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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 · 14-02-26, 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).

Tarfoot · 22-02-26, 03:51

His Time Is Short

Perhaps you have recently renewed your commitment to pray with all diligence. Perhaps you have consecrated your mind and body to God as a living sacrifice. You have cried out, "I'm not going halfway anymore. I'm giving everything I have to Jesus."

These kinds of commitments stir up the devil's wrath as nothing else does. He knows that anyone whose life is wholly given to God is a great threat to his kingdom. The devil knows all too well that everyone who seeks God with all his heart will find him and that praying saints will eventually prevail.

Satan also knows there is a period between the time the prayer is spoken and when it is answered. Beloved, that is the devil's short time to work. He knows the importunate widow cried for a season before she was heard. Likewise, our answer will come in due season. In the meantime, the devil tries to devour us as we wait on the Lord.

The fact is that God doesn't jump every time we cry, "Lord, I give it all to you!" God knows that consecration, surrender, and hunger for Christ do not always accompany a one-time, emotional cry. Therefore, his Spirit does not respond until he sees in us a sustained determination, some kind of evidence that we will not turn back from our hunger.

Satan recognizes this also. He knows from having observed our lives when we are not serious about our commitment to the Lord. If we are not serious about following through, he does not waste his time on us. He leaves us alone in our weakness and sin.

The moment Satan sees true devotion in us, a desire to be set free from sin, a determination to put off all foolishness and put on Christ, then he knows his time is short. He knows there will be only a brief period before we are out of his clutches and walking in glory, operating by faith, living in victory. That's when he starts throwing everything in hell at us.

Revelation 12 is telling us: Go ahead, Christian, step out of your lethargy. Yield your body to Jesus as a living sacrifice. Seek God with all that is in you, but be prepared to face the trial of your life because Satan will come at you with all his might. Satan knows your weak spots, and he will try to carry you away in a flood of trials and temptations. He is frantic because he sees you on the brink of victory, and he knows his time is short.

Tarfoot · 24-02-26, 00:55

The Forgiven and Accepted

In the story of the woman caught in adultery told in John 8, Jesus turned the accused into the accepted. Instead of rejecting the adulterous woman, whose life hung in the balance, he accepted her. He does the same for us today. He takes everyone pushed to the margins by their own sin and tells them, "You are mine. You're right in the center of the Father's love."

This gesture by Jesus was crucial for the adulterous woman. Why? Because she still had to live in her community with the reality of what she'd done. You see, while it's true that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, there are still real-life consequences to sin. Ask any addict who's gone through a recovery program. There are broken bonds to mend with family, friends, children, or coworkers. In the case of adultery, there can be unwanted pregnancies, broken love with a spouse, strained relationships with children, betrayals of trust within a community. These are matters that can take years to repair.

That's why there is very real mercy in Jesus's two distinct statements to the adulterous woman: "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more" (John 8:11, ESV). I would not be a faithful minister of God if I didn't say that while, yes, Jesus loves you, accepts you, and forgives you, there is very real fallout to sin. As a pastor, I have seen it all the time. That's why our sin is of great concern to God beyond the moral reasons of law-breaking. Paul says, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18). This is all the more reason to bring any and every sin to Jesus. Only his powerful, redeeming grace can fully heal and restore.

There is a third group impacted by God's grace: the accusers. The Pharisees' heartless, accusing plan backfired on them. Ultimately, the sinful woman wasn't condemned but instead was rescued and healed.

When that kind of radical grace manifests, evil is forced to slink away in shame. "When they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him" (John 8:9).

Tarfoot · 25-02-26, 15:32

Transformed by Grace

Throughout his ministry, Jesus was asked two kinds of questions by the people he encountered, questions that revealed everything about the hearts of those asking. The first type of question was accusatory. Time after time, religious leaders asked Christ, "Why do you eat and drink with sinners? How could you be sent by God with a reputation like that?"

The second kind of question came from people bearing the problems of life: "Would you heal my sick daughter? Would you deliver my son who is being thrown into the fire by demons? Would you heal my issue with bleeding, which has plagued me my whole life?"

Do you see the difference between the two kinds of questions? Both seek an answer about the nature of God. The first asks, "Do sinners deserve God's love?", while the second asks, "Does God want to help me?"

Jesus answered both questions with his actions. First, he transformed the outcasts, bringing them from the farthest margins of society to the very center of God's love. He told them, "You are on center stage now. You're at the very heart of my Father's kingdom." Second, Christ revealed that the accusers were not at the center of God's kingdom. He told them very clearly, "You have no say in my Father's kingdom."

Scripture tells us, "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" (James 4:6, ESV), and also "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Do you want a meaningful role in God's kingdom? Be willing to lay down your stones and pick up the cross of his grace. Every time you act as Jesus did, extending grace to those marginalized by sin, you take part in a great transformation. You will be changed by your actions, the accused will be changed, and those accusing will be changed. Meanwhile, passive believers will be stirred by the manifestation of God's grace.

May we all become his army of grace, drawing to his kingdom the addicted and the clean-living, the grieving and the carefree, the poor and the wealthy, the lonely and the lively. Let every soul be loved and belong, and may we all be transformed by the amazing grace of our Savior.

Tarfoot · 26-02-26, 23:34

Touching Nations for Christ

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8, NKJV).

I am amazed and perplexed by the scores of ministers, both young and old, who run all over the world looking for strategies to produce growth in their churches. Today, many preachers attend seminars, conventions, and "think tanks" where young ministry professionals use charts and polls to show them how to build larger churches. Other ministers flock to "revivals," hoping to learn new methods of how to have the Holy Ghost fall on their congregations.

Right now, mission societies are sending out more workers than ever before. Their rallying cry has become, "We have to get more manpower on the mission field! More qualified men and women are needed to win the nations to Christ."

Too many of the missionaries being sent are coming home within a few years. They've been beaten down, discouraged, flailed by demonic forces in those foreign nations. Why? Because their lives didn't match the gospel they preached; they never developed a firsthand knowledge of Christ's lordship or of the fullness of the Holy Ghost.

Beloved, it takes more than new ideas or strategies to touch nations for Christ. All our plans are in vain if Jesus isn't enthroned in every area of our lives!

Never in history has there been such a wild rush of demonic spirits bursting forth from the bowels of hell. Lawlessness is sweeping the earth, with nation rising up against nation. God is never caught off guard by anything that happens in our world. So what is his response in this time of turmoil and depravity? What does he propose as an antidote to the apostasy and growing demonic power?

His answer is the same as it has always been, to bring forth the victory of Christ in a renewed way. God has always responded by raising up a fresh remnant of men and women who will be a pure testimony to his saving and sanctifying power, and the same is true today. His plan is to bring onto this scene a body of separated, Christ-filled men and women who will live in total submission to his government and lordship!

Tarfoot · 01-03-26, 01:52

Jesus Is Knocking

?You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it? (John 8:44, NKJV).

