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Tarfoot · 16-01-26, 00:40

God Is Sufficient

Over a hundred years ago, a French inventor came up with a marvelous innovation called motion pictures. He learned that by organizing a sequence of photographs and moving them quickly in front of a bright light, it gave the impression of real life happening before his eyes.

This inventor knew he was onto something special, so he scheduled a premiere for what would be one of the most famous public showings of a movie ever. Expectations were high as dignitaries and guests filled the auditorium. The film, "Arrival of a Train at a Station," was only 50 seconds long, but it had a powerful impact. Too powerful, in fact. It showed a train chugging directly toward the camera, and some historians state that when the people saw it, they panicked. With no context for what they were experiencing, they thought an actual train was about to run over them!

The people were convinced their lives were in danger, when in reality what they experienced was mere smoke and mirrors.

This is the trick Satan plays on us whenever our faith is challenged. At such times, our needs seem to outweigh our resources. It looks like our God-given dream will be destroyed by a runaway train. That's when the devil tells us, "It's over. This is too much for you." But the "reality" that Satan presents is superficial. The truth is that Jesus is greater than any hardship we face. He holds our reality in his hands, and that reality is victory.

When all seems lost in the face of an oncoming problem, Jesus tells us not to flee but to "sit down" (see John 6:10).

As Jesus faced a large, hungering crowd, "...he himself knew what he would do" (John 6:6, ESV). Christ's confidence was based on his sense of God's reality behind every situation. He instructed the disciples, "Have the people sit down, because the Father is about to meet this need. It's time to trust him to provide all that this situation requires." Friend, God is sufficient for every circumstance you may face.

Tarfoot · 17-01-26, 22:08

The Spirit of Lawlessness

"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way" (2 Thessalonians 2:7, KJV).

The Greek word Paul uses for iniquity in this passage more literally means "lawlessness." Therefore, the mystery is one of lawlessness, meaning that multitudes are going to act without law or restraint.

This lawlessness is not simply a rebellion against the rule of man. It is not about rebelling against civil authority or committing robbery, rape, or murder. These things do provoke God's wrath, but the mystery of lawlessness goes much deeper. It is an outright rejection of the truth that is in Christ, a casting aside of God's Holy Word, and rebellion against the restraints of scripture.

This spirit of lawlessness is rampant in our nation today. It is the force behind the legislation that seeks to banish God from our society and the same spirit that Satan used to deceive Eve when he told her, in so many words, "God is easy; he won't punish you for disobeying. You can eat the fruit and indulge your lust, and you won't have to pay for it!"

Today, Satan is using this same lie to convince masses of believers that they can indulge their sins without paying any penalty. It is a demonic scheme to pervert Christ's gospel of grace and turn it into a message of licentiousness. Tragically, many lukewarm Christians are succumbing to this spirit of lawlessness. Satan will deceive masses of people by convincing them of a subtle but powerful lie, just as he convinced Eve, "God doesn't punish sin."

Paul says the Antichrist will rise to power because people will be blinded and deceived by their own sin: "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie..." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, NKJV).

The apostle is saying, "Those who refuse to obey or respect God's Word will fall under a powerful delusion. At first, they will wink at their sin and justify it. But soon they will actively seek out a message of easy grace. They will invent a grace that is far beyond what God intended." God's grace never leads to license; it always leads to repentance.

Tarfoot · 20-01-26, 00:11

Rest in Him

Under pressure, most of us rehearse our need over and over: "If only I had this one thing... If I could just work on that one weakness..." However, Jesus tells us not to fixate on our need but rather on our supplier.

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (Matthew 6:25-27, ESV).

In the Old Testament when things looked impossible for King Asa, he fixated on his supplier, not his problem. When the kingdom was surrounded by a massive enemy with no hope in sight, Asa prayed, "Lord, I don't know what to do, but my eyes are fixed on you" (see 2 Chronicles 14:9-12)

Jesus shows us that we are to give thanks in the midst of our situation. Facing the starving masses with just a handful of fishes and bread loaves, Jesus gave thanks to God. Jesus thanked the Father before the need was even filled, and a miracle followed. "...He told his disciples, 'Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.' So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, 'This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!'" (John 6:12-14).

