Wisdom from Judypie: Cast Your Care

Do you know the reason we are stressed? Because we think our needs are not going to be met. We say, “Oh my goodness, I'm not going to have what I need!” Jesus tells us not to worry about what you are going to eat. And don’t worry about what you are going to wear. He’s saying only one thing is important — His righteousness. These things don't even take significance until your deepest needs are met. You are to find your satisfaction in Him. If you don't find your satisfaction in Him, you're going to be stressed. Are you stressed out about something today? Turn it over to Jesus and turn your focus to Him. Let Jesus meet your needs and transform your heart today. (Adrian Rogers)

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?

Matthew 6:30 [AMP]

“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”-
Psalm 46:10

Father, You are leading me on paths I do not know, past all my fantasies, hopes, doubts and fear. When I go through deep waters and great trouble, You will be with me. When I go through rivers of difficulty, I will not drown! When I walk through the fire of oppression, I will not be burned up -- the flames will not consume me. Even though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no evil. You lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. In the name of Jesus I will rejoice in You and be glad. Amen.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.

Isaiah 43:2 [AMP]

¹ THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
² He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
³ He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.
⁴ Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
⁶ Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

Psalm 23 [AMP]

Father, in the name of Jesus, I clothe myself with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from me]. I repent and renounce pride and arrogance. Father, You give grace to the humble. Therefore I humble myself under Your mighty hand, that in due time you may exalt me. Amen.

⁶ But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it).
⁷ So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.

James 4:6-7 [AMP]

³⁴ Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, yet He gives His undeserved favor to the low [in rank], the humble, and the afflicted.
³⁵ The wise shall inherit glory (all honor and good) but shame is the highest rank conferred on [self-confident] fools.

Proverbs 3:34-35 [AMP]

Cast All Your Care

Are you worried, anxious about anything? I encourage you to pray this prayer aloud:

In the name of Jesus, I cast the whole of my care [all my anxieties, all my worries, all my concerns for my future, my family, once and for all] on You, for You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully. Amen!

⁵ Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)--[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)--[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble.
⁶ Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
⁷ Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

1^st Peter 5:5-7 [AMP]

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

Philippians 4:6 [AMP]

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Things vs. People

While a man was polishing his new car, his 4 yr old son picked up a stone and scratched lines on the side of the car.  In anger, the man took the child’s hand and hit it many times not realizing he was using a wrench.
At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures.  When the child saw his father... with painful eyes he asked, “Dad when will my fingers grow back?”  The man was so hurt and speechless.  He went back to his car and kicked it several times.  Devastated by his own actions... sitting in front of that car he looked at the scratches; the child had written “LOVE YOU DAD.”

The next day that man committed suicide.

Anger and Love have no limits;
choose the latter to have a beautiful, lovely life & remember this:
Things are to be used and people are to be loved.
The problem in today’s world is that people are used while things are loved.

Let’s try always to keep this thought in mind:

Things are to be used,
People are to be loved.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions..
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character;
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny...

“The happiest people on this earth planet are not those who live on their own terms, but are those who change their terms for the ones whom they love.”

Regards
Pastor Ng Francis
www.fnministries.com

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Wisdom from Judypie: Spiritual Strength

Father, the end of all things is at hand, and we will be serious and watchful in our prayers. Above all things help us have fervent love for one another -- love that covers a multitude of sins. May we be hospitable to one another without grumbling, and minister to each other with the ability You supply. In all things we pray that You will be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion for ever. Amen.

⁷In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God's unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.]
⁸Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble).
⁹Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God--that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].
¹⁰For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good--whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit).
¹¹Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!]

1^st Peter 3:7-11 [AMP]

To You, O Lord I pray. My enemies will not triumph over me, and I will never be disgraced for trusting You. Show me the path where I should go, point out the right road for me to walk. Lead and teach me for You are the God who gives me salvation. Thank You for seeing me through eyes of everlasting love and kindness. Your integrity and uprightness will preserve me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

¹UNTO YOU, O Lord, do I bring my life.
²O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me.
³Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause.
⁴Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.
⁵Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long.

Psalm 25:1-5 [AMP]

Father, You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and of a sound mind. We will not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. You saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to Your own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before time began. You called us and You are faithful to do it in the name of Jesus.

⁷For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
⁸Do not blush or be ashamed then, to testify to and for our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for His sake, but [with me] take your share of the suffering [to which the preaching] of the Gospel [may expose you, and do it] in the power of God.
⁹[For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].

2^nd Timothy 1:7-9 [AMP]

Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you].

1^st Thessalonians 5:24 [AMP]

I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Check Yourself (from Judypie)

A guy rushed into a service station one day and asked the manager if he had a pay phone. The manager nodded, “Sure, over there.”

The guy inserted a couple of coins, dialed and waited for an answer. Finally someone came on the line.

“Uh, sir,” he said in a deep voice, “could you use an honest, hard-working young man?”

