Service   If you'd like to support the ministry, please visit: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Learn more at: www.PastorTodd.org   Today, I want to speak a message that is both timeless and urgent—“It Was Won on the Cross: Complete and Total Victory.” In a world full of chaos, compromise, and confusion, many believers are living below their spiritual inheritance. Why? Because they don't truly understand what was purchased at Calvary. The finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross is not just a historical event—it is a living reality that gives us power, identity, and authority right now. This message is a call to return to the power of the cross and to own what was done, so we can walk in complete victory in these end-times. 1. Colossians 2:14-15 (NKJV) “Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” 2. John 19:30 (NKJV) “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” 3. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” 4. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” 5. Romans 6:6-7 (NKJV) “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.” 6. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV) “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 7. Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV) “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” 8. Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” 9. Ephesians 2:13-14 (NKJV) “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” 10. Romans 8:1-2 (NKJV) “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” It was won on the cross. Total victory. Not partial. Not future. NOW. In a world that's shaking, you don't have to. In a world that's deceived, you can walk in truth. In a world that's fearful, you can be bold. Because you are anchored in what was finished at the cross. Own it. Walk in it. Preach it. Live like it's true—because it is. CCLI: 21943673

Godly Self-Esteem: Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.toddcoconato.com/give   “Godly Self-Esteem: Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes” Message of Hope, Identity, and Purpose In today's world, many struggle with self-esteem due to comparison, trauma, rejection, and lies from the enemy. But our self-worth should never be based on others' opinions or our past. Instead, it must be rooted in how God sees us. You are not an accident—you were created on purpose, with purpose. Let's explore 10 powerful scriptures from the New King James Version that speak life into our identity and self-worth.   1. Psalm 139:13–14 (NKJV) “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”   2. Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”   3. Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”   4. Romans 8:1 (NKJV) “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”   5. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”   6. Song of Solomon 4:7 (NKJV) “You are all fair, my love, And there is no spot in you.”   7. Isaiah 43:4 (NKJV) “Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you…”   8. Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”   9. 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…”   10. Romans 8:38–39 (NKJV) “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life… nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”   Self-esteem in the world often swings with performance, appearance, or approval. But godly self-esteem is anchored in unchanging truth: You are who God says you are. You are loved, chosen, valuable, and created for a purpose. Let these truths renew your mind and empower you to walk boldly in your identity.

“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.””‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬There is a sound of abundance of rain over me and my family. Happy weekend everyone and I hope we are all doing well!!

24_01_25 -Ep.348 – Run With Horses Podcast – Spiritual Disciplines - Fellowship Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith — **(28:00)** Today we continue our survey of the spiritual disciplines. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you're new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(27:00 – 23:00)** Caregivers Corner Stages of Spiritual Growth – Questions to Ponder Young Adult and Parent **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 Solitude, silence, fasting, simplicity, meditation, Study, worship, prayer, fellowship, service. Fellowship As A Spiritual Discipline Introduction Fellowship : a deep, spiritual, and relational bond among believers in Christ, united through the Holy Spirit. Fellowship is often undervalued as a spiritual discipline but it is essential for Christian growth, accountability, and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 - 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 1: Biblical Foundation of Fellowship 1.1. Fellowship in the Early Church Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV) "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Fellowship was not just social but an intentional, spiritual practice. Community: teaching, breaking bread, prayer, and sharing in each other's needs. 1.2. Theological Importance of Fellowship 1 John 1:3 (NKJV) "That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." Fellowship with one another is rooted in our fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. It's not just about socializing; it's about participation in the life of God through Christ. 2: Fellowship as a Spiritual Discipline 2.1. The Role of Fellowship in Christian Growth Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Fellowship is a necessary part of Christian life because it encourages us to love one another and perform good works. Regular gathering in worship and fellowship for mutual encouragement. 2.2. Fellowship as Encouragement and Accountability Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV) "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Fellowship involves mutual care, helping each other through struggles, and bearing one another's burdens. 3: Fellowship and the Importance of Community for Spiritual Growth 3.1. Using Spiritual Gifts Within the Community 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NKJV) "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all." Fellowship involves the active use of spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ. Not isolating one's spiritual gifts but using them in the context of community for the mutual edification of all believers. 3.2. Living Out the "One Anothers" of the New Testament Romans 12:10 (NKJV) "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." Galatians 5:13 (NKJV) "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Ephesians 4:2-3 (NKJV) "With all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." We all have a call to "one another" living: love one another, serve one another, bear with one another, and forgive one another. These relational commands can only truly be lived out within the community of believers. Fellowship, in community, is where we practice these commands. 3.3. The Community and Spiritual Growth Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Fellowship in community provides the context for mutual sharpening and growth. Accountability, prayer, correction, and encouragement are critical in the spiritual formation of every body of believers. 4: Practical Ways to Cultivate Fellowship 4.1. Intentional Relationships Romans 12:10 (NKJV) "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." Because we are all so busy, making fellowship a priority is important, creating opportunities for one-on-one and group connection. 4.2. The Role of Shared Meals and Hospitality Acts 2:46 (NKJV) "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart." Fellowship is deeply connected to shared meals and hospitality in the early church. What are practical ways this could be applied today? 4.3. Prayer and Spiritual Conversations Matthew 18:20 (NKJV) "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Prayer meetings, small groups, and discussing Scripture are ways to cultivate deeper fellowship. 5: The Power of Fellowship for Mission 5.1. Evangelism Through Fellowship John 13:34-35 (NKJV) "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Fellowship serves as a witness to the world of God's love, drawing others into the faith through the community of believers. Our relationship with each other draws others in. 5.2. The Global Fellowship of Believers Philippians 1:5 (NKJV) "For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." Fellowship is not just a local practice but a global reality for the church as a whole. Christians are united in the mission of spreading the gospel. Conclusion Summarize: importance of fellowship as a spiritual discipline, its role in spiritual growth, and its impact on mission. How are your fellowship practices and how can you deepen your relationships with fellow believers. Make fellowship an intentional part of your Christian walk, both in personal relationships and in the broader church community.   **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**   **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**     **(5:00 – 1:00)** The Mission of the Church The mission is rooted in the Great Commission, the call to make disciples of all nations, as well as the call to love, serve, and witness to our communities. The Great Commission The local church is primarily tasked with evangelizing and making disciples. Jesus gave this clear command in Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV) This mission to go and make disciples is not just for individual Christians but for the collective body of Christ, the church. Every church, whether large or small, is called to be part of this global mission to spread the gospel. The Church as a Witness The local church also serves as a witness of God's love, truth, and holiness to the world. Jesus said in Acts 1:8: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, NKJV) The local church's mission extends beyond its walls. It is called to bear witness to Christ, not just in its immediate community (Jerusalem), but also to the surrounding areas (Judea and Samaria), and even to the ends of the earth. This requires both local outreach and global mission efforts. The Church as a People of Fellowship and Discipleship A central aspect of the local church's mission is fostering a community where believers can grow in their faith. In Acts 2:42, we see the early church's commitment to fellowship and discipleship: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42, NKJV) Through teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer, the church strengthens its members to live out their faith and equip them to serve in the mission of Christ. A local church is a place where Christians come together to grow deeper in their relationship with God and each other. The Church as a People of Service The local church is also called to serve both its members and the surrounding community. In Galatians 6:10, Paul encourages the church to actively do good: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10, NKJV) This service is a practical outworking of the love of Christ. It involves caring for the needy, providing for the poor, and supporting those who are suffering. Serving within the church and in the wider community is part of the mission to represent Christ and His love in tangible ways. Conclusion To sum it up, the local church has a clear and vital mission: to make disciples, to be witnesses of Christ, to foster fellowship and discipleship among believers, and to serve those in need. This mission is not just about activities; it's about living out the gospel in every area of life. As we seek to fulfill this mission, we can be confident that Christ is with us every step of the way (Matthew 28:20).   **(1:00)** Philippians 1:6 – "...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." – “Thank you for listening today! Giving Thanks should be a daily part of the life of every disciple of Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for, we just so easily are distracted by the details of life.Be intentional, be thankful! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running. **(00:00)** AD: If you want to support the Run With Horses Podcast and Radio Show, the best way you can do that is by telling other people about it and leaving a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Another way is by checking out our books. Our goal is to support your spiritual growth in any way we can. A link to each of our author pages on Amazon is in the show notes. You can find all our shows with links to the most popular podcast apps at rwh.podbean.com. Thanks for joining us on the journey! https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith    

Romans 8:1, 5 (NKJV) “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”

”You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.“ ‭‭I John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ There is a battle happening around us in battle for your heart ,for your mind for your soul. But greater is the one living inside of you than the one who is living in this world.happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful women out there,I love and celebrate you all amen

3 Keys to Reach Your People Through Prophecy God's given you a voice to reach certain people in the body of Christ. In this episode, you learn to hone your gift of prophecy to reach them effectively. Listen for an impartation. A Message From Your Prophetic Peers "Prophecy isn't for you, it's for the people. When we prophesy, we go through training, equipping, and stripping to reach the people we are prophesying to."  - Michael & Deborah-Anne Velthuysen Join the Tribe! - myprophetictribe.com Scriptures Used in This Message 1 Corinthians 14:10-12 (NKJV): There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without [a]significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a [b]foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are [c]zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the [d]edification of the church that you seek to excel.  

Proverbs 21:30 (NKJV) There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the Lord.

Victorious Weapons I believe the Lord would have us consider two points today.First Point:Jesus' victory at the cross over sin, sickness and death has ushered us into the family of God as adopted sons and daughters. Therefore, our lives one to be lived in victory not victimhood.Romans 8:37 (ESV)“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”Romans 5:6, 8-10 (NIV)“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly...But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”In order to obtain the victory, Jesus secured for us at the cross He has given us weapons to combat our enemies.2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”Mighty in God .They pull down strongholds.Casting down arguments [which may also be translated imaginations]. Every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.Second Point:Romans 12:2 (ESV)“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”So, let us rehearse the truth our experience and standing with God.Romans 8:1 (NKJV)“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”Romans 8:11 (NKJV)“...if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”Romans 8:14-17 (NKJV)“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ...”Romans 8:28-29 (NKJV)“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”Romans 8:31 (NKJV)“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”Romans 8:35-39 (NKJV)“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:‘For Your sake we are killed all day long;We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.'Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

“And be not conformed to this world: but be yetransformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may provewhat is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”~Romans 12:2 (KJV)“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, butmighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;)Casting down imaginations, and every high thing thatexalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringinginto captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”~II Corinthians 10:4-5 (KJV)“Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the thingsabove [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth[which have only temporal value]. For you died [to this world],and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.”~Colossians 3:2-3 (AMP)As born-again believers, we have been redeemed from the cursethat still resides on this world.That's awesome news! However, the enemy wants to keep usbound to our past mistakes, our past sins, and our past selves. Theway to overcome this is by renewing our minds to the Word ofGod!I am a new creation! “Old things have passed away, beholdall things have become new!” ~II Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)“There is therefore now no condemnation to them whichare in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but afterthe spirit!” ~Romans 8:1 (KJV)When we speak the Word of God, it releases the power of Godin our lives! It reminds the enemy that we are no longer his. Itreminds us that we have been made new. It reminds the world thatwe are different!Simply speaking the Word, however, is not enough, we mustallow it to wash over us to the point that we don't simply speak itfrom rote memorization, but from a place of faith, of trust, ofknowing that we know that it works and that it is our sword!Listen, the Bible is alive! It works. It is spirit and it is truth. It hasthe power to change us from the inside out, to bring us into adeeper, more intimate walk with the Lord. It has the power to moldus into a force to be reckoned with!When we are full of the Word of God, we have the power to castdown wicked imaginations and everything that would dare exaltitself against the knowledge of God!We live in a world that is anti-Christ, anti-Bible, and anti-Jesus,but can I tell you some more great news?! That doesn't have tofaze us when our hope is not in what we can see but what we can'tsee! The Bible allows us to see the unseen, to have an eternalperspective, to see as God sees, to love as God loves, and to hate asGod hates!With the Bible as our sole guide, we can know Him more, andwe can become more like Him!Be encouraged today, no matter what you are facing right now.The Bible has the answers! Jesus is the answer!The Bible says, “For in Him we live and move and exist[that is, in Him we actually have our being], as even some ofyour own poets have said, „For we also are His children.‟”~Acts 17:28 (AMP)In Him we are more than conquerors! In Him we are victorious!In Him we have peace and joy!He is for you!

In today's episode we discuss why so many families are using the Charlotte Mason philosophy to educate their children.See the Show Notes for This Episode--------Commonplace Quotes:Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (NKJV)“There are four means of destroying the desire for knowledge:––(a) Too many oral lessons, which offer knowledge in a diluted form, and do not leave the child free to deal with it.(b) Lectures, for which the teacher collects, arranges, and illustrates matter from various sources; these often offer knowledge in too condensed and ready prepared a form.(c) Text-books compressed and recompressed from the big book of the big man.(d) The use of emulation and ambition as incentives to learning in place of the adequate desire for, and delight in, knowledge.” (School Education, pg. 214)."Lessons must furnish ideas “In this way: give your child a single valuable idea and you have done more for his education than if you had laid upon his mind the burden of bushels of information; for the child who grows up with a few dominant ideas has his self-education provided for, his career marked out”. (Home Education, pg. 174).“The question is not, -- how much does the youth know? when he has finished his education -- but how much does he care?” (School Education).--------Further Education:Home Education by Charlotte Mason (*affiliate link)--------Learn with over 100 fellow mothers in the Charlotte Mason Motherhood Community.https://www.patreon.com/charlottemasonmotherhood(See exclusive Day in the Life videos, Lesson Plan With Me, Get free downloads and resources for meal planning, homeschool, and more!)--------Find me on:YouTube | Instagram