Your situation doesn't depend on your resources; it depends on God's. "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

You may have cried your heart out over your need. Now it's time to remind yourself of God's goodness. It's time to stop fretting and instead give him thanks. It's time to draw on the strength of your faith-family when you don't have it for yourself. Rest assured, your God is about to show himself great in your life. Believe it, and find rest in him!

Tarfoot · 24-01-26, 21:24

Bring Them Home to Glory

The heavenly Father wasn't willing to lose his beloved creatures to the powers of hell, so he formed a rescue plan for us. "Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: 'I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.'" (Psalm 89:19, ESV). The Father said to his Son, "Humankind is going to grow weak and miserable because of their sin, helpless to find their way back to me. I appoint you as my holy one to help bring them back into my favor."

We hear the Son's own covenant words: "I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart" (Psalm 40:8). Everything Jesus did on earth was in fulfillment of his terms of the covenant: "For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment; what to say and what to speak" (John 12:49).

The Bible states the terms of this covenant clearly. Jesus was to divest himself of all heavenly glory, taking on a human body: "...who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). He was to endure reproaches and suffering: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not" (Isaiah 53:3). After all this, he was to submit himself into the hands of wicked men; and in great agony, he lay down his life as an offering for humankind's sin. In making atonement, he would have to endure God's wrath for a season.

God then laid out the type of ministry his Son would undertake to redeem humankind. He told Jesus, "Your ministry is going to be that of a priest. I've known all my children from the foundation of the world, and now I give them as a flock for you to shepherd." Jesus testified on earth, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37).

This is our great hope and glory in Christ! Let us rest in that today.

Tarfoot · 29-01-26, 02:19

Trusting in a False Peace

America today is under the seductive power of a satanic lie. Before I say anything more, please know that what I speak here has nothing to do with politics but everything to do with spiritual truth. The fact is that our nation's leaders have cast aside God's Word completely, showing no respect for biblical truth. Now the Lord has allowed a deception to fall upon us.

The demonic lie blanketing America today is a false peace. It is the idea that we can do whatever we please with no fear of consequences. We have already crossed a line in this deception, and now judgment is inevitable.

Paul laid out this divine judgment in the first chapter of Romans. He wrote of those who tried to retain the truth in unrighteousness. In short, they wanted God's Word and their lusts at the same time, so the Lord turned them over to reprobate minds. They wanted to believe a lie, and he sent a strong delusion upon them.

This is the very state of our nation right now. In my time, a former President told the entire country, "I did not commit this sin," but later was exposed for committing the very act he named. I have heard that many Americans have turned a blind eye to both his sin and his lies, saying none of it matters. As prophesied, truth has fallen in the streets.

We constantly hear lies, cover-ups, and manipulations from our nation's capital. Satan's deceiving power, though, goes far beyond those treacheries and depravity. His big lie is an outpouring from hell against God's people.

Paul warned, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables [lies]" (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NKJV).

Who are these deceived masses Paul is talking about? They are deceived Christians! He wrote this letter to the Thessalonian church, addressing born-again believers. These people had sat under biblical teaching and had known God's truth, yet they held on to their lusts and sought out heresies that would comfort them in their sins.

Let it not be so with us, dear believer! Turn to Christ, and tune your ear to his voice and his voice alone.

Tarfoot · 31-01-26, 01:22

We Get All the Benefits

As we read the gospels, we see that everything Jesus did on earth was for the purpose of fulfilling the terms of the covenant he had made with the Father. He went after lost sheep, opened the eyes of the blind, raised the dead, opened spiritual prison doors, spoke words of eternal life, performed miraculous works, cast out demons, and healed all manner of infirmities. In every verse of the gospels, Jesus was fulfilling the things the Father had sent him to do.

Through it all, Jesus appropriated his Father's covenant promises to him: "...for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength" (Isaiah 49:5, ESV). "'I will put my trust in him.'..." (Hebrews 2:13). The Father's faithful words kept Jesus through his agonizing death: "The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting" (Isaiah 50:5-6).

When Jesus uttered his final prayer, we see once more the open-covenant dealings between Father and Son. "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him?. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed" (John 17:1-5).

What does all of this have to do with you and me? It's a picture of God's love for his beloved creation! He formed this covenant because he was unwilling to lose a single child to destruction. Jesus was saying there, "Father, I have fulfilled my part of the covenant. I have brought about the redemption of humankind, and I have made your body one."

