Blood for the Battle

Years ago my dear friend Dr. Harry Bristow had a radio program in the Philadelphia AM band. Besides promoting his Christian Cinema in Ambler, Pennsylvania... Harry played some of the strangest Christian music I had ever heard (ranging from Operatic symphonies to Frank Sinatra style crooning) and would occasionally preach.

One of Harry’s radio sermons was entitled Blood for the Battle. Christians are not unlike our brave soldiers in hostile territory. We are not fighting a physical battle, however... but rather one that is spiritual in nature.

³ We do live in the world, but we do not fight in the same way the world fights. ⁴ We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy's strong places. We destroy people's arguments ⁵ and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 [NCV]

This week’s blog revisits this concept with blogs from Brotha DC, Judypie and Pastor Jake. Enjoy.

Roaring Lion

by Brotha DC

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

Peter 5:8 [AMP]

Peter advises us to be sober and vigilant, because the enemy (satan) is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour... just like that cat, seeking a pigeon to bully and intimidate.

I watched a video where this mean looking scrawny white cat persecuting this poor little pigeon. The pigeon is just minding his business when the cat shows up and does everything he can to make the poor bird miserable. It is only when someone comes in the yard and chases the cat away that the pigeon is safe.

This video so reminds me of our Christian walk. We are out doing our thing when, WHAM, the devil shows up and smacks us like the cat smacking that poor little pigeon with his paw. We try to get away but satan just sets up traps for us and continues to chase us until someone comes to chase him away.

Aren’t you glad that James writes that we can submit ourselves to God, and then resist the devil -- and satan will flee from you. While persecutions are promised to those of us who love God and are committed to live lives that give Him glory, we are also promised victory. We can overcome satan by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.

As a Christian, you can plead the blood of Jesus... and the word of our testimony is the word of God. Allow the word of God to dwell richly in you. Keep your eyes on Jesus. And, when the enemy comes to pounce on you, you can defeat him by the Blood of Jesus and by the word of your testimony.

1 Peter 5:8 tells us that satan is looking for someone to devour.

Obviously, not everyone can be devoured. If just anyone could be devoured, satan wouldn't have to spend time looking. For instance, not every woman is available. You have to look for one who is available. If she doesn't have a wedding band or engagement ring... if she doesn't run like the building is on fire when you walk into the room... then maybe. But you have to seek for one who is available.

Don't open doors for the devil. The devil is seeking for any crack he can crawl through in your life. It takes more work to be an eagle than a pigeon. The more of God's anointing in your life, the narrower your path must become. You may get by with things in 2006 that you can't in 2007. God works with us progressively and incrementally. He requires us to make progress in our walk with Him.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

John 10:10 [AMP]

You have an enemy. Sometimes our enemy knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows how to steal our peace... what buttons to push... and we need to watch ourselves and pray for strength over those areas that upset us.

As a believer, you have power and authority... but you must exercise it. Don't be passive about it. Walk in that authority. Let the devil know that you know that you have authority.

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Luke 10:19 [AMP]

You have authority. You have power. But if the devil is walking all over you, perhaps you are letting him.

Are you a Sunday morning saint but a Monday morning sinner?

Are you a Sunday morning warrior but a Monday morning whiner?

Being a victorious powerful stomp-on-the-devil Christian is a full-time job. You must love the word. You must live in the word. You must study and pray and say no to things that take time away from God. If you want God's promises, you can have them because they are for whosoever will... but it takes something. It takes the amount of time you put into your relationship with God.

What causes divorce? A lot of things -- but one big thing is a lack of communication. Two people who lose that intimacy grow apart until eventually they have nothing common to keep them together. You can fall away from your first love in Jesus and that is a DANGEROUS position to be in.

We are all given the same amount of time... 24 hours each day. If you use it to get close to God, you will grow. If you waste it...

How do we open doors for the devil to come in and persecute us?

When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].

Ephesians 4:26-27 [AMP]

It is not a sin to get angry about something. It is sin to try and vindicate yourself and act on that anger. God is our vindicator. Don't go to bed mad... minister to that person by sowing a seed of forgiveness.

Yes, we have authority over the devil... but we can't yield to the devil one minute and then take authority over him the next. We have to do what the word of God says to keep the door closed to the devil and have victory in our lives. Don't think you can give in to the devil on Monday and act like the devil on Tuesday and then, on Wednesday, try to take authority over him. The Bible doesn't tell us to resist our circumstances. We are to resist the devil. Just resist acting like the devil DURING the circumstance. What should we do in hard times? Remain stable whether you are abased or abounding.

Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Philippians 4:11-13 [AMP]

Learn to endure everything that comes your way with a good temper.

If you forgive anyone anything, I too forgive that one; and what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sakes in the presence [and with the approval] of Christ (the Messiah), To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 [AMP]

A good reason to forgive people is to keep satan from taking advantage over you. When people are constantly getting up in your grill, doing stupid things that just ticks you off, realize that it is not them you need to be mad with, it is satan. The devil makes people trip... so that he can try and make you trip. But when you humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, you can have victory over the devil.

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

Philippians 1:6 [AMP]

If you are a Christian, God saved you and filled you with the Holy Spirit. He gives you all of the weapons that you need to win your battle against the devil.