The station manager couldn’t help overhearing the question. After a moment or two the guy said, “Oh, you already have an honest, hard-working young man? Well, okay. Thanks all the same.”

A broad smile stretched across his face. He hung up the phone and started back to his car, obviously elated.

“Hey, just a minute,” the station manager said, “I couldn’t help but hear your conversation. Why are you so happy? I thought the man said he already had someone and didn’t need you?”

The guy smiled. “Well, you see, I am that honest, hard-working young man. I was just checking up on myself!”

If you’re serious about walking with God, examine yourself regularly. Are you praying, reading God’s Word and renewing your mind daily?

How about your attitudes?

Are they slipping?

Your attitudes send a signal before you’ve said a word.

They are like traffic signals. Sometimes they flash red, which means “stop, don’t get in my way, I’m too busy to love, help, or care.”

Sometimes they flash yellow, which means “I’m touchy and out-of-sorts, I could go either way.”

Sometimes they flash green, which means, “Let’s go, I’m with you, you can count on me.”

The Bible says, “Let us examine our ways...and...return to the Lord.”

What needs to be examined regularly?

Our ways!

Let us test and examine our ways, and let us return to the Lord!

Lamentations 3:40 [AMP]

Click to Continue Reading Article...

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson.

The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.

When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.

“We must do something about father,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.”

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.

There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.

Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.

He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I’ve learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:

1. A rainy day
2. The elderly
3. Lost luggage
4. Tangled Christmas tree lights

I’ve learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.

I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.

I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you but if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

I’ve learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I’ve learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about.

I just did.



Pastor Ng Francis
www.fnministries.com

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Please Don’t Feed the Atheists

We recently announced the release of our book, Please Don’t Feed the Atheists, available at the Powerhouse Store and at http://link2power.org. We are hoping that this book helps get the message across to the church that it is time to quit with some of the harmful shenanigans that have been taking place and focus on doing the work that Jesus did and is calling His body to do:

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],

Luke 4:18 [AMP]

Unfortunately, there is a continuation of a politically motivated mindset that is distracting Christians from this calling and setting their focus upon things that not only do not help those whom the Lord has called us to reach, but it makes the church into a laughingstock in the sight of the atheists and those who would criticize the truth of the gospel.

For example, there are those who are going back and rewriting history for questionable reasons.  For example, Snopes noted a revision of the writings of George Washington that inserted content to make the Founding Father’s message seem more of a religious statement than originally drafted.  Since when has twisting the truth been necessary to advance a Christian message?  This is something that the atheists, agnostics and others jumped on, a potentially embarrassing situation.

As we mentioned in the book, it is interesting how much bad press Moslems get when radicals commit atrocities in the name of Islam. But even worse publicity is rising when people calling themselves Christians commit such atrocities.

Think about the people who believe God would have them to shun those who look different than they.
A good friend told me that he, along with his wife and children, were told to leave a church they were visiting because of their skin color… despite the fact that they were ministers in that very same denomination.
People do crazy things like that all the time and slap the label of “Christianity” on top of it.  And when that happens, the atheists have a good time at the Lord’s expense.

The good news is that, if Saul could be turned around by an encounter with the risen Savior (he later became known as the Apostle Paul, writer of a large percentage of the New Testament), then imagine what wonderful things would happen in our society if those who populate churches each week would actually get past the empty practice of liturgy and, rather, get in touch with Jesus on a personal level.

Can you imagine it?

Christians practicing love instead of hatred?

Christians seeking manifestations of Christ’s righteousness and not self-righteousness?

Christians who judge the beam in their own eyes rather than judging the speck in someone else’s?

The sad reality is that people like Saul of Tarsus will walk into houses of worship, kill people, and assume that God were pleased. However, if God wanted someone dead, he could manage that without anyone’s help. But killing people is not what God is about.

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

2^nd Peter 3:9 [NKJV]

Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the Goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:4 [NKJV]

A Christian filmmaker recently produced a documentary entitled, “Lord Please Save Us from Your Followers.” That film explores the schism between the foundational beliefs of this country and the personal beliefs of its citizens.

In the film’s trailer, you can see clips of people with bullhorns protesting the “tyranny” of those insane Christian fanatics. But did Jesus suffer and die on the cross for people to practice tyranny or insane fanaticism? Unfortunately, there are way too many people who wear the Christian label and demonstrate behaviors that feed the atheists’ hatred for our God.

The Christian label?

You may faithfully go to church Sunday after Sunday. The reality, however, is that going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to McDonalds makes you a cheeseburger. Jesus put it this way:

But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity

Luke 13:27 [NKJV]

Whoa! That’s a pretty deep scripture to be throwing around. But the bottom line is that if all we are accomplishing is making it easier for atheists and practitioners of other religions to blaspheme the Lord (2^nd Samuel 12:14), then we need to seriously evaluate what it is we profess to believe in.

