Tag: faith

DISCERNMENT

People and things are not always as they appear to be. Manipulative people doing satan’s work are all around us. They have evil agendas for our future and those of the children of this world. We cannot believe everything we see or hear. Technology has become so advanced you cannot even believe a photo or video any longer. Anything can be manipulated. How do we tell the good guys from the bad guys? It is not always easy; many times, we allow our emotions or compassion to make us second guess.

If we have God’s Spirit inside of us, one of the nine spiritual gifts he promised we could have is discernment. (Listed in I COR 12: 4-11) This is when the Spirit of God warns us when the enemy is using someone to lay a trap for us. Discernment will let us know what we need to know in order to help ourselves or others not be harmed by the enemy.

Discernment will allow us to know when evil is present. It will help us to do the will of God concerning the situation that is before us. God does not reveal things to harm anyone but to bring people together. Many false prophets and teachers are in our land today. We need to be careful of those we allow to preach to us. There are some guidelines that we need to use to measure people of ministry. One, do they preach what is in the Bible? Do their lessons line up with what God’s word says? Do they practice what they preach? Are the gifts in operation in their ministry?

Some people will call themselves pastors and ministers, but they want to control every aspect of the lives of their congregation. This is not a job of a pastor to control where people work, what kind of car they buy if they rent or buy a house. This behavior borderlines on being a cult. Any preacher or pastor that is like this is controlled by a Jezebel spirit. I warn you to get away from anyone like this; allow God to speak to you. God will lead us to where we need to be if we allow him to give us discernment.

For too long, the enemy has inserted false teachers into the church, and we have not had the discernment to know the difference. The enemy will come at you with a smile and be able to quote scripture. Satan believes there is a God because he stood in heaven with Him. Satan has attacked the church with big smiles and false teaching. Enough is enough; it is time we got on our faces before God and prayed for discernment and understanding.

Listen to the voice of God. Keep your prayer life very active. He is waiting to talk to you.

HEB 4:12-13 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

If we allow God to guide us in our Bible reading, it will speak to us. God knows what we need at any particular time to read. It discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. The word can shape our ideology and our beliefs. The word is living and steady in an ever-changing world. If we stay in the word, get it on the inside of us. It will help us to discern the truth and we will not be deceived.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

LIVING SACRIFICE

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We bring money and place it in a plate as it is passed around at church; this is an offering. We give an offering out of our increase back to God. We don’t then go later and take the money back. Yet we offer our lives to God as an offering. Then the first little rough patch, we take it back and try to run our lives ourselves. Only to be confused when it all falls apart.

The Bible says we are to present ourselves as a living sacrifice. It’s our offering to God that we say, “Here is the life that you gave me. I’ve given it back to you. I want to live to glorify you.” This is how we present our bodies as a living sacrifice. We surrender to go where he sends us. This is one of the scariest things to say and really mean. We are all human and giving complete control to someone else, even God, is scary.

Our flesh rises up and is afraid. Often, we don’t want to pray, read our Bible or go where God wants because our flesh fights against God’s plan. We don’t want to leave our comfort zone. We need to fight our instinct to run. Changing our thinking will help us to surrender to God fully. It is not an easy process and not one to be taken lightly. God understands and is there to reassure us in our quest to surrender. We transform our minds by reading and studying the Word.

Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Staying in the word will help us to surrender our lives fully and completely. There is an old song that sums up this process. Learning to lean on Jesus. It talks about how each day, we are learning to lean on Jesus. As we grow as Christians, the process gets easier.

Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

The more of His Spirit we have in us, the less control our flesh has over our choices. This is how we sacrifice for him. Because he paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. He can do so much with a little bit. Imagine if we could fully surrender and give our lives 100% to Him, holding back nothing. This should be the goal of each and every one of His children.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

A BIBLE STUDY

KEEPERS OF THE FLAME

A STUDY ABOUT CARRYING

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

LLOYD DEMSEY II

This study was written by the late Lloyd Dempsey II, edited by his wife, Angela Dempsey

It is being published in memory of Lloyd and his love for the people of God. He wanted to encourage and enlighten someone every day. May this study lift you up and encourage you to carry the flame of God to show the lost a way out of darkness.

