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Road Map For Life

Unarguably the greatest golfer of all time is Jack Nicklaus. During his 30+ year career the “Golden Bear” won a record 18 major championships, far more than anyone else. Yet every year before he set out on tour, he would call his good friend and golf coach Jack Grout. They would spend time going over the fundamentals and mechanics of Jack’s golf swing and all the little things that mattered during tournament play. I find it interesting that with all the success Jack Nicklaus had, he would find it important and maybe even necessary to call his coach for a lesson. Nicklaus could’ve easily felt like he didn’t need to go over the things he had crafted so well that produced such a successful career, however he knew the importance of the fundamentals and highly respected the golf wisdom of Jack Grout; the only golf coach Nicklaus ever had.

You know our relationship with God is much like this. God has given us His word (a road map if you will) to go over the fundamentals and mechanics on how to not only live a Christian life, but stay the course and walk in the light. You may have served the Lord for many, many years, but it never hurts to go back and reread a scripture verse and/or examine a particular area of your life that will help you live in the fullness that God has provided for each of us. Let me encourage you to take inventory of your own spiritual life and see if you need to give grace, love, forgiveness and mercy with compassion where it is needed. Through Christ we are all winners far beyond any golf championship!


But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)



Kurt, WBFJ Radio

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Taking Sin Seriously

If you bring a sheep as your gift, present it to the Lord.
Leviticus 3:7

Sin was serious business for the ancient Israelites. The sacrifices they placed on the altar were spotless, prized animals, to remind the people of the high cost of their sins. To sacrifice an animal, the priests killed it and drained its blood. This reminded the people that the animals were dying in their place.

Since Christ died on the cross, we no longer need to offer animal sacrifices because Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins! Oftentimes we offer God a mumbled prayer asking for forgiveness. We forget that God offered his perfect Son, whom he loved and prized. When we sin casually, we ignore the fact that Christ carried the weight of our sins on his shoulders as he bled and died. When we fail to ask for forgiveness, we miss the opportunity to receive mercy as we sit in the presence of a holy God. Have you thanked him for the sacrifice he gave for you? We take sin seriously when we remember Christ’s sacrifice and offer him a thankful and repentant heart.

JESUS, thank you for giving yourself as an offering so that I could be free! I confess that I sometimes take my sin lightly and forget what you suffered on the cross. Help me to remember your sacrifice and not to grieve you with a callused and forgetful heart. As I receive the Father’s forgiveness through your offering of yourself, I will praise you and thank you for the freedom that forgiveness gives! Amen

Sin is like ice in our pipes—our spiritual lives have been “frozen.” There is only one solution, and that is repentance to clear the blockage and restore the flow of the Holy Spirit. Billy Graham (b. 1918)
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No Hope of Victory in Our Strength
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


Even if you are saved — living under the covering of Christ’s blood and secured by faith in his work on the cross for you — you can still have ongoing battles raging inside you. Enemies of your soul seek to devour you and you are still engaged in a battle with satanic powers and strongholds. We are to claim the power that is available to us through God’s New Covenant, but that power comes only by faith.

The prophet Isaiah warned Israel that there was no possibility of victory for them if they attempted to fight their adversary in their own strength. Isaiah chapter 31 paints a perfect picture of the futility of trying to do battle with the enemy in our human ability. I believe this chapter is a type and shadow of the ineffectiveness of our attempts today to defeat lusts, bad habits, and besetting sins by relying on human ideas and aids.

This chapter is also an example to us of how sin will increase in the last days. Scripture says that society will wax worse and worse and the Church will be inundated with deceptions and doctrines of demons. I believe we are seeing that happen right now. Demonic hordes have infiltrated all media and every form of technology, flooding our culture with sensuality and perversions of all kinds.

If you are in the midst of an overwhelming struggle, you must learn the word God gave to Zechariah: “’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).

“For through the voice of the Lord, [the enemy] will be beaten down” (Isaiah 30:31). Isaiah is saying, “Your Lord promises to fight for you. He will make his voice known and it will put all your enemies to flight.”

Are you facing an enemy that is too powerful for you right now? If so, God asks simply that you lay down your sword and trust him to fight on your behalf.

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There’s a Camel in My Soup

Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat; then you swallow a camel!
Matthew 23:24

Picture this: We reach over to pick a gnat out of our brother’s soup only to discover a large, hairy camel sitting in our own bowl. When we lean in to get a better look, he spits in our eye. It’s a camel, all right! Jesus paints a humorous picture of a serious subject—legalism. It’s so easy to find fault with a brother or sister. After all, it’s right there where we can see it plainly. Yet as we point out the gnats—those tiny, pesky faults in others that hover and annoy us—we have shortcomings the size of camels in our own lives!

When it comes to judging, what we need to do is offer our own hearts and minds daily to God so that his grace can redeem our failures. Then we can rejoice in our victories because we know that they are gifts from him. Even when we feel as if we have “arrived” and no longer have any imperfections, we still cannot judge our brother, for now we have a new camel in our soup—pride. Take a moment today and ask God to help you take your eyes off of others’ faults and to help you examine your own heart.

PRECIOUS JESUS, the world judges others by what they look like, what they own, and what they believe. I know that you are a holy God and that sin grieves you, but let my judgment be reserved for my own heart. Help me to show mercy to my brother rather than condemnation. Thank you for extending mercy to me as I extend mercy to others. Amen

When one knows oneself well, one is not desirous of looking into the faults of others. John Moschus (ca. 550–619)

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He Will Take Care of You

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Psalm 55:22

There are times when, like the psalmist, we feel pursued by enemies or surrounded by difficulties. Our enemy may be financial trouble, ill health, or a person who misjudges or opposes us so that our “heart is in anguish” (v. 4). At that point we may be tempted to run away, retreat, or give up. But the Lord offers us something better. In this psalm, trials and problems cause us to cry out to him. Someone once said, “If you are swept off your feet, it’s time to get on your knees.” God encourages us to turn to him and call on him in our distress so that he can rescue us and keep us safe in the midst of the trouble. He may not immediately take us out of the situation, but he will guide us through the circumstances. He gives us a wonderful promise: If we give our burdens to him, he will take care of us and not allow us to slip and fall.

LORD, I give you every burden and concern I face today. And I thank you for your promise of care, provision, and safety. You will not allow me to slip or fall. I will trust in you because you are faithful forever to those who love you. I consider it a joy and privilege to be counted among the many who love you. Thank you for the freedom to ask for and receive your help. Amen

Whatsoever it is that presses you, tell your Father; put over the matter into his hand, and so you will be free from that dividing, perplexing care that the world is full of. Archbishop Robert Leighton (1611–1684)

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More Precious than Gold
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


One of the most important verses in all of Scripture is found in 1 Peter 1:7: “That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Peter also tells us what we can expect to face in such tests of faith: “Though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials” (verse 6). Peter is saying, “If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then you will be tested severely.”