For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 [AMP]

We have powerful weapons in the spirit that will help us to win the battle. Put them to work to achieve victory in your life! For additional help, check out the following resources by clicking the links below (they are 100% free of charge):

Five Men Who Faced the Roaring Lion

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Roaring Lion

Peter's Battle Plan

PowerHouse

by JesusLover Judy

Power

Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask you to strengthen us with might by your Spirit. We receive your promise of the Holy Spirit-- your power and ability. We ask for the fuller manifestation of the grace and energy of the blessed Spirit of God, in the removal of all that is contrary to your revealed will, so that we will not grieve the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, work in mightier power in the Church, for the exaltation of Christ and the blessings of souls. We need the power of the Holy Spirit working in our personal and business relationships. Amen. (Andrew Murray)

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

Ephesians 6:10 [AMP]

⁴And while being in their company and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised, Of which [He said] you have heard Me speak.
⁸But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.

Acts 1:4, 8 [AMP]

Power to be Me

As a man thinks in his heart so is he. Your thoughts and words are energy, and they reach out to every condition and circumstance of your life. You have the power of choice, and have the ability to take control of your thought life and dislodge all the lies of the enemy. You have the power to be the person God created you to be! Choose to belive that you have received the ability, efficiency, and might when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. God needs you to be a true witness of the Gospel, and you will do this effectively when you are comfortable with who God created you to be. You are unique!

Father, you give power to the weak, and to those who have no might, You increase our strength. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind. You gave me power to trample…over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me in the name of Jesus. Amen.

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].

Isaiah 40:29 [AMP]

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

1 John 4:4 [AMP]

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Luke 10:19 [AMP]

I Can Do All Things

Father, You are the Strength of my life. I am working out my own salvation with reverence, not in my own strength for you are effectually at work in me, energizing and creating in me the power and desire both to will and to work for your good pleasure, satisfaction and delight. I am a new creation in Christ; old things have passed away, and today I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nothing shall be impossible to me in the name of Jesus. Amen.

THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1 [AMP]

¹²Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).
¹³[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

Philippians 2:12-13 [AMP]

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Philippians 4:13 [AMP]

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!

2 Corinthians 5:17 [AMP]

Standing With the Armor of God

In the name of Jesus, I am a child of the Light.

I take unto myself the whole armor of God that I may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand, I stand, having my loins girt about with truth.

Your Word is truth that contains all the weapons of my warfare, which are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.

Jesus, I speak Your Word into every situation, and the entrance of Your word brings light, which dispells the darkness.

Amen

For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light].

Ephesians 5:8 [AMP]

A Fight to the Finish


^10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

^13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Ephesians 6:10-18 [MESSAGE]

We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

2 Corinthians 10:4 [NLT]

Destiny

by JesusLover Judy

God knew you before the foundation of the world, and saw you while you were being formed in your mother's womb. He ordained and appointed you with purpose and destiny. He imparted special grace gifts into your DNA that are necessary for fulfilling His plan as you walk through the stages of life here on earth. You were created for His good pleasure and He rejoices over you with singing. He sent the Holy Spirit to direct you in your obedience and service.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I receive grace and peace which you have multiplied to me in the knowledge of God and of Jesus my Lord. Your divine power has given to me all things that pertain to life and godliness. Your grace gives me the ability to fulfill my destiny - walking in paths you have ordained for me. Your peace directs me and acts as umpire in all my decisions as I walk with confidence and assurance. I thank you for giving me the knowledge of Jesus Christ who called me by glory and virtue, and for giving to me exceedingly great and precious promises that through these I may be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. I live and move and have my being in Jesus Christ my Lord! Amen.

³For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).
⁴By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.

2 Peter 1:3-4 [AMP]

And He gives us the power to live, to move, and to be who we are. “We are His children,” just as some of your poets have said.

Acts 17:28 [CEV]

My Life is in Your Hands

Hallelujah! Oh my soul, praise God! All my life long I'll praise God; sing songs to You as long as I live. I’ll not put my life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, You are life. Instead, my help comes from the God of Jacob; my hope is in You and I’ll know real blessing! Father, I can count on You, You always do what You say....You love all people, and protect strangers, take the side of orphans and widows. God, You are in charge—always. Hallelujah! Amen.

Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God!

All my life long I'll praise God,

singing songs to my God as long as I live.



^3-9 Don't put your life in the hands of experts

who know nothing of life, of salvation life.

Mere humans don't have what it takes;

when they die, their projects die with them.

Instead, get help from the God of Jacob,

put your hope in God and know real blessing!

God made sky and soil,

sea and all the fish in it.

He always does what he says --

he defends the wronged,

he feeds the hungry.

God frees prisoners --

he gives sight to the blind,

he lifts up the fallen.

God loves good people, protects strangers,

takes the side of orphans and widows,

but makes short work of the wicked.



¹⁰ God's in charge--always.

Zion's God is God for good!

Hallelujah!

Psalm 146:1-10 [MESSAGE]

Abiding in the Vine

By Pastor James C. Sanford

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

John 15:4 [NASU]

Abide in Me, and I in you

Abide: To stand fast; remain; go on being (Webster). In the context in which it is used here: To stand fast in love and faith toward Christ; to remain united with Christ without intermission; go on or continue being faithful to Him. Thus Jesus is saying, if you remain in Me, I will remain with you, and will teach, guide, and comfort you. This He proceeds to illustrate by a reference to the vine. If the branch should be cut off an instant, it would die and be fruitless. As long as the branch is attached to the vine the parent stock imparts its juices, and furnishes a constant circulation of sap continuing the growth and fruitfulness of the branch. Thus if a disciple should be separated from Christ, or if he should lax his union to Him and dependence on Him, first the fruit withers and the branch droops and soon dies. While the disciples are united to Him by a living faith, from the nature of the case, strength flows from Him to His disciples, and they receive help as they need. Devotion then is manifested in good works, in love, and self-denial and is as natural, as easy, as unconstrained and as lovely as the vine covered with fruitful branches and is at once enticing and useful.