In short, God gave his Son, the Son gave his life, and we get all the benefits. "I will establish his offspring forever and his throne as the days of the heavens... I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips" (Psalm 89:29, 34).

Tarfoot · 03-02-26, 23:33

Staying in Christ

Is the Father true to his terms of the Covenant for his Son and all believers?

Did God lead and guide Jesus as promised? Did his Spirit hover over his Son, giving him encouragement and consolation? Did he bring him through all his trials and usher him home to glory victorious? Yes, absolutely! Not only that but the Father has pledged an eternal oath to do the same for us.

Jesus said, "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (John 17:15-16, ESV). Christ was saying, in essence, "Father, sanctify them through your truth. Make them holy and pure and keep them from the wicked one. Be with them through all their temptations. Let the promises you gave me be theirs, as well."

By keeping the word of his covenant in love, the Father's glory was displayed to the world: "The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me" (John 17:22-23).

The next time you struggle with a besetting sin, you may hear an accusing voice: "You've gone too far and sinned too often. God has turned you over to a reprobate mind. You're unclean, unholy, no good, a disgrace to the gospel. You've driven the Holy Spirit from your life completely." When this happens, remind God, the devil, and yourself:
"I am one in covenant with the Father and Son. Jesus co-signed the Covenant with his own blood, and the Father promised to keep me through all my trials. He'll hold my hand no matter what comes and will never remove his love from me. He'll lead me to victory."

By revealing his covenant to us, God wants to remove any doubts we have about his ability to keep us. It's as if he is saying, "I'm going to treat you as though you have no faith at all. I'll make such a strong oath to you, you'll have no choice but to believe in me." We are to stay in Christ, abide in him, trust him, depend on him. If we do this, we will surely see his glory!

Tarfoot · 09-02-26, 19:18

When We Tempt God

The psalmist writes of Israel's sin, "And they tested God in their heart by asking for the food of their fancy" (Psalm 78:18, NKJV). The Hebrews had no human means left to provide for themselves. When they came to this place, though, they believed God had abandoned them and was remaining silent and out of sight.

In short, this is what it means to tempt God. It happens when his chosen, blessed ones are placed in the fires of testing and their crisis keeps growing more intense until fear grips their hearts, and they cry out, "Lord, where are you? Where is my deliverance? Why aren't you on the scene? Are you with me or not?"

It is impossible for an unsaved person to tempt the Lord since such a person does not acknowledge God in any area of his life. To him, everything that happens is either good luck or bad luck. Only those who are closest to the Lord can tempt him, those who have seen his power, tasted his mercy and grace, and been called to walk by faith.

Even the righteous John the Baptist faced the kind of trial that can lead to tempting God. As he sat in prison, he must have wondered where God was in his situation. Word had come back to him of all the wonderful things Jesus was doing, healing people, performing miracles, drawing crowds who had once flocked to John.

John had known that he had to decrease so Christ could increase, but the thought must have crossed his mind, "Decrease, yes, but death? Why do I have to die if Jesus is truly God? If he is performing all these wonders for others, why can't he deliver me? Lord, this is all too much to endure." (Remember, Christ had not yet removed the sting of death.)

The last words Jesus sent to John were incredibly significant: "And blessed is he who is not offended because of me" (Matthew 11:6). Christ was telling this godly servant, "Don't be offended at me, John. You know I only do what I see and hear from the Father. He has a plan in all this, and he is worthy of being trusted. If he wanted me to come and release you, I would be there in a moment. You can rest assured that whatever comes of this, it will be to his glory. It will mean eternal glory for you!" I believe John did endure. When he was finally beheaded by Herod, he went home to glory full of faith and honor.

You are enduring your final test. Don't let doubt rob you of your faith. Instead, rest in the Father's love and faithfulness to you. You're not being judged. On the contrary, you are greatly honored in God's eyes. Just hold steady!

Tarfoot · 11-02-26, 16:53

Measuring Greatness

John the Baptist would not let himself be distracted from leading a life of great consequence. The gospel of John tells us, "Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness__look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.'" (John 3:25-26, ESV). John's followers were speaking of Jesus. Evidently, they had theological concerns about him. Maybe they had heard about his miracle at Cana and thought he had mishandled those cisterns that normally held water for purification but ended up holding wine.