There is a tribe of people living like cavemen in the Amazon Jungle. The most complex machine that they have is a long bow. They use this bow for hunting. These people have never developed a way to start their own fire. The only way to get fire is to collect it from a lightning strike. Since fire is so hard for them to obtain, they consider it a “Gift of God.”

As Christian in the modern U.S. we take for granted the ease of making fire. All we need is a match, a lighter or some other device. However, if we had to work at it, fire can be a hard thing to obtain. In this study we will examine the natural fire and relate it to the Holy Ghost Fire.

John said, Matt 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Just as the little Amazon Indian sees natural fire as a gift from God, we as Christians receive Holy Fire from the true God. But what good is it? What do we do with this Gift of Fire?

To answer this question, we must look at how to use natural fire. Fire gives us light and allows us to see what is around us in the dark. Whether or not there is a stumbling block or a clear path ahead, a brother or an enemy. It also helps us see the work we are doing.

If you have ever awoken to a power outage and had to bumble around in the dark, you can really appreciate the light of even a small candle. It is amazing how a little fire can make a big difference.

How does this relate to Holy Fire?

2 Pet. 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

2 Pet. 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2 Pet 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Jesus commanded us to let our light shine.

Matt 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Matt 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Matt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jesus told us that a little fire in the form of a candle is very important. The light from a city at that time was a collection of little fires. When a little fire is held high, everyone benefits.

Often there are times when we sit on a pew, silent. We think our little song or testimony isn’t good enough to be shared. Jesus wants us to share it anyway. This is how God is glorified and the lost won to the kingdom.

If a man wondering in the wilderness sees the collective light from a city. He knows he can find shelter.

Natural fire keeps us warm. It is said that a person standing in the wilderness, on a cold night can survive only three hours without the comfort of a fire for warmth.

Act 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Natural fire is used to cook or prepare food. Again, through the Holy Ghost food is given to us.

Jer. 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Natural fire purifies for us precious things. The Holy fire purifies us to make us more precious to God.

I Peter 4:12-14 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

As we have seen, natural fire is a wonderful useful thing. Spiritual or Holy Fire is an absolute necessity, and I haven’t even scratched the surface. Next, let us look at the maintenance of fire, after all if we are “keepers of the flame,” then we have a responsibility to see that fire is there when it is needed.

In the Amazon Indian’s world there is only two ways to get fire. One way is to collect wildfire from a lightening strike. (This is why they believe it is a gift of God). The other way is to get the “Keepers of the Flame,” to share with you the fire he has collected and nurtured from a previous strike. (The same Gift)

As Christians there is only two ways to get spiritual fire (Holy Ghost Fire) The first ways is to get fire directly from God.

Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The other way is for a Holy Ghost filled person to pass it on.

Acts 8:14-17 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

As “Keepers of the Flame” we are given the responsibility of passing on the fire, nurturing the fire, and keeping a constant watch. Just as the little Indian in the Amazon must carry a smoldering stick everywhere he goes, so we must carry our Holy Ghost Fire everywhere.

Mark 16:15-16 (15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

The little Indian can be spotted anywhere, because of the smoke from his stick, everyone who sees him knows he has God’s Gift. They know that he is the one to go to when it is time to cook, get comforting warmth, or kindle the nights campfire; which keeps away the large jungle cats that constantly stalk the tribe in the darkness.

Mark 16:17-18 (17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Some people believe that although we are commissioned to preach the gospel to the whole world. The signs of those who believe was only for those living at the time of Christ. Both Joel and Acts tells us this is for everybody.