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 [NASU]

he bears much fruit

This verse is just stating the positive effect of abiding in Christ whereas the previous verse was stating the negative effect of not abiding in Him. In the last clause He re-emphasizes the negative effect thus leading into His next statement.

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

John 15:6 [NASU]

he is thrown away as a branch and dries up

Here we re-visit verse two [He takes away]. Two very controversial statements among Christians. I was reared in a Southern Baptist Church and was taught “once saved always saved.” Their doctrine is based upon the following Scripture:

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

John 10:27-29 [NASU]

My sheep hear My voice,

To hear His voice is to be led by the Spirit. And those who are led by the Spirit are obviously not led into sin. These are the sons of God (Romans 8:14).

and they follow Me

It seems to be that “follow Me” would mean the same as “abide in Me.” These bear the fruit of righteousness and to these He gives eternal life. A willful sinner is not in right standing with God thus he does not and can not bear the fruit of righteousness.

When I was called into the ministry my Lord pointed out a verse of Scripture to me, which stated:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 [NASU]

He impressed upon me that I should teach His people His truths that they may be delivered from destruction. This I vowed to do. Now I believe in the eternal security of the believer, if the one who says he believes is “abiding in” or “following” Christ. But I do not believe that going to church every Saturday (for those who go on the “Sabbath”) or every Sunday (for those who go on the “Lord’s Day”) or just every now and then and living in sin the balance of ones time is following our Lord or “abiding in the vine.” Thus I share the following truths with you that you might not be “destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
As the vine-dresser will remove every unfruitful branch from the vine, so will the Father remove every unfruitful member from the Body of Christ; the rebellious or stubborn, and all false and merely nominal Christians who are attached to the Christ by faith in the word and His divine mission, while they do not live in His life and Spirit, and do not bring forth any fruit to the glory of God. And also every disciple which has been in Him by true faith (Hebrews 6:4-6) but have returned to or have continued to willfully sin, and in so doing, “has trampled under foot the Son of God and treated as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified and has insulted the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29 NAS):” all these “He takes away.”

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:7 [NASU]

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you,

If you remain steadfast in Me through love and faith, and My doctrines and commandments abide in you through devotions and obedience, without intermission, then ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Our Lord requires of His disciples faithfulness from a heart of love.

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

John 15:8 [NASU]

that you bear much fruit,

Jesus bore the fruit of righteousness, thus He glorified His Father. If His disciples bear the same fruit and glorify the Father as He did then they are “abiding in the vine” and are known as His disciples.

Permission Denied

by Brotha DC

The hunter is seeking a soul to drag down
 Down into the pit of destruction

The lion is roaring, new prey he has found
 but only if he has permission

The devil asked for me... but God said, “NO!”
“he's covered by My Blood... you have to go!”
The devil pleaded... he begged... and he cried
Jesus repeated, “Petition Denied!”

The devil is waiting, refuses to quit
Just like a fly that keeps buzzing

he brings his battalion and bag full of tricks
but one little thing he's forgetting

i'm covered by the Blood --
the Blood of Jesus
His Spirit lives within --
that's how He frees us

And everyday i live in the Shadow of the Most High

The flames, they are raging and burning in hell
It's filled to the brim yet, it's growing

The devil desires to throw my soul in
but that's not the way i'll be going

The devil asked for me... but God said, “NO!”
“he's covered by My Blood... you have to go!”
The devil pleaded... he begged... and he cried
Jesus repeated, “Petition Denied!”


I wrote this song while living in Singapore. It is a blessing to know that no matter how much satan wants to kill, steal an destroy... Jesus gives us life to have and to enjoy in abundance, to the full, until it overflows (John 10:10).

³¹Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain,
³²But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.

Luke 22:31-32 [AMP]

HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

Psalm 91:1 [AMP]

Wisdom from Judypie

Where Can You Go?

When Adam sinned he moved from Eden, the garden of light, into spiritual darkness. He was estranged from his Maker. There was no way for him to find his way back. Fear controlled him as he tried to make it on his own. He had no hope, and was in the world without God. BUT GOD! God had a plan to bring his children back to Himself; He sent Jesus to take away the sins of the world. Jesus is the Way to the Father, and you can be reconciled to God. You can choose salvation and become the righteousness of God in Christ. In Him you become a brand new creation; old things pass away and behold all things become new! Where there was fear, now there is faith – faith in an awesome God whose plan for man’s salvation is available to all who will call upon the name of the Lord. Where can you go but to the Lord!

Lord, you are my shield, my glory, and my only hope. You alone can lift my head, now bowed in shame. I cried out to the Lord, and He heard me from His Holy Temple. Then I lay down and slept in peace and woke up safely, for the Lord was watching over me. And now, although ten thousand enemies surround me on every side, I am not afraid. Salvation comes from God. Jesus is my Lord! What joys He gives to all his people. Amen

 ³ But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
      you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
 ⁴ I cried out to the Lord,
      and he answered me from his holy mountain.
                         Interlude
 ⁵ I lay down and slept,
      yet I woke up in safety,
      for the Lord was watching over me.
 ⁶ I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
      who surround me on every side.
 ⁷ Arise, O Lord!
      Rescue me, my God!
   Slap all my enemies in the face!
      Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
 ⁸ Victory comes from you, O Lord.
      May you bless your people.
                         Interlude

Psalm 3:3-8 [NLT]

Affirmation of Confidence

Lord, You are my confidence and will keep my foot from being caught in a trap or hidden danger. I have returned to you and waited for you and I am saved; in quietness and confidence is my strength. In Christ and through faith in him I approach God with freedom and confidence, and I will not throw away my confidence; it will be richly rewarded in the name of Jesus. Amen

 ²⁶ for the LORD will be your confidence
       and will keep your foot from being snared.