Peter makes it clear that such tests of faith are not intended for nominal Christians; these fiery trials are meant for sold-out believers. Christians have a “living hope” because of their faith (verse 3). Simply put, God is saying to us, “Your faith is precious to me, more precious than all the wealth of this world, which will one day perish! And in these last days — when the enemy sends all manner of evil against you — I want you to be able to stand strong, with an unshakeable faith.”

Beloved, the test of our faith is important because God’s keeping, delivering power is released according to our faith in him. The stronger our faith, the more his keeping power will be released in our lives.

Paul testifies of having endured heavy adversities and testings: “Serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me” (Acts 20:19). He was acknowledging, “I know that in everything I go through, the Lord is trying to mold something in me. He wants to bring forth an enduring faith!”

And James writes, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). James is saying, “Whenever heavy trials come upon you, rejoice!” The Lord is at work, bringing you to a place of rest and faith in him.

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What Do You Do When You’re Overwhelmed?
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


The subject of giving thanks came to me during a time of great personal heaviness. So many problems were piling up that I blurted out to my wife, “I’ve about had it. I’m at the end of my rope and I just want to disappear!”

Feeling very sorry for myself, I began to complain to God, “Lord, how long will you keep me in this fire? Don’t you see how weary my spirit has become? When are you going to answer me, God?”

Suddenly the Holy Spirit fell on me and I felt ashamed. He whispered to my heart, “Just begin to thank me right now, David. Bring to me a sacrifice of thanksgiving for all the things I’ve done for you in the past and for what I’m going to do in the future.

“Thank me for your family, your health, your ministry. Just give me a sacrifice of thanksgiving and everything will look different. You’ll have peace in the battle and I will bless your soul with assurance.”

Those words settled my spirit but I wondered what the Lord meant by “a sacrifice of thanksgiving.” Searching the Word, I was amazed at all the references I found.

“Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing” (Psalm 107:22).

“I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:17).

“Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms” (Psalm 95:2).

And, of course, the most familiar Bible passage on thanksgiving: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4).

When you have no place to turn, turn to thanksgiving! Thank the Lord for his forgiveness, his blessings, his promises, all that he has done and is going to do. In everything, give thanks!

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God is NOT number 1 in my priority list ATM Tarfoot, as you know I lost my faith for nearly a year, family & close friends are close to dying, even though I pray every day.

Allow me to change your list...


1st- God.. > God is always with us & around us

2nd- Family; Spouse, Children, Parents etc..

That should be NUMBER 1

3rd- Church; not just going to church but serving the church..

GOD DOES NOT REQUIRE THAT.


4th- Work...

That should be number 9+ IMO..ONE CAN CONTINUE TO WORK TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILY...BUT where would we all be without family? There is no amount of money one can earn that would support the pain of losing any family member...

BUT, 1 question for you Tarfoot I can never understand why many good people in our world, from different religions, are suffering..??

Yet many evil people that support the Devil INCARNATE continue in life w.o problems Tarfoot...??


:dunno:

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We must always put God first or Satan will take his place. God does ask that we be servant to him just as Jesus was servant to us. As far as work goes, God ask that all that we do, we do for the glory of God. It is Satan's game to make the evil one's to look good as earthly things go, but remember we as Christians are not of this world but of God's. In just a short period of time we'll be in God's heavenly presents away from the evils of this world. To us mortals it seems to be a long time, but with God a blink of the eye, patience my friend patience. This I verily believe.

I too have had losses of family and just got news last week that my oldest brother of 74 has small cell cancer in his lungs, liver, kidney and spine. He knows without a doubt that he is in the Lord's hands what ever may be the case. We must never loose our faith and trust in our Father as when we do, Satan is there to move in. The following says it better than I can say.


Trust in God, Not Man

Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD... Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. (Jer 17:5,7 NKJV)

Dr. Richard Blackaby is president of Blackaby Ministries International near Atlanta, following his father, Dr. Henry Blackaby, who founded the ministry. He earned his M.Div. and Ph.D. at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. After 13 years as a pastor, and 13 years as President of the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary, he now serves as Chancellor. This excerpt is from his devotional, Experiencing God Day by Day, "Trusting God First."

The Israelites of Jeremiah's day believed they could trust in their army, the diplomacy of their king, and their foreign alliances to protect them from the powerful Babylonian empire. They gave lip service to their trust in God, but their actions showed where their faith really was: in their military and financial might. God spoke through Jeremiah to warn them that He would not bless those who trusted in anyone or anything instead of Him.

Placing your ultimate trust in anything other than God is idolatry. How can you know if your faith is not truly in God? Ask yourself these questions: Where do I turn when I experience a crisis? When I am hurting or afraid, to whom do I go? When I have a financial problem, whom do I want to tell first? Where do I seek comfort when I am under stress or discouraged?

God often uses other people as His method of providing for you. But be careful lest you inadvertently misdirect your faith toward His provision instead of toward the Provider. God may meet your need through your friends, but ultimately your trust must be in God. The Israelites were so stubbornly committed to trusting in human strength instead of God that, even as the Babylonian army approached Jerusalem, they continued to desperately seek for a person, or a nation, or an army that could rescue them. They realized too late that they had neglected to trust in the only One who could deliver them. Don't make the same mistake as the Israelites. Go straight to the Lord when you have a need. He is the only One who can provide for you.

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As the ole saying goes, " If'in ya don't feel close to God, guess who moved". Yes God is always with us, but are we always with God. The further we move away from God, the easier it is for the temptations of this world to take hold of us making the path back to God the more difficult. At this time we must turn our hearts back to God, asking Him for forgiveness and to lighten our path back to Him.

It's just like any relation in our lives. To make it work we must be willing to give of ourselves to others. Just as God gave His only Son as a perfect sacrifice for our sins, it's not too much for God to ask us to give of ourselves in serving Him. Praying, worshiping and praising God, helping others in need or spreading His word to others, whatever it may be.

God never promised us a life without pain or suffering, for as long as sin is in this world we will have it. Even more so the closer we come to God the more Satan is determined to push a wedge between us and our Father in Heaven. This is why prayer, faith, trusting in His Word and LOVE in God is so important, for from these comes our strength.