Regardless, John wasn't going to be distracted by the debate. He knew that something greater than doctrinal sticking points was at stake. "John answered, 'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.'" (John 3:27). In other words: "Can someone work a miracle like this if he hasn't been sent by God? That kind of power comes only from heaven."

What John says next is powerful: "You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'...He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:28, 30). John's focus in life was clear; his holy calling was centered completely on Jesus. For that reason, John the Baptist was known as a great man.

The problem for many of us today, in our success-driven culture, is that we seek great things for ourselves. We may convince ourselves we are pursuing things for God, but is Jesus really our focus? Without rigorous examination of our hearts, we won't be able to discern whether we are pleasing our Savior or following an inner longing for validation.

The prophet Jeremiah addressed this question directly: "And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the Lord. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go" (Jeremiah 45:5). Jeremiah makes clear that God's measurement of greatness is much different from the world's.

As Jesus himself said, "...You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all" (Mark 10:42-44).

Tarfoot · 13-02-26, 22:20

He Is in Control of Everything

When you give your heart to Jesus, you win a great battle. The powers of hell are defeated, robbing Satan of the spoil he took from you when he ruled your life. Afterward, though, as you are still glowing with spiritual victory and freedom, two kings await you, the same two kings that awaited Abram in Genesis 14:17-24.

Abram faced as strong a temptation as any human being ever experienced. Before him was an offer of riches, material goods, and fame; but he did not have to think twice about his decision. His response to the king of Sodom's offer was a quick and clear no. Why? Because what mattered most to Abram was preserving God's reputation, not his own. In effect, he was telling the king of Sodom, "I'm returning all these things to you--the people, the riches, everything--because my Lord owns it all anyway. If he decides to make me wealthy, so be it; but I don't want you to be able to brag that you made me rich."

Where did Abram get such detachment from the world, such independence that he was able to reject outright the devil's offer of material blessing? It is clear from scripture that Abram derived his strength from a fresh revelation of who God is. Melchizedek had opened Abram's eyes to an amazing vision of God's character.

"And [Melchizedek] blessed him and said: 'Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.' And [Abram] gave him a tithe of all" (Genesis14:19-20, NKJV).

Embedded in this verse is a name for Jehovah: El Elyon. It means, "God most high, creator and possessor of heaven and earth." Melchizedek was declaring to Abram, "Your Lord is not just a God above all other gods. He is the creator of the entire universe. Everything in it belongs to him, all wealth, cattle, possessions. He is in control of everything you see around you."

Such an assurance gave Abram the strength to refuse worldly offers; he was consumed with seeing the God of all the earth instead!

Tarfoot · Yesterday, 17:28

The Bridegroom's Friend

John the Baptist is a biblical example of how to resist worldly distractions and pursue true greatness. He testified, "The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete" (John 3:29, ESV). In Jesus's day, the supporting role in a wedding was a place of honor and respect. It called for a person of great stature and responsibility.

In that time, the friend of the bridegroom was in charge of the entire marriage event. He invited the guests, planned and organized the wedding ceremony, and hosted and oversaw the reception. He even arranged the honeymoon, going ahead of the couple to make sure everything was in place for his friend and the bride. He also secured their new home, preparing it for the couple to live in. In short, the friend of the bridegroom was responsible for it all. His role was a rigorous work of love and grace from beginning to end.

John the Baptist was saying, "How can anyone be fixated on minutiae like disagreements over tradition or which servant of God is being honored more if you're truly focused on the essentials? Jesus is going to give his life as a sacrifice, rise from the grave, and return for a bride whose faith is spotless and without wrinkle. Can you not see what God is doing in your midst?"

John had good reason for his focus. King Herod's household had begun calling for his head, and he knew he was about to die. John was telling his followers, "I have limited time remaining to me, and I want everything I say to be fueled with this urgent message: 'Turn to Jesus.' I want my passion to be for the one true thing."

John the Baptist had one overriding passion, and it is contained in John 3:29. Knowing his own time was short, John could rejoice over one thing: Jesus had come to proclaim the kingdom of God.

We all play John's role in God's kingdom, paving the way for people to receive Jesus. When that is our singular focus, all else falls into its rightful place. God promises to empower us in our service to him. As John the Baptist testified, "For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure" (John 3:34).