More importantly, we should evaluate whether our behavior lines up with what should be our belief system.

It has been said that without fuel, a fire cannot burn. You need oxygen or wood or flammable gas or some other combustible substance in order to create and/or maintain a fire. Well then, if we are feeding the atheists with the fuel to support their rejection of God, then what does that make us?

And, what would that inspire the Lord to say to us when we stand before Him?

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Meditations from Judypie: Healed Body / Renewed Mind

A Healing Prayer

Jesus was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. I receive divine healing for my spirit, soul and body in the name of Jesus. Amen.

He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him. Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.

Isaiah 53:3-5 [AMP]

Renewing Thought Patterns

It is written, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” I no longer desire to conform to the pattern of this world, but may I be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Then my thoughts and my ways will be changed to Your thoughts and your ways, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Romans 12:2 [AMP]

The Power of God’s Word

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, they do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is God’s word that goes out from His mouth. When He speaks and when I speak His word, it will not return empty, but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. Father, I thank You for creating in me Your desires. Amen.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:8-11 [AMP]

Meditation

The scriptures you have just studied contain the life shaping/ world changing power.  But that power needs to be activated by mixing it with faith.  Allow the Word of God to build faith within your heart (faith comes by hearing... hearing by the word of God).  As your faith rises, make a verbal declaration right where you are and receive your healing in Jesus’ name.  Receive a renewed mind by the power of God’s Holy Word.  And then, think of those other people in your life who need the power of God to be manifest in their lives.  Pray for our local and national leaders.  Pray without ceasing.  Pray with confidence in God’s faithfulness to deliver you. 

FIRST OF all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.

1^st Timothy 2: 1-2 [AMP]

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Refined Like Gold Tried in the Fire

“He has made everything appropriate in its time.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 [NAS]

The roller coaster of life runs both day and night. Some trips take place in the dark, where things are difficult to distinguish. 'Who is among you that fears the Lord, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God' (Isaiah 50:10 NAS).

Yes, even the godly who 'fear the Lord' and who 'obey the voice of His servant,' will at times walk where there seems to be no light to guide their footsteps and no warm glow to comfort their troubled senses. These are not times of punishment, retribution, or abandonment. No, they're times when God is working out the next important stages of your development, aligning you for greater advancement in His kingdom!

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, men who feared the Lord and obeyed His Word, were ordered to be burned alive for refusing to worship the king's golden image (See Daniel 3).

Listen to their faith confession:

1) 'Our God...is able to deliver us' (v 17).

They never doubted God's ability.

2) 'And he will deliver us.' They never doubted God's intention.

3) 'But if not...we will not...worship the golden image' (v 18). They never considered an alternative of faithfulness to God. They had to go through to get through, and they did! You will too. Stay on the roller coaster. 'Trust in the name of the Lord and rely on (your) God.' He has the last word, not the devil, circumstances or people. Like the three Hebrews, you will come out refined as gold tried in the fire.

Pastor Ng Francis
www.fnministries.com

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Classic Blog: The Law of the Spirit of Life

It really troubles me when religious people refer to Romans Chapter 7 to excuse their sins. And I deplore the line, "we are only human and we are going sin." And almost as revolting is the line, "we sin every day." Immoral sinful people, religious or otherwise, are always looking for crutches to hold them up in their unbelief. In Romans 7 the Apostle Paul was emphasizing the weakness of the flesh and the need of the power to overcome sin. If they would only read chapter eight they would find there, using a famous line, "the rest of the story."

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

Romans 8:1 [NASU]

[for those who are in Christ Jesus] Now go back to Romans, chapter 6, beginning in verse 3----

Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death

Romans 6:3 [NASU]

Again in the book of Galatians, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27 NAS).

[baptized into Christ Jesus] If a person is baptized into Christ Jesus, baptized into His death and then raised up in the newness of life then he is in Christ Jesus.

“Therefore there is now no condemnation.” Understand, the Apostle is not speaking of a water baptism here he is speaking of dieing to the sinful deeds of the flesh. Dead men do not sin, they are dead.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

Romans 6:1-2 [NASU]

Now if you have not been baptized into the death of Christ then the old sin nature of the flesh is still very much alive and you will sin.

Let's continue, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:2 NASU)

There is no condemnation for who?? For those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus, those who have crucified the flesh and buried it with Christ; those who have followed their Lord into the “regeneration” (Matthew 19:28) into the new birth.

For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit”

Romans 8:3-4 [NASU]

[who do not walk according to the flesh] The requirement of the law of sin and death is fulfilled in those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus and have received the gift of the Holy Spirit and are walking according to His power and leading.

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, {set their minds on} the things of the Spirit.”

Romans 8:5 [NASU]

[set their minds] It is a matter of submission or "mind set." One who has submitted has set his mind on the things of God and is lead of the Spirit of God, thus he is empowered to overcome sin.