Proverbs 3:26 [NIV]

 ¹⁵ This is what the Sovereign Lord,
      the Holy One of Israel, says:
   “Only in returning to me
      and resting in me will you be saved.
   In quietness and confidence is your strength.
      But you would have none of it.

Isaiah 30:15 [NLT]

¹²In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Ephesians 3:12 [NIV]

 ³⁵So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

Hebrews 10:35 [NIV]

Power of Words

O LORD, set a guard over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth. Your words are spirit and life, and I pray that the Word of God may dwell richly in me with all wisdom. Then my words will be seasoned with grace, and my tongue will keep me from calamity, in the name of Jesus. Amen

Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3 [AMP]

It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth; this makes a man unclean and defiles [him].

Matthew 15:11 [AMP]

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it.

Ephesians 4:29 [AMP]

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from troubles.

Proverbs 21:23 [AMP]

God Directs Your Steps

O Lord, I know it is not within my power to map my life and plan my course. I commit my future plans to you – my education, whether I marry or remain single, my career, and my ministry. When I make a decision contrary to your will, correct me with justice, and lead me in paths of righteousness for your name’s sake. Thank you, Lord for directing my steps. Just as a mother and father are thrilled when their children take their first steps, You delight in each step I take. When I walk, my steps will not be hampered; when I run, I will not stumble in the name of Jesus. Amen

 ⁹ In his heart a man plans his course,
       but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 [NIV]

Jeremiah’s Prayer

 ²³ I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own.
      We are not able to plan our own course.

Jeremiah 10:23 [NLT]

 ²³ The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
      He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37:23 [NLT]

 ¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
       when you run, you will not stumble.

Proverbs 4:12 [NIV]

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

⁹and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

Hebrews 5:9 [NIV]

 ¹⁰The 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]

Act on What You Hear

 ^19-21Post 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]

 ^5-8"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]

Jesus Says to YOU...

“Let your heart notice the one who has no Shepherd. The one who has not felt My touch.”

Meditations from Judypie: Power to Live Victoriously

This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! My delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on Your law I habitually meditate (ponder and study) by day and by night. Then I shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water; ready to bring forth fruit in my season; my leaf shall not fade or wither, and everything I do shall prosper and come to maturity. Amen.

This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 [NIV]

But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

Psalm 1:2-3 [AMP]

God wants you to have success in every area of your life. There are spiritual laws that will govern earthly laws if you put them to work. The law of sowing and reaping can be studied while walking through your flower garden or driving through the countryside. When one seed is planted in good soil it will produce many times more. I encourage you to put your sanctified (set apart unto God) imagination to work and meditate on God’s Word concerning finances, healing, relationships, walking in love, following after peace, developing the fruit of the spirit described in Galatians 5. Meditate on things that are worthy of reverence, honorable and seemly, just, pure, lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. As a man thinks in his heart so is he.

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Dreams are seeds of reality – they are the beginning of all your achievements. Obstacles can become stepping stones to success if you believe. Your future is filled with probabilities and possibilities. Jesus said that all things are possible to the person who believes.

Father, You are the Strength of my life. I am working out my own salvation with reverence, not in my own strength for you are effectually at work in me, energizing and creating in me the power and desire both to will and to work for your good pleasure, satisfaction and delight. I am a new creation in Christ; old things have passed away, and today I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nothing shall be impossible to me in the name of Jesus. Amen

THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 21:1 [AMP]

Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

Philippians 2:12-13 [AMP]

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Philippians 4:13 [AMP]

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!

2^nd Corinthians 5:17 [AMP]

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your goodness. In the name of Jesus I cast the whole of my care—all anxieties, worries and concerns—upon You. I know that You love me and care for me, and those for whom I am praying. Today I make all my requests known to You with thanksgiving. I know You hear me, and I believe Your best answers are on the way from the moment I ask. Amen.

O GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

Psalm 136:1 [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]

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 5:7 [AMP]

The names of God reveal his desire to supply your every need.

My life is complete in You, Lord Jesus. Every answer, every need, every solution I have need of is available to me.

• You are Jehovah-Rapha, my Healer
• Jehovah-Nissi, my Victory
• Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider
• You are Jehovah M’Kaddesh, my Sanctifier
• Jehovah-Shalom, my Peace and Security
• My Shepherd, you’re Jehovah-Rohi
• Jehovah-Tsidkenu, my Righteousness
• Jehovah-Shammah, my ever-present Friend

Because I am complete in You, Lord Jesus I can overcome my insecurities and bring maturity and wisdom to every relationship for the good and benefit of others. Amen

And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power].

Colossians 2:10 [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 give power to the weak, and to those who have no might, You increase our strength. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind. You gave me power to trample…over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me in the name of Jesus. Amen.

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].

Isaiah 40:29 [AMP]

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

1^st John 4:4 [AMP]

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Luke 10:19 [AMP]

As a man thinketh in his heart so is he. Your thoughts and words are energy, and they reach out to every condition and circumstance of your life. You have the power of choice, and have the ability to take control of your thought life and dislodge all the lies of the enemy. You have the power to be the person God created you to be! Choose to believe that you have received the ability, efficiency, and might when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. God needs you to be a true witness of the Gospel, and you will do this effectively when you are comfortable with who God created you to be. You are unique!

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!

In The Time of Trouble...

Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom!

Luke 12:32 [AMP]

The Bible says that in the days of trouble, men’s hearts will fail them because of fear. But fear is not your heritage. You are called to be a man (or woman) of faith in the MOST HIGH. So, stop focusing on the bad news and proclaim the Good News that Jesus Christ is Lord!

