You can ascribe to God's word or to government's word, but you can't do both. The days are here the battle lines are drawn you must choose a side. Not choosing is a choice for man It does not matter what ANY MAN may say about any issue, God has covered everything we may think of and pervert, God says we shall not murder, man says we may in the name of choice, 58 million murdered souls testify to this before the throne of God each day as more are murdered , now man says marriage is for all but God says this marriage is the union between a man and s woman, man says living together is fine but God says this sex is for marriage and anything outside of the confines of marriage as He designed it is sin, man says that if you feel like a woman be one if you feel like a man be one this is simply perversion God says that He created them male and female. Make no mistake you can doubt and mock what God says but there are eternal consequences. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 HCSB Don’t you know that the unjust will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or any kind of homosexual, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Showing posts with label reason. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reason. Show all posts
Monday, July 4, 2016
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Unconditional love
Unconditional love, we use this term in the church, but do we understand how powerful these words are?
Jesus loves all mankind unconditionally, for He died for all mankind, the Bible says while we're His enemy and yet sinners Christ died for us!
How many of us are sinners?
ALL OF US, even though Christ paid the price for our sins, not all will receive what Christ Jesus has done for them by taking their place on the cross and becoming the payment for the penalty for sin, death, in their place.
Jesus forgave all who mocked Him , spat on Him, beat Him, tortured Him, crucified and killed Him, Jesus still forgives those today who do the same things, when they come to Him ask, and repent, if Christ can do this, and He did and does,He will forgive you also.
How do I know this, He forgave me, and forgives me still when I fail Him.
We need to give unconditional love to each other, just as we have received it, that doesn't mean we except sin, what it does mean is we tell others by how we live, what we say and do by doing it Christ way, this means we pray for others that God will work in their lives as He is ours, we forgive those who wrong us, no matter what and love them through Jesus Christ as He does us.
What conditions do we put on others so we can love them?
What if Christ loved us as we do others?
Is our love based on what others can do for us, or based on who Christ is in us?
It is easier to say than do, but if Jesus did it, and He did! Then He is our example to live by, in Him we to can do this.
God's word says this;
Luke 23:32-35, 38-43 HCSB
Two others — criminals — were also led away to be executed with Him. When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided His clothes and cast lots. The people stood watching, and even the leaders kept scoffing: “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One! ” An inscription was above Him: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us! ” But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom! ” And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
John 15:12-13 HCSB
This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.
Romans 3:23 HCSB
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 5:6-11 HCSB
For while we were still helpless, and the appointed moment, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person — though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die? But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! Much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by His blood, we will be saved through Him from wrath. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life! And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have now received this reconciliation through Him.
Romans 6:23 HCSB
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 HCSB
Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for languages, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
There will be a day!
When the day comes and it will come make no mistake, that our government issues a law that says you may not worship or pledge allegiance to any one except them what do you believe you will do? Will you bow before them and do as they say or will you worship God,(Yahweh) only as Daniel did?
How many already who claim to be christians do this daily now and bow to the gods of this world?
Daniel 6:1-10 HCSB
Darius decided to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, stationed throughout the realm, and over them three administrators, including Daniel. These satraps would be accountable to them so that the king would not be defrauded. Daniel distinguished himself above the administrators and satraps because he had an extraordinary spirit, so the king planned to set him over the whole realm. The administrators and satraps, therefore, kept trying to find a charge against Daniel regarding the kingdom. But they could find no charge or corruption, for he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. Then these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said to him, “May King Darius live forever. All the administrators of the kingdom, the prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an edict that for 30 days, anyone who petitions any god or man except you, the king, will be thrown into the lions’ den. Therefore, Your Majesty, establish the edict and sign the document so that, as a law of the Medes and Persians, it is irrevocable and cannot be changed.” So King Darius signed the document. When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Revelation 13:4-10 HCSB
They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against him? ” A mouth was given to him to speak boasts and blasphemies. He was also given authority to act for 42 months. He began to speak blasphemies against God: to blaspheme His name and His dwelling — those who dwell in heaven. And he was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. He was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All those who live on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered. If anyone has an ear, he should listen: If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he goes. If anyone is to be killed with a sword, with a sword he will be killed. This demands the perseverance and faith of the saints.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Stay True
As the years wear on, some are tempted to stray from the marriage fold to seek other relationships. This is disastrous and always destructive. God's Word says directly to husbands: Drink water from your own cistern, And running water from your own well. Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? Let them be only your own, And not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; And always be enraptured with her love (Proverbs 5:15-19).