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:6-8 [NASU]

[for the mind set on the flesh is death] A stern warning for those who say, “we are only human and we are going to sin, even the apostle Paul sinned.” (That gives me chills.) Where is your mind set? If it is set on the things of the flesh, it is set on death!!!

[but the mind set on the Spirit] The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace and the fruit he bears is the fruit of righteous.

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Romans 8:14 NAS

We must remember that our Lord came and died a horrible death to take away our sins, not to prepare a way we could wallow in them and still go to heaven. The biggest sin committed by church going people is that of drunkenness and immorality---this is what people are wanting to hold on to but still have a clean conscience---there is no way people!!! Either be converted or die in your sins.

Pastor Jake

Click to Continue Reading Article...

From the Presidential Prayer Team

Right-Minded Intercession

Caryl sadly read her newspaper and laid it down on the table. “What is happening to our country?” she groaned. Caryl wanted to blame the new administration, but she knew better; her devotional reading for

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." - James 5:16

that morning was based on Proverbs 21:1. She recalled its words: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”
It reminded Caryl that leaders are appointed by God to accomplish His purposes. Bowing her head, she immediately asked God to guide her elected officials with wisdom and to turn their hearts to Him. Daryl also asked the Lord to direct her leaders in determining foreign affairs, the economy and unemployment, and prayed for the safety of the President and his family, thanking God for them.
James 5 reminds you that as you pray like Caryl – and do so with the right-minded attitude – your intercessions will have a mighty impact. Pray decisively and confidently for your president and leaders, regardless of your opinions of the day’s headlines…and God will move on behalf of our nation.
Recommended Reading: I Peter 4:1-2, 7-11
- Kathy Lumbert

Brought to you by...

Sign Up    |     Donate

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Our 12th Book

It seems that Christians often create more atheists than they create converts. This book examines this trend and offers solutions.

The thesis of the book is that the (mis)behavior of many who wear the Christian Label is the motivation for many who have abandoned their faith. It causes those who have never held faith to reject the very premise. It has caused others to position themselves as enemies of the gospel. It is a malady in the body requires personal medicine to affect a needful cure. Charlie Peacock wrote a song called Personal Revolution in which he lyrically explores the need for all of us to get past the trappings of our religious traditions and have an internal revival, sloughing off the negativity of our past and to manifest the new life that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Often, easier said than done.

Now on sale at The Powerhouse Ministry Store.  

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Good and Right Prayers

Dr. David Jeremiah told an interesting story about prayer in his book Prayer: The Great Adventure. In that book, he recounted the following:

While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, I traveled every two weeks by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This required camping overnight halfway. On one of these trips, I saw two men fighting in the city. One was seriously hurt so I treated him and witnessed to him about the Lord Jesus Christ. I then returned home without incident. Upon arriving in the city several weeks later, I was approached by the man I had treated earlier. He told me he had known that I carried money and medicine. He said, “Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We waited for you to go to sleep and planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. Just as we were about to move into your campsite, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. I laughed at this and said, “I was certainly all alone out in the jungle campsite.” The young man pressed the point, “No sir, I was not the only one to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.” At this point of my church presentation in Michigan, one of the men in the church stood up and interrupted me. He asked, “Can you tell me the exact date when this happened?” I thought for a while and recalled the date. The man in the congregation then gave his side of the story. He stated, “On that night in Africa it was day here. I was preparing to play golf. As I put my bags in the car, I felt the Lord leading me to pray for you. In fact, the urging was so great that I called the men of this church together to pray for you. Will all those men who met to pray please stand?” The men who had met that day to pray together stood... there were 26 of them!

It is no secret that prayer has power.  When you pray effectual and earnest prayers, things change.  What things in your life would you like to see changed?  You can -- if you pray the right way... and, with the right heart.  If Dr. Jeremiah’s life can be affected across the continent... then how much more can our prayers take affect on things affecting our lives right here at home?

This is particularly true in terms of the current political and economic situation.

The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

James 5:16b [AMP]

That being the case... shouldn’t we as Christians spend time praying for our political leaders... and not speaking negatively about them?

Yes, there are things that our current president has said that a lot of people disagree with. But then again... every president in history has had detractors over one thing or another. But what is our responsibility as Christians?

FIRST OF all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth.

1^st Timothy 2:1-4 [AMP]

This evening I heard a Christian making condemning statements towards the President. On the news, I heard about a pastor who has been preaching that he wants the President to die and go to hell.

That is not what the Bible teaches. In 1^st Timothy, we are told to pray for those in positions of authority so that we may live quiet and undisturbed lives. That type of prayer... positive prayers for all men to be saved and to know the Truth, is what Paul calls in this passage good and right.

When those scriptures were written, Caesar Nero was having Christians crucified, burned alive, and wrapped in skins to be mauled to death by wild animals.  And yet, the admonition was not to pray that Nero die and go to hell... but rather that he and others in authority be saved and come to know the divine Truth.