Joel 2:28-30 This is quoted in Acts 2:17-19

Acts 2:16-19 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

So if we have fire, there is going to be smoke; for just as smoke is evidence of fire in a stick. These signs are evidence of the Holy Ghost in a person. (Mark 16:17-18) (I must point out here that in Mark 16:18 the serpents here are symbolic of the devil and are taken up to be cast out. The deadly drink is representative of false doctrine.

Truly God gives his servants protection from an accidental poisoning. However, picking up snakes and drinking strychnine are foolishly tempting God. Therefore, it is a sin in itself.)

As I write this I must ask myself, is the Holy Ghost in me as evident as the natural fire is in the life of the little Amazon Indian’s life?

Do the people in my life know they can come to me when they need fed or comforted?

Can they see that I have God’s Gift, that can shine a light on their path or drive out the wild beast that hunt them in the spiritual darkness?

Have I let my fire go down or worse yet, have I let it go out completely?

I Tim 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

What can I do to keep the fire burning?

II Tim 1:6-7 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Our flame is a tool for God to work in our lives; to provide for us, as well as those who surround us. So we must keep our flame stirred up with prayer, praise and the receiving of his word. If we are diligent in these things, we can be assured that our flame will grow strong.

Sadly, despite all diligence the little Amazon Indian lives in a place where very few people preach the truth and probably is a pagan. Thank you Jesus, that you allowed me to be an American, where I can be a Christian and a “Keeper of your fire.”

If you are reading this today and have let your fire go down or go out completely. God wants to rekindle your flame right now. This study has not come to you by accident. Much prayer has gone into its’ creation.

I believe that God will move upon you right now to increase your spiritual fire. He will help you grow in wisdom, knowledge and truth.

Matt 18:12-14 12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

If you have never had fire, then the Lord Jesus Christ wants you to become a flame and light for him. Repent and get your sins under the blood of Christ. Be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and pray for God to fill you with the Holy Ghost and you will receive fire.

Questions:

How can I receive God’s holy fire? ____________________________________________________________________________________

As a believer, how do I carry the fire to those that need light and the warmth of God’s love? ____________________________________________________________________________________

What do we do with the gift of fire?
____________________________________________________________________________________

How does holy fire compare to natural fire when it comes to purifying?

____________________________________________________________________________________

As believers we are given a great commission to spread the love of God to the world and share the holy fire with them.

The little Indian in our comparison can be spotted because of his smoke. What are some thing people will notice about us as believers that make us stand out?

____________________________________________________________________________________

ONE FLOWER

I was sitting in the drive-thru line at my bank the other day. As I waited for the teller to cash my check, I looked around at all the pretty flowers. They always do such a good job with the landscaping. Then I noticed a bright yellow flower all alone. It was almost behind the dumpster, against the fence on top of a pile of gravel. From the location of the flower, it grew there on its own. I don’t know if it was from a seed of one that had been discarded and missed the dumpster. I don’t know if a bird dropped it. But it was still there with its face to the sun saying, ‘Hey world, here I am; I am not supposed to be here, but I fought hard to grow through the rough spots.’ That one flower defied the odds and grew where it wasn’t supposed to grow.

How many times do we face things that try to define our purpose for us? Are we going to allow our circumstances to define us? Are we going to boldly stand with our faces to God and say, ‘Hey world, here I am, I am not supposed to be here, the enemy tried to take me out, but God had other plans.’

I have fought through adversity to grow into the person that I am; satan doesn’t define me. I may not be planted where some feel I should be, but I am where God wants me. I want to be like the one lone flower and keep growing even if it is not easy. Sometimes it’s easier to stand out when we are not surrounded by other flowers. Bloom where God plants you and be bold. Sometimes we are called to be set apart from the crowd to let our light shine.