In his comprehensive study on pornography, Steven Marcus of Columbia University says man's appetite for pornography is insatiable. It simply can never be satisfied. The makers of X-rated films are always seeking more taboos to break. Any immoral relationship, however innocent it might start, never satisfies. The Bible wisely tells us to avoid these involvements and keep ourselves true to our wives. When we refuse to betray the marriage bed, there comes a deepening of relationship that goes far beyond anything we might have given up. Adultery always shatters and, almost always, shatters permanently.
It is important to remember God charges the husband with the responsibility of keeping his home pure. Man is to have a unique and special relationship with one God and one mate. We should always remember that adultery is not wrong because it is in the Bible--it is in the Bible because it is wrong!
Proverbs 6 : 20My son, keep your father’s command,
and don’t reject your mother’s teaching.
21Always bind them to your heart;
tie them around your neck.
22When you walk here and there, they will guide you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
when you wake up, they will talk to you.
23For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light,
and corrective discipline is the way to life.
24They will protect you from an evil woman,
from the flattering tongue of a stranger.
25Don’t lust in your heart for her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyelashes.
26For a prostitute’s fee is only a loaf of bread,
but an adulteress goes after a precious life.
27Can a man embrace fire
and his clothes not be burned?
28Can a man walk on burning coals
without scorching his feet?
29So it is with the one who sleeps with
another man’s wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished.
30People don’t despise the thief if he steals
to satisfy himself when he is hungry.
31Still, if caught, he must pay seven times as much;
he must give up all the wealth in his house.
32The one who commits adultery lacks sense;
whoever does so destroys himself.
33He will get a beating and dishonor,
and his disgrace will never be removed.
34For jealousy enrages a husband,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
35He will not be appeased by anything
or be persuaded by lavish gifts.
Bible Discovery TV for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.biblediscoverytv.com
Monday, January 6, 2014
Fear is a lie
Fear, all experience it at one time or another. As a child of God we should not fear tomorrow or today or be held captive by yesterday. We have been freed from the bondage of fear.
Fear traps you, holds you back from life and disables you.
The Bible says in1 John 4: 18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love.
Jesus is that perfect love and in Him we have all we need to overcome fear, He will never leave or forsake you, He never changes, He provides for us protection, peace, eternal security and our daily needs. If you have Him you have everything, if you don't have Him your held by fear.
The Bible says in1 John 4: 18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love.
Jesus is that perfect love and in Him we have all we need to overcome fear, He will never leave or forsake you, He never changes, He provides for us protection, peace, eternal security and our daily needs. If you have Him you have everything, if you don't have Him your held by fear.
Today trust Him and know all things work together for our good and His glory and let His perfect love cast out your fears.
Monday, June 10, 2013
The Power of Prayer
Prayer, stop and think about how powerful this word is...when you look back through the Bible we see that when God's people prayed God moved and made things happen. Armies were destroyed, people were brought back from the dead,Nations were rebuilt all because God's people prayed.
What is disheartening is that we as a people don't take this power very seriously,we halfheartedly offer up prayers of selfish desires instead of Spirit led prayers, we come to God with an agenda when we need something instead of daily coming to Him with an open heart empty of selfishness.
We don't pray with any fervency or any kind of frequency today, we foolishly think we can do things without prayer because of our pride.
We have forgotten who we are speaking to,and the power that God our Father has.We have extravagant buildings,wonderful programs,excellent teachers great choirs,tremendous preachers and good fellowship and life is coasting along at a nice even pace. Our enemy the devil smirks at us when we get caught up in these things and we forget the power of prayer, he doesn't care if we go to church 7 days a week if we go only to enjoy these things, when we won't read the word or pray to God, the devil is at ease.
God waits on His children to pray,there's nothing that will bind the church together more than praying.
Jesus said "If any two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it will be done for them of My Father which is in Heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:19-20
So how is your prayer life, I have to confess mine falls short of anything that would seem honorable to God. I read through the scriptures and I see how our Lord Jesus prayed, He prayed daily, He prayed with intensity, He prayed specifically, and He prayed reverently in the power of God.
Jesus prayed until His body bled, He prayed and wept over Jerusalem, He prayed for the apostles and He prayed for you and I. John 17:9-26 [9] "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. [10] "And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. [11] "Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. [12] "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. [13] "But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. [14] "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. [15] "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. [16] "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. [17] "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. [18] "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. [19] "And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. [20] "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; [21] "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. [22] "And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: [23] "I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. [24] "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. [25] "O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. [26] "And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."
He passionately prayed for us, if the Son of God sought our Heavenly Father with such passion, how much more should we be seeking out God with passion, in His Spirit, to know His truths?