Let’s focus on praying good and right prayers.

Click to Continue Reading Article...

These Things Ought Not to Be So

“...These things ought not to be so.”

James 3:10 [NKJV]

The Bible says: “With [our tongue] we bless our God... and with it we curse men... these things are not to be so” (James 3:8-10 NKJV).

It displeases God when we praise Him in church on Sunday then tear someone down at work on Monday. “But what I’m saying is true,” you say. “All a mans ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord” (Proverbs 16:2 NIV).

Slander begins with pride; it says, “When I’m right and you’re wrong, I have the right to say so.” No, people flock to church altars for healing from wounds inflicted by Christians. Gossip broke their spirits.
One lady writes: “I went through a period of trying to overcome gossip but I’d still tell it to my husband.

Although I knew he wouldn’t repeat it, I realized that by exposing him to it I was poisoning his spirit. That’s when I decided to change what was coming out of my mouth.”

What you say about someone colors how others see them. One pastor tells all his new members, “If you hear another member slandering somebody, stop them right away and say, ‘Excuse me, who hurt you, ignored or slighted you? We’ll pray together about it so that God can restore peace to this body, but we won’t let you talk about people who aren’t around to defend themselves.’” Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, the issue dies right there; or the offender leaves.

“Be... gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love...” (Ephesians 4:2-3 NCV). Since none of us are infallible and all of us need to be treated gently, patiently and with love, let’s make it a habit of treating each other that way.

Pastor Ng Francis
www.fnministries.com

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Overcoming Life’s Obstacles

During a small group fellowship, my brothers in Christ and I discussed those issues in our lives that had been holding us back.  We all wanted to be the men that God has called us to be...  yet we have all experienced things that seemed to be roadblocks in life that needed to be overcome. 

Some in the group reported dysfunctional relationships with parents or other family members.  Others mentioned dysfunctional relationships within the church, or with other believers.  Some of us had issues in the workplace that required prayer. 

And, of course, we all had issues with relationships. 

The common denominator that all of this boiled down to was the need for each of us to overcome strongholds in each of our lives.  But, fortunately, the word of God provides the answer.  If we are born again children of the Most High God, then we are world overcomers.

For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.  Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]?

1^st John 5:4-5 [AMP]

I was blessed to come home and read some powerful meditations on overcoming from our dear sister Judypie.  These answered those issues in my life -- and I am positive that, as you read and meditate on them, they will help you with whatever you are dealing with and going through in your life.

Overcoming Fear of my Enemies

Let it be done to me according to Your Word.  My head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me: therefore will I offer sacrifices of joy in Your tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises unto the Lord.  Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.  When You said, “Seek my face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” You have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.  Even if my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.  In the name of Jesus, You are a Father who will never leave me or forsake me; I will never be abandoned or left without support.  Amen.

And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me; in His tent I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.  Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; have mercy and be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need].  My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].  Hide not Your face from me; turn not Your servant away in anger, You Who have been my help! Cast me not off, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation! Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child].

Psalm 27:6-10 [AMP]

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support.  [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

Hebrews 13:5 [AMP]

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long.  Laus Deo! Psalm 25:5

Overcoming Denial

Father, I thank You for delivering me out of the dominion of darkness and translating me into the kingdom of Your dear Son.  You are at work in me, helping me work out my own salvation.  I yield to the ministry of transformation as You energize and create in me the desire and will to face the problematic issues in my life.  In the name of Jesus, I crush, smash and dissolve the stronghold of denial.  Then I shall know the truth and the truth will set me free.  Amen.

[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love

Colossians 1:13 [AMP]

Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.  I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead

Philippians 3:12-13 [AMP]

And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

John 8:32 [AMP]

I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.  Psalm 18:1-3

Overcoming Fear with Faith

Lord, teach us Your way, and lead us in a smooth path, because of our enemies.  Do not deliver us to the will of our adversaries for false witnesses have risen against us, and such as breathe out violence.  We would have lost heart, unless we had believed that we would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  We wait on You LORD; we are of good courage and You shall strengthen our hearts.  We are waiting on the LORD! We pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain and even path because of my enemies [those who lie in wait for me].  Give me not up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me; they breathe out cruelty and violence.  [What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!

Psalm 27:11-13 [AMP]

“Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11

Overcoming Doubt and Unbelief

Father, I believe Your Word, and ask You to remove any unbelief or doubt concerning the integrity of Your promises.  In the name of Jesus, I renounce the world’s allurements that attempt to pull me into sin—they are ineffective in my life.  Your Word is my standard and because I am a doer of Your Word, I will not be deceived.  The fresh Manna of Your Word keeps me on target with Your plans, Lord.  My steadfast confidence is in You, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

¹²[Therefore beware] brethren, take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him], leading you to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God.

¹³But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [by the fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamor of his sin may play on him].