16-01-26, 00:40	#1701
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,193 Thanks: 547 Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You God Is Sufficient Over a hundred years ago, a French inventor came up with a marvelous innovation called motion pictures. He learned that by organizing a sequence of photographs and moving them quickly in front of a bright light, it gave the impression of real life happening before his eyes. This inventor knew he was onto something special, so he scheduled a premiere for what would be one of the most famous public showings of a movie ever. Expectations were high as dignitaries and guests filled the auditorium. The film, "Arrival of a Train at a Station," was only 50 seconds long, but it had a powerful impact. Too powerful, in fact. It showed a train chugging directly toward the camera, and some historians state that when the people saw it, they panicked. With no context for what they were experiencing, they thought an actual train was about to run over them! The people were convinced their lives were in danger, when in reality what they experienced was mere smoke and mirrors. This is the trick Satan plays on us whenever our faith is challenged. At such times, our needs seem to outweigh our resources. It looks like our God-given dream will be destroyed by a runaway train. That's when the devil tells us, "It's over. This is too much for you." But the "reality" that Satan presents is superficial. The truth is that Jesus is greater than any hardship we face. He holds our reality in his hands, and that reality is victory. When all seems lost in the face of an oncoming problem, Jesus tells us not to flee but to "sit down" (see John 6:10). As Jesus faced a large, hungering crowd, "...he himself knew what he would do" (John 6:6, ESV). Christ's confidence was based on his sense of God's reality behind every situation. He instructed the disciples, "Have the people sit down, because the Father is about to meet this need. It's time to trust him to provide all that this situation requires." Friend, God is sufficient for every circumstance you may face. __________________ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

17-01-26, 22:08	#1702
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,193 Thanks: 547 Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You The Spirit of Lawlessness "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way" (2 Thessalonians 2:7, KJV). The Greek word Paul uses for iniquity in this passage more literally means "lawlessness." Therefore, the mystery is one of lawlessness, meaning that multitudes are going to act without law or restraint. This lawlessness is not simply a rebellion against the rule of man. It is not about rebelling against civil authority or committing robbery, rape, or murder. These things do provoke God's wrath, but the mystery of lawlessness goes much deeper. It is an outright rejection of the truth that is in Christ, a casting aside of God's Holy Word, and rebellion against the restraints of scripture. This spirit of lawlessness is rampant in our nation today. It is the force behind the legislation that seeks to banish God from our society and the same spirit that Satan used to deceive Eve when he told her, in so many words, "God is easy; he won't punish you for disobeying. You can eat the fruit and indulge your lust, and you won't have to pay for it!" Today, Satan is using this same lie to convince masses of believers that they can indulge their sins without paying any penalty. It is a demonic scheme to pervert Christ's gospel of grace and turn it into a message of licentiousness. Tragically, many lukewarm Christians are succumbing to this spirit of lawlessness. Satan will deceive masses of people by convincing them of a subtle but powerful lie, just as he convinced Eve, "God doesn't punish sin." Paul says the Antichrist will rise to power because people will be blinded and deceived by their own sin: "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie..." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, NKJV). The apostle is saying, "Those who refuse to obey or respect God's Word will fall under a powerful delusion. At first, they will wink at their sin and justify it. But soon they will actively seek out a message of easy grace. They will invent a grace that is far beyond what God intended." God's grace never leads to license; it always leads to repentance. __________________ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

20-01-26, 00:11	#1703
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,193 Thanks: 547 Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You Rest in Him Under pressure, most of us rehearse our need over and over: "If only I had this one thing... If I could just work on that one weakness..." However, Jesus tells us not to fixate on our need but rather on our supplier. "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (Matthew 6:25-27, ESV). In the Old Testament when things looked impossible for King Asa, he fixated on his supplier, not his problem. When the kingdom was surrounded by a massive enemy with no hope in sight, Asa prayed, "Lord, I don't know what to do, but my eyes are fixed on you" (see 2 Chronicles 14:9-12) Jesus shows us that we are to give thanks in the midst of our situation. Facing the starving masses with just a handful of fishes and bread loaves, Jesus gave thanks to God. Jesus thanked the Father before the need was even filled, and a miracle followed. "...He told his disciples, 'Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.' So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, 'This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!'" (John 6:12-14). Your situation doesn't depend on your resources; it depends on God's. "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). You may have cried your heart out over your need. Now it's time to remind yourself of God's goodness. It's time to stop fretting and instead give him thanks. It's time to draw on the strength of your faith-family when you don't have it for yourself. Rest assured, your God is about to show himself great in your life. Believe it, and find rest in him! __________________ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