Prayer should be an act of worship, not a to do list for God our Father, look again at how Jesus prayed, Jesus prayed to His Holy Father, for His Father's people for His Father's ways, O Righteous Father Jesus Said.
Oh how my prayers are not this way, Father forgive me.Jesus taught the Samaritan woman at the well that God our Father will seek those out who worship Him in Spirit and truth, that means that in all we do we should worship God that means our prayer life also.
John 4:21-24 [21] Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. [22] "You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. [23] "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. [24] "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
It is time we as the body of Christ pray,pray like never before with passion, fervently stretched out before our Lord and Savior, seeking His face and His will,knowing God is Sovereign over our lives, we must individually and corporately start praying in the presence and the power of God, even if that means coming before His throne in silence and letting the Holy Spirit pray. Prayer is not a game, it is not a halfhearted to do list for God, it is a personal passionate act of worship to a Holy God who is pure, righteous and just.
Jesus gave us specific instructions on prayer, Matthew 6:7-13 [7] "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. [8] "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. [9] "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. [10] Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. [13] And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Pray like never before, pray with intensity, pray without ceasing, pray to your Heavenly Father who waits for you.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
In Christ
brian
Friday, January 11, 2013
Conquerors
So many times we live our lives in defeat, believing we are trapped in a routine we can not get out of. We do things we wish not to do, and don’t do the things we wish we to do.
The choice to live this way, and make no ,mistake it is a choice is the wrong course of action we need to be on. Do you know what God says.
1st John 5: 1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him. 2This is how we know that we love God’s children when we love God and obey His commands. 3For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden, 4because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. 5And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, you’re a conqueror, and conquerors are not defeated, they are champions. Our enemy is a defeated enemy, we are no longer slaves to sin or death, but we are freed from that bondage.
Romans 8: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. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
And as free children of God, we walk by the Spirit of God, He walks with us, talks to us gives us freedom that the world will never know. He calls us to live in victory, turn your life around and use it to defeat the enemy, you and I have that power to do so, if we will surrender to the power of God in our lives.
Romans 8: 26Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. 27Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Are you willing to surrender? Are you willing to let God conquer the world through your life,? Are you willing to let God take all the enemy has done to defeat you and turn it around and use it against him and his minions?
If not your in for a defeated life, if so you have to surrender to the will of God, and then your in for a life of a conqueror, and God will use you in a mighty way, remember the battle is already won, don’t fight against a defeated enemy.
God has given us His word to instruct us on how to live the life of a conqueror it is truly simple for us to follow, we just can not give into the flesh, we must surrender to the Spirit of God.
Romans 12: 9Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. 20ButIf your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. 21Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Stand up today, look in the mirror and say to yourself, you are a conqueror, repeat the word of God, that Jesus has conquered the world, I am not of this world, but of my Heavenly Father. My life is not mine to live, but Christ’s to live through me, I surrender to His power, and will for my life. Then follow what God has said above, and live your life to His fullest.
John 16:31Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? 32Look: An hour is coming, and has come, when each of you will be scattered to his own home, and you will leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
In Christ
brian
The choice to live this way, and make no ,mistake it is a choice is the wrong course of action we need to be on. Do you know what God says.
1st John 5: 1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him. 2This is how we know that we love God’s children when we love God and obey His commands. 3For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden, 4because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. 5And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, you’re a conqueror, and conquerors are not defeated, they are champions. Our enemy is a defeated enemy, we are no longer slaves to sin or death, but we are freed from that bondage.
Romans 8: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. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
And as free children of God, we walk by the Spirit of God, He walks with us, talks to us gives us freedom that the world will never know. He calls us to live in victory, turn your life around and use it to defeat the enemy, you and I have that power to do so, if we will surrender to the power of God in our lives.
Romans 8: 26Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. 27Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Are you willing to surrender? Are you willing to let God conquer the world through your life,? Are you willing to let God take all the enemy has done to defeat you and turn it around and use it against him and his minions?
If not your in for a defeated life, if so you have to surrender to the will of God, and then your in for a life of a conqueror, and God will use you in a mighty way, remember the battle is already won, don’t fight against a defeated enemy.
God has given us His word to instruct us on how to live the life of a conqueror it is truly simple for us to follow, we just can not give into the flesh, we must surrender to the Spirit of God.
Romans 12: 9Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. 20ButIf your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. 21Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Stand up today, look in the mirror and say to yourself, you are a conqueror, repeat the word of God, that Jesus has conquered the world, I am not of this world, but of my Heavenly Father. My life is not mine to live, but Christ’s to live through me, I surrender to His power, and will for my life. Then follow what God has said above, and live your life to His fullest.