The ABC's of Salvation


A


Admit you have Sinned


For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23NKJV
For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. – James 2:10 NKJV
As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; – Romans 3:10 NKJV
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23 NKJV
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9 NKJV
It is tough to admit that we are wrong. Even before God, we feel we are basically good, and we would like to think we are never as bad as some others. The truth is we are all sinners and can never be good enough to earn our way to heaven. God’s Word, the Bible, clearly states that ALL have sinned (done things that are wrong and against God). God is holy and just. Sins against a Holy God deserve punishment. We are told in the Bible that the wages or payment for sin is death—eternal death in hell.
However, a loving, merciful God has provided a rescue plan!
Both John the Baptist and Jesus himself began their preaching with the word, ‘Repent’. (“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” –Matthew 4:17 NKJV) To repent means ‘change one’s mind’ or to turn — to go in another direction. How can we be led to repentance? The first step toward repentance is true sorrow for what we’ve done wrong. “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” – 2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV. Worldly sorrow is more like the regret of a criminal who’s just been caught whereas godly sorrow is the deep remorse or conviction that produces a change in direction. Have you ever felt convicted after doing something wrong? The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is the one that convicts us of our sin. (John 16:7-8)

B

Believe On Jesus Christ

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”- John 3:16-17 NKJV
…The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. – Mark 1:15 NKJV
Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” – Acts 19:4 NKJV
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” – Acts 16:31 NKJV
And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. – 1 John 3:23 NKJV
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV
Salvation is not complicated. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” – Mark 10:15 NKJV A child simply puts their trust (faith) in the father’s strong arms. Likewise, we entrust our life to Jesus Christ—believing on Him and His finished work on the cross. The Apostle Paul defined the message of the Gospel (good news) like this— “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NKJV Jesus Christ, the perfect, sinless lamb of God, laid down His life and took the penalty meant for us, dying in our place (Isaiah 53:6). He paid the debt we could not pay and redeemed us (bought us back) from the power of sin and death. (John 1:29 / Galatians 3:13 / Romans 3:25)


C

Confess Christ Publicly

…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. – Romans 10:9-10 NKJV
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. – Romans 1:16 NKJV
God did his part, sending His one and only Son to die in our place. He has offered us a free gift — salvation, the forgiveness of sin, eternal life with Him in heaven. BUT… we must receive that gift. We must confess our sins (1 John 1:9) and confess (or proclaim) our faith (belief) in the death, burial and resurrection of God’s son, Jesus Christ. Confessing with our mouth requires an outward, public action, not a secret, hidden, timid faith. The Apostle Paul boldly proclaimed his faith so that others could hear and be saved. God’s plan of salvation is freely offered to everyone.

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Be Grateful

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What does gratitude have to do with experiencing a life of greater peace? Gratitude is like a compass that can help us get our bearings. Imagine wandering in a great wilderness with no obvious way out. You’ve lost the trail completely. Alone and anxious, you wonder how on earth you will ever find your way home. It’s a frightening and disheartening experience. But then you remember. Digging deep into your backpack, you find the compass. With it, you know you can make your way to safety.

Like the compass, gratitude helps us find our bearings. It points us in the right direction—toward God, who is the source of all our blessings. I try to remind my children of the importance of giving thanks. When they can’t find anything to be thankful about, I start reminding them: a house to live in, a family who loves them, friends, sunshine, food, fun, freedom, health, and on and on and on. Living with gratitude is like living with your face to the sun. It orients you to goodness rather than complaint.

I wish I could tell you that my face is always oriented toward the sun, that I am always as grateful as I should be. I’m not. But when I need to dig myself out of a hole, I find that gratitude makes an excellent shovel.

Join me today in turning your back on all that is wrong in your life, on every complaint and shadow that haunts you. And turn your face toward God. Give him thanks and praise, remembering all the good he’s ever done for you.

Lord, thank you for revealing yourself to me, for daily blessings, for rescue and grace and mercy and goodness. Thank you for a future that is full of hope. Give me a grateful heart, and keep my face always turned toward you. Amen



This is an excerpt from:
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Becoming a Woman at Peace

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Christ is Still King
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


God the Father enthroned Christ as king over all nations and all nature, and as Lord over the Church. The apostle Paul writes that when Jesus comes again, “He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).

Paul is saying that it doesn’t matter what things look like on the outside, the truth is, God has put all things under Jesus’ feet and he is still king over everything. Everything may seem out of control and it may look like the devil has taken power, but it isn’t true. Yet all around us today, we see our society and government dethroning Christ — refusing to acknowledge his authority and kingship. We have been removing God from our schools and courts and ignoring him in the making of our laws. And now we are reaping a terrible harvest.

Sadly, my concern goes beyond America’s rejection of Jesus’ authority. I see the problem within the Church to be much more tragic. It’s understandable that ungodly people want to dethrone Christ; they have mocked and ridiculed his name since the day he was born. But how it must grieve God to see Christ dethroned by those who call themselves by his name.

Slowly but surely many Christians, churches and ministries are rejecting the Lord’s counsel. They no longer lean wholly on his lordship. Instead, they are turning to the wisdom of the world, to man made practices. I have watched with alarm as the Church has gradually enthroned the wisdom of the world. Jesus is no longer the source and power behind God’s people.

Let me ask you personally: Have you removed Christ as king of your heart? I urge you to put Christ on the throne of your heart today — and live!

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills — From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

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Is It Right for You to Be Angry?
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


Carrying around resentment against God is one of the most dangerous things a Christian can do. Yet I am shocked by the number of believers who are peeved at the Lord. They may not admit it, but deep inside, they hold some kind of grudge against him. Why? Because they believe he is not interested in their lives or problems. Because he has not answered a particular prayer or acted in a certain way on their behalf, they are convinced he does not care.

Jonah received a call from God to go to Ninevah and preach the message of judgment: the city would be destroyed in forty days. After faithfully delivering the message, Jonah waited for God to begin the destruction. But forty days passed and nothing happened. Why? Because Ninevah repented and God changed his mind about destroying them.

This angered Jonah and he cried out against God, “You’ve betrayed me! You’ve changed everything without telling me and I look like a false prophet!” Jonah was disappointed because things hadn’t gone as planned. God had changed course and Jonah’s pride was hurt.

God understands our cries of pain and confusion. But a peeved spirit can grow into rage and God will ask us, as he asked Jonah, “Is it right for you be angry?” (Jonah 4:9).

Jonah actually defended his right to be annoyed with God. “I have every right to be angry, even to the day I die” (same verse).

Many Christians are like Jonah — they feel they have a right to be mad at God. “I pray and read my Bible; I obey God’s Word and live right. So why do I still have so many problems?”

Beloved, I encourage you to allow God’s Spirit to heal you of all bitterness, rage, resentment — before it destroys you. You may see only ruin in your life but God sees restoration! He has good things in mind for you because “He is a rewarder of those who diligently see Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

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Side Effects

Now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:22-23

I get a chuckle from all those slick television commercials advertising expensive new medicines. Why? Because, by law, even the most sophisticated ad has to disclose the potential side effects of the medicine it is advertising. You’ve probably heard one that pushes a medicine that will rid you of arthritis pain. But then, in a reassuring tone, the voice goes on to say that in addition to all its wonderful benefits, this medicine might cause indigestion, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Oh, and by the way, it might also cause a heart attack or stroke, which might lead to your death. Perhaps that reassuring voice is meant to signal that even if the worst should happen, at least you won’t be in pain anymore.

Or what about this pitch for a drug to cure restless leg syndrome: “Tell your doctor . . . if you experience increased gambling, sexual, or other urges.” Thanks, but I’d rather my legs get twitchy than take a medicine that makes me want to run off to Vegas with my life savings.