Christ spoke these words to a religious crowd who thought they were good in God?s eyes. They were outwardly clean and religious; but inwardly, they were full of lust, sensuality, fornication, and covetousness.

There is a sin-sickness that strikes the children of the devil. The deeper in sin a person falls, the more critical this sickness becomes. It reaches its peak when sin suddenly loses its pleasure, becoming boring and unfulfilling.

In my time, I remember how sin-sickness drove a famous, young TV star to suicide. The actor was starring in a hit series and making a fortune. He had just signed contracts to star in movies and was dating a beautiful actress. He had fame, fortune, and good health; but then his lifeless body was found in a cheap porno hotel. Apparently, none of the world?s pleasures had satisfied him. His life had become empty, and suicide finally ended it all. He died as a result of sin-sickness.

If you have never given your life to Jesus, then the devil has had complete control over you up to now. He has ruled and reigned over your life. Perhaps now Satan sees a change coming over you, though, and he knows that he is losing his hold on you.

Sin has suddenly lost its sweet taste to you. You do not go to the evil places you once frequented, and you are not as anxious to party anymore. Money no longer satisfies you, and neither do sex or possessions. You feel a growing emptiness inside you.

Now here you are, reading this message. Perhaps you have become willing to read the Bible. Nobody is making you do it; something inside is urging you to pick it up. Dear one, right now Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart, and the devil knows it. The one thing Satan fears most is that you will open the door to Christ!

Tarfoot · 01-03-26, 22:21

Steadfast in the Faith

The gospel of Luke tells us of a father who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus. Christ told the father, "Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a-coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him..." (Luke 9:41-42, KJV). The word tare means to violently convulse, to terribly shake.

This young man came to Christ and was about to be set free, translated out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light. The devil saw he was about to lose another victim; so in a rage, he threw the young man to the ground in one last, violent attack. He wanted to kill him and take his soul before Jesus could deliver him.

Satan will try to do the same thing to you. The moment you move toward Christ, he will attempt one last devouring attack. He will put before your eyes the most alluring temptations. He will try to cast you down with lies, telling you that you will never be free from sin and lust. He will try to convince you that you'll always be his, not God's.

Let me remind you that the instant you move toward Jesus, the devil is rendered helpless. He cannot stop anyone who is headed to Christ. He could not keep the demon-possessed young man from reaching Jesus. All Christ had to do was say a word: "...Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father" (Luke 9:42, NKJV).

James tells us, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). So how do you resist the enemy? You do it by faith alone. Simply come to Jesus, trusting that he will rescue you from Satan's clutches. "Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world" (1 Peter 5:9).

You can be free today. You can say to Satan, "When I finish reading this message, I'm going to be a free person. Jesus is going to deliver me from every lust and ungodly passion. It's all going to go because he said so." The times ahead may get hard for you, but the Father's glorious, blazing sun will shine ever brighter for you!

Tarfoot · 03-03-26, 23:48

A Faithful Guide

"But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" (John 10:2-3, ESV).

We all need guidance for decisions in life. In a world as chaotic as ours, though, getting good guidance isn't always simple or easy. Jesus says it is different for Christians. He makes it clear in the above passage that his followers---"his own sheep"---know his voice and come to him. The picture is of a good shepherd providing his sheep with all the oversight and care they need.

Does that suffice for the hard decisions we all have to make? Each of us has serious matters to decide like "Whom do I marry? What vocation should I pursue? What is my purpose in life?" These decisions can be fraught with tension, especially if we regret poor decisions made in the past. My life has been immensely blessed by God, but I don't want my children or grandchildren to make the mistakes I've made. Like any parent, I want to be able to give them the best guidance possible.

The good news is that we have a shepherd who is a faithful guide to us in all things, no matter how faulty our decisions. He has the authority to guide us into an amazingly blessed life, regardless of our failures. Indeed, he says that is his purpose in guiding our lives: "...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10).

We all know it is important to follow a quality guide. Think about the big life decisions you've made: Who was guiding you? What was their experience? What skill and knowledge did they use in getting you to where you wanted to go?

Some guides in life have the knowledge to get us through troubling dilemmas. However, do they also have the knowledge to carry us to the abundant life Jesus promises? As our Lord, Jesus is up to more than just guidance; he is forming a relationship. He wants us to know more than just when and where to go. He wants us to have the rich blessing of knowing him personally in every area of life. While we're busy looking for an instruction manual, he's saying very simply, "Follow me."

Tarfoot · 12-03-26, 14:12

The Fullness of Christ

If you hunger and thirst for the fullness of Christ, Satan will declare outright war on you. When he sees evidence that your commitment is real--your diligence in prayer, your discipline, your denial of self--he will use every weapon in hell to try to destroy your testimony. Why? Because your testimony is God's answer to apostasy and ruin.

This is what the fiery furnace in the book of Daniel is all about. Satan devised an elaborate plan to destroy the only testimony of God's power left in Babylon. It culminated in a white-hot oven, meant to kill all living proof of God's gospel truth (see Daniel 3).

Satan entered the heart of Babylon's evil king. The king erected a huge golden statue and declared it the official national god, an object to be worshiped. Then he summoned all officials and servants from every nation under Babylon's thumb so he could introduce the new religion. When the ceremonial music began, everyone was to bow to this new god.

Satan also prompted the king to erect a huge brick furnace and stoke it so the white-hot flames were visible to everyone. Why did Satan do this? Surely he knew there wasn't a governor, judge, or law-keeper anywhere in Babylon who would resist the new decree. They did not need to be seduced or threatened.

So what was the fiery furnace all about? It was totally the work of Satan, a manipulation rigged by him to destroy the three young men. He wanted to kill off the only remaining testimony of God in Babylon.

The three young men answered the king's command: "If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us from your hand, O king" (Daniel 3:17, NKJV).

Three godly young Israelites served in high government offices in Babylon, men who were visible testimonies of the gospel they preached. They had separated themselves from the sensuous lifestyle of Babylon, committing their lives instead to prayer. These three men were not prophets or priests but laymen who remained faithful to God and were pure in heart in the midst of the idolatrous masses. They were God's witness to the world!

Tarfoot · 14-03-26, 18:43

The Lord Will Come

Today, the heat of temptation and compromise is many times hotter than it was a generation ago. For example, Satan has rigged the entire technology of our age, corrupting it with seduction, sensuality, lust, and temptation. Why do we face such a white-hot furnace of temptation today? Why are lust and sex being used to sell every conceivable kind of product? Why are there hundreds of porno websites on the internet? Who is the target of this flood of filth?

It isn't the secular world that has already been seduced. No, Satan's target is none of these. Rather, he has manipulated the media to snare the hearts of overcoming Christians. He wants to weaken and destroy the testimony of the gospel<.p>Right now the furnace is being heated seven times over in the lives of many believers. Satan has created situations in their homes, their jobs, and their relationships that are more intense than ever. Many once-strong Christians are giving up, quitting on God. They no longer pray for help. Instead, they think, "My trial is too intense for me to survive."