John 16:31Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? 32Look: An hour is coming, and has come, when each of you will be scattered to his own home, and you will leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
In Christ
brian
Friday, December 21, 2012
Christmas through the eyes of our creator
Christmas is more than a day, it is an attitude we need to have in our hearts. We need to remember why we celebrate and why we even have Christmas.
Here is how Webster’s defines Christmas
Christmas:
a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday
But how do you define Christmas, that is the question.
Is it a day for family, presents and fun or is it a day of remembrance to celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
If we look at Christmas through the eyes of our Creator, we would see the true meaning of Christmas.
Hebrews 1:1-10 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son"? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him." And of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire."
But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions." And: "You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
Hebrews 12:1-4 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
God sent Jesus to us, He spoke to us through His Son. A prophet of old days was God’s way of talking to man, a priest was man’s way of talking to God. Christ is both, the perfect prophet, and the perfect priest, angels where sent to minister to men the message of God, Jesus is God’s revelation or message to man.
Jesus was begotten, or came out of or just as God, and is redemption for all of mankind. He holds all things, created all things, rules all things, and is the final authority of all things. Nothing has happened, or will happen that He is not over.
Jesus Christ is the reason for Christmas, a celebration of Him, for Him, by Him.
That is why I said in the beginning Christmas is an attitude of our heart, and something we should celebrate everyday. We have within us the cure for what ails the world, the cure for sin and death. We must give Him away everyday, the more you give Christ away in all you do, the more you will experience Christ love.
Jesus came knowing He would give up His life for the redemption for mankind. Man could not come up to God, so God came down to man. And Jesus faced the cross with joy, He kept His eyes on the prize, us. He faced things most of us will never know, He did it without complaining, and He gave us His all so we could live our lives. Lay down anything that would hinder you from serving Him. He alone is the author and finisher of our faith, look to Him daily to strengthen you, and celebrate Him with everyone you can.
So as you celebrate Christmas this year, keep that attitude going until God calls you home, and remember Gods' words.
For this is the Christmas story, the story of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:1-7 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
Merry Christmas
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
In Christ
brian
Here is how Webster’s defines Christmas
Christmas:
a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday
But how do you define Christmas, that is the question.
Is it a day for family, presents and fun or is it a day of remembrance to celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
If we look at Christmas through the eyes of our Creator, we would see the true meaning of Christmas.
Hebrews 1:1-10 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son"? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him." And of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire."
But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions." And: "You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
Hebrews 12:1-4 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
God sent Jesus to us, He spoke to us through His Son. A prophet of old days was God’s way of talking to man, a priest was man’s way of talking to God. Christ is both, the perfect prophet, and the perfect priest, angels where sent to minister to men the message of God, Jesus is God’s revelation or message to man.
Jesus was begotten, or came out of or just as God, and is redemption for all of mankind. He holds all things, created all things, rules all things, and is the final authority of all things. Nothing has happened, or will happen that He is not over.
Jesus Christ is the reason for Christmas, a celebration of Him, for Him, by Him.
That is why I said in the beginning Christmas is an attitude of our heart, and something we should celebrate everyday. We have within us the cure for what ails the world, the cure for sin and death. We must give Him away everyday, the more you give Christ away in all you do, the more you will experience Christ love.
Jesus came knowing He would give up His life for the redemption for mankind. Man could not come up to God, so God came down to man. And Jesus faced the cross with joy, He kept His eyes on the prize, us. He faced things most of us will never know, He did it without complaining, and He gave us His all so we could live our lives. Lay down anything that would hinder you from serving Him. He alone is the author and finisher of our faith, look to Him daily to strengthen you, and celebrate Him with everyone you can.
So as you celebrate Christmas this year, keep that attitude going until God calls you home, and remember Gods' words.
For this is the Christmas story, the story of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:1-7 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
Merry Christmas
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
In Christ
brian
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Revival in America today
We must faithfully pray for the 2012 elections, but do not let our hope and trust come from the result of any elections. Our only hope is in the reality of who God is. Not who we think He is. Do not let this fire die after the election. seek God daily as the saints of Old did, for yourselves, your families, your churches and your Nation.
Our Nation is desperately in need of spiritual and moral revival. And the issues facing this nation will not be resolved in the White House, Congress, or the Supreme Court. The United States is desperately in needs of another Great Awakening! This needs to start right where we are today, in our hearts, homes, Churches and work it’s way out.