In this episode, Host Chae Cole encourages listeners who may have been feeling depleted, weary, or fatigued in the past few weeks. It is in moments like these we understand that we cannot keep this up. Through these moments, Chae suggests that this could be a wake up call that we have relied too much on our own strength and God is asking us to relinquish control and fully trust in Him. Listen to this episode to be encouraged to submit your plans to God and trust in His plan! Scripture: Proverbs 14:12 NKJV - There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Host: Chae Cole Instagram: @Coletherapy Website: https://www.coletherapy.com Email: therapycole@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Power of Thank You Early this week, I needed my four year old son to help me with an item. I asked him “Would you please get your sister's pair of tight for me? I said ‘thank you' immediately after the request. Guess what he responded with - “Mom! I did not even say I will go and you said ‘thank you'! That response was a huge surprise to me and I said “come on” with a soft tone. I heard him as he walked off saying “alright”. What a lesson I re-learnt that morning - The power of ‘thank you'! A simple “thank you” is so powerful. A research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that a mere “thank you” more than doubled the likelihood that those providing help would provide assistance again.  The research also found that a ‘thank you” yielded an increase of 50 percent in terms of productivity and an increase of 15 percent in the average amount of time a person spent providing assistance.  The researchers also noted a spill-over effect.  That is, gratitude begets gratitude A good example of a life flowing with thankfulness is Abraham. Abraham was instructed by God to leave his home country and his family to a country where he would show him. Upon arrival at Canaan, the Lord appeared to Abram and said He would give the land to his children. Do you know what Abram did? He built an altar on the place where God appeared to him, to honour the Lord. Abraham did something powerful - he thanked the Lord for appearing to him and giving him an encouraging and re-assuring word. Of a truth, God fulfilled His promises. Psalms 22.3 states that God enthrones in the praises of Israel. He dwells in the praises of His people. “But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭22:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ There is no better place to be than where God dwells- in the praises of His people. Do you desire to experience and enjoy the presence of God every single day? Are you desperate to continually bask in the abundance of God's love and goodness? The key is thankfulness. As we are intentional and mindful of living a thankful and praiseful life to God, His grace will be made available for us to see reason to be thankful even when we do not feel like it. Let us pray Father we thank you for reminding us of the power of ‘thank you'. This is so powerful, that You can use a child to remind us to live thankful lives. We just just want to say thank you Lord. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/abimbola-arawande/message

https://youtu.be/QA4o6ye3Os4 Conjoined (Romans 8:31-39) *Verses in NKJV* - There are about 4 million babies born per year in the U.S. - About 300,000 are identical twins, about 25% of those are “mirror image” twins like Dan and me. - Example: Twins are rare. My birth story, according to my mom… - Our older brother was a big baby, so Mom's weight gain and size was similar to before. Our heart beats we in sync, and the doc could only feel one head and one set of feet (mine, because I was on top). 47 years ago… ultrasounds were not widely used back then. There was no reason to expect twins. - Twins are usually side-by-side, but I was wrapped around Dan in the womb, hiding him. It wasn't until 10 days before the birth that anyone found out my mom was having twins. - Dan would have been the first born naturally, but we were C-section, so I was born first. The doctor said, “what a big baby!” then pulled Dan out and said, “wow, an even bigger baby!” I stole his birthright! My parents had decided to name the first born after our grandfathers, Jason and William, and because that ended up being me, I got those names instead of Dan! - During the x-ray and not knowing yet it was twins, while lying on the table it appeared as if the baby had 2 heads and 4 arms, which noticeably freaked out the x-ray tech. He sat my mom up and tried again, and that's when he realized we were actually separate twins. * It looked like my mom was having conjoined twins! - Conjoined twins are Extremely rare (Fewer than 1,000 cases per year in U.S.) - Krista and Tatiana Hogan are 15 years old and live in Canada. Like other conjoined twins, they have defied great odds to make it this far. The Hogan twins are joined at the head and their brains are connected by a thalamic bridge. The most fascinating thing about their condition is that they can see out of each other's eyes, and they say that they can “hear” each other's thoughts.  - Abigail and Brittany Hensel are 31 years old and live in Minnesota. They are one of the rarest conjoined twins, because they share a torso but have two heads side by side. Like any other twins, they each have their own personalities. Both of them graduated from college with a teaching degree, and today work are 5th grade teachers. - Like these four girls, often conjoined twins cannot be separated, because they share the vital things needed for life inside them. One cannot live without the other. - In a spiritual way, as Christians, we are conjoined to Christ. The same Holy Spirit that gave Jesus life, gives us life. It you tried to separate us, we would die a spiritual death. - The good news is that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God through Jesus Christ! - Read Romans 8:31-39 #1. There is NO earthly thing that can defeat the Holy Spirit inside you. - What is Paul referring to when he says, “What shall we say to these things?”   - In Romans chapter 8, Paul is encouraging the believers to walk in spirit and not in the flesh. That means to live according to the scriptures, listen to the Holy Spirit in your life, do not give in to sin. - “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”  Only if the spirit of God lives in you, will you have life. We are adopted in as God's children. - The suffering, and drama, and earthly power around you, cannot compare or compete with the power, and grace, and amazing glory that will be reveled through Jesus, IN us, and THROUGH us! - In light of all this, the Apostle Paul proclaims, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”   - Example: 1992, the “Dream Team”, first time pros could play in the Olympics, and they destroyed everyone. No one even had a chance. (Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Carl Malone, John Stockton, Scottie Pippin, Chris Mullin, Christian Laettner…. There was a “Christian” on the team!) - Isaiah 41:10,

https://youtu.be/QA4o6ye3Os4 Conjoined (Romans 8:31-39) *Verses in NKJV* - There are about 4 million babies born per year in the U.S. - About 300,000 are identical twins, about 25% of those are “mirror image” twins like Dan and me. - Example: Twins are rare. My birth story, according to my mom… - Our older brother was a big baby, so Mom's weight gain and size was similar to before. Our heart beats we in sync, and the doc could only feel one head and one set of feet (mine, because I was on top). 47 years ago… ultrasounds were not widely used back then. There was no reason to expect twins. - Twins are usually side-by-side, but I was wrapped around Dan in the womb, hiding him. It wasn't until 10 days before the birth that anyone found out my mom was having twins. - Dan would have been the first born naturally, but we were C-section, so I was born first. The doctor said, “what a big baby!” then pulled Dan out and said, “wow, an even bigger baby!” I stole his birthright! My parents had decided to name the first born after our grandfathers, Jason and William, and because that ended up being me, I got those names instead of Dan! - During the x-ray and not knowing yet it was twins, while lying on the table it appeared as if the baby had 2 heads and 4 arms, which noticeably freaked out the x-ray tech. He sat my mom up and tried again, and that's when he realized we were actually separate twins. * It looked like my mom was having conjoined twins! - Conjoined twins are Extremely rare (Fewer than 1,000 cases per year in U.S.) - Krista and Tatiana Hogan are 15 years old and live in Canada. Like other conjoined twins, they have defied great odds to make it this far. The Hogan twins are joined at the head and their brains are connected by a thalamic bridge. The most fascinating thing about their condition is that they can see out of each other's eyes, and they say that they can “hear” each other's thoughts.  - Abigail and Brittany Hensel are 31 years old and live in Minnesota. They are one of the rarest conjoined twins, because they share a torso but have two heads side by side. Like any other twins, they each have their own personalities. Both of them graduated from college with a teaching degree, and today work are 5th grade teachers. - Like these four girls, often conjoined twins cannot be separated, because they share the vital things needed for life inside them. One cannot live without the other. - In a spiritual way, as Christians, we are conjoined to Christ. The same Holy Spirit that gave Jesus life, gives us life. It you tried to separate us, we would die a spiritual death. - The good news is that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God through Jesus Christ! - Read Romans 8:31-39 #1. There is NO earthly thing that can defeat the Holy Spirit inside you. - What is Paul referring to when he says, “What shall we say to these things?”   - In Romans chapter 8, Paul is encouraging the believers to walk in spirit and not in the flesh. That means to live according to the scriptures, listen to the Holy Spirit in your life, do not give in to sin. - “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”  Only if the spirit of God lives in you, will you have life. We are adopted in as God's children. - The suffering, and drama, and earthly power around you, cannot compare or compete with the power, and grace, and amazing glory that will be reveled through Jesus, IN us, and THROUGH us! - In light of all this, the Apostle Paul proclaims, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”   - Example: 1992, the “Dream Team”, first time pros could play in the Olympics, and they destroyed everyone. No one even had a chance. (Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Carl Malone, John Stockton, Scottie Pippin, Chris Mullin, Christian Laettner…. There was a “Christian” on the team!) - Isaiah 41:10,

As we get into part 2, we've got to get this issue settled in our thinking if we're ever going to be successful in our ambassadorship. The things of the Kingdom are spiritual in their reality.  Brought into this world through the born again yielding to the Kingdom that's already functioning in us. Remember what Jesus told us, “We're in this world but not of this world.” Paul adds to this revelation with this statement, He has transferred us out of the kingdom of darkness and into His Kingdom. “LET THEM HAVE DOMINION” is one of the fundamental principles of the Kingdom of God into this visible world God gave His creation. Make no mistake, comprehending all that Christ has made available for His people demands a life of faith. A new way of living. 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We live by faith, not by sight.” NLT, we live by believing, not seeing.” But here's the deal, way too many of God's people are still governed more by the natural than the spiritual.  Truth is, it's not the powers of the kingdom of darkness that stop us, it's our refusal to embrace the world we're born of, embracing a way of living that is beyond humanity.  This is why we have to stop reading God's word as some religious, rule book. Look at it as his instruction manual for the Kingdom. Philippians 3:17-20, NLT- Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are CITIZENS OF HEAVEN, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. Paul helps us see this clearer in 2 Corinthians 5, In Christ we have been given these new lives through Him and now since He's given us the ministry of reconciliation, He's calling others through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20, NKJV- We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. Ambassadors- A diplomat of highest rank, sent on behalf of their homeland, representing, and coordinating relations and events of the foreign land they've been assigned. In this passage in Corinthians, when he tells us we're new creations, what do you think new creations really means?  John 1:12, NIV- “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” Galatians 3:29, MSG- Since you are Christ's family, then you are Abraham's famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.” Chapter 4, And because we are sons of God, His Spirit lives in us, making us heirs of God thorough Christ.Romans 8, We are joint heirs with Christ. Remember, CITIZENS OF HEAVEN God's original design was and is for His people to be the light of the world. In other words, we, His body the church are supposed to be the influence in business, education, government, in every aspect of society. Isaiah 48:17,NKJV- Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.” According to Isaiah, God will lead us in success, but we've got to do it His way. The church His body, has been sent to inspire communities, impacting culture, being the driving force in society.  Remember, let them have dominion. Jesus restored what man lost. This is why He told us, “All authority was given to Me.” Then He sent His disciples out. And as we become successful in following the Lord, the more the Kingdom of Heaven is advanced. Check this out, Isaiah 11:9, “For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” As God's ambassadors, the church should be the driving force of influence. Now when I use the term church, I'm in no way referring to any one denomination or organization. I'm referring to the spiritual reality of the body of Christ in the earth functioning through those He has called.  Unfortunately, we have given place to the enemy in these areas of society. And because we have allowed the enemy to have too much liberty, he's turned things around to the point where now society is having to much of an influence in the church.  Causing great division in the church, diminishing our influence, and it's time for that to change. The prophet Ezekiel actually says, “This land that has become desolate, out of control and unrecognizable, is now becoming like the garden of Eden.” Jesus never intended for the gospel of the kingdom to be limited to just missing hell and making heaven. He's expecting the Kingdom of Heaven, His government, His ordained system, to be implemented by His governing body, the church in the earth.  This is why Jesus makes statements like He did in Matthew 6:33, AMP- “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” We literally are ambassadors for this kingdom we've been born into. But when the influence of God is removed from our culture, people are left to their own conclusions. Proverbs tells us, where there is no divine revelation from the Almighty, people make their own decisions. The thing is, without any revelation on how to live out of a world we can't see, the faith God has given us will be useless. Proverbs 14:12, NKJV- “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” The challenge for a lot of Christians is that we're so consumed with this world, (sleeping with Delilah)that believing in a way of living that we cannot access through our natural, human senses isn't something we honestly consider. This is why faith is an absolute in God's Kingdom. Anyone who comes to Him must believe… we have to embrace the reality that this world we represent is spiritual. And our God is supernatural! Remember, 2 Corinthians 5:7, We live by believing, not seeing. Stop letting this natural world dictate every decision we make. Let's stop looking at what we're not, the training and education you may or may not have. The titles and positions, who you may or may not know. And start expecting God to be the God of the Bible. The children of Israel repeatedly show us types of the Kingdom life. Understand, God doesn't change. He's still waiting on His people to go in and possess what He's already given. Numbers 13:1-2,30-32, NLT- “The Lord now said to Moses, “Send out men to explore the land of Canaan, the land I am giving to the Israelites. Send one leader from each of the twelve ancestral tribes.” But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let's go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can't go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” So, they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge.” Ten out of the twelve leaders God sent to bring back a report of the promised land, brought back nothing but unbelief. This prophetic picture lets us know that just because everybody's doing it doesn't make it right. The majority was wrong, led only by their senses, governed by unbelief. The Kingdom of Heaven is an already established government that cannot change, far superior to this fallen world. The question is, how long will we continue putting off possessing what God has given you? Ten unbelieving leaders led almost an entire nation away from God's promises, all because of where their focus was. So as ambassadors for Jesus, walking in the Kingdom of God, we are going to have to watch who we associate with. This is why Paul told us, don't kid yourself, evil company corrupts good habits, bad friends will destroy you. Remember Isaiah's words, “The Lord will lead you in the way you should go.”   

https://youtu.be/MXQiwGqdohA FAITH OR LAW?  YOUR CHOICE Romans 3:27-31 NLT “Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.   29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course, He is. 30 There is only one God, and He makes people right with Himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do, we truly fulfill the law.” Can we boast about salvation, that we did anything to be accepted by God?  NO! It is by faith that we are saved not by the works we do.  Can you imagine if it was by works that we were saved?  First of all, that would be a lot of hard work trying attain eternal life. I can't imagine what church would look like…I assume it would look more like corporate offices, some acting better than others because of their achievements, others fighting and backstabbing to get to the top, there would be a lot of competition and comparisons, and others would probably be discouraged and give up because they would probably feel like they can't keep up with all the craziness.  BUT praise God that it is only by faith that we are saved, we can't boast that we have done anything to be accepted by God. “Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Gal 6:14 NKJV “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  According to Galatians 3:19 The purpose of the law was to show people that their sinful actions are offenses against God. It was designed to last only until the promised child, the Messiah. The Jews we were all about obeying the law, they observed the sabbath, fasted, prayed at required times, followed required rituals, tithed etc.; which there is nothing wrong with the fact that they did these things, the problem was that this to them was just a routine, it wasn't about their faith in God or a need for a relationship with Him.  Jews believed it was all about works.They believed as long as they did what the law required of them, then they were righteous before God.   They honored the Mosaic law (which was given by God, yet they rejected Jesus.  (Sounds like what is happening today.  Many call themselves Christians, yet their lifestyles clearly reject Jesus.)  They pick and choose what scriptures they want to follow.  The Jews clearly rejected scriptures like Isaiah 53 that talks about the coming Messiah who would be despised and rejected by His very own. Their faith was not in God but in His laws. Some current churches – homosexuality We can fool people, but we can't food God. It doesn't matter how perfectly we try to follow the laws of God, at some point, actually at many points we all fall short of His glory. Romans 3:10 NKJV “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:23 NKJV “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” It is only by faith and the power of Christ within us that we can live a life pleasing to Him. 28 “So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.”   Are you doing good deeds (obeying the law) instead of following God's leading? The Bible has made it clear that it's not by obeying the law that we are made right with God but through faith.  The pharisees were perfect examples of law keepers.  They worked hard to keep the laws and even condemned those that did not do the same.  BUT sadly, they had no relationship with God.  God does not look at our outward actions to determine our salvation, He looks at the heart.

https://youtu.be/MXQiwGqdohA FAITH OR LAW?  YOUR CHOICE Romans 3:27-31 NLT “Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.   29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course, He is. 30 There is only one God, and He makes people right with Himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do, we truly fulfill the law.” Can we boast about salvation, that we did anything to be accepted by God?  NO! It is by faith that we are saved not by the works we do.  Can you imagine if it was by works that we were saved?  First of all, that would be a lot of hard work trying attain eternal life. I can't imagine what church would look like…I assume it would look more like corporate offices, some acting better than others because of their achievements, others fighting and backstabbing to get to the top, there would be a lot of competition and comparisons, and others would probably be discouraged and give up because they would probably feel like they can't keep up with all the craziness.  BUT praise God that it is only by faith that we are saved, we can't boast that we have done anything to be accepted by God. “Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Gal 6:14 NKJV “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  According to Galatians 3:19 The purpose of the law was to show people that their sinful actions are offenses against God. It was designed to last only until the promised child, the Messiah. The Jews we were all about obeying the law, they observed the sabbath, fasted, prayed at required times, followed required rituals, tithed etc.; which there is nothing wrong with the fact that they did these things, the problem was that this to them was just a routine, it wasn't about their faith in God or a need for a relationship with Him.  Jews believed it was all about works.They believed as long as they did what the law required of them, then they were righteous before God.   They honored the Mosaic law (which was given by God, yet they rejected Jesus.  (Sounds like what is happening today.  Many call themselves Christians, yet their lifestyles clearly reject Jesus.)  They pick and choose what scriptures they want to follow.  The Jews clearly rejected scriptures like Isaiah 53 that talks about the coming Messiah who would be despised and rejected by His very own. Their faith was not in God but in His laws. Some current churches – homosexuality We can fool people, but we can't food God. It doesn't matter how perfectly we try to follow the laws of God, at some point, actually at many points we all fall short of His glory. Romans 3:10 NKJV “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:23 NKJV “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” It is only by faith and the power of Christ within us that we can live a life pleasing to Him. 28 “So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.”   Are you doing good deeds (obeying the law) instead of following God's leading? The Bible has made it clear that it's not by obeying the law that we are made right with God but through faith.  The pharisees were perfect examples of law keepers.  They worked hard to keep the laws and even condemned those that did not do the same.  BUT sadly, they had no relationship with God.  God does not look at our outward actions to determine our salvation, He looks at the heart.