In Daniel 3, God turned the devil's scheme into an opportunity to expose the whole nation of Babylon to his testimony. Because the three young men would not bow, the Lord delivered them. They were instrumental in bringing the nation a clear manifestation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, 'Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? ...Look!' he answered, 'I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.'"

Quickly the king nullified his first decree of idol worship and issued this new decree: "Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this" (Daniel 3:29).

Beloved, it all happened because of the testimony of three men, righteous lovers of God who were willing to lay down their lives in faith. Yes, things are going to get hot mentally, spiritually, and in every other way. God has already put his hand on godly men and women in every place, and his gospel will be preached as a testimony. Then the Lord will come!

Tarfoot · 16-03-26, 23:40

Revelations of God's Glory

Scripture makes clear that it is possible for every true follower of Jesus to see and understand the glory of God. Indeed, our Lord reveals his glory to all who ask and seek for it diligently. I believe the revelation of God's glory will equip his people for the perilous days ahead. Paul states that this revelation "....is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified"

Contrary to some Christians' thinking, the glory of God is not a physical manifestation of some kind. It's not an ecstatic feeling that overcomes you, nor is it a kind of supernatural aura or angelic light that bursts forth. Simply put, God's glory is a revelation of his nature and attributes.

Moses's experience with the glory of God demonstrates this truth. The Lord sent Moses to deliver Israel without giving him a full revelation of who the God of Israel was. The Lord merely told him, "Go, and say I AM sent you" (see Exodus 3:14), but he gave no explanation of who "I AM" was.

Moses had a gnawing hunger and thirst to know who the great I AM was, to know what his nature and character were all about.

The Lord answered Moses's prayer. First, he instructed Moses to hide himself in the cleft of a rock. As Moses waited for the glory of God to appear, he did not see it in the thunder, lightning, or shaking of the earth. Rather, God's glory came to him in a simple revelation: "And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation'"

When we pray, "Lord, show me your glory," we are actually praying, "Father, reveal to me who you are." If the Lord does give us a revelation of his glory, it is of how he wants to be known by us.

Tarfoot · 19-03-26, 23:49

The True Vine

It was Jesus's final night with the disciples, and he knew his time was short. They had just finished supper, and Christ wanted to impart to his friends one last teaching while he was on earth. He summoned them, "I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here"

Along the way, he gave them this analogy: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:1-5).

What a lovely image summing up our relationship to the Son and the Father. There is a lot to unpack in this one passage, and I can assure you, all of it is good. The image of a blade comes to mind, the instrument of an expert gardener, our merciful and compassionate Lord. There is deep beauty contained in this parting message he gave to his church, and the key to understanding this passage is Jesus's phrase "true vine."

Christ is telling us he is more than a mere life source to us. Other "vines" may appear to promise life, but none contain true life as he does. Some Christians seek life from other vines, sources that aren't legitimate for any Christian and ultimately destroy life. Others seek life from sources that seem good and legitimate---ambition and drive, success and comfort---but these vines in themselves are lifeless. They can't produce true life.

Jesus wants us grafted firmly into him so that we may drink deeply of his abundant life every day. Jesus is the vine, and we are branches extending from him; he is the source of all life flowing into us. Overseeing all of this life-flow is our heavenly Father, the gardener who tends to our growth. Could there be any more serene image of our life in Christ?

Tarfoot · 22-03-26, 02:24

More and More like Jesus

A person's countenance is the outward expression of what is in his heart. When the revelation of God's glory was made real to Moses, it changed his very look. "Whenever the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him" (Exodus 34:35, NKJV).

Paul testified, "When it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood" (Galatians 1:15-16).

Paul was saying, "I have within me much more than some doctrine somebody thought up, more than just a head knowledge of Christ. I have a revelation of who Christ is, a revelation of his grace, mercy, and love. This revelation has become the very source of all I am and do. It's the very essence of my life." The revelation of God's glory is indeed wondrous. Yet many have turned that very revelation into a license to sin. Jude describes people "...who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ" (Jude 1:4).

According to Paul, such people sin "that grace may abound" (see Romans 6:1). They are saying, in essence, "If God loves to express himself through mercy and forgiveness, then I'm going to give him every opportunity. I'm going to sin and let him keep loving me, so that grace will flow."

Such people are easy to spot. Sin wears a certain look. No smile can cover it up, and its voice has the sound of emptiness, the echo of a sounding brass, a tinkling cymbal.

On the other hand, even the rankest of sinners can tell when you have been with Jesus. How can they tell? They say, "You're different. You carry yourself with a humble assurance, and nothing about you seems hidden. You've got no secretiveness and you don't seem to carry any grudges or bitterness. If you did, I'd know it. Your life is an open book." Those who have appropriated the glory of God are being changed every day. Their countenance is becoming more and more like that of Jesus!

Tarfoot · 28-03-26, 14:30

The Fullness of Glory

The radiance that emanated from Moses's face and heart was the result of his having seen only a little of the fullness of God's nature. Even so, when the Israelites saw the change in Moses's countenance, they knew he had had a supernatural experience. His sister, brother, and the others were frightened of even being in his presence because it carried the traces of God, (see Exodus 34:29-35).

Today, we have something far more glorious than even Moses had. We actually touch and handle God's glory. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life" (1 John 1:1, NKJV).

John was saying here, "God revealed the fullness of his glory to us in Christ. We saw his glory embodied in a person, and we talked with him!"

Today, we not only see the fullness of the glory of God, but it also abides in us. His glory shines forth in our hearts: "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Paul was saying here, "Jesus Christ, God in flesh, embodies all that God is. And since we know God is goodness, love, mercy, grace and long-suffering, we also can be assured that this is the nature of Christ. Since Jesus lives in our hearts, we know that the glory of God isn't merely out in the cosmos somewhere. No, the fullness of his glory is in us, through the presence of Christ."

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men..." (Titus 2:11). Who is this grace? It is Jesus Christ, full of mercy, kindness, love. "...Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age." Paul was telling the church, "This grace that abides in you is the revelation of the goodness of Christ. And if you will abide in him, his revelation will instruct you in holy living." That revelation will transform more of you than just your face!

Tarfoot · 29-03-26, 20:33

Where Are Godly Shepherds?

God told the prophet Jeremiah, "As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, nor the sand of the sea measured, so will I multiply the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister to me" (Jeremiah 33:22, NKJV). He was saying, "I give you this covenant promise that I?m going to increase the holy priesthood that will shepherd my multiplying flocks."

You may wonder, "Where are all the godly shepherds the Lord promised us? Where are they pastoring? Are you saying we can find their righteous churches in any city, town, or village? There aren't enough Bible schools and seminaries in the world to even begin to fulfill this incredible prophecy. I know the Lord is raising up godly young ministers, but surely they are few and far between."

How will God do this? We find the answer in the book of Revelation: "...To him who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us kings and priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (Revelation 1:5-6). God has made us all his priests! Everyone who has been washed in the blood of Jesus is a member of his royal priesthood.