If we fail to trust in the power of Jesus Christ in our lives, then how can we encourage those around us, with hope we do not have, or faith we do not exercise? Only a spiritual awakening within the people of God has the power to bring about this cultural transformation in our Nation.
There are a number of compelling reasons why we as Christians should pray for America and the elections:
The Bible commands us to pray for those who are in leadership. This includes those who are running to become our leaders.
Proverbs. 14:34. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any
people”
When we elect leaders, we are also bringing into play those will influence them, advice them and help shape our Nation, that includes their past advisors also.
Proverbs 11:14, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisors make victory sure.”
Godly leaders will help slow the erasure of our religious liberties. This provides a window of opportunity for us to pray and evangelize. Pray for Restoration, Humility, Repentance, Mercy and healing 2 Chronicles 7:12-14 12 Then the LORD appeared to Solomon at night and said to him, "I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, 14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Pray for Awakening ,Renewal, Empowerment, Joy & Hope Ephesians 5:13-20 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
Pray for Perseverance, Wisdom, Godly Strength, Protection, Truth & Preparedness , Ephesians 6:10-18 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual {forces} of wickedness in the heavenly {places.} 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil {one.} 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.7 Ways to Pray For America Originally presented by Dave Butts, Chairman for America’s National Prayer Committee.
Adopted & edited in part by Brian Kinnett The original order of this prayer guide by Dave Butts has been reorganized to share with each of you today. Everything in this color is thier words.1. The Purposes of GodUltimately, whatever the area of prayer emphasis, we must always come back to the purposes of God. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven” (Mt. 6:10). We can pray confidently in the will of God along with Scripture that teaches us that ultimately all things in heaven and earth will be summed up in Jesus Christ when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father (Eph. 1:8b-10 & 1 Corinthians. 15: 24-28). As we pray for something as important as national elections, we must lay down our own desires and take up the desires of God. What we really desire is for the Lord’s purposes to be achieved in and through our nation. All of our requests must be couched in words and thoughts that focus our hearts on the Kingdom of God.
Pray today for the purposes of God to be accomplished in the U.S. elections:
Pray that Christians will turn and seek first the Kingdom of God and be a guiding light to
the people of the U.S. who do not know Christ.
Pray that God will be honored in the midst of this election campaign.
Pray for opportunities for Christians to share their faith and their values in the midst of
this election process.
Pray that the results of the 2012 elections will please the Lord and bring His blessing over the Church and to this nation.
2. The ChurchThe Church is often relegated to the sidelines by the world and considered irrelevant and out of touch. Though we sometimes deserve that critique, God has a completely different perspective on what His people are to be and how we are to function. In Ephesians 3:10, the Apostle Paul writes, “His [God’s] intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known….”
Though seemingly powerless in the eyes of the world, the Church—through righteousness, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit—the wisdom of God is manifested through His revelation of power into any and every culture.
Ephesians 3:14-21 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.Pray today for the Church in America, that:
Our eyes will be opened to see the hope to which we are called (Eph.1:18).
We will experience in a fresh, new way the Presence of Christ in revival.
Believers will be given the faith to believe that their votes will make a difference.
A spirit of repentance and humility will be poured out upon the people of God.
3. The Voters The Great American Experiment in representative government for more than 200 years has depended upon voter involvement. From the very beginning of our nation there has been debate on who should be allowed the privilege of casting a vote to select our governmental leaders. The weight of history has increasingly opened the ballot box to more and more individuals.
This requires an educated electorate who will examine the issues and the candidates and vote in a way that is best for the nation, not just their own well-being. Much prayer is needed for this critical process.
Pray today for voters in the United States, that: Wisdom will be sought from God (James 1:5).
Self-interest will be laid aside for the common good.
Discernment between truth and falsehood will be clear. 4. The CandidatesIn the early years of our nation, it was thought to be in bad taste to even be seen wanting an office, much less actually campaigning. Oh, how things have changed! Now candidates for public office, especially at higher levels, put themselves and their families through a rigorous process that brings every aspect of their lives into public view. It has become so intense that many good individuals have chosen not to endure the sort of public scrutiny that is an integral part of the campaigning process today Praying for candidates does not mean praying just for those you agree with or support.
All are leaders and potential leaders in our nation—and as such, all need our prayers.
Pray today for candidates for office in the United States, that:
They will take brave stands for righteousness, even when it may not be well received.
Their families will be protected from harm and unnecessary scrutiny.
They will surround themselves with godly advisors.
They will focus on the issues we face as a nation and not on personal attacks on other
candidates
..
1st Timothy 2:1-4 1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties {and} prayers, petitions {and} thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Exodus 18:21 “But select capable men from all the people –men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain –and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and
tens.”