24-01-26, 21:24	#1704
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,193 Thanks: 547 Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You Bring Them Home to Glory The heavenly Father wasn't willing to lose his beloved creatures to the powers of hell, so he formed a rescue plan for us. "Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: 'I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.'" (Psalm 89:19, ESV). The Father said to his Son, "Humankind is going to grow weak and miserable because of their sin, helpless to find their way back to me. I appoint you as my holy one to help bring them back into my favor." We hear the Son's own covenant words: "I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart" (Psalm 40:8). Everything Jesus did on earth was in fulfillment of his terms of the covenant: "For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment; what to say and what to speak" (John 12:49). The Bible states the terms of this covenant clearly. Jesus was to divest himself of all heavenly glory, taking on a human body: "...who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). He was to endure reproaches and suffering: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not" (Isaiah 53:3). After all this, he was to submit himself into the hands of wicked men; and in great agony, he lay down his life as an offering for humankind's sin. In making atonement, he would have to endure God's wrath for a season. God then laid out the type of ministry his Son would undertake to redeem humankind. He told Jesus, "Your ministry is going to be that of a priest. I've known all my children from the foundation of the world, and now I give them as a flock for you to shepherd." Jesus testified on earth, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37). This is our great hope and glory in Christ! Let us rest in that today. __________________ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

29-01-26, 02:19	#1705
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,193 Thanks: 547 Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You Trusting in a False Peace America today is under the seductive power of a satanic lie. Before I say anything more, please know that what I speak here has nothing to do with politics but everything to do with spiritual truth. The fact is that our nation's leaders have cast aside God's Word completely, showing no respect for biblical truth. Now the Lord has allowed a deception to fall upon us. The demonic lie blanketing America today is a false peace. It is the idea that we can do whatever we please with no fear of consequences. We have already crossed a line in this deception, and now judgment is inevitable. Paul laid out this divine judgment in the first chapter of Romans. He wrote of those who tried to retain the truth in unrighteousness. In short, they wanted God's Word and their lusts at the same time, so the Lord turned them over to reprobate minds. They wanted to believe a lie, and he sent a strong delusion upon them. This is the very state of our nation right now. In my time, a former President told the entire country, "I did not commit this sin," but later was exposed for committing the very act he named. I have heard that many Americans have turned a blind eye to both his sin and his lies, saying none of it matters. As prophesied, truth has fallen in the streets. We constantly hear lies, cover-ups, and manipulations from our nation's capital. Satan's deceiving power, though, goes far beyond those treacheries and depravity. His big lie is an outpouring from hell against God's people. Paul warned, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables [lies]" (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NKJV). Who are these deceived masses Paul is talking about? They are deceived Christians! He wrote this letter to the Thessalonian church, addressing born-again believers. These people had sat under biblical teaching and had known God's truth, yet they held on to their lusts and sought out heresies that would comfort them in their sins. Let it not be so with us, dear believer! Turn to Christ, and tune your ear to his voice and his voice alone. __________________ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

31-01-26, 01:22	#1706
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,193 Thanks: 547 Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You We Get All the Benefits As we read the gospels, we see that everything Jesus did on earth was for the purpose of fulfilling the terms of the covenant he had made with the Father. He went after lost sheep, opened the eyes of the blind, raised the dead, opened spiritual prison doors, spoke words of eternal life, performed miraculous works, cast out demons, and healed all manner of infirmities. In every verse of the gospels, Jesus was fulfilling the things the Father had sent him to do. Through it all, Jesus appropriated his Father's covenant promises to him: "...for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength" (Isaiah 49:5, ESV). "'I will put my trust in him.'..." (Hebrews 2:13). The Father's faithful words kept Jesus through his agonizing death: "The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting" (Isaiah 50:5-6). When Jesus uttered his final prayer, we see once more the open-covenant dealings between Father and Son. "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him?. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed" (John 17:1-5). What does all of this have to do with you and me? It's a picture of God's love for his beloved creation! He formed this covenant because he was unwilling to lose a single child to destruction. Jesus was saying there, "Father, I have fulfilled my part of the covenant. I have brought about the redemption of humankind, and I have made your body one." In short, God gave his Son, the Son gave his life, and we get all the benefits. "I will establish his offspring forever and his throne as the days of the heavens... I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips" (Psalm 89:29, 34). __________________ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