The apostle Peter echoed this as he wrote, "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). God has called us to be priests who minister to him. You see, the Lord's concept of "church" is much different from ours. We think of church as being a ministry to people. It is a place where all the needs of God's people--spiritual, physical, and emotional--are met. Of course, that is all part of what makes up a church. But the true body of Christ, according to the scriptures, begins with ministry to Jesus Christ. His concept of the church is anyplace where a holy priesthood of people are being transformed into his image and offering spiritual sacrifices to him.

Tarfoot · 01-04-26, 00:12

Abiding in Christ

God's grace not only saves us, but it also trains us.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people..." (Titus 2:11, ESV). What great news! Paul extolled God's glorious grace, which saves us. End of story, right? No, that's hardly the end of the story. Paul quickly added that this same grace is "...training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age" (Titus 2:12).

Paul was describing here what it means to abide in Christ. In other words, God's grace provides not only eternal life but abundant life now. The part we play by abiding in Christ leads to a blessed, godly, peaceful life.

Paul didn't stop there. He boldly instructed Titus, "Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you" (Titus 2:15). Remember, Paul's subject in this passage is grace. He was stating, in essence, "When grace is preached but it doesn't train you to deny ungodliness, something is missing."

If we want to serve Jesus, we can't avoid correction, whether it comes from God's Word or from our respected friends. Yet we are also promised this about God's corrective pruning: "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11).

His pruning is powerful, both in its pain and in its glorious fruit. Do you lack peace? Have you drifted from your source of life and been drawing from other sources? Ask God to take his pruning blade to your heart. He may cut and take away things that don't belong. When he is finished, the glorious tree in your yard may appear to be no more than a stump; but what grows from that stump is fruit you never could have imagined and something you could not have produced on your own.

God's cutting and pruning ends up producing joy, all from the hand of the expert gardener who loves us.

Tarfoot · 01-04-26, 23:50

Separation

On the night before his crucifixion, at the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples, "Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live" (John 14:19, ESV). What an interesting statement for Jesus to make, knowing the disciples wouldn't grasp it. One of them even asked him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" (John 14:22).

Of course, Jesus had a lesson in mind. He answered, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him... Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid... And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here" (John 14:23, 27, 29-31).

I have slightly abridged Jesus's response here to focus on the theme he was driving at throughout this passage. That theme is separation. In these few verses, Christ made three clear distinctions between his kingdom and the world: "The world will see me no more, but you will see me" (John 14:19); "My peace I give to you" (John 14:27); "The ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me" (John 14:30).

Why did Jesus make these distinctions to his followers? It seemed important to him that we see the clear divisions between himself and the world.

The fact is that God makes such divisions throughout the Bible. At the Creation, he separated light from darkness and day from night. He separated Israel from all other nations. In the New Testament, he commanded his church, "Come out from among them and be separate." And at the Judgment, he will separate sheep from goats. Throughout his Word, God constantly draws lines of division that tell us very clearly, "Always remember, you are in the world but not of it."

Tarfoot · Today, 01:50

"Not my will, but Yours be done."

This week, the Church pauses from the noise and chaos of the world to remember the most important days in human history. The final days of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry.

On Maundy Thursday, the Church remembers Jesus kneeling and washing the feet of His disciples -- the King of Kings took on the posture of a servant (John 13:4-5). He broke bread and drank wine with them, saying, "Do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19). In the garden of Gethsemane, He knelt in agony and prayed, "Not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). He knew what was coming, and He went anyway.

On Good Friday, we reflect on our Lord going to the cross. Not because He had to, but because He chose to. Every stripe, every nail, every moment of darkness was the Son of God bearing the weight of the sin of the world -- your sin and mine -- so that we would never have to bear it ourselves (Isaiah 53:4-5). He cried out, "It is finished" (John 19:30), and at that moment the veil in the temple tore from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51) -- Heaven breaking open what earthly powers had sealed shut. As, Isaiah, the prophet had foretold centuries before: "He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities" (Isaiah 53:5).

And then -- Sunday came.

An angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it (Matthew 28:2). The tomb was empty. Death could not hold Him (Acts 2:24). Mary Magdalene ran to tell the disciples, and Peter and John found only the folded burial cloths lying where His body had been (John 20:6-7). Risen. Victorious. Alive forevermore.

"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said." -- Matthew 28:6

The risen Christ appeared first to Mary in the garden (John 20:16), then to the disciples behind locked doors (John 20:19), then to more than five hundred witnesses at once (1 Corinthians 15:6). That is the hinge on which all of history turns. Not a philosophy. Not a moral code. A resurrection. A real, bodily, earth-shattering resurrection that means sin is defeated, death is conquered, and everyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ is heaven bound.

Despite the conflict, hatred, and sin we see at work in this world, the good news of the gospel continues to do its work. A few days ago, on Palm Sunday, President Trump shared a letter he had received from Franklin Graham after the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire and the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. In it, Reverend Graham congratulated the president on what he called a "historic" accomplishment -- and then, with the boldness of a true evangelist, he pivoted from geopolitics to the gospel.

He wrote:

"This week you commented to the media that you might not be heaven bound... it is an important issue to know for certain that your soul is secure... The only way to Heaven is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ... If you accept that by faith and invite Him to come into your heart, you ARE heaven bound, I promise you."

He then quoted Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Think about that. In the middle of a geopolitical breakthrough -- hostages freed, a fragile peace taking hold in one of the most contested pieces of land on earth -- a man of God looked the most powerful leader in the world in the eye and said: none of this matters as much as where your soul will spend eternity.

That is the resurrection message.

Ceasefires are fragile. Kingdoms rise and fall. But the resurrection of Jesus Christ is an unshakeable, eternal fact -- and the promise it carries is available to anyone who will place their faith in the risen Christ.

The peace that Franklin Graham pointed President Trump toward is not a ceasefire. It is the peace that passes all understanding -- the peace that comes only through the Prince of Peace, the One whose empty tomb we celebrate this Resurrection Sunday.

As you gather with your family and friends this Sunday -- whether around a church pew, a dinner table, or both -- I want to invite you to pray.

Pray for the men and women in the Middle East -- soldiers, aid workers, Christian communities under siege, and civilians caught in the crossfire of ancient conflict. Pray that in the midst of all the chaos that the gospel advances.

Pray for President Trump and our national leaders -- that the weight of their decisions would drive them not to their own wisdom, but to their knees. That the boldness of Franklin Graham's witness would find good soil in the heart of our leaders and their advisors.

Pray for your own family and community -- that Resurrection Sunday would not be merely a tradition observed, but an encounter with the living Christ. That someone in your circle who does not yet know Him would hear the good news, believe it, and be saved.

We do not pray to a dead teacher or a distant deity, we pray to a risen Savior who conquered the grave, who intercedes for us, and who is coming again.

He is risen.