¹⁴For we have become fellows with Christ (the Messiah) and share in all He has for us, if only we hold our first newborn confidence and original assured expectation [in virtue of which we are believers] firm and unshaken to the end.

¹⁵Then while it is [still] called Today, if you would hear His voice and when you hear it, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion [in the desert, when the people provoked and irritated and embittered God against them].

¹⁶For who were they who heard and yet were rebellious and provoked [Him]? Was it not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses?

¹⁷And with whom was He irritated and provoked and grieved for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose dismembered bodies were strewn and left in the desert?

¹⁸And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who disobeyed [who had not listened to His word and who refused to be compliant or be persuaded]?

¹⁹So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest], because of their unwillingness to adhere to and trust in and rely on God [unbelief had shut them out].

Hebrews 3:12-19 [AMP]

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Joshua 24:15

Praise Him!

O my Lord and God, today is the day that You have made; I will rejoice and be glad in it! Hallelujah! I praise You, my God, in Your holy house of worship, I praise You under the open skies; I praise You for Your acts of power, and for Your magnificent greatness.  Let all those with the trumpet, castanets, banjo, flute, cymbals, the big bass drum, fiddles and mandolins praise You.  Let all those who dance praise You in their dance.  Let every living, breathing creature praise You because You are God! Hallelujah! Amen.

Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;

Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;

Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;

Praise him with castanets and dance,
praise him with banjo and flute;

Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.

Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!

Psalm 150:1-6 [MSG]

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Say a Prayer... Go to Jail

Interesting item on CNN about a Florida legislation making it illegal to pray in school. Say a prayer... you go to jail.

Interesting...

They will probably have to arrest every schoolkid who is in class where the teacher announces a pop quiz...

Click to Continue Reading Article...

A Good Word from Judypie

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked come against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes they will stumble and fall. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Amen.

Psalm 27:1-3
2^nd Timothy 1:7

..the Lord is all I need. He takes care of me. My share in life has been pleasant; my part has been beautiful. Psalm 16:5&6

Click to Continue Reading Article...

You Don’t Know

In our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer, we took a lyrical look at the type of person who goes their own way rather than seeking God’s way.  No, we are not talking about an atheist or agnostic.  This is a person who feels that they are the height of spiritual perfection.  The truth, however, would suggest otherwise.

I was listening to a few ex-Christians pontificating about how ridiculous and worthless they felt religion was.  In a sense, they were correct.  However, it is always a bad idea to throw the proverbial baby out with the proverbial bathwater.  While certain ceremonial practices may be archaic and even unscriptural, it is dangerous to assume that because men are flawed that the entire concept of serving God is flawed.

However, this message is not about those ex-Christians but, rather, the religious person whose lifestyle and behavior may have driven the ex-Christian to a lifestyle that is lived without the daily experience of the love of God.  So what kind of religion should we be practicing.  Well, according to the scriptures:

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Wisdom from Judypie

The Abundant Life

Heavenly Father, I pray that the joy of Jesus may be made full and complete and perfect in me, and that I may experience His delight and gladness fulfilled in me; His enjoyment perfected in my own soul. Jesus, You are my source of eternal salvation. Thank You for coming that I might have life, and have it more abundantly – have it to the full until it overflows. I receive the power of God that works through me. I rid myself of negative thoughts, and in simple humility, let my Gardener landscape me with the Word, making a salvation-garden of my life. I am united with You, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant to the glory of the Father. Amen

And, [His completed experience] making Him perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him

Hebrews 5:9 [AMP]

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 10:10 [KJV]

Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

James 1:19-21 [Message]

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

John 15:5-8 [Message]

Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. Your resurrection power is in me, and I am appointed and anointed by You to abound in eternal work for Your Kingdom. My victory is assured as I walk uprightly before You. No good thing will You withhold from me! I am accomplishing great exploits for Your kingdom, and the best is yet to come, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live;

John 11:25 [AMP]

For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11 [AMP]

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

1^st Corinthians 15:58 [NLT]

Prayer of Affirmation

Father, I thank You for helping me as I enlarge the place of my tent and strengthen my stakes. In You there is hope for despair. In You there is stability for turmoil. In You there is prosperity for poverty. In You there is health and healing for sickness. In You there is peace for conflict, whether it is in a relationship, in my home, or in my land. In You, Lord Jesus, is well-being for every area of life! Hallelujah! Thank You Holy Spirit for divinely orchestrating every aspect of my life! Jesus is Lord over my spirit, soul and body, and over my relationships. Amen

Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes, For you will spread abroad to the right hand and to the left; and your offspring will possess the nations and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

Isaiah 54:2-3 [AMP]

"This is the day the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Healing for the Nations

In the midst of a stressful week, we received comfort and blessing from a word of wisdom delivered by our dear sister in Christ, Judypie. Her words give us assurance of God’s purpose to not only heal our lives... but also to heal the nations. What was so significant that she had to say?