Whether we like to admit it or not, many of us are like the rich young ruler. He served as a cautionary tale. When Jesus told him to seel his possessions and follow Him, he felt he couldn't pay the price. Many of us also want to keep something back from God—our time, money, and effort. And yet, the price for entry into the Kingdom and access to its glory is everything. But, on the upside, the rewards of seeking first the Kingdom are even greater than its price. One of my favourite passages of scriptures is the conversation between a worried Peter (after he witnessed the rich young ruler being deemed unqualified for Kingdom entry) and Jesus, in Luke 18:29 : “Peter said, ‘See, we have left all and followed You.' In effect, Peter was asking: “Look Jesus, we're all 100% in. We left it all behind as proof. So, if you don't mind my asking; what's in it for us?” "So He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.'” ~ Luke 18:29 (NKJV) There are undeniable rewards for those who are willing to pay the price and are 'All In' for the Kingdom of God. Now, this brings up the ultimate question... Are YOU All In? In this episode, we examine the cost and the rewards of those who are... Get Your Copy of Kingdom Fundamentals Here: https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Fundamentals-What-God-Means/dp/1777778409 Get the journals here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09665YZM7

Acts 14:21-23 (NLT) After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.     “Verse 21  “When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples”     Verse 23  “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church”     Verse 22 “Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith” .     Acts 16:1-5 (NLT) Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, 3 so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey 4 Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day.     Our Part: Going, Growing, Supporting and Increasing     Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”     Psalm 96:3 (NLT) 3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.   Acts 16:6-10 (NLT) Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. 7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. 8 So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. 9 That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.     God's Part: Opening and Closing Doors     Revelation 3:7-8 (NLT) “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open:  8 “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.     Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.       Acts 16:11-13 (NLT) We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. 12 From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there.      Our Part: Reaching and Teaching Beyond our Current Grasp     2 Timothy 4:5 (NLT) But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.     Romans 1:14-15 (NLT) For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. 15 So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.       Acts 16:14-15 (NLT) One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.     God's Part: Breaking Hard Hearts Wide Open     Ephesians 1:15-18 (NLT) Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance     Romans 3:11 (NKJV) There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.       Romans 10:13-15 (NLT) For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?     Luke 10:1-2 (NLT) The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. 2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.     

Love Wins! | Why we need to abide in God's love “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “I never knew how hard or would be to be in one accord in one place.It demanded a group of people who would lay down their own lives in pursuit of Him” -Pastor Charlotte- 1 heart 1 mind 1 focus “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:2-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ In John Jesus is summarizing his ministry and message to His disciples as He is nearing the end of His earthly life “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “ These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15:9-17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ 1. Abide in My love (remain and be present in) “Your number one focus is not to bear fruit, your number one focus is to abide in His love” 2. Love one another “If you love God and love His body, you will bear fruit.”   “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:14​‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” Galatians‬ ‭5:15​‬ “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians‬ ‭5:16​‬ ‭ 4 major Kinds of Bait 1. Distraction: “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. ‭‭ II Timothy‬ 2:3 2. Disconnection: “keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude‬ ‭1:21​‬ ‭ “If you are not feeling the love of God anymore, it hasn’t changed, you need to connect to it” “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:24​‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “There is growth that happens when we are connected to a body. 3. Discouragement Unmet expectations causes us to lose hope. 4. Dread: “to anticipate something with apprehension or fear” “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” ‭‭I John‬ ‭4:18​-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13:1-5, 7-13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Might be a good arm, might be a good foot, but if it’s not connected to the body, it can’t do what it’s meant to do”