03-02-26, 23:33	#1707
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,193 Thanks: 547 Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You Staying in Christ Is the Father true to his terms of the Covenant for his Son and all believers? Did God lead and guide Jesus as promised? Did his Spirit hover over his Son, giving him encouragement and consolation? Did he bring him through all his trials and usher him home to glory victorious? Yes, absolutely! Not only that but the Father has pledged an eternal oath to do the same for us. Jesus said, "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (John 17:15-16, ESV). Christ was saying, in essence, "Father, sanctify them through your truth. Make them holy and pure and keep them from the wicked one. Be with them through all their temptations. Let the promises you gave me be theirs, as well." By keeping the word of his covenant in love, the Father's glory was displayed to the world: "The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me" (John 17:22-23). The next time you struggle with a besetting sin, you may hear an accusing voice: "You've gone too far and sinned too often. God has turned you over to a reprobate mind. You're unclean, unholy, no good, a disgrace to the gospel. You've driven the Holy Spirit from your life completely." When this happens, remind God, the devil, and yourself: "I am one in covenant with the Father and Son. Jesus co-signed the Covenant with his own blood, and the Father promised to keep me through all my trials. He'll hold my hand no matter what comes and will never remove his love from me. He'll lead me to victory." By revealing his covenant to us, God wants to remove any doubts we have about his ability to keep us. It's as if he is saying, "I'm going to treat you as though you have no faith at all. I'll make such a strong oath to you, you'll have no choice but to believe in me." We are to stay in Christ, abide in him, trust him, depend on him. If we do this, we will surely see his glory! __________________ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

09-02-26, 19:18	#1708
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,193 Thanks: 547 Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You When We Tempt God The psalmist writes of Israel's sin, "And they tested God in their heart by asking for the food of their fancy" (Psalm 78:18, NKJV). The Hebrews had no human means left to provide for themselves. When they came to this place, though, they believed God had abandoned them and was remaining silent and out of sight. In short, this is what it means to tempt God. It happens when his chosen, blessed ones are placed in the fires of testing and their crisis keeps growing more intense until fear grips their hearts, and they cry out, "Lord, where are you? Where is my deliverance? Why aren't you on the scene? Are you with me or not?" It is impossible for an unsaved person to tempt the Lord since such a person does not acknowledge God in any area of his life. To him, everything that happens is either good luck or bad luck. Only those who are closest to the Lord can tempt him, those who have seen his power, tasted his mercy and grace, and been called to walk by faith. Even the righteous John the Baptist faced the kind of trial that can lead to tempting God. As he sat in prison, he must have wondered where God was in his situation. Word had come back to him of all the wonderful things Jesus was doing, healing people, performing miracles, drawing crowds who had once flocked to John. John had known that he had to decrease so Christ could increase, but the thought must have crossed his mind, "Decrease, yes, but death? Why do I have to die if Jesus is truly God? If he is performing all these wonders for others, why can't he deliver me? Lord, this is all too much to endure." (Remember, Christ had not yet removed the sting of death.) The last words Jesus sent to John were incredibly significant: "And blessed is he who is not offended because of me" (Matthew 11:6). Christ was telling this godly servant, "Don't be offended at me, John. You know I only do what I see and hear from the Father. He has a plan in all this, and he is worthy of being trusted. If he wanted me to come and release you, I would be there in a moment. You can rest assured that whatever comes of this, it will be to his glory. It will mean eternal glory for you!" I believe John did endure. When he was finally beheaded by Herod, he went home to glory full of faith and honor. You are enduring your final test. Don't let doubt rob you of your faith. Instead, rest in the Father's love and faithfulness to you. You're not being judged. On the contrary, you are greatly honored in God's eyes. Just hold steady! __________________ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