The Bible has its own share of prescriptions, for which the side effects are duly noted. Swallow the sin pill, for instance, and it will eventually lead to disaster, calamity, conflict, alienation, bitterness, ruin, and death. But the side effects that come from entrusting your life to God and to his Son Jesus Christ are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23), and life everlasting (see John 3:16). No slick ads, just the truth that will set you free.

Lord, thank you for not hiding the consequences of living in a particular way. Help me not to seek an easy life but to seek a good life, blessed by your presence and held safely in your hands. Amen

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Because You Are God’s Beloved Child
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


Scripture makes it clear that the answer to everything in our lives is prayer mixed with faith. The apostle Paul writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Paul is telling us, “Seek the Lord about every area of your life and thank him ahead of time for hearing you.”

Paul’s emphasis is clear: Always pray first — not as a last resort. Jesus tells us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).

Why is it so hard for Christians to seek God for their desperate needs? After all, the Bible stands as one long testimony that God hears the cries of his children and answers them with tender love.

• “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15).
• “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles” (verse 17).
• “The prayer of the upright is His delight” (Proverbs 15:8).

The Bible gives us many promises when it comes to prayer, but it also gives us warnings about the danger of neglecting prayer: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3). The Greek word for “neglect” here means “of little concern; to take lightly.”

How can God’s own people claim to love him and believe in his promises, yet never draw near to his heart?

The writer of Hebrews calls us to “draw near to God in full assurance” (see Hebrews 10:22). God’s door is always open to his children and, make no mistake, he is utterly faithful. Go to your secret closet regularly and seek him with all your heart. Your answers may not come overnight, yet God will do his work in his time and in his way — because you are his beloved child.

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Mid-East Prophecy Update – June 24th, 2018

Pastor J.D. talks about the coming judgment of God despite all the talk of peace.

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Unclogging the Pipes

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer and did not withdraw his unfailing love from me.
Psalm 66:16-20

What sobering verses! When we come to God with a burden or request, oh, how we want him to hear us and answer. In today’s verses David gives clear instruction: when we’re crying out to God for help, we should first come to him in confession and ask him to cleanse our hearts. Then he will pay attention and will not ignore our prayer.

I illustrated this lesson for some children one Sunday with a piece of transitional pipe that I stuffed with brown Play-Doh and held to my ear. Sin clogs communication between God and us—the way the Play-Doh clogged the pipe, keeps us from hearing God, and keeps him from hearing us. But when we ask his Spirit to search our hearts and show us anything that displeases him, he will reveal what we need to confess. When we bring that sin to the cross, Jesus is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, as he promises in 1 John 1:9. Out goes the Play-Doh representing our sin—and the paths of communication are open again! Now we can proclaim with David: Praise God, who paid attention to my prayer, who answered me from his holy hill!

LORD, I ask you, search my heart. Shine your light on my sin. Forgive me. I am crying out to you for help. Thank you for hearing me, answering the cry of my heart, and continuing to show your unfailing love in my life.

Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God. Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and you will be saved. Now choose what you want. Martin Luther (1483–1546)
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What Directs Your Life?
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


Christians today live in a time of great light. The Holy Spirit has revealed to us the powerful meaning of Jesus’ work on the cross, and the incredible blessings this means to our lives. Yet there was a time when Christ’s wonderful work was obscured from the world. That period was known as the Dark Ages because the meaning of the cross was veiled from the eyes of humanity.

Sermons during the Dark Ages focused on God’s wrath and damnation. Popes and priests preached a gospel of works and the people performed a variety of acts to try to find peace with God. People knew nothing of the benefits and blessings available through Christ’s victory at Calvary.

Even today, with all the teaching available on the subject, the majority of Christians still do not understand many important aspects of Christ’s work for us and what it means to be “in Christ.” The fact is, being in Christ is the only foundation upon which true holiness and righteousness can be built. Without this foundation, we will rely on our flesh to try to produce a form of holiness in ourselves. But true holiness is obtained only through knowing the riches of God in Christ Jesus.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12). Only God’s grace can teach us the kind of theology that leads to holiness. And no works can ever produce that!

You are in Christ if you govern your life by the scriptures. Do you revere and fear God’s Word? Do you go daily to the mirror of scripture to be changed by it? “Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him” (1 John 2:5).

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Comfort for Our Fearful Hearts
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


The Christian life is not always a life of clear sailing. Every believer is going to have bad days, no matter how holy he may be. Thankfully, most Christians realize Jesus is present not only when things are going well, but also during difficult times. He is faithful and caring through every season and he is touched by every feeling we endure.

The apostle Paul was hit with a bad day while traveling to Macedonia. “When we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears” (2 Corinthians 7:5). This godly man confessed that his inner man was plagued by many fears.

Paul was not superhuman and was subject to the same human emotions as we face. But he was disciplined and never gave in to his feelings and the temptations that accompanied them. He testified, “I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation” (2 Corinthians 7:4).

Are you going through a bad day, a bad week, a long season of despondency? Are you cast down, discouraged, with thoughts of quitting? If so, do you wonder how God will react to your trial? Will he rebuke you or chasten you? No, never! Paul tells you that the Lord is never closer to you, never more ready to help, than when you are down and hurting.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

I believe our bad days are often meant to bring us into maturity. As you continue in your walk with the Lord, you should be more and more aware that you have all the resources needed to deal with the enemy.

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All that Matters is God’s Presence
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


The Old Testament is filled with many accounts of the blessings that came to those who had the presence of God with them. These stories are meant to encourage and exhort us to seek God’s presence in our lives.

God’s presence was so evident in Abraham’s life that even the heathen around him recognized the difference between their lives and his: “Abimelech … spoke to Abraham, saying, ‘God is with you in all that you do’” (Genesis 21:22). This heathen king was saying, “Abraham, there’s something different about you. God guides you and blesses you wherever you go!”

God promised Joshua that no enemy could stand against him when God’s presence was with him: “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life … I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage” (Joshua 1:5-6). When God’s Spirit is present with us, we can be strong and courageous — because no enemy can harm us.

God told Gideon: “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor! … Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel” (Judges 6:12, 14). God was saying, “Gideon, there is a might in you that is so powerful, it can save Israel. And that might is my presence.” Even though Gideon lacked courage, God wanted to prove to him that any person can do great things when the Lord’s presence is with him.

God warned Jeremiah that the whole nation would turn against him and reject his prophecies. Yet God promised, “They shall fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you” (Jeremiah 15:20). God is saying, “It doesn’t matter if the whole country turns against you, Jeremiah. All that matters is that my presence is with you. Be confident of that!”

Seek him with all your heart and desire his presence in your daily life. Then you will experience the incredible glory of God.