God will sometimes remove people from our lives. Others he will make unavailable because he wants us to lean on him. We need to come apart and be with him. He wants us to sit quietly and listen to him. We can grow spiritually through adversity. The hard things make us stronger and more determined. If our roots go deep enough, we can grow even when we are in rocky places. I want to be a determined individual, determined to keep my face toward God and bloom where He plants me.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

FIERY TRIALS

I am sure that Daniel would not have wanted to be in the lion’s den. The three Hebrew children probably would not have wanted to be put in the fiery furnace. Job would not have wanted to suffer the things he did. But sometimes, the things we walk through are not just for us but to let the world see Jesus in us. Even Christ prayed, “Let this cup pass from me.” Yet he went to the cross and suffered because it was for the salvation of mankind.

I Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

We often wonder why good people seem to suffer while evil people prosper. The evil ones have their reward for a season. But the Children of God will have our reward forever more. The fiery trials are to make us stronger. The fire will burn out our impurities. The things we sometimes walk through are to teach us a lesson. The enemy will sometimes see how we walk through the fiery trials and be amazed at how God has worked on our behalf.

Do not be discouraged or allow the spirit of heaviness to lay on you. He will remove the spirit of heaviness. Depression and discouragement have filled the earth. But God will remove them if we look to him and trust in him.

God is looking for a few good men and women to be his army. He honors the bold and the brave. It will take boldness, Holy Boldness, in these days in which we live. We must have a made-up (determined) mind to follow Christ, no matter what it costs, even our lives. He is starting to give marching orders. Will we obey? Will we rise up and be the Christian Army the world needs to see or will we stay in our comfort zone? I am afraid those that choose the comfort zone over the fiery trials will be left behind.

The next time you walk through a tough time, remember that your fiery trial is working for your good and the good of others.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

JOY AND HAPPINESS

Phil 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

We often tell our friends that we only wish for them to be happy. But actually, we should wish for them to be joyful instead. Happiness depends on outside factors. If we have the right romantic relationship, if we have the right job, if we have material things that make us comfortable. All these things affect our happiness.

Joy is something we carry on the inside. It is a sense of contentment or peace. It does not dependent on material things, friends, family or the right romantic partner. Joy is a state of being that comes from God. If we are His people, he will give us joy. Inner joy can help us to let our light shine in difficulties. Adversity can affect our happiness. It doesn’t affect our joy.

We can have our backs against the wall and feel like we have no escape from the things that come against us in life. These things can steal our sense of happiness, but they cannot steal our joy, as long as we look to Jesus to help us overcome our fiery trials.

Happiness is about pleasing ourselves, while joy comes when we please others. Being content is a choice that we will not allow the enemy to make us feel down if we don’t have the material things, we wish we had in our possession. God will provide all we need. If we have what we need today, tomorrow will take care of itself. When it arrives, we will again evaluate if we have all we need.

Phil 4:10-12 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

We may face rough times, but learning to be content is a way to allow the Holy Ghost to take control of our lives. He will lead us exactly where we need to be and will provide what we need. If we can learn to be content, we will be a greater light to the world.

Joy is a fruit of the spirit and comes from the Lord. The longer we walk on this Christian journey the more our fruit should grow. We should walk in Love as well as Joy, letting our light shine before the world.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

SEEKING GOD

People and things are not always as they appear to be. Manipulative people doing satan’s work are all around us. They have evil agendas for our future and those of the children of this world. We cannot believe everything we see or hear. Technology has become so advanced you cannot even believe a photo or video any longer. Anything can be manipulated. How do we tell the good guys from the bad guys? It is not always easy, many times we allow our emotions or compassion to make us second guess.

God does not reveal things to harm anyone, but to bring His people together. Just as he has always used prophecy to warn His people and guide them during tough times. The body of Christ needs to shake loose the doctrines of men and get in the word. Ask God for answers. I promise he will guide us if we are willing to listen to him.

The Holy Ghost is our guide, He is waiting to speak to us and direct our footsteps. But we cannot hear his voice if we don’t slow down and listen. God is calling us to rest in him and listen for his still small voice.