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Psalm 128:2 [AMP]

A lot of people have become alarmed because their 401k may have lost thousands of dollars. Others because their pay has been cut. Some have experienced all of the above... and more! But fear not, for THE LORD is your God. He will not allow you to be forsaken nor to beg for bread (Psalm 37:24-26).

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].

Proverbs 15:15 [AMP]

Rather than lose sleep over worry and cogitating over all of the bad news that is broadcast 24 hours a day... spend that time worshipping and praising THE LORD your God. He has already walked out your steps and ordered them (Psalm 37:23).

Show me a sign of [Your evident] goodwill and favor, that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because You, Lord, [will show Your approval of me when You] help and comfort me.

Psalm 86:17 [AMP]

There is an old saying that he who laughs last, laughs best. Well... people may be laughing at you now... but don’t be upset over their scorn. THE LORD your God will show you a sign of His evident goodwill and favor. Those who see God’s hand moving on your behalf will have nothing but shame over their despicable behavior... when they see how THE LORD your God helps and comforts you in the times of trouble.

Return to the stronghold [of security and prosperity], you prisoners of hope; even today do I declare that I will restore double your former prosperity to you.

Zechariah 9:12 [AMP]

You may have lost money with the economic downturn... but never lose hope!

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 [NIV]

This is a classic Hebrew blessing that you should repeat over yourself, your spouse, your children... all to whom you wish to keep under the loving watch and care of THE LORD your God.

I shall not die but live, and shall declare the works and recount the illustrious acts of the Lord.

Psalm 118:17 [AMP]

Even though satan wants to kill you, he can’t. Permission denied! You have a job to do... you have to tell people of the love of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So ignore the lies of the devil and continue to live the good life. Or, as Marilyn Hickey says... let the word of God live big on the inside of you!

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Luke 10:19 [AMP]

You have power over all that satan has in his arsenal. Walk as the mighty man or woman of God that you are and overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony. Put the above scriptures in your heart and recite them out of your mouth. You will notice the difference in your life!

Authority With Power

Power is the ability or capacity to perform or act effectively (Encarta).

In the Holy Scripture the word power is sometimes used in conjunction with the word authority; and they are sometimes used interchangeably.

According to Encarta authority is: the right and power to enforce laws, exact obedience, to command, determine or judge.

Thus we see authority as being the moral and the legal right or privilege to act.

When the two words, power and authority, are used together it speaks of not only having the strength and ability or capacity to perform but also having the moral and legal right to do so.

The two basic forms of authority are intrinsic authority (belonging to one’s essential nature) and derived authority (given to one from another source). Authority with power belongs to the essential nature of God.

“yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.”
(1^st Corinthians 8:6)

We are taught in the following Scripture that even the governments of the world exist under God’s authority and power.

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”
(Romans 13:1 NASU)

Therefore since “there is no authority except from God,” every kind of authority other than that of God Himself is derived and therefore secondary or subject to His authority. So it must be that even Jesus receives authority from the Father.

“So Jesus said, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him’.”
(John 8:28-29 NASU)

[When you lift up the Son of Man]

In this scripture it seems that Christ is saying, When you have crucified Me, and completed the measure of your iniquities, then you will know that I am the Christ, the one to whom the Father has granted authority with power, by the signs that shall follow; and you will know that what I spoke is true, also by the judgments that follow.

[then you will know that I am He]

Note in your bibles that the word “he” is in italics meaning that the translators added this word. Without the addition of the word “he” it would read---then you will know that I am. It is believed by some that our Lord here, and in other Scripture in the book of John, is alluding to the fact that He is the Great I Am.

[and I do nothing on My own initiative]

This is faith demonstrated; He does nothing on His own---He must hear from the Father first----thus He knows the will of the Father and then He is obedient to do His will.

[but I speak these things as the Father taught Me]

He speaks only what He has heard from the Father, thus He is a manifestation or He makes known the will and ways of the Father. He is taught truth from the only source of truth; thus His teachings are from the “Rock,” the very foundation of all creation and the wellspring of life.

And,

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.”
(Colossians 1:15-20 NASU)

And the Apostle Paul writes, “But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ” (1^st Corinthians 11:3 NASU).

[God is the head of Christ]

This is God’s ordained order; His chain of command established for the governing of His creation. The use of the word “head” in this Scripture denotes authority; hence the Apostle is indicating that God is the intrinsic authority over His Son, and His Son has authority derived from Him over every man, and the man has derived authority from Christ over a woman.

In the following Scripture Jesus’ authority and power is demonstrated in His teachings and in His ability to cast out or command unclean spirits.

“They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him’.” (Mark 1:27 NASU)

He not only has authority over “unclean spirits” but also has authority to heal the sick and to forgive sins.

"But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" — then He said to the paralytic, ‘Get up, pick up your bed and go home.’ And he got up and went home. But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men (Matthew 9:6-8 NASU).”

Jesus gives authority to His disciples that they might experience the power that He has given them to preach His gospel.

“Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. And He was saying to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house. Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ I say to you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city’.”
(Luke 10:1-12 NASU)

The disciples return successful in their ministry.

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’ And He said to them, ‘I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven’.”
(Luke 10:17-20 NASU)

In another account in the Scriptures Jesus gives authority and power to the twelve; and they were able to do all things that He did.

“Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.” (Matthew 10:1 NASU)

After His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection Jesus proclaims His authority before commissioning His disciples.

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’”
(Matthew 28:18 NASU)

And then he commissions His disciples to preach the gospel that through it He might build His church.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’.”
(Matthew 28:19-20 NASU)

The following Scripture gives an account of Jesus giving authority before His crucifixion to His soon to be apostles.