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“Cursed is anyone who leads a blind person astray on the road.” DEUTERONOMY 27:18

Cruelty to Persons with Disability Deut 27:18-19

Tucked away in an otherwise difficult passage to understand, we get a glimpse of God’s heart. Before entering the Promised Land, Moses gave instructions for renewing the covenant with God in the land. The Israelites were to stand on two mountains and proclaim the blessings and curses from God (this event was later recorded in Joshua 8:30-35). They were given a dozen curses to proclaim at that time.

One of those proclamations is that anyone who leads a blind person astray will be cursed. God watches out for the most vulnerable among his people. He has special affection for the afflicted, for widows and orphans, and for people who are blind and lame. God clearly says that anyone who is cruel to such people deserves to be cursed.

Our world often lacks understanding for those who live with prolonged suffering or disability. Our patience is short. We would rather such struggles disappear. But God sees all of us who suffer. He hears our cries and sees our distress. And he promises, in his justice, to curse those who are cruel.

Does knowing that God sees your suffering and serves as your divine defender encourage you? He not only issues a warning to those tempted to do harm, but he also desires that Christians demonstrate his mercy and kindness to people who are blind, disabled, homeless, or alone.

Our culture may dictate that governments adopt more laws and regulations to help those who live with disabilities and other injustices, but only God can change the hearts of those who are cruel. As you experience personal suffering, perhaps God is giving you a special empathy for those who suffer so that you can serve as their defender in God’s name.

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Is My Heart Changing?
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

The Greek word for “examine” here means “scrutinize, assess.” The apostle Paul is saying, “Test yourself to see if you are walking according to God’s Word.” We are to constantly ask ourselves, “Am I changing? Am I becoming more loving and tenderhearted? Is my conversation becoming more righteous? Am I still complaining or am I beginning to speak edifying words of faith? Am I consciously trying to please Jesus?”

We should take this matter of self-examination very seriously. If you are a Christian, yet you are still apathetic about your spiritual growth, then you have not allowed God’s Spirit to do his work in you. Ask yourself if you are becoming more excited about Jesus and his Church every day. Or do you hold grudges, resentment, roots of bitterness?

It is possible for you to experience growth in many areas of your life and yet remain childish in other areas. Here is an easy test to assess whether or not spiritual growth is taking place. Simply ask yourself, “Am I thirsty? Do I want more of Jesus and his holiness?” If the answer is yes, you can be assured that you are growing, because the Word promises, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

Do you want to grow spiritually? If so, ask the Holy Spirit to shine his light on any area of weakness or sin in your life and cry out to him, “Lord, I love you and long to know you better. I want to measure up to your Word. Please help me to grasp by faith that you are at work in me, enabling me to grow up spiritually!”

Don’t forget that God stands beside you right now, even if you are in a storm. He is watering your spirit, feeding your soul, putting down strong roots in you — helping you to grow in him!

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Are You Wanting to Change Direction?
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


Whatever happened to repentance? We rarely hear the word mentioned in most churches these days. Pastors seldom call for their congregation to grieve over wounding Christ by their wickedness. Instead, the message we hear from many pulpits today is, “Just believe. Accept Christ and you’ll be saved.” The text used to justify this message is found in Acts 16:30-31: “‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.’”

The first message Jesus delivered after he emerged from the temptation in the wilderness was the message of repentance: “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 4:17).

Jesus says of his mission, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Matthew 9:13). And he said to the Galileans, “I tell you … unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Jesus’ gospel was all about repentance!

John the Baptist also preached repentance. His message to the Jews was simple and straightforward: “[He] came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’” (Matthew 3:1-2).

People came from everywhere to hear John preach and he told them in no uncertain words, “The messiah is soon to appear in your midst so you’d better get ready to meet him! You may feel excited that he is coming, but I’m telling you, your hearts are not prepared because you are still holding on to your sins!”

John was warning the people that they had to deal with their sin before they could follow the Savior. The full, literal meaning of the word “repent” in the New Testament is “to feel remorse and self-reproach for one’s sins against God; to be contrite; to want to change direction.”

“Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10). True sorrow leads to repentance — and this will cause you to want to change!

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Glorious Freedom from Fear
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


The conditions in the world today are causing fear to mount. We are witnessing the words of Jesus come to pass: “On the earth distress of nations, with perplexity … men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:25-26). Christ is warning us, “Without hope in me, multitudes of people are literally going to die of fright.”

For Jesus’ followers, however, those who trust in God’s promises to preserve his children, there is glorious freedom from all fear. In fact, all who come under the lordship of Christ never need fear again if they will lay hold of the following secret: True freedom from fear consists of totally resigning one’s life into the hands of the Lord.

Resigning ourselves into God’s care is an act of faith. It means putting ourselves completely under his power, wisdom and mercy, led and preserved according to his will alone. If we do this, the God of the universe promises to be totally responsible for us — to feed, clothe and shelter us, and to guard our hearts from all evil.

Jesus provided the ultimate example of this kind of holy resignation when he went to the cross. Just before he gave up his spirit, he cried aloud, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). Christ placed the keeping of both his life and his eternal future into the custody of the Father. And, in so doing, he placed the souls of every one of his sheep into the Father’s hands.
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The Power to Thwart the Devil’s Tactics
Nicky Cruz


It is important that we try to understand Satan and his ways as we follow our Lord’s leading. We need to know how the enemy tries to thwart God’s efforts among us.

Satan’s hatred toward followers of Christ is very real. He despises everything God stands for, and he’ll do all he can to keep people away from the truth. I have witnessed his anger since I was a small child in Puerto Rico. My parents were known throughout the region for their practice of the occult, so I grew up seeing the powerful hold Satan has on those who are under his influence. When my mother became a Christian, it was a fatal blow to the work Satan had built within my family. She was once one of his greatest allies, and now she had become his fierce enemy.

After my mother had given her life to Jesus, my wife, Gloria, and I were visiting at her home. Every night while we were there, at exactly three o’clock in the morning, Gloria would be awakened by a frightening sound outside her window. When she told us about it, my mother laughed and said, “Don’t let that bother you. Ever since I became a Christian the demons have been angry with me. Tell them to shut up, then go back to sleep.”

Gloria wasn’t sure what to think of her advice since she hadn’t grown up seeing the things my family had experienced. But that’s how I’ve always tried to deal with Satan and his wily demons. In spite of their attacks, as frightening as they may seem, the best approach is to simply focus on the person and power of Jesus. All Satan is trying to do is create a diversion in our lives to keep us from telling people about Jesus.

The apostle Paul reminded us that Jesus “disarmed the powers and authorities” and “made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15). Through this act, Jesus gave each of his followers the ability to defuse evil whenever it arises in our presence.
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God’s Glory is Revealed in Difficult Seasons
Gary Wilkerson


God’s favor follows you! This is not just a phrase to encourage you, it’s a fact based on passage after passage of Scripture. Yet very few in the church live as if this is true.