I Kings 3:28 “When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.”
Proverbs 1:5: “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,”
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory”. 5. The MediaIn our day of 24-hour news coverage, the media have taken on a huge role in our election process. Handling media correctly sometimes seems to take precedence in a campaign over actually dealing with issues. The media themselves often forget their role of informing and reporting and have become endorsers and supporters, even while they try to deny that role.
Increased prayer for the media is an essential way for Christians to impact an election.
Pray today for the media in America, that: • Truth in reporting and election coverage will become a high value.
Media bias will disappear.
Christianity will receive fair coverage in all reports.
Hope will become a part of the message of the media.
The following verses of Scripture deal with the deception of false pretence and draws contrasts between the ways of the wicked and the consequences of their sin and the ways of the righteous who are blessed of God. Telling and reporting the truth of a matter is important to God and we who call upon Him need to be people living out the truth ourselves. Our dependence on the media to inform us is therefore of critical importance and necessary requiring our prayers so that we will not be led astray but judge rightly and accurately.
Proverbs 12:9-22 “9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food. 10A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. 11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. 12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. 13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. 14 From the fruit of his lips a man if filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. 15 The way of a fools seems right to him, but a wise
man listens to advice. 16A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. 17A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies. 18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. 20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. 21 No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. 22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.” Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Matthew 12:36-37 “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your
words you will be condemned.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable –if anything is excellent or praiseworthy –think about such things.”6. The Impact on the NationsIn our rapidly shrinking world, what happens in one country has an effect on others. This is especially true for the United States. The individuals who hold the presidency and Senate and Congressional seats will make decisions that impact the rest of the world.
Whether those decisions help or harm the people of the world is largely determined by the choices that Americans make at the polls. We need to pray that our choices will serve to bless the world.
Pray today for the election and its impact on the world, that:
Voters will consider the foreign policies of candidates and how they fit with biblical
principles.
The activities of other nations will not have an undue influence on our elections.
The result of U.S. elections will serve to spread the gospel around the globe.
The U.S. will stand firm in its commitment to Israel’s right to exist as a nation.
Ps 33:12-22 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. 13 The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; 14 From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works. 16 The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength. 17 A horse is a false hope for victory; nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His loving kindness, 19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. 22 Let Thy loving kindness, O LORD, be upon us, according as we have hoped in Thee.
Hebrews 12: 23-29 25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. 26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
Proverbs 11:3 “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their
duplicity.”
Ephesians 1:18 “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.”7. Spiritual Warfare Surrounding the ElectionsNothing is achieved in the Kingdom of God without warfare. That includes the election of
righteous individuals to the leadership of one of the key nations on the planet. As we pray, we must expect the enemy to attack in many ways. There will be attacks on candidates and their families, on the media, the Church, and perhaps the nation itself. Some will be clearly spiritual, while other attacks may have physical manifestations. Our call is to have great discernment as we pray and stand in the strength of Christ’s victory.
Pray today around the spiritual warfare issues involved in the election, such as:
Great awareness and discernment for the Lord’s praying people as they pray over the
election.
Physical, emotional and spiritual protection for all candidates and their families
throughout this campaign season.
A strong hedge of protection around the nation itself during this time of decision.
The unleashing of the sword of the Spirit throughout the nation, judging the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).
Colossians 1:9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
John 17: 13-19: 13 But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.
2 Peter 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,
Job 1:10 Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Hebrews 4: 12-13: 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your
protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”Ps 34:1-22 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soulshall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear it and rejoice. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together .4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! 9 O fear the LORD, you His saints; for to those who fear Him, there is no want. 10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing. 11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD .12 Who is the man who desires life, and loves {length of} days that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit .14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and His ears are {open} to their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 {The righteous} cry and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the LORD delivers him out of them all 20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Evil shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants; and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
Revival starts in each one of us, we are to be watchmen on the wall, and warn everyone about the coming terrors of those who reject Jesus Christ, and eternal damnation that will follow. We are nothing more than pilgrims in desert, our job is not convert, persuade or manipulate anyone into Christianity.
We must be obedient to God and not worry about what others say or do, we will answer to God for how we live, what we say and what we do. That is why Paul warns us to all we do as unto the Lord. Pray like you have never have prayed before, and never cease.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Rom 14:7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8- For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. 11 - For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." 12- So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
In Christ
brian
Our Nation is desperately in need of spiritual and moral revival. And the issues facing this nation will not be resolved in the White House, Congress, or the Supreme Court. The United States is desperately in needs of another Great Awakening! This needs to start right where we are today, in our hearts, homes, Churches and work it’s way out.