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.’ Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ.”
(Matthew 16:13-20 NASU)

[I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven]

In the Old Testament keys belong to the steward of the house, the trusted servant, the one that the master has chosen to care for the household affairs. In Isaiah the prophet foresees a day when the false steward will be removed and a true steward will be entrusted with the care of Jerusalem. The symbol is used by Isaiah as he says, “I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David (Isaiah 22:22 NIV).” In addition to the obvious suggestion of authority given to the new steward, the passage also suggests that the keys are symbols of trust and responsibility.

Keys as actual physical objects appear only rarely in Scripture, yet metaphorically they form an important reoccurring theme that runs between the Old Testament and New. As a motif, keys have long been recognized as symbols of power and authority, yet the image has more subtle overtones as well. Keys symbolize authority because they are given to those who are judged trustworthy, and a key is a relatively small thing compared to that which it opens. Thus keys as symbols suggest something of authority, power, mystery and exclusivity.

Jesus says keys, meaning many, thus there must be many keys of the kingdom of God. Peter had demonstrated his faith when he proclaimed by the key of revelation knowledge that Jesus is the son of the “living God (v. 16).” Thus by the key of faith he was proven trustworthy. The gospel is the key of knowledge that unlocks the prisons of darkness and sets men’s souls free. Thus the gospel is the key that is entrusted to men of faith such as Peter; this is the key of the kingdom of God.

For the one who gives the keys, they are symbols of trust and belief in the character of the steward. For the one who receives the keys, they are symbols of responsibility.

Further Scripture evidence that the word “keys” is used symbolically as authority and power is found in the book of Luke.

“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you yourselves did not enter, and you hindered those who were entering.”
(Luke 11:52 NASU)

The lawyers had taken away the key of knowledge or rather seated themselves in the position of responsibility of teaching the Scripture. Thus they were responsible for giving the key of knowledge to the people. Jesus speaks of knowledge as being a key to enter the kingdom of heaven as He rebuked the lawyers (scribes) for with holding knowledge from the people. The key controls access. The lawyers should have used their offices to gain knowledge and to unlock that knowledge for others; they were stewards of the truth. Because they did not fulfill, but rather abused their duties, it is implied that the key has been taken away.

These lawyers are proto-types of some of today’s pastors, teachers and etc. that have seated themselves in the position of teaching the Scriptures. They have taken the key of knowledge and put their own prosperity twist on it for personal gain. They have abused their self imposed duties and lost site of saving knowledge, thus the key has been taken away from them and they have resorted to “ear tickling;” they will be judged for their deeds.

After entrusting the keys of the kingdom of heaven to His apostles He would also equip them with power. He was crucified and His blood was shed for the many, He was resurrected by the power of God and just before His ascending into heaven Jesus promises this same power to the church.

And appearing to His apostles at the Mount of Olives,

“He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”
(Acts 1:7-8 NASU)

Seven days after His ascending the divine order for the church was completed. The Church receives the Holy Spirit of promise with great power. A congregation of people, great or small, without the presents of the Holy Spirit is no more than a social gathering.

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:1-4 NASU).”

By the Spirit they began to speak boldly with power and authority of the mighty deeds of God. There were thousands of people there from many different nations, speaking many different languages. The Holy Spirit came in the form of many tongues, a symbol of the Spirit speaking many different languages. As the Spirit spoke through the apostles the ears of the elect in the multitude were quickened and caused to hear in their own language. As they spoke of the identity of Christ and His work on the cross and the peoples need for repentance and of the saving power of faith toward the Son of the Living God three thousand souls were added to the church that day.

After the Day of Pentecost they continued to preach the good news of salvation through faith in the Messiah who had given His life in their stead. They, by the power of the Spirit that had come upon them, performed miracles of healing, cast out demons, raised the dead and caused the lame to walk and the blind to see as they ministered to the needs of the people. They were, by the same Spirit, the body of Christ in the earth. Like their master before them they were pursued by the enemies of truth, beaten and thrown into prison, persecuted and slain for the cause of Christ. They met in secret to worship and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and they went out in obedience to His commands. Like their Savior before them they were mocked, cursed and their blood shed for the benefit of the masses. This was the beginning of the building of the church of the Living God.

But it was not long before the spirit of the Scribes who taught false doctrines crept into the church deluding the minds and souls of many. The legalistic spirit of the Pharisees also entered the church, again putting the burden of ritualistic worship on the people. And the spirit of unbelief that belonged to Sadducees stormed the gates of the church. The message being preached is a twisted version of the gospel that appeals to the flesh. False teachers have filled the pulpits preaching a self-help message and a watered down version of the true gospel. These men filled with these deceptive evil spirits have preyed upon the hearts of the multitude. Thus the modern church has been filled with people who have sought the cross in vain because the gospel they heard has no saving power. Because of such false teachings the “visible so called church” has a form of godliness but denies the power thereof, thus the power and the keys have been taken away; it has become an apostate church, a fallen away church. The judgment of this “church” is drawing near and when it comes the fall of the apostate church will be great.

But take heart dear ones for there is a true Church; a Church of true believers; a people who have been bought by the blood of the slain Christ. It is a Church that has survived the onslaught of the enemy; a remnant of people God has reserved for Himself; a Church of power and authority. It is not a social gathering or majestic buildings with stained glass windows and steeples reaching toward the sky; all designed for the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the boastful pride of life. It is a Church of Spirit filled people who have laid down their lives for the cause of Christ; a Church with a history of martyrdom, a people who are obedient even unto death; a Church that is a pillow and support of God’s truth. It is a Church ministering to the needs of the people with authority and power. When the judgment of the apostate church comes and the tares are removed the Church built by our Lord will be revealed in all its glory. To this Church our Lord has given authority to rule.