You may have marital struggles and wonder if the tension with your spouse will ever turn around. Or you may suffer from depression and wonder if it will ever lift so that you can feel the favor of God again. Perhaps you have a prodigal child and wonder if he will ever return to faith. Or maybe you have a sibling who is an addict and wonder if she will ever be free from her bondage after years of indulging her habit.

I can guarantee you no Christian ever pictured himself being in seasons like these. No one ever imagined enduring hardships that outweigh the comfort they feel from God. Yet Peter tells us we are not to think that such trials are unusual: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

If you are in the midst of an excruciating season of life, I have a sure word for you: Hold on! The Lord is not finished with you. You may think you are alone in your predicament, but all along God has been storing up blessings for you that you never dreamed of. As Peter states, his glory is going to be revealed through your trial.

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Mid-East Prophecy Update - July 29th, 2018 Pastor J.D. offers hope in the face of a very significant development prophetically. There is always hope for the hopeless.......

Power of Prayer >No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You
 

Ultimate... Gospel [4 CDs Of The Greatest Gospel Music] (2018)

https://image.ibb.co/eFubB8/Ultimate...Music_2018.jpg

'Ultimate... Gospel' is a brand new collection of top selling artists from Traditional to Contemporary Gospel.

This power packed compilation features the best in Gospel music, praise & worship anthems and ballads. Features 30 top tracks from legendary & ground-breaking gospel talents such as Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary, Whitney Houston, Donnie McClurkin, Travis Greene, Ty Tribbett and many more!

Audio info:
Format : MP3 Audio
Bit rate : 320 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Sampling rate : 44.1 KHz

Tracklist:
CD 1:
1. Kirk Franklin - Wanna Be Happy?
2. Marvin Sapp - Close
3. Hezekiah Walker - Every Praise - (Album Edit)
4. Tasha Page-Lockhart - Different
5. Mary Mary - Shackles (Praise You)
6. The Walls Group - Love On The Radio
7. Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers - I've Seen Him Do It
8. Travis Greene - You Waited [Live]
9. Whitney Houston - I Love The Lord
10. Jason Nelson - I Am - Radio Edit
11. Dewayne Woods - I Won't Be Afraid
12. Le'Andria Johnson - Wait On You
13. Donnie McClurkin - I Need You (Live)
14. William Murphy - Already Getting Better
15. Tye Tribbett - My Joy
16. Fred Hammond - Father Jesus Spirit (Live)

CD 2:
1. J Moss - Praise On The Inside
2. Deon Kipping - By Myself
3. Koryn Hawthorne - Speak The Name
4. Geoffrey Golden - All Of My Help
5. Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers Feat. Faith Howard - God Is A Healer (Wow Gospel 2010 Edit)
6. Dave Hollister - What Do You Do
7. Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ - No Weapon
8. Marvin Sapp - Listen
9. The Walls Group - My Life
10. Commissioned - King Of Glory (Live)
11. Twinkie Clark - Awesome
12. Tramaine Hawkins - Amazing Grace
13. Donnie McClurkin - Stand (Live)
14. Richard Smallwood With Vision - Total Praise (Live)
15. Travis Greene - Worship Rise (Live)

CD 3:
1. The Edwin Hawkins Singers - Oh Happy Day
2. Mahalia Jackson - My God Is Real (Yes, God Is Real)
3. Aretha Franklin - God Bless The Child
4. The Staple Singers - Will The Circle Be Unbroken
5. Charley Pride - Did You Think To Pray
6. Golden Gate Quartet - Hush!
7. Mahalia Jackson - I Will Move On Up A Little Higher
8. Thomas A. Dorsey With Marion Williams - Take My Hand, Precious Lord
9. Nina Simone - I Shall Be Released
10. The New York Community Choir - I'll Keep My Light In My Window
11. The Abyssinian Baptist Choir - Said I Wasn't Gonna Tell Nobody
12. Sunset Jubilee Singers - There'll Be A Jubilee
13. Golden Gate Quartet - Swing Down, Chariot
14. Sanders Cooper & Sons Of Glory - I'll Journey On
15. The Staple Singers - Be Careful Of Stones That You Throw
16. Bill Landford - Troubled, Lord I'm Troubled
17. Marion Williams - He's Got The Whole World In His Hands

CD 4:
1. Marvin Sapp - Live
2. Kirk Franklin - I Smile
3. Dewayne Woods - Let Go
4. William Murphy - Your Love
5. Whitney Houston - His Eye Is On The Sparrow
6. Tasha Page-Lockhart - Over & Over
7. Tramaine Hawkins Feat. Patrick Lundy & The Ministers Of Music - I Never Lost My Praise
8. Fred Hammond - God Is My Refuge (Live)
9. Aretha Franklin - Walk In The Light
10. The New Life Community Choir feat. John P. Kee - Jesus Is Real (Live)
11. Vickie Winans - Go Go Praise
12. Koryn Hawthorne, J. Monty - Reasons (Feat. J. Monty)
13. Christon Gray - Open Door (See You Later)
14. Le'Andria Johnson - Holy Ghost
15. Travis Greene, Isaiah Templeton, Geoffrey Golden - See The Light (Feat. Isaiah Templeton And Geoffrey Golden) [Live]

Download

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A Healthier Church
Gary Wilkerson


Paul, a pastor, an elder and an apostle, had started a church in Corinth. He cared deeply for the people in his congregation and had a special message for them: “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3).

Paul often taught on doctrinal matters but at this time he was speaking directly to “family” — the people who came together locally. He was appealing to them to become healthy believers, and he wanted to assure them that he loved them beyond reason — as they should love one another. The world is full of division and rejection so new believers need to encounter something entirely different in the church.

For some, it is easier to love the inhabitants of Africa or India or China than it is to love one another in your church body. People have problems and they aren’t always faithful and loving and forgiving. So sometimes it is difficult to remain in the love of Christ for them — but that is what God is calling us to do. And that is what Paul is talking about. You can wear yourself out evangelizing in your city with the passion and zeal of a missionary, but if you don’t love those around you, all that is not effective.

We can make converts to Christianity, but in our hearts we must have love for one another. I long for all Christians to have an evangelistic, on-fire passion to reach the lost and poor and needy, but I also long to see them filled with love. The more we seriously strive to be the Body of Christ that Paul is teaching about here, the healthier the church becomes and, likewise, the healthier new disciples become.

Health is contagious just as sickness is contagious so let’s endeavor to spread the love and joy of the Lord to those around us.

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Why Did Sarah Laugh?
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


God’s conversation with Abraham regarding his future son is a lesson in faith for us all. The patriarch was sitting at the door of his tent during the heat of the day when suddenly three men appeared before him, standing under a nearby tree. Abraham went out to meet the men and visited with them. During their conversation, the Lord inquired about the whereabouts of Sarah, Abraham’s wife, and then he said something incredible: “Behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son” (Genesis 18:10).