  24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self- control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid (became frightened, “trembled” in at least 7 translations, terrified, much alarmed) and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time, I will call for you.” (Acts 24:24, 25 NET- parenthesis- my comment) Faith in Christ was defined in this passage as a message that expounded on righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come. What? Really? Does that sound like most modern-day “gospel” messages concerning faith in Christ?  Some would say that there is no need to tell sinners they need self-control or to speak of judgment because that would not be very loving towards them, but Paul did that. Some may think that to speak to sinners about righteousness is a waste of time, or not something that will be conducive to their conversion, and that it may turn them off to the gospel. Tell that to the Apostle Paul. The text calls righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come a “faith in Christ” message. That was the gospel message that Paul preached. Have our gospel messages been missing some things? Most evangelicals think that John 3:16 is the only gospel message there is! Paul preached more than a "God or Jesus loves you" message. He preached more than a "believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess with your mouth that He is Lord" message! (Romans 10:9) It was more varied and it included themes not generally thought of as pertaining to a gospel message. Righteousness, self-control, and judgment as the definition of ministering faith in Christ sounds almost identical to what Jesus said the Holy Spirit was sent to do, and it is not even close to an evangelical type gospel message. “And He, when He comes, He will convict (lit., expose, convict, reprove, rebuke) the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:8 NKJV) What Paul stated to Felix was identical to what Jesus said to His disciples about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Paul used the term “self-control” when talking about “sin”. The connection between sin and a lack of self-control should be obvious. If you sin, it is because you did not exercise self-control. Self-control is control of your actions by the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit. “Self” infers that the action starts with you. The Holy Spirit is your Helper. (John 16:7) In other words, the Holy Spirit will not make you obey God’s Word, but He will help you to do what is right according to God’s Word. The word convict (Gr. elegcho) in John 16:8 is translated in Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon as “reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault.” The same word is found in 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Tim. 5:20; Titus 1:13, 2:15; Hebrews 12:5, and in the words of Jesus: Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I rebuke and discipline [showing them their faults and instructing them]; so be enthusiastic and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will]. (Revelation 3:19 Amplified) Rebuke, that is, to reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault must come when a lack of self-control is evident. (See also elegcho in John 3:20, 1 Corinthians 14:24, and Ephesians 5:11.) Sin is the result of a lack of self-control that opposes God’s Word and commandments. James 1:14-16 in the Amplified Bible clarifies the process of sin from lust or some evil desire, to conception, and finally, to execution.  The word elegcho in Luke 3:18, 19 is translated rebuked: 18 And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people. 19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil deeds that he had done. John the Baptizer was proclaiming the “good news” or the gospel to the people, and it was not at all sugar and spice and everything nice. Go back into Luke chapter three and begin reading at verse three. You will see all the elements of rebuking, such as “reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault.” He called those practicing sin “offspring of vipers”! That was not your typical sermonette with all smiles, soft tonalities, and niceties! 7 Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance, and don’t begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones! 9 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Luke 3:7-9 NET) To top it all off, he called Herod the tetrarch to account because of his adulterous relationship with the wife of his brother. Verse 18 says that John’s rebuke, correction, conviction, exposing, and calling to account was THE GOSPEL, the proclamation of the good news! And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people. (Luke 3:18 NKJV) Good news of the gospel? Does Luke chapter 3 sound like our interpretation of what is a good gospel message? No, it does not! Something is missing from gospel messages if they only preach salvation, healing, and the blessings of God! Yes, there is something terribly missing if that is all the people hear out of a preacher or pastor. Sometimes, there must be rebuke, correction, conviction, exposing, and calling to account. These cannot be left out when necessary, that is, IF it is a real gospel message. John was a minister according to the meaning of a true gospel message. It may not seem like everything John the Baptizer preached was good news, but that would be an assessment from a human perspective. From the Scriptural perspective, and therefore from God’s viewpoint, it was all good news because it brought conviction and correction. Regardless of whether the people heard and received the messages, or they rejected them. John’s gospel message called people to account and allowed the Father to work on their hearts so repentance would come, and real change could take place in their lives! Think about that. A real gospel message is preaching and teaching whatever the Spirit of the Lord gives you. If it comes from Him, regardless of anyone’s feelings or offense at it, it will carry the anointing to set the captives free.  Did you get that? Even though Jesus was tough and no-nonsense often, He was specifically anointed to announce the good news or gospel message. (Luke 4:18) Power stood behind His messages. The preaching of the true gospel always manifests the power of God in some way. (Romans 1:16) If nothing happens and there is not a message that shakes things and people up, then it did not come from the Holy Spirit. Look at Matthew 23 where Jesus viciously rebukes the hypocritical among the Pharisees, and slams Jerusalem for killing the prophets sent to it. Read the whole chapter. It's an eye opener concerning “good news”. Does the following sound like any "good news” message we know of today? Remember, Jesus said this, and it was not "sugar and spice, and everything nice." I say this because many think all Jesus taught was love and acceptance (tolerance), and He was always soft toned, and tame as a little lamb. Nothing could be further from the truth! Here are some excerpts from the fiery preacher and astonishing powerhouse known as Jesus: "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!... Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation... Fools and blind... You make your followers twice the sons of hell that you are... “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence... For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness... "  And, one more for the road: "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?" (See Matthew 23.) Jesus was no pushover, monotone, long-haired, guru of love, sissified, “kumbaya” preacher! He didn’t put up with sin, hypocrisy, unbelief, or talking against God or His Spirit. He was tough, no-nonsense, strong, and never capitulated or quit, and he was THE bearer of the good news of the gospel! He didn’t just say “believe the gospel”. No, He told people to REPENT, and that was first! (Mark 1:14, 15) In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, His rebukes and calling into account were hard and often harsh. It is true He also praised the churches when they did what was right, but He held nothing back in His messages to the churches when a sharp rebuke was necessary. Go study the two chapters! It will set straight that “good news” preaching from Jesus (Luke 4:18, 19) included much more than “good news” according to our understanding. In Mathew 11:20-24 one can read the Master's rebuke against the cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin, and Capernaum because even though great miracles were done in them, they refused to repent. He condemned Capernaum to hell (Hades)! That was good gospel preaching but wait because there is more. So, you want acceptance or tolerance in the words of Jesus? Here is His idea of acceptance and tolerance for those that refuse to repent and continue in their sin. Are you ready? It's a spanking for the backside! 23"And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:23, 24 NKJV) There's your tolerance.  I’ll never forget one brother in the Lord, himself a minister and teacher, that told me before I stood to preach and minister, “Brother, just preach Heaven to them. Give them Heaven!” That sounded really good. Of course, if it came from the Lord, it would be His will done on earth as it is in heaven, but there was something else involved with his statement. I couldn't put my finger on it at the time. I knew something was off, but it took me a while to learn from the Lord what it was. If all you do is preach “inspiring verses” or uplifting and positive messages without the other as the Lord leads we have been talking about, then we have missed Heaven’s idea of good news. Are you ready for a shift in your thinking? It will shock all those that think “gospel” is sweetie pie and kind preaching. It will shock all those that think we should have sweetness in our gospel message because if it gets too harsh people will leave or tune out the message.  Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, and he had an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. (Revelation 14:6 NET) Next follows the eternal gospel proclaimed by this angel, but pay close attention to the content. It covers areas not traditionally understood as a gospel message. 7 He declared in a loud voice: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has arrived, and worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water!” 8 A second angel followed the first, declaring: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great city! She made all the nations drink of the wine of her immoral passion.” 9 A third angel followed the first two, declaring in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and takes the mark on his forehead or his hand, 10 that person will also drink of the wine of God’s anger that has been mixed undiluted in the cup of his wrath, and he will be tortured with fire and sulfur in front of the holy angels and in front of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke from their torture will go up forever and ever, and those who worship the beast and his image will have no rest day or night, along with anyone who receives the mark of his name.” 12 This requires the steadfast endurance of the saints—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to their faith in Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: ‘Blessed are the dead, those who die in the Lord from this moment on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so they can rest from their hard work, because their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:7-13 NET) Gospel announcement included revelation, instruction, rebuke, correction, mention of God’s anger and wrath, the lake of fire for the followers of the beast, and the hour of God’s judgment! It pointed out the immorality of those following Babylon’s example. Notice that gospel preaching includes faith in Jesus, but also mentions obedience to God’s moral commandments. It even speaks of the coming judgment where believers will be rewarded for their good works. Wow, all that and a call to the fear of God to headline that gospel message! Does that sound anywhere near to what many believe to be the gospel message? Gospel includes a whole lot more than salvation, healing, deliverance, and the blessing of God. Gospel can include more than telling people about the plan of salvation and the Lord Jesus.  I am not saying every message has to be the same and include all these elements. What I am saying is that the definition of gospel preaching has been limited and much has been left out because churches have gotten away from preaching anything that could offend or make people feel uncomfortable. Actually, if a gospel message doesn't make you feel uncomfortable at some point, it is not from the Holy Spirit. (See John 16:8.) When the message is the mighty and unstoppable two-edged sword of the Word of God that divides between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart, there will be discomfort, and the Lord will confront you! (Hebrews 4:12, 13) When you feel your very thoughts and intentions are on display before God as the Word is preached, you will not feel comfortable, and that is good! There should be a fear of the Lord flowing as the ministry of the Word and the Spirit comes forth. (Acts 2:43, 5:11) Let me tell you something. When anointed ministers preach and teach, the message will get you! My God, I felt that way when my dad preached! When pastors Rodney Howard Browne and Tom Laipply (and a very few others) preach the Word something will shake you up and sometimes the power of God will grip you! Those are the type of messages we need today.  Here is more proof of what I am writing about. 9 Realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers—in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching. 11 This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me. (1 Timothy 1:9-11 NET) What? Paul says that these are in accord or agree with the glorious gospel message. That means that within the gospel message there will preaching against these sinful lifestyles and practices. Why, because at times there must be exposing of these things. There must be correction and calling to account even before the lawless, rebellious, ungodly, sinners, unholy, profane, murderers, sexually immoral, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers and for all those that live contrary to sound teaching. That means that sound gospel teaching will teach people to live contrary to all those things mentioned or inferred.  The references in Luke, Revelation and First Timothy reveal that the gospel includes all these elements usually not associated with “gospel preaching.” What gospel message are you listening to or preaching? In general, many in the body of Christ have gotten away from such preaching themes. Messages have been watered down to the place they often sound like psychological hogwash and not like the Bible. It is more self-help positivity and affirmation messages rather than messages that preach and teach the Scripture without compromise! At one church I attended, they brought in some foolish person to teach that women see through pink glasses and men through blue. Could you imagine that instead of going to the Scripture, they were teaching that nonsense to couples at Church? It was all talk with ZERO anointing! It was all an offshoot of the “women are from Venus” and “men are from Mars” psychobabble that is really against the sound teaching of Scripture. So many churches have moved away from real strong gospel messages, and have embraced messages of self-help, cotton-candy, sugar-coated fluff meant to “inspire” the senses instead of informing, rebuking when necessary, correcting weird and wrong ideas, exposing sin, and revealing the truth of God’s Word. Churches have often become country clubs and entertainment venues with no power from heaven, no anointing, and no conviction. Some started with an anointing, and later lost it by trying to become respectable and likeable.  Some have gotten away from ministering to the sick through the laying on of hands (of course, dead churches don’t do that anyway), and many no longer pray in public for people to be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues. I am speaking about so-called Spirit-filled churches or Pentecostal, Charismatic, Full-Gospel churches. Many no longer have altar calls. If they pray for people to receive Jesus, it is done without an altar call. Everybody is led in a prayer and the “saved” no longer make a public confession of their faith in Christ Jesus. Have you noticed that some churches let altar workers pray with those that stay after the service is dismissed? It is disrespectful of the Gospel and the Savior, Jesus Christ! It disrespects the anointing of the Holy Spirit to relegate ministry after a service is dismissed! In those “mickey mouse” churches, the pastor rarely prays for people personally. Other churches, instead of teaching the saints according to God’s Word, they entertain their audience for an hour! Hollywood style entertainment has invaded many churches with their “broad is the way” (known as Broadway) replacing the straight and narrow way Jesus taught. 13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13, 14 NKJV) So, what did Paul preach according to the faith in Christ to Felix and Drusilla? Here it is in a nutshell. Righteousness: The main points: * It is a gift (Romans 4:23-25, 5:17) received upon initially believing and trusting in what Jesus did and provided for us when God raised Him from the dead and we confessed Him as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9, 10). *The gift can be interrupted by sin, but confessing our sins before the Lord, we can be forgiven and cleansed from all un-righteousness, restoring our relation to God. See 1 John 1:7-10, 2:1,2. *Righteousness includes righteous living according to God’s moral commandments. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him… Little children let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous… In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. (1 John 2:29, 3:7, 10 NKJV) See also Titus 2:11, 12; and compare it with Titus 1:8, where a leader must be “righteous”. If righteousness is only a gift that has nothing to do with conduct or lifestyle (Christian character) then why bother to list it as a qualification? No, Paul taught that righteousness is also a lifestyle of doing what is right. See also 1 Timothy 6:11-“pursue righteousness, godliness” and 2 Tim. 2:22- “flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Even after our initial cleansing in the blood and the renewal in the Spirit that placed us in His righteousness, we must pursue righteous living as an everyday reality. Self-control Main points: Self-control is “self-restraint, temperance, control of one’s passions, desires, and sexual impulses.” It means to control yourself according to God’s word and commandments, His requirements. You dominate your body’s unruly desires. The Holy Spirit will not do it all for you. He requires your personal and individual participation. He will empower you to have dominion over your body and rule over any passion or evil desire that would try to get you off the Word and holiness. God’s armor is His personal armor, but we must put it on. God will not put His armor on you. (Eph. 6:10-17) We are to put off the old man and put on the new man. (Eph. 4: 22, 24) We cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and we put on the Lord Jesus (Romans 13:12-14) The above means that every Christian has a daily responsibility. Every day we are to take up our cross and follow Him. If we do not put on Jesus today, then we are without Him during that day. If we do not put on the armor of light daily, then it never will come on you on its own. Nothing is automatic in God’s kingdom and you have responsibilities, orders, commandments, requirements, duties, and something is demanded of you daily. Some have said, “Oh, I just couldn’t help it. I just had to do it.” Lies, Lies, Lies! That person didn’t submit to God and did not resist the devil. (James 4:7) They yielded to the unrenewed mind, conformity to the world, and the old man. They yielded to works of the flesh. Nobody made them do anything. They did it! Examine every time you ever did something wrong. I have and I know that I yielded to sin because I flat out desired the wrong thing. I let the wrong thing get into my mind and work on my flesh, and I sinned! It was not God’s fault but my own. An admission like that demonstrates spiritual growth when you are willing to admit or confess your faults and receive forgiveness and cleansing from the Lord. (See James 5:16. And 1 John 1:9.) That truly demonstrates humility when you admit your wrongs and come before God in repentance. (See Proverbs 28:13.) The humble are the ones that get the grace (1 Peter 5:5, 6). Examine yourself whether you are in the faith! Isn’t that our main text from 2 Corinthians 13:5? Coming Judgment Main points: Eternal judgment in Hebrews 6:1, 2 is one of the principal teachings of Christ. Eternal judgment is both for the righteous and the wicked. There is eternal judgment and a judgment that comes on those that refuse to repent and continue to practice sin. *Judgment on the wicked: Revelation 20:4, 12, 13, 21:7. *The judgment seat of Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:10. *Judging yourself so you stay out of  coming under God’s judgment while on the earth: See 1 Corinthians 11:29, 34. First John 1:9 is a great and powerful gift to the followers of Jesus. It is our way out of certain judgment and our way back into cleansing, forgiveness, and the unchanging righteousness of Jesus. For forgiveness and cleansing, all we have is His shed blood for us. He is the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins (1 John 2:1, 2), and His blood cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) Much more could be said about all this, but that is sufficient for today. In case you didn’t get the scoop in my previous articles on useless masks, vaccines, and more: Canadian doctors and medical professionals reject the closures, lockdowns, quarantines, and masks: https://medicalkidnap.com/2021/03/10/canadian-doctors-speak-out-against-government-covid-restrictions-masks-and-vaccines-not-needed/ At the end of the article, listen to the 11-minute video presentation. Doctors from other countries speak out: https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/doctors-around-the-world-issue-dire-warning-do-not-get-the-covid-vaccine/ Mask mandates: Medical studies on the use of masks reveal a few shocking things: *Masks are useless at stopping viruses from infecting a person wearing one, and from stopping the virus from escaping the mask if someone is infected. Keep in mind the fact that ALL viruses are much smaller than the microscopic openings in the material used for masks. "It's like using a chain link fence to keep out mosquitos!" I heard someone else say that, but I don't remember who it was or I would give them credit because it really gives you a mental picture of what I am saying here. *Masks hinder the intake of air for breathing (up to 30%) and hinder the exhaling of carbon dioxide into the air. That means that what you are rebreathing under the mask is partly carbon dioxide (a waste product that is unbreathable) and not the air you need to live! That contributes to the diminished function of a lot of internal organs! There is evidence that surgeons have decreased mental acuity after 4-6 hours in the operating room after using a surgical mask. The real losers here are the little children being forced to wear masks for hours a day. What do you think oxygen deprivation together with carbon dioxide inhalation is doing to their developing brains and internal organs? It is child abuse and it is criminal. Here follows an article by Dr. Margarite Griesz-Brisson MD, PhD. a Consultant Neurologist and Neurophysiologist with a PhD in Pharmacology, with special interest in neurotoxicology, environmental medicine, neuroregeneration and neuroplasticity on the child abuse and criminal demand to mask up children: https://www.globalresearch.ca/covid-19-masks-crime-against-humanity-child-abuse/5726059 *Studies indicate that continual use of masks will have a detrimental effect on the immune system and will contribute to infections in the gums and lungs. Look at this article: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/mask-mouth-dentists-warn-prolonged-use-of-masks-leading-to-poor-oral-hygiene Dr. Lee Merritt on the falsehoods of masks: https://www.americasfrontlinedoctors.com/custom_videos/mask-myths A surgeon speaks out on the falsehood of the general population wearing masks: https://principia-scientific.com/surgeon-destroys-myth-if-masks-dont-work-why-do-surgeons-wear-them/ Penile shrinkage because of mask usage: https://nationalfile.com/study-chemical-that-causes-penile-shrinkage-found-in-face-masks/ Men, masking up is death to your manhood! Take off that stinking mask! Your wife will thank you! Interviews with Dr. Richard Urso: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4BfPl2EzMI https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/conservativebusinessjournal/id/17376962 The medical profession is slowly but surely revolting against all the lies of Covid-19, and they are coming from different countries around the world.  In some countries, and in some local socialist governments (NYC and others), they are implementing an ID card to prove you have been vaccinated or you can’t go into a business or eat at a restaurant. That is just like wearing the emblem of the beast! The same has been done with mask wearing. Sometime back, I tried to get my little boys ice cream at two different shops on Treasure Island (next to St Petersburg Beach) and they would not serve me without a mask! Did I yield? No way! I went through a Chick-Fil-A drive through and got each one of my boys an Ice-Dream! Haha! Trust me, it’s not an advertisement. Chick-Fil-A closed in store service and tripled up on their drive-thru operation. They also capitulated!   “May no man eat fruit of you hereafter forever?” Mark 11 anyone? That may have been Jesus’s attitude and words to a non-productive ice cream shop, I mean, fruit tree. Hmm! Nazi-like measures similar to those used against Jews in Germany are in place! Jews were forced to identify their businesses with a special emblem (a star) so Germans faithful to the Third Reich would not buy from them or sell them anything. In many places, you can’t buy or sell unless you have on a mask, and still, churches don't get it and try to defend their closure actions and capitulating ways. At a SunBank/Truist bank, I was told that to come into their lobby to open an account, I had to wear a mask! Do you know that many states have laws on their books that prohibit wearing a face mask inside a bank and most businesses? It wasn’t that long ago that if you wore a mask inside a bank, you were considered a criminal trying to rob the bank! I refused to wear a mask in their bank, so, I couldn’t open the account there. Food, money, grocery stores, government buildings, and what else is coming? If that doesn’t sound like preparation for the antichrist's one-world government in training with the mark of the beast, then I don’t know what would! Saint reading this, are you still yawning and sleeping? Vaccination, forced vaccinations, vaccination passports: Article and 55 minute interview with Dr. Kaufman: https://vaccineimpact.com/2020/censored-dr-kaufman-they-want-to-genetically-modify-us-with-covid-19-vaccine-loses-his-job-and-willing-to-go-to-jail-to-resist/ The associated deaths and side effects from the "vaccines" are running into multiplied thousands and maybe millions all over the planet. Now a new phenomenon is taking shape among the vaccinated as brain function after vaccination in many can begin to go haywire. The root of these dire problems with people passing out, going into an intense mental fog, and losing perception of reality, is being only now taking center stage among the vaccinated. There a huge amount of reports of non-sensical auto accidents because of these issues among the vaccinated. This is no joke and no conspiracy theory. It may take weeks or months before this begins to make headlines, but I have already read many reports about this terrible vaccine side-effect, and here is the science behind it.  Vaccines can modify DNA permanently and contribute to Mad Cow Disease like symptoms and illnesses in humans: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/science-mrna-vaccines-alter-dna/ https://naturalnews.com/2021-04-08-mrna-vaccines-may-cause-your-body-to-churn-out-prions-eat-your-brain-mad-cow-disease.html# 8 ways that the mRNA vaccine can kill you by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny: https://www.brighteon.com/3ef68971-87ad-4ac5-9a1c-8552364d8ccd https://rumble.com/vd0vrj-interview-with-sherri-tenpenny-about-dangers-of-vaccines.html New medical research reveals that the Pfizer mRNA vaccine can lead to the development of common neurodegerative diseases. I hope the government doesn't bury the research, so I suggest you download it and keep a copy for your records, especially if you stupidly took the experimental "vaccine". That way, when you get crippled from some neurodegenerative disease, you can try to sue Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, or Astra Zeneca for damages. News flash: The government has released big pharma from liability for any injuries or deaths resulting from the "vaccines." Basically, that means that if you get a neurological disorder, a debilitating disease, or die from the experimental "vaccine", big pharma cannot be sued. Below is the PDF of the research paper that recently came to light, though it was accepted by the SciVision Publishers (medical journals and medical research site) January 18, 2021. That was 4 months ago from me publishing this article! News like this can really travel slowly. This should be FRONT PAGE news on CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS and the rest of the alphabet soup devil-inspired news networks! Don't hold your breath because the fake news, mainstream media, are corrupt and in bed with the devil. This paper will not see them light of day on any major news channel or social media. It doesn't fit their agenda or lying narrative. It took Nationalfile.com to report it.   https://nationalfile.com/report-pfizer-vaccine-confirmed-to-cause-neurodegenerative-diseases/ PDF research paper: https://scivisionpub.com/pdfs/covid19-rna-based-vaccines-and-the-risk-of-prion-disease-1503.pdf The side effects of these demon-inspired experimental gene modifiers erroneously called "vaccines" will have a huge effect among the vaccinated population. Watch for a huge increase in senseless accidents of all kinds and generally people losing their minds and ability to concentrate and carry out everyday activities. It will be a plague unto itself and demonstrate that the supposed cure is a million times worse than the coronavirus!  More than 52,000 medical professionals worldwide have signed the Great Barrington Declaration at https://gbdeclaration.org/ calling into question the draconian Covid 19 policies, procedures, and vaccinations: https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/covid-has-caused-tens-of-thousands-of-medical-doctors-and-scientists-to-wake-up-to-corruption-in-the-medical-industry/ Israel’s “vaccination passport” and the violation of the Nuremberg Code: https://vaccineimpact.com/2021/israelis-cry-out-to-the-world-to-stop-mandatory-covid-injections-as-lawsuit-is-filed-in-international-criminal-court-over-nuremberg-code-violation/ Chananya Weissman: 31 Reasons Why I Won’t Take the Vaccine. Some points have to do specifically with what is going on in Israel, but we see the same nonsense in the U. S. A. New York Teachers for Choice: https://nyteachersforchoice.wordpress.com/2020/09/20/top-10-reasons-why-a-covid-vaccine-should-not-be-mandatory/ Mandatory vaccines, or forcing people to get vaccinated, is a direct violation of the Nuremberg Code that was established after WW2 to counteract Nazi policies and practices. These are all signs of the times where the antichrist system is being pushed to set things up for the still future man of sin or lawlessness. This is not funny! Listen to this medical doctor on what Bill Gates is doing NOW with injections: https://media.gab.com/system/media_attachments/files/073/075/235/original/214821d7b2498c91.mp4 I hope that struck your heart and made you shiver. Yes, the mark of the beast and the antichrist are pretty close. Look at the latest official info (May 2021) on deaths and injuries from the experimental gene altering jabs falsely labeled as vaccines that already reported. These numbers are way behind the real numbers but it shows you where all these injections are doing to the people receiving them and there are many more yet to be reported.  https://healthimpactnews.com/2021/genocide-in-the-u-s-continues-3848-deaths-118902-injuries-following-covid-injections-children-now-being-reported-as-dying-also/ We must take a stand and become the restraining factor against Satan's agenda. The protests are going on all over the world. There is a complete media blackout on these protests going on worldwide. Video of just ONE day of protests against the overreach and removal of our human rights by tyrannical governments:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvXXgPHyPFE Why are not churches protesting? Where is the righteous indignation and anger against evil!  Now to today’s podcast message:

Sunday 28th February A beautiful Sunday to you in the name of Jesus. Today is the last day of the month of February. We thank God for His help; we thank God for His grace that has kept us this far and we thank Him so much for His love. And all this month we've been talking about love and as we end this today, we're discussing the power of love over fear. Love is Fearless! 1 John 4:18 (NKJV) “There is no fear in love but perfect love cast out fear because fear involves torment but he who fears has not been made perfect in love” 1 John4:18 (MSG) “There is no room in love for fear, well informed love banishes fear; since fear is crippling, a fearful life is the one that is not yet fully formed in love” In the world we live in today where there's so much uncertainties, wars, rumours of war, economic fears and all the other things that breeds anxiety and fear, the bible says perfected love casts out fear. Love that is mature and well developed banishes fear from our heart. When you truly love God and love people you can be sure that no matter what come your way, love would always conquer and when you live that way it's such an amazing feeling of freedom, it's such a feeling of power and rest, Walking in well-developed love means you have yielded yourself to the Person of love which is God Himself and by doing that, you are yielding fully to the Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 3 “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, there's liberty…” The Spirit of the Lord is the Spirit of Love and where you fully submit to the Spirit of love, you cannot stay not under the hold of fear, you cannot be under the crippling control of fear because you live your life knowing that you've yielded completely to love. So my prayer for you is that as we go on this year, as we go on into a new month tomorrow, that the love of God will banish every form of fear from your heart in the name of Jesus. I pray that you'll move on, you'll march on the month of March fearlessly, victoriously and conquering in the name of Jesus. In the places that fear has held you back, I break that hold today in the name of Jesus. You will experience the Person of love and the Spirit of love in a new way, you will walk in love and have greater capacity to love in the name of Jesus. May you be more confident of who you are, confident of God's love for you, and may you be an agent of love everywhere you go in the name of Jesus. God bless you, enjoy the rest of your day.

2 Timothy 1:1-7 New King James Version   Greeting 1 Paul, an apostle of [a]Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Timothy’s Faith and Heritage 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the [b]genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Fear? From Apocolyto: Flint Sky: Those people in the forest, what did you see on them? Jaguar Paw: I do not understand. Flint Sky: Fear. Deep rotting fear. They were infected by it. Did you see? Fear is a sickness. It will crawl into the soul of anyone who engages it. It has tainted your peace already. I did not raise you to see you live with fear. Strike it from your heart. Do not bring it into our village.   Genesis 26:24 (NKJV) And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, “I [am] the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I [am] with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.”   Exodus 20:20 (NKJV) And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”   Numbers 14:9 (NKJV) “Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they [are] our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us. Do not fear them.”   Deuteronomy 1:21 (NKJV) ‘Look, the LORD your God has set the land before you; go up [and] possess [it,] as the LORD God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.’   Joshua 10:8 (NKJV) And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you.”   Judges 6:23 (NKJV) Then the LORD said to him, “Peace [be] with you; do not fear, you shall not die.”   1 Samuel 22:23 (NKJV) “Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks my life seeks your life, but with me you [shall be] safe.”   2 Kings 6:16 (NKJV) So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who [are] with us [are] more than those who [are] with them.”   1 Chronicles 22:13 (NKJV) “Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the LORD charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed.   Psalm 56:4 (NKJV) In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?   Psalm 118:6 (NKJV) The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?   Isaiah 35:4 (NKJV) Say to those [who are] fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [With] the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”   Lamentations 3:57 (NKJV) You drew near on the day I called on You, And said, “Do not fear!”   Haggai 2:5 (NKJV) ‘[According to] the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!’   Zechariah 8:13 (NKJV) And it shall come to pass [That] just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, So I will save you, and you shall be a blessing. Do not fear, Let your hands be strong.’   Matthew 10:28 (NKJV) “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.   Matthew 10:31 (NKJV) “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.   Hebrews 13:6 (NKJV) So we may boldly say: “The LORD [is] my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”   Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw [some] of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.   1 John 4:18 (NKJV) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.   Ezekiel 30:13 (NKJV) ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “I will also destroy the idols, And cause the images to cease from Noph; There shall no longer be princes from the land of Egypt; I will put fear in the land of Egypt.   Romans 8:15 (NKJV) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”   Genesis 15:1 (NKJV) After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I [am] your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”   Exodus 14:13 (NKJV) And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.   Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God [is] with you wherever you go.”   Joshua 10:25 (NKJV) Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”   Psalm 56:11 (NKJV) In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?   Proverbs 3:25 (NKJV) Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;   Isaiah 8:12 (NKJV) “Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.   Jeremiah 42:11 (NKJV) ‘Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; do not be afraid of him,’ says the LORD, ‘for I [am] with you, to save you and deliver you from his hand.   Matthew 14:27 (NKJV) But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”   Revelation 1:17 (NKJV) And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.

Cancel Imperfect People? If we ever decided to CANCEL imperfect people from the Bible, we would be left with only one person… Jesus Christ.   God left the imperfect ones in the Word so that the contrast between perfection and imperfection would be crystal clear.   Also, we can learn lessons of failure and success from people who have tried, failed, got back up, and tried again—David, Peter, Thomas, Moses, Samson, etc.   The message is clear. Leave the imperfect examples there so we can learn what “not” to be like but leave Jesus alone so we can learn WHO to be like.   In this world of “cancel culture,” there is only one who can genuinely cancel or remove our past sins and failures, and His Name is Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NKJV) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

By Tom Shanklin "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10, NKJV) Often in our meetings and our ministry online, we lead people in a prayer to receive Christ based on this scripture from Paul’s epistle to the Romans. According to this verse, we receive salvation by what we believe in our heart and confess with our mouth. When we believe the Gospel message that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead, and we confess with our mouth “the Lord Jesus” (or as other translations say, “Jesus as Lord”) we are saved.  But then we have many scriptures from the lips of Jesus and others, who indicate that we are to be baptized in water. It begs the question, if I am saved by believing in my heart and confessing with our mouth, “why should I be baptized?”  Study Guide: Why Should I Be Baptized? ”And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15-16, NKJV) There are several baptisms mentioned in the Scriptures: baptism into Christ (salvation), baptism in the Holy Spirit, and baptism of fire (persecution). But we are talking today about water baptism. The word “baptize” is translated from the Greek word “baptizo,” which means to dip, dunk, or immerse.” In fact, Worrell translation of the Bible translates “baptize” as Immerse and translates the phrase “John the Baptist” as “John the Immerser.” It is a totally accurate translation. To baptize IS to immerse. However, even if we didn’t have the Greek translation, we could see from the Bible that baptism is an immersion.  "After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized." (John 3:22-23, NKJV) Notice, John baptized in Aenon near Salim, because there was “much water there.” If John was baptizing by pouring or sprinkling, he would not need “much water.”  Also, notice Philip baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch: "And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing." (Acts 8:38-39, AV) They went down in the water and came up out of the water—immersion.  There are various ways to baptize by immersion. You can baptize in a baptismal in a church, a swimming pool, a stock tank, a creek, a lake, or a pond. Just get creative, and get ‘er done.  So, you ask, “Why should I be baptized? Well, let’s see what the Word of God says. 1. Because Jesus commanded it "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV) "But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46, NKJV) Life with God begins with making Jesus Lord. But if you are not willing to do the first thing that he said for you to do, you are not really allowing Him to be Lord. He did not say, “Be baptized if it’s okay with your relatives.  When I was praying about sharing this message, I went to the Lord in prayer and asked Him, “What is the main thing on your heart concerning this message. Here is the thought that came to me: “If Jesus was willing to go to the cross and suffer a horrible death for our sins, and take upon Him the sins of the world,