16-01-26, 00:40	#1701
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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: 2,210 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: 2,210 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: 2,210 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: 2,210 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: 2,210 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: 2,210 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: 2,210 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: 2,210 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: 2,210 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

14-02-26, 17:28	#1711
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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

22-02-26, 03:51	#1712
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 His Time Is Short Perhaps you have recently renewed your commitment to pray with all diligence. Perhaps you have consecrated your mind and body to God as a living sacrifice. You have cried out, "I'm not going halfway anymore. I'm giving everything I have to Jesus." These kinds of commitments stir up the devil's wrath as nothing else does. He knows that anyone whose life is wholly given to God is a great threat to his kingdom. The devil knows all too well that everyone who seeks God with all his heart will find him and that praying saints will eventually prevail. Satan also knows there is a period between the time the prayer is spoken and when it is answered. Beloved, that is the devil's short time to work. He knows the importunate widow cried for a season before she was heard. Likewise, our answer will come in due season. In the meantime, the devil tries to devour us as we wait on the Lord. The fact is that God doesn't jump every time we cry, "Lord, I give it all to you!" God knows that consecration, surrender, and hunger for Christ do not always accompany a one-time, emotional cry. Therefore, his Spirit does not respond until he sees in us a sustained determination, some kind of evidence that we will not turn back from our hunger. Satan recognizes this also. He knows from having observed our lives when we are not serious about our commitment to the Lord. If we are not serious about following through, he does not waste his time on us. He leaves us alone in our weakness and sin. The moment Satan sees true devotion in us, a desire to be set free from sin, a determination to put off all foolishness and put on Christ, then he knows his time is short. He knows there will be only a brief period before we are out of his clutches and walking in glory, operating by faith, living in victory. That's when he starts throwing everything in hell at us. Revelation 12 is telling us: Go ahead, Christian, step out of your lethargy. Yield your body to Jesus as a living sacrifice. Seek God with all that is in you, but be prepared to face the trial of your life because Satan will come at you with all his might. Satan knows your weak spots, and he will try to carry you away in a flood of trials and temptations. He is frantic because he sees you on the brink of victory, and he knows his time is short. __________________ 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

24-02-26, 00:55	#1713
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Forgiven and Accepted In the story of the woman caught in adultery told in John 8, Jesus turned the accused into the accepted. Instead of rejecting the adulterous woman, whose life hung in the balance, he accepted her. He does the same for us today. He takes everyone pushed to the margins by their own sin and tells them, "You are mine. You're right in the center of the Father's love." This gesture by Jesus was crucial for the adulterous woman. Why? Because she still had to live in her community with the reality of what she'd done. You see, while it's true that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, there are still real-life consequences to sin. Ask any addict who's gone through a recovery program. There are broken bonds to mend with family, friends, children, or coworkers. In the case of adultery, there can be unwanted pregnancies, broken love with a spouse, strained relationships with children, betrayals of trust within a community. These are matters that can take years to repair. That's why there is very real mercy in Jesus's two distinct statements to the adulterous woman: "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more" (John 8:11, ESV). I would not be a faithful minister of God if I didn't say that while, yes, Jesus loves you, accepts you, and forgives you, there is very real fallout to sin. As a pastor, I have seen it all the time. That's why our sin is of great concern to God beyond the moral reasons of law-breaking. Paul says, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18). This is all the more reason to bring any and every sin to Jesus. Only his powerful, redeeming grace can fully heal and restore. There is a third group impacted by God's grace: the accusers. The Pharisees' heartless, accusing plan backfired on them. Ultimately, the sinful woman wasn't condemned but instead was rescued and healed. When that kind of radical grace manifests, evil is forced to slink away in shame. "When they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him" (John 8:9). __________________ 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

25-02-26, 15:32	#1714
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Transformed by Grace Throughout his ministry, Jesus was asked two kinds of questions by the people he encountered, questions that revealed everything about the hearts of those asking. The first type of question was accusatory. Time after time, religious leaders asked Christ, "Why do you eat and drink with sinners? How could you be sent by God with a reputation like that?" The second kind of question came from people bearing the problems of life: "Would you heal my sick daughter? Would you deliver my son who is being thrown into the fire by demons? Would you heal my issue with bleeding, which has plagued me my whole life?" Do you see the difference between the two kinds of questions? Both seek an answer about the nature of God. The first asks, "Do sinners deserve God's love?", while the second asks, "Does God want to help me?" Jesus answered both questions with his actions. First, he transformed the outcasts, bringing them from the farthest margins of society to the very center of God's love. He told them, "You are on center stage now. You're at the very heart of my Father's kingdom." Second, Christ revealed that the accusers were not at the center of God's kingdom. He told them very clearly, "You have no say in my Father's kingdom." Scripture tells us, "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" (James 4:6, ESV), and also "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Do you want a meaningful role in God's kingdom? Be willing to lay down your stones and pick up the cross of his grace. Every time you act as Jesus did, extending grace to those marginalized by sin, you take part in a great transformation. You will be changed by your actions, the accused will be changed, and those accusing will be changed. Meanwhile, passive believers will be stirred by the manifestation of God's grace. May we all become his army of grace, drawing to his kingdom the addicted and the clean-living, the grieving and the carefree, the poor and the wealthy, the lonely and the lively. Let every soul be loved and belong, and may we all be transformed by the amazing grace of our Savior. __________________ 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

26-02-26, 23:34	#1715
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Touching Nations for Christ "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8, NKJV). I am amazed and perplexed by the scores of ministers, both young and old, who run all over the world looking for strategies to produce growth in their churches. Today, many preachers attend seminars, conventions, and "think tanks" where young ministry professionals use charts and polls to show them how to build larger churches. Other ministers flock to "revivals," hoping to learn new methods of how to have the Holy Ghost fall on their congregations. Right now, mission societies are sending out more workers than ever before. Their rallying cry has become, "We have to get more manpower on the mission field! More qualified men and women are needed to win the nations to Christ." Too many of the missionaries being sent are coming home within a few years. They've been beaten down, discouraged, flailed by demonic forces in those foreign nations. Why? Because their lives didn't match the gospel they preached; they never developed a firsthand knowledge of Christ's lordship or of the fullness of the Holy Ghost. Beloved, it takes more than new ideas or strategies to touch nations for Christ. All our plans are in vain if Jesus isn't enthroned in every area of our lives! Never in history has there been such a wild rush of demonic spirits bursting forth from the bowels of hell. Lawlessness is sweeping the earth, with nation rising up against nation. God is never caught off guard by anything that happens in our world. So what is his response in this time of turmoil and depravity? What does he propose as an antidote to the apostasy and growing demonic power? His answer is the same as it has always been, to bring forth the victory of Christ in a renewed way. God has always responded by raising up a fresh remnant of men and women who will be a pure testimony to his saving and sanctifying power, and the same is true today. His plan is to bring onto this scene a body of separated, Christ-filled men and women who will live in total submission to his government and lordship! __________________ 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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01-03-26, 01:52	#1716
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Jesus Is Knocking ?You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it? (John 8:44, NKJV). Christ spoke these words to a religious crowd who thought they were good in God?s eyes. They were outwardly clean and religious; but inwardly, they were full of lust, sensuality, fornication, and covetousness. There is a sin-sickness that strikes the children of the devil. The deeper in sin a person falls, the more critical this sickness becomes. It reaches its peak when sin suddenly loses its pleasure, becoming boring and unfulfilling. In my time, I remember how sin-sickness drove a famous, young TV star to suicide. The actor was starring in a hit series and making a fortune. He had just signed contracts to star in movies and was dating a beautiful actress. He had fame, fortune, and good health; but then his lifeless body was found in a cheap porno hotel. Apparently, none of the world?s pleasures had satisfied him. His life had become empty, and suicide finally ended it all. He died as a result of sin-sickness. If you have never given your life to Jesus, then the devil has had complete control over you up to now. He has ruled and reigned over your life. Perhaps now Satan sees a change coming over you, though, and he knows that he is losing his hold on you. Sin has suddenly lost its sweet taste to you. You do not go to the evil places you once frequented, and you are not as anxious to party anymore. Money no longer satisfies you, and neither do sex or possessions. You feel a growing emptiness inside you. Now here you are, reading this message. Perhaps you have become willing to read the Bible. Nobody is making you do it; something inside is urging you to pick it up. Dear one, right now Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart, and the devil knows it. The one thing Satan fears most is that you will open the door to Christ! __________________ 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