“He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
(Revelation 2:26-29 NASU)

James C Sanford

The Power of the Gospel

The word “gospel” is used quite frequently in the New Testament therefore we thought it to be beneficial to explore its meaning. First we begin with a paragraph from Nelson’s Bible Dictionary.

“In the second century, the word gospel came to be used for certain writings in which the "good news" or story of Jesus Christ was told. These writings were written in the first century, but they became known as ‘gospels’ much later. Mark was the first to write such a story (Mark 1:1), and in so doing he invented a literary form that we call a ‘gospel.’ The New Testament has four versions of the one gospel: the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.” (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Nelson’s Bible Dictionary also tells us that the Greek word translated “gospel” means “good news.” This is the definition of the word “gospel” upon which we will base our brief study.

The “good news” is not news of a “new plan of salvation,” nor does it announce Jesus as “new Savior,” but the good news is about the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption for mankind. Jesus came as an evangelist or messenger bearing the good news; but He is much more than a messenger of the gospel, He is the gospel!!! The good news of God was present in His life, in His teaching, and His atoning death. God had his plan in place before the fall of man, but it had been kept a mystery (Romans 16:25-27) until it was fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah and announced by Him.

“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed me to preach the gospel {good news} to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord. And He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed upon Him. And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing’.” (Luke 4:16-21 NAS)

In announcing the gospel Jesus proclaimed, “the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me.” This anointing of the Spirit of the Father was His credentials, and by the Spirit of the Father He would speak with authority and power. His words and deeds would loose the captives, cause the blind to see, and set free the oppressed. And He would declare, “Today is the day of salvation (Hebrews 3:7),” now is “the favorable year of the Lord.”

As we examine our Lord’s words we think, maybe Jesus was speaking of the financially poor, but He was likely speaking of the spiritually poor as well. The good news was further proclaimed and explained by Jesus when speaking with the financially wealthy Nicodemus (John 3:1). When Nicodemus came to Jesus he was spiritually bankrupt. Even though he was a teacher of the Law and the Prophets (John 3:10) he did not have access to the wealth of the kingdom of God. The mystery of God’s plan was first revealed while Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus. This mystery was the concept of a new birth for man.

And Jesus said to him,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

And then He explained the “Law of the Spirit of life (John 3:5-8; Romans 8:1-2);” and He also spoke of His Father’s love for mankind and of His sacrificial death (John 3:14-17). Through the preaching of the good news of the possibility of a new birth to Nicodemus, He provided him with the enlightenment to enter the kingdom of heaven and to the wealth therein, if he would believe (John 1:4). Thus we see that the gospel is for the financially wealthy as well as the poor. Although He tells us it is more difficult for the rich to enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:23-24), His word also teaches us that He is no respecter of persons {Galatians 3:28-29}; salvation is for all who believe (John 3:16).

When He spoke of the captives His gospel was a proclamation of liberty, like that to Israel in Egypt and in Babylon. When Israel went into Egypt they were a small company of peoples, about seventy-five souls (Acts 7:14). They were there four hundred and thirty years. During that time they became a large nation of people enslaved to the Egyptians, but all of them were born into that enslavement and did not know any other life. They were blind, miserable, poor and downtrodden and in darkness (ignorance), without a way of escape. In this we see a likeness of the people of today, born into and guilty of sin, born enslaved, bound by the chains of darkness (ignorance); for these there is the gospel {the enlightenment}, the good news concerning Jesus. By the merit of Christ, the Living Word of God, these captives may be loosed from the bonds of darkness and of guilt, and by his Spirit and grace from the bondage of corruption. It is a deliverance from the worst of servitude or slavery, which all those shall have the benefit of that are willing to believe and submit to Christ as their Head (Ephesians 1:18-23), and are willing to be ruled by Him.

And so the gospel, or good news, is of the saving work of God in His Son Jesus Christ and it is also a call to faith in Him.

The Apostle Paul exclaims,

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 NAS)

[For I am not ashamed of the gospel,]

Isaiah 28:16 & 49:23 best illustrates this text, quoted by the apostle: “For the Scripture says, ‘whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed (ashamed)’.” (Romans10:11 NASU)

Having turned his back on his own method of salvation by the works of the law and turning to Christ, seeking God’s method of salvation, which is by faith, states he has no fear of shame--that is--he has no fear of embarrassment, disgrace or disappointment for his confidence and trust for salvation is in the good news of the accomplishments of Christ in His work on the cross of Calvary and His subsequent resurrection from the dead. The Apostle boldly declares the power of God’s word; for he himself has experienced salvation and a personal relationship with his Savior (Acts 9:3-6). Thus he proclaims with certainty that the anointed preaching of the gospel has the power to cause the ear of the dead souls in sin to hear, and the power to bring faith to the hearer (Romans 10:17).

And of this faith he says,

“For in it (the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘But the righteous man shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16 NAS)

The gospel not only reveals the trustworthiness, integrity, faithfulness, the holiness and the righteousness of God but also His method of salvation. And it is those who are of faith in Jesus, the Word of God, that are by grace “reckoned” as righteous before God (Ephesians 2:4-10). This faith we speak of is NOT an intellectual agreement to a theoretical truth; it is a gift from God. Thus faith is hearing Him, believing Him and obeying Him from a pure heart of love. Faith by any other definition is not faith at all; any other faith is a speculative faith based upon a theoretical and false gospel, or rather it is no gospel at all (2^nd Corinthians 11:4), and has no saving power.