Sin and failing at something can be hard to cope with. The bible tells us that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory. Therefore, since we all have sinned we all can relate to feelings associated with it. In terms of failure, we can feel as if we are not good enough or that we didn't meet a certain standard. In this episode, host Chae Cole encourages listeners on how to continue when we fall. Scripture- Romans 8:1 NKJV: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Host: Chae Cole Intro/Closing Beat: Maurice Meyers IG: @mrdiggs23 Instagram: @Coletherapy Website: https://www.coletherapy.com Email: therapycole@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In these interesting days, how are you going with being content when things keep changing? Restrictions tighten and restrictions ease. We are unsure what tomorrow will look like. Memories and grief surfacing When the Coronavirus started impacting on Australia there was a few days where I struggled as grief surfaced from our daughter's cancer journey. The continual hand santising was the trigger, a familiar practice during her 15 months of receiving chemotherapy. And now when we are again on 'high alert' and restrictions are tightening, I am reminded of when we as a family were on 'high alert' or hypervigilant in relation to Victoria getting a high temperature (over 38 degrees) and having to go to hospital for at least three days. These emergency hospital visits happened many times and caused much anxiety and turmoil for each member of our family. Warning: unashamed promo - if you want to read more about this part of our story, and God's faithfulness throughout it, my book is available at wendyrobinson.com.au What does it take to be content? The current situation and memories of the past had me thinking about contentedness. How does one get to that state of contentedness regardless of what is going on in their lives or around them? The Apostle Paul seemed to have found that place, as he explains to the Philippians... But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:10-13 NKJV There is so much to meditate on in this passage of scripture. Let's not forget where Paul was when he wrote this letter - prison, with the exact location unknown. He himself was undergoing hardship, however he was still able to maintain his focus on Christ and on others. Keep focussed on the goal Paul was focussed on a goal, regardless of his circumstances. He explains this to Philippians earlier in his letter. I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12-14 NLT Remember, Paul is in prison when he wrote this letter. Plenty of restrictions and unknowns in his life at that time! But he keeps his focus on Christ and his mission. John Maxwell says, This letter proves that even while the apostle Paul sat in a foul Roman prison, he never lost his passion, his sense of mission, his sense of direction, or his command of the situation. While Paul remained an inmate of Rome, he couldn’t plant new churches as he felt called to do. Instead, he sat in chains, attached to a Praetorian guard, awaiting a trial that he thought could end his life (1:21). Yet even in the midst of all of this, he never abandoned his role of leadership. NKJV Maxwell Leadership Bible Page 1470) Rejoice in the Lord Not only is Paul focussed on the mission despite the apparent hindrances, he is encouraging others to maintain their joy. Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 GW A supernatural joy that only comes from knowing the Lord and trusting that He is in control. Remember the scripture, Nehemiah 8:10 The joy of the Lord will be your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 NIV Why was Paul content? So how is it that Paul could experience that joy and continue to exhort others, in the midst of this trial? Perhaps it had something to do with his first meeting with Jesus, which we read about in Acts 9. During those days, Saul, full of angry threats and rage, wanted to murder the disciples of the Lord Jesus. So he went to ask the high priest and requested a letter of authorization he could take to the Jewish leaders in Damascus, requesting their cooperation in finding and arresting any who were followers of the Way. Saul wanted to capture all of the believers he found, both men and women, and drag them as prisoners back to Jerusalem. So he obtained the authorization and left for Damascus. Just outside the city, a brilliant light flashing from heaven suddenly exploded all around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a booming voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” The men accompanying Saul were stunned and speechless, for they heard a heavenly voice but could see no one. Saul replied, “Who are you, Lord?” “I am Jesus, the Victorious, the one you are persecuting. Now, get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you are to do.” Saul stood to his feet, and even though his eyes were open he could see nothing—he was blind. So the men had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. For three days he didn’t eat or drink and couldn’t see a thing. Acts 9:1-9 TPT Well Jesus certainly got Saul's attention. One moment Saul was on a mission to persecute the followers of Jesus. Then suddenly he has an interaction with Jesus and finds himself completely blind and having to be led by the men with him. Saul was in a very vulnerable position, and yet that encounter with Jesus was so powerful, he did exactly what Jesus told him to do. God the Mastermind Around this same time Jesus was preparing the way for Saul, to become one of his 'chosen vessels'. This preparation involved a disciple, Ananais. For completeness, and because it is a wonderful example of how God brings restoration, purpose (and perhaps contentment?) into our lives, we will read Acts 9:10-19. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Acts 9:10-19 NKJV Knowing Christ We know from the Bible that Saul, now Paul, went on to spread the Gospel throughout the known world at that time, experiencing many hardships including prison and shipwreck, but always staying focussed on the goal. Paul had met Jesus and experienced the power of forgiveness. He had been transformed by Jesus and knew His power and authority. Paul had been filled with the Holy Spirit and he knew what his mission was. These Christ centred experiences enabled Paul to be content, no matter what. He knew Jesus intimately and trusted Him completely. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:12-13 The Message So how about us? Are we content? Is our relationship with Jesus so intimate that we are content regardless of what is happening around us? This is a challenging question. And the answer probably involves a journey, some movement from where we are today, to a closer relationship with Jesus. How to do we do that? There are many ways, but perhaps the first step is talking to Jesus, asking Him to show you what your next step is. So why not ask Him now. To find out more visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Psalm 111:1, 5 (AMP)PRAISE THE Lord! ….. _ 5 _ _ He has given food and provision _ _ to those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him; _ _ He will remember His covenant forever _ and imprint it [on His mind].At the beginning of the lockdown we have emphasised God's Protection.Now, after the lockdown it's time to emphasise God's Provision.The Covid-19 lockdown and its ensuing lack of productivity has resulted in a considerable economic downturn. The effect of this economic downturn has not fully realised yet, largely due to a massive government spend-up.We are now in "faith territory" concerning God's provision for our livesThe need to walk by faith is stronger today than it was, say, last yearThis is a good time to look to God and His faithfulness in a renewed way, and build up our faith on His wonderful promises.Psalm 111:5 tells us that our God is a covenant-keeping God.Our God is also a prayer-answering God.When Jesus Christ died on the cross and shed His own blood, He confirmed God's New Covenant (Agreement) with His peopleThis covenant includes access to God's provision for our lives. Phil. 4:19God is able to fulfil His covenant with His people irrespective of the economy around us. (God is not limited by the economy of the world)Genesis 26:1–6 (NKJV)_ There was a famine in the land , besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. 2 Then the Lord appeared to him and said: "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you._ _ 3 **Dwell in this land, _ and _ I will be with you and bless you** ; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and_ _ I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 4 And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;_ _ 5 because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." 6 _ _ So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. _There was a famine in Canaan in Isaac's dayThe prevailing thinking of the day was that if things are tough in Canaan, just go down to Egypt (Abraham went to Egypt in a famine. Gen. 12:10)(The Nile Delta in Egypt [incl. Goshen] was very fertile even without rain)God told Isaac:Do not go down to Egypt (like your father did)Dwell in this land (even though there is a famine in this land)I will be with you and I bless you (despite the famine)The moral of the story:God is able to bless you and prosper you in post-Covid-19 (famine) daysYour prosperity is not determined by what's around you (your environment)Your prosperity is determined:By what's in youand by what's on youAbraham was a covenant man (Genesis 15:18)His son Isaac also became a covenant man with God (Genesis 17:7)The blessing of God also came on IsaacThe blessing of God also formed his thinking within himHidden Object Lesson:If your father is/was not a prosperous man, don't follow him to EgyptGod said: Live in the land of which I will tell you (Genesis 26:2)Do what I will show you, not what you saw your father do!Genesis 26:12–14 (NKJV) _ Then Isaac sowed in that land , and_ _ **reaped in the same year a hundredfold; _ and _ the Lord blessed him**._ _ 13 The man_ _ began to prosper , and_ _ continued prospering _ until he _ became very prosperous; 14 for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him._Isaac sowed in the land & reaped a huge harvest despite the famineGod blessed himIsaac began to prosperHe continued prosperingUntil he became very prosperousGenesis 26:15–33 (NKJV)Now _ the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father's servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father , and they had filled them with earth._ _ 16 And Abimelech said to Isaac, "Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we." 17 Then Isaac departed from there and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar, and dwelt there._ _ 18 And_ _ **Isaac dug again the wells of water _ _which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham. He called them by the names which his father had called them.** 19 Also_ _ Isaac's servants dug in the valley , and_ _ found a well of running water there. 20 But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water is ours." So he called the name of the well Esek, because they quarreled with him._ _ 21 Then they dug another well , and they quarreled over that one also. So he called its name Sitnah._ _ 22 And_ _ **he moved from there and dug another well, _ _and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, because he said, "For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."** 23 Then he went up from there to Beersheba._ _ 24 And_ _ the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham; _ do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham's sake." _ 25 So he built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord, and he pitched his tent there; and_ _ there Isaac's servants dug a well. 26 Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol the commander of his army._ _ 27 And Isaac said to them, "Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?" 28 But they said, "We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you . So we said, 'Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you,_ _ 29 that you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace._ _ You are now the blessed of the Lord. ' " 30 So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank._ _ 31 Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. 32 It came to pass the same day that_ _ Isaac's servants came and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, "We have found water." _ _ 33 So he called it Shebah. Therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day._In that part of the world, wells of water meant "prosperity"The Philistines (satan) tried to stop Isaac's prosperity by filling in the wellsAbimelech became jealous & felt threatened by Isaac & sent him awayAfter Isaac moved away, he re-dug the wells of his father AbrahamHis servants dug another well & found water but the Philistines claimed itHis servants dug still another well but the Philistines claimed that one tooIsaac moved again and dug another well, this time he was able to keep itThen God appeared to him again and re-affirmed His blessing on his lifeAbimelech visited & said: We have certainly seen that the Lord is with youThen his servants dug still another well & found water once againIsaac called this new well "Shebah" which means "oath" or "seven"Proposition : Each well represents a business!Isaac wasn't satisfied when he "began to prosper"He continued to apply himself and "continued to prosper", until he "became very prosperous"Don't limit yourself or the blessing of God on your lifeRobert Kiyosaki , author of the book called "Rich dad, poor dad" speaks about the 7 streams of income of millionaires.Earned Income – (wages/salary)Profit Income (business)Interest Income (investment)Dividend Income (shares)Rental Income (property)Capital Gains (property)Royalty Income (intellectual property)Ecclesiastes 11:2 (NIV)_ Invest in seven ventures, _ yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.Be: Diligent Proverbs 10:4Industrious 1 Kings 11:28Resourceful Proverbs 1:4 GNBFrugalGenerous Proverbs 11:25Don't be: Lazy Proverbs 10:4Lavish yourselfOverly cautiousHave: An above-average work ethicAn above-average decision-making processThere is a need to disciple God's people in the area of:MoneyMoney managementMoney makingLuke 16:8 (KJV)… the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you are disqualified. (2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV) What is being in the faith? Without question, it is faith in Christ Jesus. I don’t think any believer would argue with that, but just in case, here are some verses about it: Acts 3:16, 6:7, 14:22, 16:5, 26:18; Romans 3:22, 26; Galatians 3:22; Philippians 1:27, where a parallel is drawn between the gospel of Christ and the faith of the gospel; Colossians 1:4, 23, 2:5, 7, 12, and so on. First Timothy 3:13 settles it for me: “in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” The following portion of the Scripture tells us exactly how the faith in Christ is defined. Do you want to know what the Apostle Paul called the faith in Christ? It is clearly stated when Paul preached to Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla. 24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self- control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid (became frightened, “trembled” in at least 7 translations, terrified, much alarmed) and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (Acts 24:24, 25 NET- parenthesis- my comment) Faith in Christ was defined in this passage as a message that expounded on righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come. What? Really? Does that sound like most modern-day “gospel” messages concerning faith in Christ? That was the essence of Paul’s gospel message. Some would say that there is no need to tell sinners they need self-control or to speak of judgment because that would not be very loving towards them, but Paul did that. Some may think that to speak to sinners about righteousness is a waste of time, or not something that will be conducive to their conversion, and that it may turn them off to the gospel. Tell that to the Apostle Paul. The text calls righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come a “faith in Christ” message. Have our gospel messages been missing some things? Righteousness, self-control, and judgment as the definition of ministering the faith in Christ sounds almost identical to what Jesus said the Holy Spirit was sent to do. “And He, when He comes, He will convict (expose, convict, reprove, rebuke) the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:8 NKJV) What Paul stated to Felix, and what Jesus said to His disciples, were both referring to the same thing. Paul used the term “self-control” when talking about “sin”. The connection between sin and a lack of self-control should be obvious. If you sin, it is because you did not exercise self-control. Self-control is control of your actions by the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit. “Self” does not infer that you are by yourself or that you are alone in this matter. It infers that the action starts with you. The Holy Spirit is not your enforcer, but He is your Helper. (John 16:7) In other words, the Holy Spirit will help you to do what is right. He will not make you obey God’s Word, but He will help you to do what is right according to God’s Word. The word convict (Gr. elegcho) in John 16:8 is translated in Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon as “reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault.” The same word is found in 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Tim. 5:20; Titus 1:13, 2:15; Hebrews 12:5, and in the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:19: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. (NKJV) Rebuke, that is, to reprehend severely, call to account, correct, to show one his fault must come when a lack of self-control is evident. (See also elegcho in John 3:20, 1Corinthians 14:24, and Ephesians 5:11.) Sin is the result of a lack of self-control that opposes God’s Word and commandments. James 1:14-16 in the Amplified Bible clarifies the process of sin from lust or some evil desire, to conception, and to execution.  The word elegcho in Luke 3:18, 19 is translated rebuked: 18 And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people. 19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil deeds that he had done. John the Baptizer was proclaiming the “good news” or the gospel to the people, and it was not at all sugar and spice and everything nice. Go back into Luke chapter three and begin reading from verse three. You will see all the elements of rebuking, such as “reprehend severely, call to account, CORRECT, to show one his fault.” He called those practicing sin “offspring of vipers”! That was not your typical sermonette with all smiles and niceties! 7Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance, and don’t begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones! 9 Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Luke 3:7-9 NET) Then, to top it all off, he had the gall to call Herod the tetrarch to account because of his adulterous relationship with the wife of his brother. Verse 18 says that even with all of John’s rebuke, correction, conviction, exposing, and calling to account that it was THE GOSPEL, the proclamation of the good news! And in this way, with many other exhortations, John proclaimed good news to the people. (Luke 3:18 NKJV) Good news of the gospel? Does Luke chapter 3 sound like our interpretation of what can be included in a good gospel message? No, it does not! It makes one wonder if something could be missing from our gospel messages if it is only preaching about salvation, healing, and the blessings of God! Yes, there is something terribly missing if that is all the people hear out of their preacher or pastor. Sometimes, there must be rebuke, correction, conviction, exposing, and calling to account. These cannot be left out when necessary, that is, IF it is a real gospel message. John was a minister according to the meaning of a true gospel message. Even Jesus was tough and no-nonsense often, and He was specifically anointed to announce the good news or gospel message. (Luke 4:18) Take a look at Matthew 23 where He viciously rebukes the hypocritical among the Pharisees, and slams Jerusalem for killing the prophets sent to it. Read the whole chapter. It's an eye opener. Does the following sound like any "good news message" we know of today? Remember, Jesus said this, and it was not "sugar and spice, and everything nice." I say this because many think all Jesus taught was love and acceptance (tolerance), and He was always soft toned, and tame as a little lamb. Nothing could be further from the truth! Here are some excerpts from the fiery preacher and astonishing powerhouse known as Jesus: "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!... Therefore you will receive greater condemnation... Fools and blind... You make your followers twice the sons of hell that you are... “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence... For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness... "  And, one more for the road:  "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?"  Jesus was no pushover. In Revelation chapters 2 and 3 His rebukes and calling into account were hard and often harsh. It is true He also praised the churches when they did what was right, but He held nothing back in His messages to the churches when a sharp rebuke was necessary.  Now read in Mathew 11:20-24 and the Master's rebuke against the cities of Bethsaida, Chorazin, and Capernaum because even though great miracles were done in them, they refused to repent. He condemned Capernaum to hell (Hades)! That was good gospel preaching, but wait because there is more. So, you want acceptance or tolerance in the words of Jesus? Here is His idea of acceptance and tolerance for those that refuse to repent and continue in their sin. Are you ready? It's a spanking for the backside! 23"And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:23, 24 NKJV) There's your tolerance.  I’ll never forget one brother in the Lord, himself a minister and teacher, that told me before I stood to preach and minister, “Brother, just preach Heaven to them. Give them Heaven!” I knew something was off, but it took me some time to learn from the Lord what it was. If all you do is preach “good or inspiring verses” and uplifting and positive messages without the other we have been talking about, then we have missed Heaven’s idea of good news. It may not seem like all of what John the Baptizer preached was good news, but that would be an assessment from a human perspective. From the Scriptural perspective, and therefore from God’s viewpoint, it was all good news because it brought conviction and correction. John’s gospel message called people to account and allowed the Father to work on their hearts so repentance would come, and real change could take place in their lives! Think about that. Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, and he had an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. (Revelation 14:6 NET) Are you ready for a shift in your thinking? It will shock all those that think “gospel” is sweetie pie and kind preaching. It will shock all those that think we should have sweetness in our gospel message because if it gets too harsh people will leave or tune out the message.  Next is a sample of the eternal gospel, but pay close attention to the content. It covers areas not traditionally understood as a gospel message. 7 He declared in a loud voice: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has arrived, and worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water!” 8 A second angel followed the first, declaring: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great city! She made all the nations drink of the wine of her immoral passion.” 9 A third angel followed the first two, declaring in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and takes the mark on his forehead or his hand, 10 that person will also drink of the wine of God’s anger that has been mixed undiluted in the cup of his wrath, and he will be tortured with fire and sulfur in front of the holy angels and in front of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke from their torture will go up forever and ever, and those who worship the beast and his image will have no rest day or night, along with anyone who receives the mark of his name.” 12 This requires the steadfast endurance of the saints—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to their faith in Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: ‘Blessed are the dead, those who die in the Lord from this moment on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so they can rest from their hard work, because their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:7-13 NET) Gospel announcement included revelation, instruction, rebuke, correction, mention of God’s anger and wrath, the lake of fire for the followers of the beast, and the hour of God’s judgment! It pointed out the immorality of those following Babylon’s example. Notice that gospel preaching includes faith in Jesus, but also mentions obedience to God’s moral commandments. It even speaks of the coming judgment where believers will be rewarded for their good works. Wow, all that and a call to the fear of God to headline that gospel message! Does that sound anywhere near to what many believe to be the gospel message? Gospel includes a whole lot more than salvation, healing, deliverance, and the blessing of God. Gospel includes more than telling people about the plan of salvation and the Lord Jesus.  Here is more proof of what I am writing about. 9 Realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers—in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching. 11 This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me. (1 Timothy 1:9-11 NET) What? Paul says that these are in accord or agree with the glorious gospel message. That means that within the gospel message there will preaching against these sinful lifestyles and practices. Why, because at times there must be exposing of these things. There must be correction and calling to account even before the lawless, rebellious, ungodly, sinners, unholy, profane, murderers, sexually immoral, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers and for all those that live contrary to sound teaching. That means that sound teaching will teach people to live contrary to all those things mentioned or inferred.  The references in Luke, Revelation and First Timothy reveal that the gospel includes all these elements usually not associated with “gospel preaching.” What gospel message are you listening to? In general, many in the body of Christ have gotten away from such preaching themes. Messages have been watered down to the place they often sound like psychological hogwash and not like the Bible. At one church I attended, they brought in some foolish person to teach that women see through pink glasses and men through blue. Could you imagine that instead of going to the Scripture, they were teaching that nonsense to couples at Church? I exited and never went back after the first few minutes of the man’s psychological talk. It was all talk with ZERO anointing! It was all an offshoot of the “women are from Venus” and “men are from Mars” psycho-babble that is really against the sound teaching of Scripture. So many churches have moved away from real strong gospel messages, and have embraced messages of self-help, cotton-candy, sugar-coated fluff meant to “inspire” the senses instead of informing, rebuking when necessary, correcting weird and wrong ideas, exposing sin, and revealing the truth of God’s Word. Churches have often become country clubs and entertainment venues with no power from heaven, no anointing, and no conviction. Some started with an anointing, and later lost it by trying to become respectable and likeable.  Some have gotten away from ministering to the sick through the laying on of hands (of course, dead churches don’t do that anyway), and many no longer pray in public for people to be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues. I am speaking about so-called Spirit-filled churches or Pentecostal, Charismatic, Full-Gospel churches. Many no longer have altar calls. If they pray for people to receive Jesus, it is done without an altar call. Everybody is led in a prayer and the “saved” no longer make a public confession of their faith in Christ Jesus. Have you noticed that some churches let altar workers pray with those that stay after the service is dismissed? The pastor rarely prays for people. Other churches, instead of teaching the saints according to God’s Word, they entertain their audience for an hour or two! Hollywood style entertainment has invaded many churches with their “broad is the way” (known as Broadway) replacing the straight and narrow way Jesus taught. 13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13, 14 NKJV) So, what did Paul preach according to the faith in Christ to Felix and Drusilla? Here it is in a nutshell. 1. Righteousness: The main points: * It is a gift (Romans 4:23-25, 5:17) received upon initially believing and trusting in what Jesus did and provided for us when God raised Him from the dead and we confessed Him as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9, 10). *The gift can be interrupted by sin, but confessing our sins before the Lord, we can be forgiven and cleansed from all un-righteousness, restoring our relation to God. See 1 John 1:7-10, 2:1,2. *Righteousness includes righteous living according to God’s moral commandments. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him… Little children let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous… In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. (1 John 2:29, 3:7, 10 NKJV) See also Titus 2:11, 12; and compare it with Titus 1:8, where a leader must be “righteous”. If righteousness is only a gift that has nothing to do with conduct or lifestyle (Christian character) then why bother to list it as a qualification? No, Paul taught that righteousness is also a lifestyle of doing what is right. See also 1 Timothy 6:11- “pursue righteousness, godliness” and 2 Tim. 2:22- “flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Even after our initial cleansing in the blood and the renewal in the Spirit that placed us in His righteousness, we must pursue righteous living as an everyday reality. 2. Self-control Main points: Self-control is “self-restraint, temperance, control of ones passions, desires, and sexual impulses.” It means to control yourself according to God’s word and commandments, His requirements. You dominate your body’s unruly desires. The Holy Spirit will not do it all for you. He requires your personal and individual participation. He will empower you to have dominion over your body and rule over any passion or evil desire that would try to get you off the Word and holiness. It is God’s armor, but we must put it on. God will not put the armor on you. (Eph. 6:10-17) We are to put off the old man and put on the new man. (Eph. 4: 22, 24) We cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and we put on the Lord Jesus (Romans 13:12-14) The above means that every Christian has a daily responsibility. Every day we are to take up our cross and follow Him. If we do not put on Jesus today, then we are without Him during that day. If we do not put on the armor of light daily, then it never will come on you on its own. Nothing is automatic in God’s kingdom and you have responsibilities, orders, commandments, requirements, duties, and something is demanded of you daily. Some have said, “Oh, I just couldn’t help it. I just had to do it.” Lies, Lies, Lies! That person didn’t submit to God and did not resist the devil. (James 4:7) They yielded to the unrenewed mind, conformity to the world, and the old man. They yielded to works of the flesh. Nobody made them do anything. They did it! Examine every time you ever did something wrong. I have and I know that I yielded to sin because I flat out desired the wrong thing. I let the wrong thing get into my mind and work on my flesh, and I sinned! It was not God’s fault but my own. An admission like that demonstrates spiritual growth when you are willing to admit or confess your faults and receive forgiveness and cleansing from the Lord. (See James 5:16. And 1 John 1:9.) That truly demonstrates humility when you admit your wrongs and come before God in repentance. (See Proverbs 28:13.) The humble are the ones that get the grace (1 Peter 5:5, 6). Examine yourself whether you are in the faith! Isn’t that our main text from 2 Corinthians 13:5? 3. Coming Judgment Main points: Eternal judgment in Hebrews 6:1, 2 is one of the principal teachings of Christ. Eternal judgment is both for the righteous and the wicked. There is eternal judgment and a judgment that comes on those that refuse to repent and continue to practice sin. *Judgment on the wicked: Revelation 20:4, 12, 13, 21:7. *The judgment seat of Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:10. *Judging yourself so you stay out of judgment while on the earth: See 1 Corinthians 11:29, 34. First John 1:9 is a great and powerful gift to the followers of Jesus. It is our way out of certain judgment and our way back into cleansing, forgiveness, and the unchanging righteousness of Jesus. For forgiveness and cleansing, all we have is His shed blood for us. He is the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins (1 John 2:1, 2), and His blood cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) We have much more to say about all this, but that is sufficient for today. Hear the podcast Repentance Part 10 and be mightily blessed!