01-03-26, 22:21	#1717
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Steadfast in the Faith The gospel of Luke tells us of a father who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus. Christ told the father, "Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a-coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him..." (Luke 9:41-42, KJV). The word tare means to violently convulse, to terribly shake. This young man came to Christ and was about to be set free, translated out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light. The devil saw he was about to lose another victim; so in a rage, he threw the young man to the ground in one last, violent attack. He wanted to kill him and take his soul before Jesus could deliver him. Satan will try to do the same thing to you. The moment you move toward Christ, he will attempt one last devouring attack. He will put before your eyes the most alluring temptations. He will try to cast you down with lies, telling you that you will never be free from sin and lust. He will try to convince you that you'll always be his, not God's. Let me remind you that the instant you move toward Jesus, the devil is rendered helpless. He cannot stop anyone who is headed to Christ. He could not keep the demon-possessed young man from reaching Jesus. All Christ had to do was say a word: "...Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father" (Luke 9:42, NKJV). James tells us, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). So how do you resist the enemy? You do it by faith alone. Simply come to Jesus, trusting that he will rescue you from Satan's clutches. "Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world" (1 Peter 5:9). You can be free today. You can say to Satan, "When I finish reading this message, I'm going to be a free person. Jesus is going to deliver me from every lust and ungodly passion. It's all going to go because he said so." The times ahead may get hard for you, but the Father's glorious, blazing sun will shine ever brighter for you! __________________ 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

03-03-26, 23:48	#1718
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 A Faithful Guide "But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" (John 10:2-3, ESV). We all need guidance for decisions in life. In a world as chaotic as ours, though, getting good guidance isn't always simple or easy. Jesus says it is different for Christians. He makes it clear in the above passage that his followers---"his own sheep"---know his voice and come to him. The picture is of a good shepherd providing his sheep with all the oversight and care they need. Does that suffice for the hard decisions we all have to make? Each of us has serious matters to decide like "Whom do I marry? What vocation should I pursue? What is my purpose in life?" These decisions can be fraught with tension, especially if we regret poor decisions made in the past. My life has been immensely blessed by God, but I don't want my children or grandchildren to make the mistakes I've made. Like any parent, I want to be able to give them the best guidance possible. The good news is that we have a shepherd who is a faithful guide to us in all things, no matter how faulty our decisions. He has the authority to guide us into an amazingly blessed life, regardless of our failures. Indeed, he says that is his purpose in guiding our lives: "...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). We all know it is important to follow a quality guide. Think about the big life decisions you've made: Who was guiding you? What was their experience? What skill and knowledge did they use in getting you to where you wanted to go? Some guides in life have the knowledge to get us through troubling dilemmas. However, do they also have the knowledge to carry us to the abundant life Jesus promises? As our Lord, Jesus is up to more than just guidance; he is forming a relationship. He wants us to know more than just when and where to go. He wants us to have the rich blessing of knowing him personally in every area of life. While we're busy looking for an instruction manual, he's saying very simply, "Follow me." __________________ 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

12-03-26, 14:12	#1719
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Fullness of Christ If you hunger and thirst for the fullness of Christ, Satan will declare outright war on you. When he sees evidence that your commitment is real--your diligence in prayer, your discipline, your denial of self--he will use every weapon in hell to try to destroy your testimony. Why? Because your testimony is God's answer to apostasy and ruin. This is what the fiery furnace in the book of Daniel is all about. Satan devised an elaborate plan to destroy the only testimony of God's power left in Babylon. It culminated in a white-hot oven, meant to kill all living proof of God's gospel truth (see Daniel 3). Satan entered the heart of Babylon's evil king. The king erected a huge golden statue and declared it the official national god, an object to be worshiped. Then he summoned all officials and servants from every nation under Babylon's thumb so he could introduce the new religion. When the ceremonial music began, everyone was to bow to this new god. Satan also prompted the king to erect a huge brick furnace and stoke it so the white-hot flames were visible to everyone. Why did Satan do this? Surely he knew there wasn't a governor, judge, or law-keeper anywhere in Babylon who would resist the new decree. They did not need to be seduced or threatened. So what was the fiery furnace all about? It was totally the work of Satan, a manipulation rigged by him to destroy the three young men. He wanted to kill off the only remaining testimony of God in Babylon. The three young men answered the king's command: "If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us from your hand, O king" (Daniel 3:17, NKJV). Three godly young Israelites served in high government offices in Babylon, men who were visible testimonies of the gospel they preached. They had separated themselves from the sensuous lifestyle of Babylon, committing their lives instead to prayer. These three men were not prophets or priests but laymen who remained faithful to God and were pure in heart in the midst of the idolatrous masses. They were God's witness to the world! __________________ 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

14-03-26, 18:43	#1720
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Lord Will Come Today, the heat of temptation and compromise is many times hotter than it was a generation ago. For example, Satan has rigged the entire technology of our age, corrupting it with seduction, sensuality, lust, and temptation. Why do we face such a white-hot furnace of temptation today? Why are lust and sex being used to sell every conceivable kind of product? Why are there hundreds of porno websites on the internet? Who is the target of this flood of filth? It isn't the secular world that has already been seduced. No, Satan's target is none of these. Rather, he has manipulated the media to snare the hearts of overcoming Christians. He wants to weaken and destroy the testimony of the gospel<.p>Right now the furnace is being heated seven times over in the lives of many believers. Satan has created situations in their homes, their jobs, and their relationships that are more intense than ever. Many once-strong Christians are giving up, quitting on God. They no longer pray for help. Instead, they think, "My trial is too intense for me to survive." In Daniel 3, God turned the devil's scheme into an opportunity to expose the whole nation of Babylon to his testimony. Because the three young men would not bow, the Lord delivered them. They were instrumental in bringing the nation a clear manifestation of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, 'Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? ...Look!' he answered, 'I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.'" Quickly the king nullified his first decree of idol worship and issued this new decree: "Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this" (Daniel 3:29). Beloved, it all happened because of the testimony of three men, righteous lovers of God who were willing to lay down their lives in faith. Yes, things are going to get hot mentally, spiritually, and in every other way. God has already put his hand on godly men and women in every place, and his gospel will be preached as a testimony. Then the Lord will come! __________________ 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