Sarah was inside the tent, listening to their conversation, and when she heard this, she laughed out loud. “Impossible,” she thought. Both she and Abraham were beyond the age of having children, but God had spoken. “And the Lord said to Abraham ‘Why did Sarah laugh? … Is anything too hard for the Lord?’” (18:13-14).

God asks this same question of his children in these present times: Is anything too hard for the Lord? Each of us must face our own difficulties in life and in the midst of them, God asks, “Do you think your problem is too hard for me to fix? Do you believe I can work it out for you, even though it seems impossible?”

Jesus tells us, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Do you believe this word from the Lord? Do you accept that he can perform the impossible in your family, on your job, for your future?

When we see our loved ones enduring difficult times, we are quick to counsel them, “Hold on and look up! He is the God of the impossible.” Sarah probably would have offered this type of counsel to her friends, yet she had a hard time believing for herself. Likewise, many Christians today boldly proclaim God’s power to others but do not believe his Word for themselves. It’s vital to remember that nothing in your life is beyond God’s ability to fix!

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Therefore, Be Serious
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


You may not want to think about it or even accept it, but if you have determined to follow Jesus with all your heart, Satan has marked you for destruction. And he’s going to flood your life with troubles of all kinds.

The apostle Peter warns, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7). In other words, “This is no time for lightness. You must get sober-minded about spiritual things because it is now an issue of life and death.”

Why be so serious? Because the end of time is near and our enemy has turned up the heat. He is stalking us like a lion, hiding in the grass, waiting for an opportunity to pounce. He wants to devour us — to utterly destroy our faith in Christ.

Some Christians feel we shouldn’t even talk about the devil, that we’re better off just ignoring him. Others try to reason him out of existence entirely. Liberal theologians, for instance, argue that there is no devil, no hell, no heaven.

But the enemy of our souls is real! Few biblical figures have been identified so clearly and extensively and he is not going to go away. He is described as Lucifer, Satan, devil, deceiver, hinderer, wicked one, usurper, imposter, accuser, devourer, god of this world, ruler of darkness, old serpent.

These emphatic descriptions tell me the devil exists and we know from scripture that he wields a very real power. Even now he is at work on the earth — in our nations, cities, churches, homes and individual lives. And we dare not be ignorant of his methods and strategies of warfare.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

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Lord, Help Me to Lay It All Down
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed [changed] into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Believers spend far too much time praying, “God, change my circumstances; change my coworkers; change my family situation; change the conditions in my life.” Yet we seldom pray the most important prayer: “Change me, Lord. I am the one who stands in need of prayer.”

God orchestrates the steps and lives of all his children and he does not allow anything to happen in us merely by happenstance or fate. And, believe it or not, he has allowed your crisis. What is he trying to tell you through it?

Like it or not, we are all in the process of changing in one way or another. In the spiritual realm, there is no such thing as mere existence; we are continually being changed, either for good or for bad. We are either becoming more like our Lord or more like the world, either growing in Christ or backsliding.

Are you becoming more sweet-spirited, more like Jesus? Are you looking soberly in the mirror each day and praying, “Lord, I want to conform to your image in every area of my life”? Or has bitterness taken root, turning into rebellion and hardness of heart?

Let me plainly say that if you shield yourself from the convicting Word of God and the voice of his Spirit, your life will become more chaotic and your situation will worsen. I urge you to cry out to the Lord honestly in prayer: “Change me, O God. Dig deep within me and show me where I have failed and gone astray.”

If you sincerely desire to be changed, God’s Word is full of guidance and wisdom. If you will rely solely on the Holy Spirit, he will unveil your eyes and you will begin to change in that very moment.

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Plead God's Promises for this Generation
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


America’s children today are a lost generation. No generation in history has been so plagued by sex, drugs, alcohol, greed and murder at such a young age. Who is to blame for this?

Our educational system has become vile and perverted as teachers are introducing students to atheism, evolution, perversion, permissive sexual attitudes and anti-religious bigotry. A teacher cannot place a Bible on his desk — but he can display literature on subjects ranging from communism to pornography.

I am convinced our entire society is experiencing a moral collapse. Many parents, including Christians, blame this on schools, the government, the media, the church and their children’s peers. All these forces play a part in the disintegration of our youth, but neither schools, culture, media, evil music or backslidden churches alone are causing all this ruin. The truth is, the responsibility for this generation of youth rests primarily with the parents. The home is where most seeds of rebellion and wickedness are being sown. AMEN TO THAT......and then the parents expects the schools to straighten them out! Just ain't gonna happen.

I sincerely believe that parents need more wisdom and discernment now than at any time in history. Satan has many more wicked inventions and subtle disguises to use against God’s people and only through daily, diligent prayer and immersion in God’s Word will we have power against him as guardians over our homes.

Take special note of this covenant promise for your children: “Thus says the Lord who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you: ‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant’ and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring; they will spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses’” (Isaiah 44:2-4).

Parents, plead God’s promises over your children; claim them as yours and hold them up to the Lord in intercession. Then bathe your family in prayer — and watch the enemy flee.

re: Power of Prayer >No Matter Which Faith YouFollow=GOD is With You
 

Loved As Jesus Was Loved
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


The Holy Spirit stirred my spirit concerning his love and led me to this passage: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keeping yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ until eternal life” (Jude 20-21).

As I read these verses, I heard the Spirit quietly whisper to me, “David, you’ve never yet come into the fullness and joy of my love. You have the theology right, but you haven’t experienced the ecstasy and rest of keeping yourself in my love. There is a whole ocean of my love for you to swim in.”

The Bible is filled with the truth of God’s love but at times I allow myself to wonder how the Lord could ever love me. I don’t doubt his love, I just fail to keep myself in the knowledge and assurance of his love for me.

The love of God must be revealed to us by the Holy Spirit and the revelation comes in part when we are born again. If you were to ask most Christians what they know about God’s love for them, they would answer, “I know God loves me because he gave his son to die for me.” And they would quote John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Yet the secret to understanding the love of God is the secret to an overcoming life. Multitudes grow spiritually cold and lazy because they’re ignorant of the Lord’s love for them. They don’t understand that their greatest weapon against Satan’s attacks is to be fully convinced of God’s love.

In Jesus’ prayer to the Father in John 17, he prayed this remarkable prayer, “The glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me … that the world may know that You … have loved them as You have loved Me” (17:22-24).

re: Power of Prayer >No Matter Which Faith YouFollow=GOD is With You
 

Am I Growing More Like Jesus?
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


Are you growing in grace? To me, grace is Holy Spirit empowerment to become more like Jesus; therefore, growing in grace means increasing in Christ likeness through the unmerited power of God’s Spirit. So let me rephrase the question: Are you relying on the Holy Spirit to make you more like Jesus — at home, at work, in relationships?

Take an honest look at your life over the past year and think of all the trials you have come through. Have you reacted with faith, grace, love and mercy? Have you been kind, patient, gentle and soft-spoken? Or do you have to admit that you have reacted with anger, self-pity and harsh words? “Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11). “Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” (verse 14).