If we fail to trust in the power of Jesus Christ in our lives, then how can we encourage those around us, with hope we do not have, or faith we do not exercise? Only a spiritual awakening within the people of God has the power to bring about this cultural transformation in our Nation.
There are a number of compelling reasons why we as Christians should pray for America and the elections:
The Bible commands us to pray for those who are in leadership. This includes those who are running to become our leaders.
Proverbs. 14:34. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any
people”
When we elect leaders, we are also bringing into play those will influence them, advice them and help shape our Nation, that includes their past advisors also.
Proverbs 11:14, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisors make victory sure.”
Godly leaders will help slow the erasure of our religious liberties. This provides a window of opportunity for us to pray and evangelize. Pray for Restoration, Humility, Repentance, Mercy and healing 2 Chronicles 7:12-14 12 Then the LORD appeared to Solomon at night and said to him, "I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, 14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Pray for Awakening ,Renewal, Empowerment, Joy & Hope Ephesians 5:13-20 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
Pray for Perseverance, Wisdom, Godly Strength, Protection, Truth & Preparedness , Ephesians 6:10-18 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual {forces} of wickedness in the heavenly {places.} 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil {one.} 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.7 Ways to Pray For America Originally presented by Dave Butts, Chairman for America’s National Prayer Committee.
Adopted & edited in part by Brian Kinnett The original order of this prayer guide by Dave Butts has been reorganized to share with each of you today. Everything in this color is thier words.1. The Purposes of GodUltimately, whatever the area of prayer emphasis, we must always come back to the purposes of God. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven” (Mt. 6:10). We can pray confidently in the will of God along with Scripture that teaches us that ultimately all things in heaven and earth will be summed up in Jesus Christ when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father (Eph. 1:8b-10 & 1 Corinthians. 15: 24-28). As we pray for something as important as national elections, we must lay down our own desires and take up the desires of God. What we really desire is for the Lord’s purposes to be achieved in and through our nation. All of our requests must be couched in words and thoughts that focus our hearts on the Kingdom of God.
Pray today for the purposes of God to be accomplished in the U.S. elections:
Pray that Christians will turn and seek first the Kingdom of God and be a guiding light to
the people of the U.S. who do not know Christ.
Pray that God will be honored in the midst of this election campaign.
Pray for opportunities for Christians to share their faith and their values in the midst of
this election process.
Pray that the results of the 2012 elections will please the Lord and bring His blessing over the Church and to this nation.
2. The ChurchThe Church is often relegated to the sidelines by the world and considered irrelevant and out of touch. Though we sometimes deserve that critique, God has a completely different perspective on what His people are to be and how we are to function. In Ephesians 3:10, the Apostle Paul writes, “His [God’s] intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known….”
Though seemingly powerless in the eyes of the world, the Church—through righteousness, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit—the wisdom of God is manifested through His revelation of power into any and every culture.
Ephesians 3:14-21 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.Pray today for the Church in America, that:
Our eyes will be opened to see the hope to which we are called (Eph.1:18).
We will experience in a fresh, new way the Presence of Christ in revival.
Believers will be given the faith to believe that their votes will make a difference.
A spirit of repentance and humility will be poured out upon the people of God.
3. The Voters The Great American Experiment in representative government for more than 200 years has depended upon voter involvement. From the very beginning of our nation there has been debate on who should be allowed the privilege of casting a vote to select our governmental leaders. The weight of history has increasingly opened the ballot box to more and more individuals.
This requires an educated electorate who will examine the issues and the candidates and vote in a way that is best for the nation, not just their own well-being. Much prayer is needed for this critical process.
Pray today for voters in the United States, that: Wisdom will be sought from God (James 1:5).
Self-interest will be laid aside for the common good.
Discernment between truth and falsehood will be clear. 4. The CandidatesIn the early years of our nation, it was thought to be in bad taste to even be seen wanting an office, much less actually campaigning. Oh, how things have changed! Now candidates for public office, especially at higher levels, put themselves and their families through a rigorous process that brings every aspect of their lives into public view. It has become so intense that many good individuals have chosen not to endure the sort of public scrutiny that is an integral part of the campaigning process today Praying for candidates does not mean praying just for those you agree with or support.
All are leaders and potential leaders in our nation—and as such, all need our prayers.
Pray today for candidates for office in the United States, that:
They will take brave stands for righteousness, even when it may not be well received.
Their families will be protected from harm and unnecessary scrutiny.
They will surround themselves with godly advisors.