16-03-26, 23:40	#1721
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Revelations of God's Glory Scripture makes clear that it is possible for every true follower of Jesus to see and understand the glory of God. Indeed, our Lord reveals his glory to all who ask and seek for it diligently. I believe the revelation of God's glory will equip his people for the perilous days ahead. Paul states that this revelation "....is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified" Contrary to some Christians' thinking, the glory of God is not a physical manifestation of some kind. It's not an ecstatic feeling that overcomes you, nor is it a kind of supernatural aura or angelic light that bursts forth. Simply put, God's glory is a revelation of his nature and attributes. Moses's experience with the glory of God demonstrates this truth. The Lord sent Moses to deliver Israel without giving him a full revelation of who the God of Israel was. The Lord merely told him, "Go, and say I AM sent you" (see Exodus 3:14), but he gave no explanation of who "I AM" was. Moses had a gnawing hunger and thirst to know who the great I AM was, to know what his nature and character were all about. The Lord answered Moses's prayer. First, he instructed Moses to hide himself in the cleft of a rock. As Moses waited for the glory of God to appear, he did not see it in the thunder, lightning, or shaking of the earth. Rather, God's glory came to him in a simple revelation: "And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation'" When we pray, "Lord, show me your glory," we are actually praying, "Father, reveal to me who you are." If the Lord does give us a revelation of his glory, it is of how he wants to be known by us. __________________ 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; 16-03-26 at 23:49.

19-03-26, 23:49	#1722
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 True Vine It was Jesus's final night with the disciples, and he knew his time was short. They had just finished supper, and Christ wanted to impart to his friends one last teaching while he was on earth. He summoned them, "I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here" Along the way, he gave them this analogy: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:1-5). What a lovely image summing up our relationship to the Son and the Father. There is a lot to unpack in this one passage, and I can assure you, all of it is good. The image of a blade comes to mind, the instrument of an expert gardener, our merciful and compassionate Lord. There is deep beauty contained in this parting message he gave to his church, and the key to understanding this passage is Jesus's phrase "true vine." Christ is telling us he is more than a mere life source to us. Other "vines" may appear to promise life, but none contain true life as he does. Some Christians seek life from other vines, sources that aren't legitimate for any Christian and ultimately destroy life. Others seek life from sources that seem good and legitimate---ambition and drive, success and comfort---but these vines in themselves are lifeless. They can't produce true life. Jesus wants us grafted firmly into him so that we may drink deeply of his abundant life every day. Jesus is the vine, and we are branches extending from him; he is the source of all life flowing into us. Overseeing all of this life-flow is our heavenly Father, the gardener who tends to our growth. Could there be any more serene image of our life in Christ? __________________ 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

22-03-26, 02:24	#1723
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 More and More like Jesus A person's countenance is the outward expression of what is in his heart. When the revelation of God's glory was made real to Moses, it changed his very look. "Whenever the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him" (Exodus 34:35, NKJV). Paul testified, "When it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood" (Galatians 1:15-16). Paul was saying, "I have within me much more than some doctrine somebody thought up, more than just a head knowledge of Christ. I have a revelation of who Christ is, a revelation of his grace, mercy, and love. This revelation has become the very source of all I am and do. It's the very essence of my life." The revelation of God's glory is indeed wondrous. Yet many have turned that very revelation into a license to sin. Jude describes people "...who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ" (Jude 1:4). According to Paul, such people sin "that grace may abound" (see Romans 6:1). They are saying, in essence, "If God loves to express himself through mercy and forgiveness, then I'm going to give him every opportunity. I'm going to sin and let him keep loving me, so that grace will flow." Such people are easy to spot. Sin wears a certain look. No smile can cover it up, and its voice has the sound of emptiness, the echo of a sounding brass, a tinkling cymbal. On the other hand, even the rankest of sinners can tell when you have been with Jesus. How can they tell? They say, "You're different. You carry yourself with a humble assurance, and nothing about you seems hidden. You've got no secretiveness and you don't seem to carry any grudges or bitterness. If you did, I'd know it. Your life is an open book." Those who have appropriated the glory of God are being changed every day. Their countenance is becoming more and more like that of Jesus! __________________ 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; 22-03-26 at 02:30.

28-03-26, 14:30	#1724
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Fullness of Glory The radiance that emanated from Moses's face and heart was the result of his having seen only a little of the fullness of God's nature. Even so, when the Israelites saw the change in Moses's countenance, they knew he had had a supernatural experience. His sister, brother, and the others were frightened of even being in his presence because it carried the traces of God, (see Exodus 34:29-35). Today, we have something far more glorious than even Moses had. We actually touch and handle God's glory. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life" (1 John 1:1, NKJV). John was saying here, "God revealed the fullness of his glory to us in Christ. We saw his glory embodied in a person, and we talked with him!" Today, we not only see the fullness of the glory of God, but it also abides in us. His glory shines forth in our hearts: "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6). Paul was saying here, "Jesus Christ, God in flesh, embodies all that God is. And since we know God is goodness, love, mercy, grace and long-suffering, we also can be assured that this is the nature of Christ. Since Jesus lives in our hearts, we know that the glory of God isn't merely out in the cosmos somewhere. No, the fullness of his glory is in us, through the presence of Christ." "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men..." (Titus 2:11). Who is this grace? It is Jesus Christ, full of mercy, kindness, love. "...Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age." Paul was telling the church, "This grace that abides in you is the revelation of the goodness of Christ. And if you will abide in him, his revelation will instruct you in holy living." That revelation will transform more of you than just your 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

29-03-26, 20:33	#1725
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Where Are Godly Shepherds? God told the prophet Jeremiah, "As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, nor the sand of the sea measured, so will I multiply the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister to me" (Jeremiah 33:22, NKJV). He was saying, "I give you this covenant promise that I?m going to increase the holy priesthood that will shepherd my multiplying flocks." You may wonder, "Where are all the godly shepherds the Lord promised us? Where are they pastoring? Are you saying we can find their righteous churches in any city, town, or village? There aren't enough Bible schools and seminaries in the world to even begin to fulfill this incredible prophecy. I know the Lord is raising up godly young ministers, but surely they are few and far between." How will God do this? We find the answer in the book of Revelation: "...To him who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us kings and priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (Revelation 1:5-6). God has made us all his priests! Everyone who has been washed in the blood of Jesus is a member of his royal priesthood. The apostle Peter echoed this as he wrote, "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). God has called us to be priests who minister to him. You see, the Lord's concept of "church" is much different from ours. We think of church as being a ministry to people. It is a place where all the needs of God's people--spiritual, physical, and emotional--are met. Of course, that is all part of what makes up a church. But the true body of Christ, according to the scriptures, begins with ministry to Jesus Christ. His concept of the church is anyplace where a holy priesthood of people are being transformed into his image and offering spiritual sacrifices to 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