As a mature Christian, you have built a spiritual foundation over the years through regular Bible study, consistent prayer, and godly instruction. But are you still becoming more like Jesus? Are you more compassionate, meek, merciful and forgiving than you were at this time last year?

We become stunted in growth when we react childishly to the hurts others heap on us. Paul warned the Ephesians, “No longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). You may think, “Well, this verse doesn’t apply to me. I’m grounded in the Word.”

But Paul’s message calls for us to examine ourselves yet again. How do we react to people who call themselves our brothers and sisters in Christ, yet spread falsehood about us? What is our answer when they wound and grieve us to the point of tears? Paul makes it clear that we are not to be childish.

I encourage you to examine your life carefully and remind yourself that growing in grace is increasing in the likeness of Christ through the power of the Spirit. And keep asking yourself this question: Am I growing more like Jesus by trusting the power of the Holy Spirit?

re: Power of Prayer >No Matter Which Faith YouFollow=GOD is With You
 

Jesus’ Great Compassion
Nicky Cruz


As Jesus ministered to the Samaritan woman at the well, he offered her something she could get nowhere else — “living water.” He said to her, “Everyone who drinks this [physical] water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).

What he promised the woman was hope, a way out of the despair and helplessness of a life embedded in sin. It was the one thing she most needed.

Thanks to Jesus’ obedience at the cross, we have the ability to make that same offer to everyone we meet. Our message is one of hope and forgiveness and freedom, a message people can get nowhere else but at the feet of Jesus. We hold in our hands the only satisfying drink of water in the middle of a dry and unrelenting desert, and all around us are people dying of thirst. All we need to do is reach out and make the offer, and Jesus will do the rest.

Just before the start of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, one year, a truck came barreling down Colorado Boulevard plastered with signs and Scripture verses on every side. One sign read: ACCEPT JESUS OR DIE! A picture of flames adorned another side of the truck, which was driven by an unkempt, middle-aged man who used a megaphone to scream, “Repent, sinners! If you don’t know Jesus, you’re going to burn in hell.” Angry bystanders reacted by shouting obscenities and throwing trash at the truck.

What a stunning contrast between Jesus’ testimony and this spectacle. I shudder to think about how much the cause of Christ was set back thanks to this angry, misguided believer. Jesus offered the gift of salvation to the Samaritan women with complete love and great compassion which, of course, is to serve as our example.

re: Power of Prayer >No Matter Which Faith YouFollow=GOD is With You
 

Ouch!

15Now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said. 16So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us 17to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. 18Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. 19But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.”
Genesis 50:15-20

Bad news never comes at a good time. Whether it’s a flat tire or the death of a close relative, negative and tragic experiences happen all too often. Can anything good come of these events?

The final events of Jacob’s life play out in this section of Scripture. We learn of his family’s move to Egypt. The famine in Egypt continues. Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, become Jacob’s, and Jacob blesses them. The passage of time has proven Joseph right. Now what?

As you read this story’s ending, note the lessons available to each of the key people: to Joseph (choosing forgiveness instead of revenge, knowing that God is in control, and finding blessing in tragedy); to Jacob (seeing God keep his promises, depending on God); and even to Pharaoh (learning that God is great). And imagine how Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah must have felt.

When Joseph became a slave, Jacob thought he was dead and wept in despair (Genesis 37:33-35). Eventually God’s plan allowed Jacob to regain not only his son, but his grandchildren as well. Circumstances are never so bad that they are beyond God’s help. Jacob regained his son. Job got a new family (see Job 42:10-17). Mary regained her brother Lazarus (see John 11:1-44). We need never despair, because we belong to a loving God. We never know what good he will bring out of a seemingly hopeless situation.

God brought good from many bad circumstances in Joseph’s life—his brothers’ evil deed, Potiphar’s wife’s false accusation, the cup bearer’s neglect, and seven years of famine. The experiences in Joseph’s life taught him that God brings good from evil for those who trust him.

What difficult circumstances are you enduring? Do you trust God enough to wait patiently for him to bring good out of bad situations? You can trust him because, as Joseph learned, God can overrule people’s evil intentions to bring about his intended results.

re: Power of Prayer >No Matter Which Faith YouFollow=GOD is With You
 

Even the Dust Will Be Swept Away
Gary Wilkerson


God is searching for believers who desire to be thoroughly holy. Zephaniah 1:12 states, “I will search Jerusalem with lamps.” This means he comes, as it were, with lamps looking in the corners, checking the basement areas and places where one does not routinely go. He searches our hearts, looking deep, probing stubborn and unknown sins — sins not touched and not repented for.

When God brings in his lamps, he introduces us to things we did not even recognize. His searchlight helps him find and cut out even the “dust” of our sin so that nothing is left untouched. You may think your life is clean, and you should be thankful that God has done a wonderful work. You know that God is graciously working in a certain area — but what you may not realize is that as soon as he is finished in that area he will lead you into another area. When you feel him turn his lamp on you, you know there is more to be done. God is thorough and will do a powerful work in your life; he won’t stop until everything that doesn’t belong is removed.

God is looking for intercessors to cry out for the altar to be filled with humble people — those who will say with a broken heart, “I am hungry for more of Jesus! I long for him to stir my heart.” God wants people who don’t just make their lives look good outwardly by doing and saying the right things, but who also want their hearts to be changed. These are people who want holiness in the deepest recesses of their life — they want every trace of worldliness to be eradicated, and even the dust from their sin to be swept away.

And God is searching for humble leaders who acknowledge the sovereignty of the Lord and serve him alone. We all must say with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

re: Power of Prayer >No Matter Which Faith YouFollow=GOD is With You
 

Don’t Panic
David Wilkerson (1931-2011)


The Lord is very patient with his children. He actually invites us, “Bring forth your strong reasons” (Isaiah 41:21), meaning that it is fine to have moments of questioning. We might receive some sudden, awful news — the death of a loved one, a pending divorce of a son or daughter, unfaithfulness of a mate. In such moments, God sends the Holy Spirit to bring us comfort, ease our pain, and settle our hearts. Our Lord feels every jolt of pain, fear and panic that strikes us.

God sees every detail of your crisis and he sees all the life-problems pressing in on you. Those who pray and wait on him with calm faith are never in any real danger. Moreover, he knows your panicky thoughts and yet his command to you holds true: “Don’t panic or get ahead of me. You are to do nothing but pray — and rely on me. I honor everyone who puts his trust in me.”

Consider these words God has given to his church: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8). “You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield” (Psalm 115:11). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Unbelief is deadly, its consequences tragic. We face dire consequences if we try to extricate ourselves from our trials instead of trusting God to see us through. Jesus came to break our chains of legalism and deliver us from our shackles. But first we must admit our sin. When we confess our unbelief and then cast our future, our freedom, and our deliverance wholly into Jesus’ care, he will arrive on time! Our part is to do nothing — but trust him!