Take a look at this:

Father, we are your children... heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ who share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. We ask You, Father, to make the nations our inheritance, the ends of the earth our possession for Your glory and Your purposes. In the name of Jesus, we pray for the healing of the nations. Praise God! It is our Lord Jesus who will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world. Amen

And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.

Romans 8:17 [AMP]

I will declare the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, You are My Son; this day [I declare] I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations as Your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth as Your possession.

Psalm 2:7-8 [AMP]

His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!

Isaiah 9:7 [NLT]

THEN HE showed me the river whose waters give life, sparkling like crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the broadway of the city; also, on either side of the river was the tree of life with its twelve varieties of fruit, yielding each month its fresh crop; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing and the restoration of the nations.

Revelation 22:1-2 [AMP]

..the Lord is all I need. He takes care of me. My share in life has been pleasant; my part has been beautiful (Psalm 16:5&6).

This is a wonderful meditation... given the bad news that seems to face us every day. There are problems here at home... and problems overseas. Still, as we put our faith and trust in the Lord, we have peace and comfort regardless of what the world throws at us.

But what about the bad news that comes as relentlessly as the tides that roll up on the beaches and crash against the breakers? For example, Joel Rosenberg recently hosted a dinner with Dr. Dore Gold (advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) and a number of other dignitaries. Some of what Dr. Gold shared with Joel and his dinner guests probably affected their appetites. Here is a brief quote from Joel’s recent flash traffic:

Gold told the group -- which included former Senator Rick Santorum, former. Rep. Steve Largent, radio host Janet Parshall, and journalists from CBN, National Review and World magazine -- that he is deeply skeptical of the West’s efforts to engage Iran diplomatically, arguing that the evidence clearly indicates Tehran has used previous negotiations to buy time to aggressively advance the country’s nuclear program.

He noted that Hassan Rowhani, who served as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005, once bragged to hardliners in a closed-door speech in Tehran: “When we were negotiating with the Europeans in Tehran, we were installing equipment in parts of the facility in Isfahan.” It is the opening anecdote Gold uses in his fascinating new book as he documents how Iranian leaders are engaged in a systematic campaign of “strategic deception” with the West to hide the enormity of its efforts to acquire nuclear weapons.

You can read the full story in Joel’s blog.

So how should you react to threats of nuclear disaster... terrorism... economic downturns... cash for clunkers... and etcetera?

Our advice would be to follow Judypie’s advice and pray for the healing of the nations. It is not impossible for God to move a mighty revival through Iran. In fact, we have heard other reports of the Spirit of God moving in that part of the world, but there is persecutiion of Christians in Iran.

Dedicate some time this week to pray for the healing of the nations. As Judypie advised us a couple months ago, God is the Great Reconciler.

Father, in Jesus’ name, You are the Great Reconciler! Of marriages! Of children! Of families! Of brothers and sisters in You! Of all relationships! It is in Your strength, and by Your grace that I will go to the person with whom I have had conflict. You have planted the Seed of Love in my heart, and I will humble myself by asking forgiveness regardless of who was at fault. I pray that the relationship will be healed and the breach mended. I purpose to do this in obedience to Your Word and for Your glory, Lord Jesus. The Repairer of Breaches in relationships is working on my behalf! Amen.

For if we are beside ourselves [mad, as some say], it is for God and concerns Him; if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit, For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died; And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake. Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]. [No] even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now [we have such knowledge of Him that] we know Him no longer [in terms of the flesh]. Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him]. It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor). So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God. For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].

2^nd Corinthians 5:13-21 [AMP]

And [He designed] to reconcile to God both [Jew and Gentile, united] in a single body by means of His cross, thereby killing the mutual enmity and bringing the feud to an end.

Ephesians. 2:16 [AMP]

And God purposed that through (by the service, the intervention of) Him [the Son] all things should be completely reconciled back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him, [the Father] made peace by means of the blood of His cross.

Colossians 1:20 [AMP]

One final note...

While we look at the turmoil overseas... things aren’t exactly holding hands and singing love songs here. Yes, we have political differences. Some people love our current President... others may feel otherwise. Still, God tells us scripturally what we should do... regarless of who is in the Oval Office:

FIRST OF all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.

1^st Timothy 2: 1-2 [AMP]

You want to live the good life? Then follow what the Lord commands of you.

Click to Continue Reading Article...

The Price of a Miracle

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.

She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully.

Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.

Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way six blocks to Rexall’s Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Wisdom from Judypie

Godly Wisdom

Father, there isn't a challenge I will ever face that will be too hard for You to solve. Nothing can outsmart You. The world’s wisdom is foolishness in Your sight. Your wisdom is increasing in me as I meditate on Your Word. It leads, guides and protects me. It gives me greater insight and credentials than the world has to offer. You have said in Your Word that the person who gets wisdom loves his own soul. I cherish understanding and I will prosper for your glory. Hallelujah! In Jesus name. Amen.

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me?