01-04-26, 00:12	#1726
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Abiding in Christ God's grace not only saves us, but it also trains us. "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people..." (Titus 2:11, ESV). What great news! Paul extolled God's glorious grace, which saves us. End of story, right? No, that's hardly the end of the story. Paul quickly added that this same grace is "...training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age" (Titus 2:12). Paul was describing here what it means to abide in Christ. In other words, God's grace provides not only eternal life but abundant life now. The part we play by abiding in Christ leads to a blessed, godly, peaceful life. Paul didn't stop there. He boldly instructed Titus, "Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you" (Titus 2:15). Remember, Paul's subject in this passage is grace. He was stating, in essence, "When grace is preached but it doesn't train you to deny ungodliness, something is missing." If we want to serve Jesus, we can't avoid correction, whether it comes from God's Word or from our respected friends. Yet we are also promised this about God's corrective pruning: "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11). His pruning is powerful, both in its pain and in its glorious fruit. Do you lack peace? Have you drifted from your source of life and been drawing from other sources? Ask God to take his pruning blade to your heart. He may cut and take away things that don't belong. When he is finished, the glorious tree in your yard may appear to be no more than a stump; but what grows from that stump is fruit you never could have imagined and something you could not have produced on your own. God's cutting and pruning ends up producing joy, all from the hand of the expert gardener who loves us. __________________ 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

01-04-26, 23:50	#1727
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 Separation On the night before his crucifixion, at the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples, "Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live" (John 14:19, ESV). What an interesting statement for Jesus to make, knowing the disciples wouldn't grasp it. One of them even asked him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" (John 14:22). Of course, Jesus had a lesson in mind. He answered, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him... Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid... And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here" (John 14:23, 27, 29-31). I have slightly abridged Jesus's response here to focus on the theme he was driving at throughout this passage. That theme is separation. In these few verses, Christ made three clear distinctions between his kingdom and the world: "The world will see me no more, but you will see me" (John 14:19); "My peace I give to you" (John 14:27); "The ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me" (John 14:30). Why did Jesus make these distinctions to his followers? It seemed important to him that we see the clear divisions between himself and the world. The fact is that God makes such divisions throughout the Bible. At the Creation, he separated light from darkness and day from night. He separated Israel from all other nations. In the New Testament, he commanded his church, "Come out from among them and be separate." And at the Judgment, he will separate sheep from goats. Throughout his Word, God constantly draws lines of division that tell us very clearly, "Always remember, you are in the world but not of it." __________________ 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

Today, 01:50	#1728
Tarfoot Honoured Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: US Posts: 2,210 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 "Not my will, but Yours be done." This week, the Church pauses from the noise and chaos of the world to remember the most important days in human history. The final days of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry. On Maundy Thursday, the Church remembers Jesus kneeling and washing the feet of His disciples -- the King of Kings took on the posture of a servant (John 13:4-5). He broke bread and drank wine with them, saying, "Do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19). In the garden of Gethsemane, He knelt in agony and prayed, "Not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). He knew what was coming, and He went anyway. On Good Friday, we reflect on our Lord going to the cross. Not because He had to, but because He chose to. Every stripe, every nail, every moment of darkness was the Son of God bearing the weight of the sin of the world -- your sin and mine -- so that we would never have to bear it ourselves (Isaiah 53:4-5). He cried out, "It is finished" (John 19:30), and at that moment the veil in the temple tore from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51) -- Heaven breaking open what earthly powers had sealed shut. As, Isaiah, the prophet had foretold centuries before: "He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities" (Isaiah 53:5). And then -- Sunday came. An angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it (Matthew 28:2). The tomb was empty. Death could not hold Him (Acts 2:24). Mary Magdalene ran to tell the disciples, and Peter and John found only the folded burial cloths lying where His body had been (John 20:6-7). Risen. Victorious. Alive forevermore. "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said." -- Matthew 28:6 The risen Christ appeared first to Mary in the garden (John 20:16), then to the disciples behind locked doors (John 20:19), then to more than five hundred witnesses at once (1 Corinthians 15:6). That is the hinge on which all of history turns. Not a philosophy. Not a moral code. A resurrection. A real, bodily, earth-shattering resurrection that means sin is defeated, death is conquered, and everyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ is heaven bound. Despite the conflict, hatred, and sin we see at work in this world, the good news of the gospel continues to do its work. A few days ago, on Palm Sunday, President Trump shared a letter he had received from Franklin Graham after the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire and the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. In it, Reverend Graham congratulated the president on what he called a "historic" accomplishment -- and then, with the boldness of a true evangelist, he pivoted from geopolitics to the gospel. He wrote: "This week you commented to the media that you might not be heaven bound... it is an important issue to know for certain that your soul is secure... The only way to Heaven is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ... If you accept that by faith and invite Him to come into your heart, you ARE heaven bound, I promise you." He then quoted Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Think about that. In the middle of a geopolitical breakthrough -- hostages freed, a fragile peace taking hold in one of the most contested pieces of land on earth -- a man of God looked the most powerful leader in the world in the eye and said: none of this matters as much as where your soul will spend eternity. That is the resurrection message. Ceasefires are fragile. Kingdoms rise and fall. But the resurrection of Jesus Christ is an unshakeable, eternal fact -- and the promise it carries is available to anyone who will place their faith in the risen Christ. The peace that Franklin Graham pointed President Trump toward is not a ceasefire. It is the peace that passes all understanding -- the peace that comes only through the Prince of Peace, the One whose empty tomb we celebrate this Resurrection Sunday. As you gather with your family and friends this Sunday -- whether around a church pew, a dinner table, or both -- I want to invite you to pray. Pray for the men and women in the Middle East -- soldiers, aid workers, Christian communities under siege, and civilians caught in the crossfire of ancient conflict. Pray that in the midst of all the chaos that the gospel advances. Pray for President Trump and our national leaders -- that the weight of their decisions would drive them not to their own wisdom, but to their knees. That the boldness of Franklin Graham's witness would find good soil in the heart of our leaders and their advisors. Pray for your own family and community -- that Resurrection Sunday would not be merely a tradition observed, but an encounter with the living Christ. That someone in your circle who does not yet know Him would hear the good news, believe it, and be saved. We do not pray to a dead teacher or a distant deity, we pray to a risen Savior who conquered the grave, who intercedes for us, and who is coming again. He is risen. __________________ 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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