11-02-26, 16:53	#1709
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,193 Thanks: 547 Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You Measuring Greatness John the Baptist would not let himself be distracted from leading a life of great consequence. The gospel of John tells us, "Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness__look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.'" (John 3:25-26, ESV). John's followers were speaking of Jesus. Evidently, they had theological concerns about him. Maybe they had heard about his miracle at Cana and thought he had mishandled those cisterns that normally held water for purification but ended up holding wine. Regardless, John wasn't going to be distracted by the debate. He knew that something greater than doctrinal sticking points was at stake. "John answered, 'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.'" (John 3:27). In other words: "Can someone work a miracle like this if he hasn't been sent by God? That kind of power comes only from heaven." What John says next is powerful: "You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'...He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:28, 30). John's focus in life was clear; his holy calling was centered completely on Jesus. For that reason, John the Baptist was known as a great man. The problem for many of us today, in our success-driven culture, is that we seek great things for ourselves. We may convince ourselves we are pursuing things for God, but is Jesus really our focus? Without rigorous examination of our hearts, we won't be able to discern whether we are pleasing our Savior or following an inner longing for validation. The prophet Jeremiah addressed this question directly: "And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the Lord. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go" (Jeremiah 45:5). Jeremiah makes clear that God's measurement of greatness is much different from the world's. As Jesus himself said, "...You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all" (Mark 10:42-44). __________________ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Last edited by Tarfoot; 11-02-26 at 17:00.

13-02-26, 22:20	#1710
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,193 Thanks: 547 Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You He Is in Control of Everything When you give your heart to Jesus, you win a great battle. The powers of hell are defeated, robbing Satan of the spoil he took from you when he ruled your life. Afterward, though, as you are still glowing with spiritual victory and freedom, two kings await you, the same two kings that awaited Abram in Genesis 14:17-24. Abram faced as strong a temptation as any human being ever experienced. Before him was an offer of riches, material goods, and fame; but he did not have to think twice about his decision. His response to the king of Sodom's offer was a quick and clear no. Why? Because what mattered most to Abram was preserving God's reputation, not his own. In effect, he was telling the king of Sodom, "I'm returning all these things to you--the people, the riches, everything--because my Lord owns it all anyway. If he decides to make me wealthy, so be it; but I don't want you to be able to brag that you made me rich." Where did Abram get such detachment from the world, such independence that he was able to reject outright the devil's offer of material blessing? It is clear from scripture that Abram derived his strength from a fresh revelation of who God is. Melchizedek had opened Abram's eyes to an amazing vision of God's character. "And [Melchizedek] blessed him and said: 'Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.' And [Abram] gave him a tithe of all" (Genesis14:19-20, NKJV). Embedded in this verse is a name for Jehovah: El Elyon. It means, "God most high, creator and possessor of heaven and earth." Melchizedek was declaring to Abram, "Your Lord is not just a God above all other gods. He is the creator of the entire universe. Everything in it belongs to him, all wealth, cattle, possessions. He is in control of everything you see around you." Such an assurance gave Abram the strength to refuse worldly offers; he was consumed with seeing the God of all the earth instead! __________________ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Yesterday, 17:28	#1711
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,193 Thanks: 547 Thanked 1,124 Times in 1,009 Posts Awards Showcase Total Awards: 5	Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You The Bridegroom's Friend John the Baptist is a biblical example of how to resist worldly distractions and pursue true greatness. He testified, "The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete" (John 3:29, ESV). In Jesus's day, the supporting role in a wedding was a place of honor and respect. It called for a person of great stature and responsibility. In that time, the friend of the bridegroom was in charge of the entire marriage event. He invited the guests, planned and organized the wedding ceremony, and hosted and oversaw the reception. He even arranged the honeymoon, going ahead of the couple to make sure everything was in place for his friend and the bride. He also secured their new home, preparing it for the couple to live in. In short, the friend of the bridegroom was responsible for it all. His role was a rigorous work of love and grace from beginning to end. John the Baptist was saying, "How can anyone be fixated on minutiae like disagreements over tradition or which servant of God is being honored more if you're truly focused on the essentials? Jesus is going to give his life as a sacrifice, rise from the grave, and return for a bride whose faith is spotless and without wrinkle. Can you not see what God is doing in your midst?" John had good reason for his focus. King Herod's household had begun calling for his head, and he knew he was about to die. John was telling his followers, "I have limited time remaining to me, and I want everything I say to be fueled with this urgent message: 'Turn to Jesus.' I want my passion to be for the one true thing." John the Baptist had one overriding passion, and it is contained in John 3:29. Knowing his own time was short, John could rejoice over one thing: Jesus had come to proclaim the kingdom of God. We all play John's role in God's kingdom, paving the way for people to receive Jesus. When that is our singular focus, all else falls into its rightful place. God promises to empower us in our service to him. As John the Baptist testified, "For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure" (John 3:34). __________________ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

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