In a world where there are so many voices trying to get our attention, it is even more important than ever to find quiet time with God. Psalm 62:5-6 (5) My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

Jer 29:11-13 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

God has plans for us, plans for good and not evil. But we have something to do too. God is not a genie in a bottle that grants wishes. He is a loving God that wants a relationship with us. We have to pray and follow Jesus. Verse 13 says we will find him when we search with all of our hearts.

God doesn’t want a ritualistic prayer. He wants an honest conversation with us. He is not afraid of our honesty. He already knows what is in our hearts. But by opening up and asking the hard questions, we can find the answers we seek.

I don’t want to see anyone miss the move of God that is coming because they are too afraid to step out of their comfort zones. Now is a time to be praying like never before, asking for God’s guidance. Big changes are coming, we need to be ready for the move of God.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

The Spirit of truth is the Holy Ghost, He is our guide. But someone traveling could have the best guide ever, but if they don’t listen to them, or follow them they may as well be without a guide. We need to follow Him closely and pray every day for Him to lead us. By yielding our lives to Christ, we will never be alone, even in the worst of times.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

HEALING

Isaiah 53:5 – But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

He was wounded for our sins. Jesus’ death brought healing opportunities for our souls. But he also took stripes for our physical healing. Jesus heals us today. We can anoint one another with oil and pray for healing. God will heal us if we have faith.

Some say I don’t believe it; miracles don’t exist today. To those I would say don’t waste your time praying if you don’t believe it. If you don’t believe you won’t receive it. If God is not able to heal these bodies, he has created, then how can we trust him for our salvation from hell? That is a bigger miracle than healing our bodies.

James 5:14-15 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

I have a unique perspective; I was raised to know the power of God. My grandpa had the gift of healing and miracles. I used to travel in the summers with him and my grandmother to revivals all over the upper east coast. I have seen things that God has done. I have experienced healing of my own. I recently was sick and had pain in my side after a few minutes of my parents praying for me I got better. I claim the blood Jesus shed for me. I am blessed to be his child. He healed me of chronic sinus headaches many years ago. He delivered me from depression and constant anxiety. Many more things that I cannot even remember.

Our lives as Christians are based on faith. Heb 11:6 -But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. The God of the universe lives within us, we have all power. We just have to access it by faith.

As Jesus was being beaten, bruised and crushed something happened, his anointing flowed. Just as olive oil flows from crushed and bruised olives. That process released anointing. That same anointing lives within us. This is why we can pray and ask for healing, and he will deliver us.

3 JOHN 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. If we expect to receive things from the Lord, we need to have a relationship with him. We need to walk by faith and not by sight. As we grow in our relationship with God we gain power. The power we gain is to be used for the glory of God and to help others.

James 1 3-8 (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

It comes down to what I wrote about a few blogs ago. Who’s report are your going to believe? Are you going to trust God or trust man. Do we have faith? Do we not have faith? We have to have this matter settled concerning these things before the enemy attacks. We have to have a made-up mind that no matter what comes our way we will walk by faith. That is what it means to be a child of God. We have to be determined that on this day, I will trust the Lord for all of my needs, physically, spiritually and financially. He is the God that cannot fail. When our eyes pop open tomorrow we need to say, “I trust you Lord to supply all my needs and take care of me. I will do all I can to be the light and witness you have called me to be on the earth.”

The time is drawing close that God is going to divide those who fully trust from those who partially trust. We are about to see the church rise up in the power and anointing that it once had many years ago. How else will we show the unbelievers the way to Jesus? Evil is all around us, but do not fear Lord Jesus is near.

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

NO TIME

Feeling pressed for time seems to be a part of the American lifestyle. We never seem to have enough time to do what we need to do and want to do. Often, we feel like we do not have time to pray or read God’s word. It is a fact that people make time for what is important to them. Martin Luther said, “Show me where a man spends his time and money and I will show you his god.”

Many are driven in business and are very successful because they work hard all of their life. What does it really profit us if we gain earthly things and lose our souls? Fame, Money, Recognition and Adoration of the masses all mean nothing without God. We need to be like Joshua and Elijah. It is time we choose God. The battle lines are being drawn. Make sure you are on the right side when the dust settles.