They will focus on the issues we face as a nation and not on personal attacks on other
candidates
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1st Timothy 2:1-4 1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties {and} prayers, petitions {and} thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Exodus 18:21 “But select capable men from all the people –men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain –and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and
tens.”
I Kings 3:28 “When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.”
Proverbs 1:5: “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,”
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory”. 5. The MediaIn our day of 24-hour news coverage, the media have taken on a huge role in our election process. Handling media correctly sometimes seems to take precedence in a campaign over actually dealing with issues. The media themselves often forget their role of informing and reporting and have become endorsers and supporters, even while they try to deny that role.
Increased prayer for the media is an essential way for Christians to impact an election.
Pray today for the media in America, that: • Truth in reporting and election coverage will become a high value.
Media bias will disappear.
Christianity will receive fair coverage in all reports.
Hope will become a part of the message of the media.
The following verses of Scripture deal with the deception of false pretence and draws contrasts between the ways of the wicked and the consequences of their sin and the ways of the righteous who are blessed of God. Telling and reporting the truth of a matter is important to God and we who call upon Him need to be people living out the truth ourselves. Our dependence on the media to inform us is therefore of critical importance and necessary requiring our prayers so that we will not be led astray but judge rightly and accurately.
Proverbs 12:9-22 “9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food. 10A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. 11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. 12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. 13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. 14 From the fruit of his lips a man if filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. 15 The way of a fools seems right to him, but a wise
man listens to advice. 16A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. 17A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies. 18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. 20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. 21 No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. 22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.” Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Matthew 12:36-37 “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your
words you will be condemned.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable –if anything is excellent or praiseworthy –think about such things.”6. The Impact on the NationsIn our rapidly shrinking world, what happens in one country has an effect on others. This is especially true for the United States. The individuals who hold the presidency and Senate and Congressional seats will make decisions that impact the rest of the world.
Whether those decisions help or harm the people of the world is largely determined by the choices that Americans make at the polls. We need to pray that our choices will serve to bless the world.
Pray today for the election and its impact on the world, that:
Voters will consider the foreign policies of candidates and how they fit with biblical
principles.
The activities of other nations will not have an undue influence on our elections.
The result of U.S. elections will serve to spread the gospel around the globe.
The U.S. will stand firm in its commitment to Israel’s right to exist as a nation.
Ps 33:12-22 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. 13 The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; 14 From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works. 16 The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength. 17 A horse is a false hope for victory; nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His loving kindness, 19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. 22 Let Thy loving kindness, O LORD, be upon us, according as we have hoped in Thee.
Hebrews 12: 23-29 25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. 26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
Proverbs 11:3 “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their
duplicity.”
Ephesians 1:18 “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.”7. Spiritual Warfare Surrounding the ElectionsNothing is achieved in the Kingdom of God without warfare. That includes the election of
righteous individuals to the leadership of one of the key nations on the planet. As we pray, we must expect the enemy to attack in many ways. There will be attacks on candidates and their families, on the media, the Church, and perhaps the nation itself. Some will be clearly spiritual, while other attacks may have physical manifestations. Our call is to have great discernment as we pray and stand in the strength of Christ’s victory.
Pray today around the spiritual warfare issues involved in the election, such as:
Great awareness and discernment for the Lord’s praying people as they pray over the
election.
Physical, emotional and spiritual protection for all candidates and their families
throughout this campaign season.
A strong hedge of protection around the nation itself during this time of decision.
The unleashing of the sword of the Spirit throughout the nation, judging the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).
Colossians 1:9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
John 17: 13-19: 13 But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.
2 Peter 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,
Job 1:10 Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Hebrews 4: 12-13: 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your
protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”Ps 34:1-22 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soulshall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear it and rejoice. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together .4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! 9 O fear the LORD, you His saints; for to those who fear Him, there is no want. 10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing. 11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD .12 Who is the man who desires life, and loves {length of} days that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit .14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and His ears are {open} to their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 {The righteous} cry and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the LORD delivers him out of them all 20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Evil shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants; and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
Revival starts in each one of us, we are to be watchmen on the wall, and warn everyone about the coming terrors of those who reject Jesus Christ, and eternal damnation that will follow. We are nothing more than pilgrims in desert, our job is not convert, persuade or manipulate anyone into Christianity.
We must be obedient to God and not worry about what others say or do, we will answer to God for how we live, what we say and what we do. That is why Paul warns us to all we do as unto the Lord. Pray like you have never have prayed before, and never cease.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Rom 14:7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8- For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. 11 - For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." 12- So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
In Christ
brian
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