Genesis 26:1 NKJV “There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar.” Genesis 26:2-5, 12-13 NKJV “Then the LORD appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous

27 Nov 2019 from children of hell to children of heaven Matthew 13:38-40,43 NKJV The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. [39] The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. [40] Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. [43] Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Luke 16:19-31 NKJV "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. [20] But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, [21] desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. [23] And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] "Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' [25] But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. [26] And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' [27] "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, [28] for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' [29] Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' [30] And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' [31] But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'" 1 John 5:1-2 NKJV Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. [2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. Mark 8:36 NKJV For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

Matthew 13:38-40,43 38 நிலம் உலகம், நல்ல விதை ராஜ்யத்தின் புத்திரர், களைகள் பொல்லாங்கனுடைய புத்திரர், மத்தேயு 13:38 39 அவைகளை விதைக்கிற சத்துரு பிசாசு, அறுப்பு உலகத்தின் முடிவு, அறுக்கிறவர்கள் தேவதூதர்கள். மத்தேயு 13:39 40 ஆதலால், களைகளைச் சேர்த்து அக்கினியால் சுட்டெரிக்கிறதுபோல, இவ்வுலகத்தின் முடிவிலே நடக்கும். மத்தேயு 13:40 43 அப்பொழுது, நீதிமான்கள் தங்கள் பிதாவின் ராஜ்யத்திலே சூரியனைப்போலப் பிரகாசிப்பார்கள். கேட்கிறதற்குக் காதுள்ளவன் கேட்கக்கடவன். மத்தேயு 13:43 Matthew 13:38-40,43 NKJV The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. [39] The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. [40] Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. [43] Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! 19 ஐசுவரியமுள்ள ஒரு மனுஷன் இருந்தான், அவன் இரத்தாம்பரமும் விலையேறப்பெற்ற வஸ்திரமும் தரித்து, அநுதினமும் சம்பிரமமாய் வாழ்ந்துகொண்டிருந்தான். லூக்கா 16:19 20 லாசரு என்னும் பேர்கொண்ட ஒருதரித்திரனும் இருந்தான், அவன் பருக்கள் நிறைந்தவனாய், அந்த ஐசுவரியவானுடைய வாசலருகே கிடந்து, லூக்கா 16:20 21 அவனுடைய மேஜையிலிருந்து விழுந் துணிக்கைகளாலே தன் பசியைஆற்ற ஆசையாயிருந்தான், நாய்கள் வந்து அவன் பருக்களை நக்கிற்று. லூக்கா 16:21 22 பின்பு அந்தத் தரித்திரன் மரித்து, தேவதூதரால் ஆபிரகாமுடைய மடியிலே கொண்டுபோய் விடப்பட்டான், ஐசுவரியவானும் மரித்து அடக்கம்பண்ணப்பட்டான். லூக்கா 16:22 23 பாதாளத்திலே அவன் வேதனைப்படுகிறபோது, தன் கண்களை ஏறெடுத்து, தூரத்திலே ஆபிரகாமையும் அவன் மடியிலே லாசருவையும் கண்டான். லூக்கா 16:23 24 அப்பொழுது அவன்: தகப்பனாகிய ஆபிரகாமே, நீர் எனக்கு இரங்கி, லாசரு தன் விரலின் நுனியைத் தண்ணீரில் தோய்த்து, என் நாவைக் குளிரப்பண்ணும்படி அவனை அனுப்பவேண்டும், இந்த அக்கினிஜுவாலையில் வேதனைப்படுகிறேனே என்று கூப்பிட்டான். லூக்கா 16:24 25 அதற்கு ஆபிரகாம்: மகனே, நீ பூமியிலே உயிரோடிருக்குங் காலத்தில் உன் நன்மைகளை அனுபவித்தாய், லாசருவும் அப்படியே தீமைகளை அநுபவித்தான், அதை நினைத்துக்கொள், இப்பொழுது அவன் தேற்றப்படுகிறான், நீயோ வேதனைப்படுகிறாய். லூக்கா 16:25 26 அதுவுமல்லாமல், இவ்விடத்திலிருந்து உங்களிடத்திற்குக் கடந்துபோகவும், அவ்விடத்திலிருந்து எங்களிடத்திற்குக் கடந்துவரவும் மனதுள்ளவர்களுக்குக் கூடாதபடிக்கு, எங்களுக்கும் உங்களுக்கும் நடுவே பெரும்பிளப்பு உண்டாக்கப்பட்டிருக்கிறது என்றான். லூக்கா 16:26 27 அப்பொழுது அவன்: அப்படியானால், தகப்பனே, எனக்கு ஐந்துபேர் சகோதரருண்டு, அவர்களும் வேதனையுள்ள இந்த இடத்துக்கு வராதபடி, அவன் போய் அவர்களுக்குச் சாட்சியாக அறிவிக்கும்பொருட்டு, லூக்கா 16:27 28 நீர் அவனை என் தகப்பன் வீட்டுக்கு அனுப்பும்படி உம்மை வேண்டிக்கொள்ளுகிறேன் என்றான். லூக்கா 16:28 29 ஆபிரகாம் அவனை நோக்கி: அவர்களுக்கு மோசேயும் தீர்க்கதரிசிகளும் உண்டு, அவர்களுக்கு அவர்கள் செவி கொடுக்கட்டும் என்றான். லூக்கா 16:29 30 அதற்கு அவன்: அப்படியல்ல, தகப்பனாகிய ஆபிரகாமே, மரித்தோரிலிருந்து ஒருவன் அவர்களிடத்திற்குப் போனால் மனந்திரும்புவார்கள் என்றான். லூக்கா 16:30 31 அதற்கு அவன்: அவர்கள் மோசேக்கும் தீர்க்கதரிசிகளுக்கும் செவிகொடாவிட்டால், மரித்தோரிலிருந்து ஒருவன் எழுந்துபோனாலும், நம்பமாட்டார்கள் என்று சொன்னான் என்றார். லூக்கா 16:31 Luke 16:19-31 NKJV "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. [20] But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, [21] desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. [23] And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] "Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' [25] But Abraham said, 'Son,

By Pastor Robert Rosales Scriptures (All NKJV) - Ephesians. 6:10-18 (NKJV) - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— - Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) - Above all else, guard your heart,     for everything you do flows from it. - Proverbs 27:19 (NKJV) - As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man. - Matthew 12:35 (NKJV) - A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. - Revelation 12:10 (NKJV) - Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. - Romans 8:1 (NKJV) - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. - Romans 5:1-2 (NKJV) - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) - For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. - Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV) - For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. - Hebrews 6:11-12 (NKJV) - And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. - James 1:12 (NKJV) - Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. - Romans 8:22-24 (NKJV) - For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? - Romans 8:18 (NKJV) - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Message Points 1. THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS GUARDS MY IDENTITY Righteousness = The quality of being right both in position and in relationship with God. Righteousness is both judicial (Declaring of righteousness) and gracious (Gifting of righteousness). God has declared and imparted to believers righteous and has acquitted them of their sins through the finished work of His son. “The Devil” is not the enemy’s name; it is his title and the description of who he is and what he does. Devil = Means to slander, accuse falsely, oppose the cause of God with words, to author evil, to persecute good men, astringing mankind from God and enticing them to sin. Slander = The action and the crime of making a false spoken statement damaging a person’s reputation. 2. THE SHOES OF PEACE GUARD MY PATHWAY The devil wants, through fear, intimidation, and anxiety, cause you to GIVE UP, GIVE IN, and GET OUT of God’s will. God wants you, through faith in the finished work of Jesus, STAND STRONG, STAY FAITHFUL, and STAY in His will. 3. THE HELMET OF SALVATION GUARDS MY MIND Salvation = Means complete deliverance, preservation, soundness, prosperity, happiness, rescue, and general well-being. It is used both in the material temporal sense and also in the spiritual and eternal sense. Salvation is a present possession with a fuller realization in the future. WE CAN STAND STRONG, STAY FAITHFUL, AND STAY IN the will of God by using God’s Word to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of Peace and Helmet of Salvation

By Pastor Brandon Dirmann Scriptures - Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV) - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— - Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) - Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. - Proverbs 27:19 (NKJV) - As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man. - Matthew 12:35 (NKJV) - A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. - Revelation 12:10 (NKJV) - Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. - Romans 8:1 (NKJV) - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. - Romans 5:1-2 (NKJV) - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) - For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. - Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV) - For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. - Hebrews 6:11-12 (NKJV) - And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. - James 1:12 (NKJV) - Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. - Ephesians 6:17 (NKJV) - And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; - Romans 8:22-24 (NKJV) - For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? - Romans 8:18 (NKJV) - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Message Points 1. THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS GUARDS MY IDENTITY  Righteousness = The quality of being right both in position and in relationship with God. Righteousness is both judicial (Declaring of righteousness) and gracious (Gifting of righteousness). God has declared and imparted to believers righteous and has acquitted them of their sins through the finished work of His son. “The Devil” is not the enemy’s name; it is his title and the description of who he is and what he does.  Devil = Means to slander, accuse falsely, oppose the cause of God with words, to author evil, to persecute good men, astringing mankind from God and enticing them to sin.  Slander = The action and the crime of making a false spoken statement damaging a person’s reputation. 2. THE SHOES OF PEACE GUARD MY PATHWAY The devil wants, through fear, intimidation, and anxiety, cause you to GIVE UP, GIVE IN, and GET OUT of God’s will.  God wants you, through faith in the finished work of Jesus, STAND STRONG, STAY FAITHFUL, and STAY in His will.   3. THE HELMET OF SALVATION GUARDS MY MIND  Salvation = Means complete deliverance, preservation, soundness, prosperity, happiness, rescue, and general well-being. It is used both in the material temporal sense and also in the spiritual and eternal sense. Salvation is a present possession with a fuller realization in the future. WE CAN STAND STRONG, STAY FAITHFUL, AND STAY IN the will of God by using God’s Word to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of Peace and Helmet of Salvation 

Jesus drank the bitter cup of God's-wrath, so that we might taste the-sweet cup of God's salvation.-How bitter was the cup our Savior-emptied for us- Look no further than-to the gospel accounts of Gethsemane.-The garden's very name means -oil press.- It's-an aptly named stage upon which we see Jesus-hard-pressed in His humanity, suffering emotionally-like no one has ever suffered.--He began to be troubled and deeply-distressed...--Mark 14-33 -NKJV--There was nothing in Christ's humanity to dull the-emotional pain He suffered for us---My soul is exceedingly sorrowful,-even to death. Stay here and watch.--Mark 14-34-Jesus sought solace in the company of His-closest followers. Yet He drew nearer still to the-Father - as He always had - that He might win -the-battle before the battle- at Calvary.-Surely Jesus' first disciples learned much from-His agony in the garden. Their spiritual battles, like-ours, often must be won before the crisis starts.-It's simply too late to -watch and pray- when the-crisis is raging- such critical defenses are needed-much sooner.-This Sunday, we'll return to our study in Mark's-gospel with, -Responding to Jesus- Agony in the-Garden.- I hope to see you here-

By Pastor Scott Jefferson Scriptures - Romans 7:12-25 (NKJV) - Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. 13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. - Romans 8:1-7 (NKJV) - “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” 5 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” - Romans 8:13-14 (NKJV) - “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Message Points 1. Know That You Have All The Ingredients...Already 2. Focus On Your Mixing 3. Apply the Secret Sauce Liberally