Even Moses asked Who is on the Lord’s side? This was after Israel had committed idolatry by making a golden calf. While Moses was on the mountain getting the ten commandments, they were breaking each of them in the camp below the mountain. Only a few stood back and didn’t participate in idol worship.

Joshua 24:15-17 14 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. 15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;

Later in the Bible, in the book of I Kings, the people were asked to choose again. Ahab met with Elijah and they talked about how Ahab thought Elijah was troubling Israel. Elijah answered back that Ahab’s father’s house had forsaken the Lord to follow Baal, a false god. Elijah suggested that they gather all of Israel and the prophets of Baal to the top of Mt. Carmel.

20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. 23 Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: 24 And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.

The prophets of Baal went first; they cried and cried from morning until night. They cut themselves with knives and bled for their god. Nothing happened. Elijah got his turn and he said a simple prayer, then suddenly, an explosion of fire fell from the heavens. It not only consumed the offering but the wood and the water in the trench.

Notice verse 21. Elijah asked them how long they were going to try to serve the Lord and serve Baal. The church of today is lukewarm and trying to “straddle the fence.” The lines are being drawn today. People’s fate hangs in the balance. I encourage you to choose the ONE TRUE GOD, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. There are many things and gods of this world to distract us. But make no mistake, when God is ready to call his children home, there will be “no time” to get ready. Everyone’s fate will be sealed. Don’t be left behind because of a lesser god. The one true God is waiting to hear your choice and accept your answer.

It is time for the warriors of God, to make sure you are battling on the right side. We can defeat the enemy, by investing the time to pray and speak faith. We will find time for what is important. I encourage you to make GOD a priority, and see how life will change.

GREAT WISDOM

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom. It is believed to be written by King Solomon. If you remember his story, he asked God for wisdom and God gave him vast wisdom. Many people in our lives have wisdom; these are the ones we want to spend time. We gain wisdom by being around wise people.

Proverbs 30:24-28 speaks of four wise animals.

Prov 30:24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

Prov 30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

We can learn a lot of lessons from each of them; ants are very small creatures. They communicate and work well together. Their cause is greater than their individual needs. They know winter is coming and they need to store up for winter.

We need to be laboring to get souls saved before it is too late, and we cannot work. The harvest ready and the laborers are few.

Many things could be said about saving or storing up for winter. We try to save money for emergencies or for something we want to do, like a trip to the beach. The greatest thing we can store up is treasures in heaven.

Matt 6:19-20

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Prov 30:26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

Conies are small creatures that look like rabbits with short ears. They find holes in rocks to hide from the weather and get protection from larger animals and birds that may want to have them for dinner. They are wise in the fact that they make the rocks their home, their hiding place. We can be wise, too when we make “the rock” Jesus our hiding place. He will keep us safe from the storms and will protect us from satan who is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.

Prov 30: 27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

Locust are grass hopper like creatures, that are docile on their own but when they get in a swarm of others can be quite destructive to crops. The lesson we can learn from them is to band together. When we come together with a single purpose in mind, more gets accomplished than each of us can get done on our own.

Prov 30: 28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces

There is nowhere a spider cannot be found building her web; even kings palaces. One of the lessons we can learn from the spider is determination. They will build a web and you can sweep it down and by the next day there is another web in its place.

What if we were so determined to build the kingdom of God? What if every time the enemy knocked down what we were trying to do, we didn’t complain. What if we just got up and tried to build it stronger.

Another lesson is, what comes out of the spider is what gets it where its going. Sometimes it is what comes out of us that determines our destination. Are we talking defeat or are we talking faith? We can only go on if we have the faith that we will overcome the enemy and be able to build God’s kingdom.

The book of Proverbs is definitely worth reading, even if you have read it before today. Each time we read God’s word we gain new insight, strength and wisdom.

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.