Jeremiah 32:27 [AMP]

For this world's wisdom is foolishness (absurdity and stupidity) with God, for it is written, He lays hold of the wise in their [own] craftiness;

1^st Corinthians 3:19 [AMP]

Pray Without Ceasing

Heavenly Father, may my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Thank you for the Holy Spirit Who helps me maintain an attitude of prayer, and even helps me when I don't know how or what to pray. Thank you for hearing me whether I'm praying aloud or reaching out to you in silence. Jesus, you are my example in prayer, and whatever I ask for in prayer, I believe that it is granted me, and I will receive it. In the name of Jesus and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will pray without ceasing. Amen

Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Psalm 141:2 [AMP]

For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].

Mark 11:24

Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];

1^st Thessalonians 5:17 [AMP]

God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon,God makes a huge dome for the sun—a superdome...
Psalm 19:1&4 [Message]

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Where God Ain’t

He was just a little boy,
On a week's first day.
Wandering home from Bible school,
And dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass;
He even found a caterpillar.
He found a fluffy milkweed pod,
And blew out all the 'filler.'

A bird's nest in a tree overhead,
So wisely placed up so high.
Was just another wonder,
That caught his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his zig-zag course,
And hailed him from the lawn;
Asked him where he'd been that day
And what was going on.

'I've been to Bible School ,'
He said and turned a piece of sod.
He picked up a wiggly worm replying,
'I've learned a lot about God.'

'M'm very fine way,' the neighbor said,
'for a boy to spend his time.'
'If you'll tell me where God is,
I'll give you a brand new dime.'

Quick as a flash the answer came!
Nor were his accents faint.
'I'll give you a dollar, Mister,
If you can tell me where God ain't.'

Author unknown

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Purpose in Your Heart

“Daniel purposed in his heart...”

Daniel 1:8 [NKJV]

Daniel was a victim of circumstances far beyond his control.

King Nebuchadnezzar had conquered his homeland and carried him off into exile in Babylon. He lost his freedom, his home, his culture, his friendships and his status as one of Israel’s nobility.

He had to learn to speak a foreign language and live in a place he never wanted to be. If you’d been Daniel, wouldn’t you have been tempted to focus on the things you couldn’t control, like complaining what a bad leader Nebuchadnezzar was, blaming exile for your unhappiness and feeling sorry for yourself? Not Daniel! He “determined that he would not defile himself by eating the king’s food...” (Daniel 1:8).

He spent time thinking about what he most deeply valued and decided to honor God and live by his convictions; even in small things.

Small battles train us to win big ones. If Daniel hadn’t taken action early on, he wouldn’t have had the strength to say no to idol worship and face the lion’s den without fear or compromise.

Maybe you can’t do anything right now about the house you live in or the job you work at, but you can change your life by taking action in small things. Maybe like Daniel it will involve what you eat, what you feed your mind, or what comes out of your mouth. You can refuse to allow your boss or your spouse the power to dictate what kind of mood you’ll be in based on how they treat you.

Like Daniel, you can choose. When you “purpose in your heart” to honor God, He blesses you and becomes involved in your life in ways you never thought possible.

Pastor Ng Francis
www.fnministries.com

Click to Continue Reading Article...

God Always Answers Prayer

If the Lord has you on hold... hold on!
If the Lord has said “NO” to you... thank Him!
If the Lords is molding your heart and mind... go with His change!
If the Lord opens doors that you have asking Him to open... Praise Him!
Be blessed wherever you are in your life today! God has His hands on the situation!

YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27) You say: 'I'm too tired' God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30) You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34 ) You say: 'I can't go on' God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15) You say: 'I can't figure things out' God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6) You say: 'I can't do it' God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13) You say: 'I'm not able' God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8) You say: 'It's not worth it' God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 ) You say: 'I can't forgive myself' God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1) You say: 'I can't manage' God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19) You say: 'I'm afraid' God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7) You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated' God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7) You say: 'I'm not smart enough' God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30) You say: 'I feel all alone' God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) PASS THIS ON. Believe God is there just for you... YOU NEVER KNOW WHO MAY BE IN NEED !

From R Shanta Kumari, Singapore

Click to Continue Reading Article...

Devotional by Pastor Mike Macintosh

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
Matthew 3:1-2

Although John the Baptist was a tremendous man of God, he was simply a messenger for God with a very clear message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." God's call was for the people to repent, to literally change their mind. They were to stop serving false gods and turn back to the True and Living God. The people were following a road that would keep them separated from God, but John cried for the people to turn around. Jesus put it this way…

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).

There may be some of you reading this today who are on the broad road -- the road that only leads to destruction -- but the plea of Jesus for you this very day is that you would make a change of mind and direction. Recognize that you are on the wrong road and choose to follow Jesus. By making that decision, you will step foot onto the road that leads to life.

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:11-13).

---

Mike is pastor of Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, California.

Click to Continue Reading Article...