By Pastor Gil Dirmann Scriptures - Hebrews 6:1-3 (NKJV) - “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. ­And this we will do if God permits.” - I Corinthians 12:13 (NKJV) - “For by one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free and have all been made to drink into one Spirit." - Matthew 28:19 (NKJV) - ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,’ - Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV) - "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." - Matthew 3:11 (NKJV) - "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’ - Acts 2:2-4 (NKJV) - "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - John 1:32-34 (NKJV) - “And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God’ - I John 5:7-8 (NKJV) - “…There are three that bear witness in Heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.’ Message Points Baptism into the Body of Christ Baptism in Water Baptism IN the Holy Spirit

What happens when hope starts slipping away? Darkness descends. It is difficult to think or see anything other than the negative. Stuff happens. Sometimes from wrong choices we've made. Sometimes other people's wrong choices impact us. Sometimes things happen and we don't know why. Earlier this week I was listening to Amanda Cook's song, City of Hope ... Once we were a barren land Dry from disappointment But heaven like a heavy rain Revealed your heart for us Now we're dusting off our instruments In you we found our will to live What was once a wilderness Is seeming with new life 'Cause you are mending the broken-hearted You are making all things new And you're rebuilding out of the ruins A city of hope with the ones you love How beautiful are those lines ... 'Cause you are mending the broken-hearted... He heals the wounds of every shattered heart. He sets his stars in place, calling them all by their names.5How great is our God! There’s absolutely nothing his power cannot accomplish, and he has infinite understanding of everything. Psalm 147:3-5 TPT You are making all things new ... Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5 NKJV There is one that can give hope - Jesus. I have seen Him do that in my life, my husband's life, and many other people's lives. “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 NKJV Jesus. Our Saviour. A foundation that is solid, The Rock, not the sand of this world that shifts and changes with the latest trends. Everyone who hears my teaching and applies it to his life can be compared to a wise man who built his house on an unshakable foundation. When the rains fell and the flood came, with fierce winds beating upon his house, it stood firm because of its strong foundation. “But everyone who hears my teaching and does not apply it to his life can be compared to a foolish man who built his house on sand. When it rained and rained and the flood came, with wind and waves beating upon his house, it collapsed and was swept away.” Matthew 7:24-27 TPT Jesus. Only Jesus. Surrender. Let Him rebuild hope in your life. He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life. My help and glory are in God. So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be. Psalm 62:6-8 The Message For more information please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

"As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." - Psalms 42:1-2b (NKJV) - There need to be a constant hunger to yearn and desperation of our expectation. Don't take the expectation that you bring lightly.

Psalm 92:12-13 // The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13 planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. Flourish: To BREAK FORTH, to blossom Proverbs 11:24 MSG // The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. Proverbs 11:24-25 NKJV // There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 // Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Gallup survey: Rich = $150,000 Rich = $75,000 Money magazine $5,000,000 Nobody is rich, but everybody knows somebody who is. $45,000 is top 1% in the world God doesn't want us guilty, He wants us responsible. The more a person makes, the less they give. Luke 12:48 NLT // When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. 2 Corinthians 9:11 // You will be made rich in every way. Then you can always give freely. We will take your many gifts to the people who need them. And they will give thanks to God. God blesses us so we can bless others. Genesis 12:2-3 // “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Galatians 3:14 NLT // Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham… WHO OWNS IT? 1. It ALL belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 // The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. 2. The FIRST belongs to God. Genesis 4:3-5 // In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 3. The TITHE belongs to God. Leviticus 27:30 // A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (NKJV) There have been some changes for 2019 to the body armor that soldiers wear in the military. Over the years there have been a lot of changes to the body armor to give the soldiers the best chance to stay alive and to win the battle. In Eph. 6, the Bible tells […]

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NKJV There is a song, "Take Courage" by Bethel Music, here are some of its lyrics, 'Hold on to your hope as your triumph unfolds' Oh that can be so hard to do, hold on; press in; stand. But sometimes there is no other choice. We have to believe that our triumph will unfold. And that we can learn to worship God in the waiting, something that I believe we only truly learn in those deep dark moments. I remember a milestone moment in my constant journey of learning how to trust God more, and more, and more, and more. It relates to our daughter Victoria, and happened  about 4.5 years when we had just found out that the tumour had started to grow for the third time. There was a choice to be made - continue to live in fear that the tumour would continue to grow, or choose to live each day to the full - trusting God that no matter what happens He would get us through this. God helped us with making that choice by taking us to a Camp Quality camp where His Word - John 10:10 was displayed on posters in the dining hall. "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 That visual message was the starting point for helping me to change my hopeless thinking. I say starting point, because although God had given me that clear sign with the posters, those feelings of hopelessness didn't just go away overnight. They had to be attended to, and over-time they got quieter and quieter and God's truth got louder and louder in my head. Here is a bit of what that process required ... An Awareness of what my focus was on - diagnosis vs declaration of faith (John 10:10) Action to replace those thoughts of hopelessness and fear with God's truth Acknowledging that I couldn't do that replacement in my own strength. Asking God daily to help me take that action. Allowing God to do that work in me - not resisting, but instead surrendering. And only then I could .... Authentically worship God, despite the circumstances because He was restoring my hope in Him. Pressing into Him in the waiting season, learning to trust that not only would He get us through, but that His triumph would unfold - no matter what - here or in Heaven, has been a huge journey - and it continues now only in different spheres of our lives. But it is a journey that despite the pain, I would not swap because it has grown a greater hope, a stronger faith and a deeper understanding of God's love for us. So today, as you face the circumstances in your life, why not take a deep breath and say to God, Okay God, I'm trusting You with this, please help me to grow in hope, faith and love through this situation. I choose to worship You. Thank you that you are with us wherever we go and that will get us through this day. Thank you that our triumph will unfold because of Who you are and what you have done. In Jesus Name, Amen. Lord, I will worship you with extended hands as my whole heart explodes with praise! I will tell everyone about your wonderful works and how your marvellous miracles exceed expectations! I will jump for joy and shout in triumph as I sing your song and make music for the Most High God. Psalm 9:1-2 TPT To find out more visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

2018/8/12 Pastor Richard Welsh 韋日卓牧師 Categories: Video: https://hongkong.mylifehouse.com/tv/message/reflectors-of-jesus *Reflectors of Jesus* *耶穌的反映者* (2Corinthians 3:13-18 NKJV) unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. (14) But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. (15) But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. (16) Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (17) Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (18) But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord 哥林多後書3：13 – 18 RCUV 不像摩西將面紗蒙在臉上，使以色列人不能定睛看到那逐漸褪色的榮光的結局。(14) 但他們的心地剛硬，直到今日誦讀舊約的時候，這同樣的面紗還沒有揭去；因為這面紗在基督裡才被廢去。(15) 然而直到今日，每逢誦讀摩西書的時候，面紗還在他們心上。(16) 但他們的心何時歸向主，面紗就何時除去。(17) 主就是那靈；主的靈在哪裡，哪裡就有自由。(18) 既然我們眾人以揭去面紗的臉得以反映主的榮光，好像從鏡子裡返照，就變成了與主有同樣的形像，榮上加榮，如同從主的靈變成的。 Christian life is supernatural - always! 基督徒的生活是超自然的 - 永遠都是！ (Ezekiel 36:26-28 NKJV) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. (27) I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. (28) Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. 以西結書36：26 – 28 RCUV 我也要賜給你們一顆新心，將新靈放在你們裡面，又從你們的肉體中除掉石心，賜給你們肉心。(27) 我必將我的靈放在你們裡面，使你們順從我的律例，謹守遵行我的典章。(28) 你們必住在我所賜給你們祖先之地；你們要作我的子民，我要作你們的神。 (John 3:1-8 NKJV) There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. (2) This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” (3) Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (4) Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (5) Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ (8) The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 約翰福音3：1 – 8 RCUV 有一個法利賽人，名叫尼哥德慕，是猶太人的官。(2) 這人夜裡來見耶穌，對他說：「拉比，我們知道你是由神那裡來作老師的；因為你所行的神蹟，若沒有神同在，無人能行。」(3) 耶穌回答他說：「我實實在在地告訴你，人若不重生，就不能見神的國。」(4) 尼哥德慕對他說：「人已經老了，如何能重生呢？豈能再進母腹生出來嗎？」(5) 耶穌回答：「我實實在在地告訴你，人若不是從水和聖靈生的，就不能進神的國。(6) 從肉身生的就是肉身；從靈生的就是靈。(7) 我說『你們必須重生』，你不要驚訝。(8) 風隨著意思吹，你聽見風的聲音，卻不知道是從哪裡來，往哪裡去；凡從聖靈生的也是如此。」 Our one part is an “unveiled face” 我們的一部分是「揭去面紗的臉」 (1John 1:5-7 NKJV) This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (6) If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. (7) But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 約翰一書1：5 – 7 RCUV 神就是光，在他毫無黑暗；這是我們從主所聽見，又報給你們的信息。(6) 我們若說，我們與神有團契，卻仍在黑暗裡行走，就是說謊話，不實行真理了。(7) 我們若在光明中行走，如同神在光明中，就彼此有團契，他兒子耶穌的血就洗淨我們一切的罪。 (John 1:17 NKJV) For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 約翰福音 1：17 RCUV 律法是藉著摩西頒佈的；恩典和真理卻是由耶穌基督來的。 (Mark 2:17 NKJV) When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not com Read rest of the notes 続きを読む https://hongkong.mylifehouse.com/tv/message/reflectors-of-jesus

So then, we must cling in faith to all we know to be true. For we have a magnificent King-Priest, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who rose into the heavenly realm for us, and now sympathises with us in our frailty. He understands humanity, for as a Man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin. So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy's kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness. Hebrews 4:14-16 TPT I have some sticky notes on the edge of my PC monitor and desk. On each sticky note there are names. Each name has a need. Some are clinging in faith to Jesus. He understands. This morning another name was added, and a hearts cry went up to God, our Heavenly Father. He understands.  God, we need you. These people, these things going on in their lives, they need your miracle working presence. A song comes, Lord of All by Hillsong .... the chorus Lord of all All of creation Sings Your praise In Heaven and earth Lord we stand Hearts open wide Be exalted He is Lord of all. Psalm 100 reminds us of this truth. Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:1-3 NKJV Come before His presence - what a powerful place to be - His presence - the place to be. The place where hearts are transformed. How do we get there? We start by being still. Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God. I am the God above all the nations, and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth.  Psalm 46:10 TPT We acknowledge Who He is and what He does for us. Here he stands! The Commander! The mighty Lord of Angel Armies is on our side! The God of Jacob fights for us! Psalm 46:11 TPT The God of Jacob is fighting for every name on those sticky notes. He made each one. He is on their side. We choose to trust, because if we don't, we get lost and we lose. Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on  your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Proverbs 3:5 TPT We choose to give thanks, sometimes in faith. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good;  His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5 NKJV There may be tears during this process of surrender, as your heart connects with the heart of your Heavenly Father. But these tears are good because there is an exchange taking place. Our desire for control, our feelings of hopelessness are being exchanged for the truth that He is Lord of all, He is trustworthy and He is on our side.  We need that growing level of intimacy with our God. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Don't think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that's wrong. Then you will find the healing refreshment your body and spirit long for. Proverbs 3:6-8 TPT And with that intimacy helping to build our confidence and trust in Who Jesus is, we can ... therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NKJV Let's do that today. Stop. Surrender. Exchange. Go Boldly and receive mercy and grace, in the name of Jesus. To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15 NKJV There are a couple of things about this scripture that challenge me. The first is the command to, 'continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God.'  Here is a definition of continually, 'constantly or frequently recurring; always happening.' In a recent 24 hour period there were many moments when the fruit of my lips were not giving thanks to His name. There were mutterings of discontent and a questioning of God's ways. And let's not speak about the few hours of harbouring an offense, which I eventually handed over to God, yielding so He could help me process through it. God helping me, brings me to one of the other parts of this scripture that challenges me, 'Therefore by Him,' or as the Amplified Bible says, 'Through Him'. It seems that to be able to 'continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God', we have to be continually yielding, humbling ourselves and acknowledging that Jesus is Lord of all, not us. The complete Hebrews 13:15 in the Amplified Bible says this, Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. Hebrews 13:15 AMP But I've found that when we are in difficult circumstances, coming to that place of yielding and being able to 'thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name,' often means we have to acknowledge our pain, our lack of control over the circumstances and most importantly our lack of trust and faith in God - our unbelief that God will work in and through the circumstances. Regarding dealing with areas of unbelief, Donna Gibb's in her book, Becoming Resilient, says, 'In times of unbelief, ground yourself in Who you know God to be. Ground yourself in those aspects of God’s character in which you do no doubt. In which you do not struggle. Maybe you struggle with His protection, but you can ground yourself in the fact that He is your Creator. Or that He is your Saviour. Or that He is your Comforter. When you struggle, force yourself to reflect not only on your doubt but also on your area of confidence. Reflect often on those areas of genuine belief and assurance for help in times of doubt and uncertainty. Frequently, we trust God with our salvation but struggle to believe Him in our suffering. Remember, He remains the same. Whether you turn to Him regarding your eternal soul or your temporary pain, He remains the same God throughout. ' (Page 168 - Becoming Resilient by Donna Gibbs) I have had to put this strategy into place many times over the past seven years. I've said before that there have been times in our journey with Victoria that I've believed God would bring us through the circumstances, but have struggled to believe that He would heal Victoria. In those times of doubt (sometimes they lasted for about 6 months), I had to do exactly what Donna is saying, ground myself in the aspects of God's character in which I did not doubt. I knew He was with us, He hadn't left us or forsaken us. For me, to shift that unbelief to belief regarding God's desire to heal, I had to meditate daily on the truth in His word, feeding my soul, aligning my thoughts with God's thoughts - a renewing of my mind. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 The Message But getting back to offering a sacrifice of praise ... choosing to 'thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name,' regardless of the circumstances, is a step of obedience that takes us further towards the maturity God is calling us each to. Finally, I have found that being still and listening to worship music, always takes me to a place of laying down my concerns, looking up to Jesus and praising Him for Who He is. For me, O Come to the Altar from Elevation Worship and Ever Be, from Bethel Music, and are always two great songs to start with.  Let's pray, Jesus, thank you that You are always worthy of our praise. Please help us to understand more of that truth today, give us greater revelation of Who you are. Please transform those areas of unbelief that we all carry, into areas of belief and trust in You. Give us courage to obey and offer a sacrifice of praise to You today. Amen. To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Gen. 32:22-32 (NKJV) There are moments in our lives that change us in some way or another forever. Sometimes those changes are bad and sometimes they are good. A person can have a bad experience that leaves them bitter or broken to a point that it changes them and their attitude towards others. Today I […]

Ex. 14:13-22 (NKJV) There are times that we come to a point in our lives that we need to move forward, but we end up just standing still or going backwards. The Lord likely has a plan and provisions in place for us, we just need to trust Him. In the scriptures today, we see […]