And so we conclude our brief look at the word “gospel” with these thoughts. The gospel is NOT a biography intended to provide information about a historical character. It is the evangelical proclamation of the life of Jesus and His saving power through faith; God’s only method of salvation for mankind. Thus the gospel is both “good news” and a call to faith. It is a message of God’s gift of His Son in the atonement for sin. The good news is the anointed message of our Father’s love, mercy and grace brought to us by His beloved Son. The gospel--the power of God unto salvation.

James C Sanford

Authority with Power

Power is the ability or capacity to perform or act effectively (Encarta). In the Holy Scripture the word power is sometimes used in conjunction with the word authority; and they are sometimes used interchangeably.

According to Encarta authority is: the right and power to enforce laws, exact obedience, to command, determine or judge.

Thus we see authority as being the moral and the legal right or privilege to act.

When the two words, power and authority, are used together it speaks of not only having the strength and ability or capacity to perform but also having the moral and legal right to do so.

The two basic forms of authority are intrinsic authority (belonging to one's essential nature) and derived authority (given to one from another source). Authority with power belongs to the essential nature of God.

“yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him (1 Cor. 8:6).”

We are taught in the following Scripture that even the governments of the world exist under God’s authority and power.

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God (Rom. 13:1 NASU).”

Therefore since “there is no authority except from God,” every kind of authority other than that of God Himself is derived and therefore secondary or subject to His authority. So it must be that even Jesus receives authority from the Father.

“So Jesus said, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him’ (John 8:28-29 NASU.”

[When you life up the Son of Man]

In this scripture it seems that Christ is saying, When you have crucified Me, and completed the measure of your iniquities, then you will know that I am the Christ, the one to whom the Father has granted authority with power, by the signs that shall follow; and you will know that what I spoke is true, also by the judgments that follow.

[then you will know that I am He]

Note in your bibles that the word “he” is in italics meaning that the translators added this word. Without the addition of the word “he” it would read---then you will know that I am. It is believed by some that our Lord here, and in other Scripture in the book of John, is alluding to the fact that He is the Great I Am.

[and I do nothing on My own initiative]

This is faith demonstrated; He does nothing on His own---He must hear from the Father first----thus He knows the will of the Father and then He is obedient to do His will.

[but I speak these things as the Father taught Me]

He speaks only what He has heard from the Father, thus He is a manifestation or He makes known the will and ways of the Father. He is taught truth from the only source of truth; thus His teachings are from the “Rock,” the very foundation of all creation and the wellspring of life.

And,

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven (Col. 1:15-20 NASU).”

And the Apostle Paul writes, “But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ (1Cor. 11:3 NASU).”

[God is the head of Christ]

This is God’s ordained order; His chain of command established for the governing of His creation. The use of the word “head” in this Scripture denotes authority; hence the Apostle is indicating that God is the intrinsic authority over His Son, and His Son has authority derived from Him over every man, and the man has derived authority from Christ over a woman.

In the following Scripture Jesus’ authority and power is demonstrated in His teachings and in His ability to cast out or command unclean spirits.

“They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him’ (Mark 1:27 NASU)."

He not only has authority over “unclean spirits” but also has authority to heal the sick and to forgive sins.

"But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" — then He said to the paralytic, ‘Get up, pick up your bed and go home.’ And he got up and went home. But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men (Matt. 9:6-8 NASU).”

Jesus gives authority to His disciples that they might experience the power that He has given them to preach His gospel.

“Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. And He was saying to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house. Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' I say to you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city’ (Luke 10”1-12 NASU).”

The disciples return successful in their ministry.

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’ And He said to them, ‘I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven’ (Luke 10:17-20 NASU)."

In another account in the Scriptures Jesus gives authority and power to the twelve; and they were able to do all things that He did.

“Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness (Matt. 10:1 NASU).”

After His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection Jesus proclaims His authority before commissioning His disciples.

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18 NASU)

And then he commissions His disciples to preach the gospel that through it He might build His church.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’ (Matt. 28:19-20 NASU)."

The following Scripture gives an account of Jesus giving authority before His crucifixion to His soon to be apostles.

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." 20 Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ (Matt. 16:13-20 NASU).”

[I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven]

In the Old Testament keys belong to the steward of the house, the trusted servant, the one that the master has chosen to care for the household affairs. In Isaiah the prophet foresees a day when the false steward will be removed and a true steward will be entrusted with the care of Jerusalem. The symbol is used by Isaiah as he says, “I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David (Isa 22:22 NIV).” In addition to the obvious suggestion of authority given to the new steward, the passage also suggests that the keys are symbols of trust and responsibility.

Keys as actual physical objects appear only rarely in Scripture, yet metaphorically they form an important reoccurring theme that runs between the Old Testament and New. As a motif, keys have long been recognized as symbols of power and authority, yet the image has more subtle overtones as well. Keys symbolize authority because they are given to those who are judged trustworthy, and a key is a relatively small thing compared to that which it opens. Thus keys as symbols suggest something of authority, power, mystery and exclusivity.

Jesus says keys, meaning many, thus there must be many keys of the kingdom of God. Peter had demonstrated his faith when he proclaimed by the key of revelation knowledge that Jesus is the son of the “living God (v. 16).” Thus by the key of faith he was proven trustworthy. The gospel is the key of knowledge that unlocks the prisons of darkness and sets men’s souls free. Thus the gospel is the key that is entrusted to men of faith such as Peter; this is the key of the kingdom of God.

For the one who gives the keys, they are symbols of trust and belief in the character of the steward. For the one who receives the keys, they are symbols of responsibility.

Further Scripture evidence that the word “keys” is used symbolically as authority and power is found in the book of Luke.

“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you yourselves did not enter, and you hindered those who were entering (Luke 11:52 NASU).”

The lawyers had taken away the key of knowledge or rather seated themselves in the position of responsibility of teaching the Scripture. Thus they were responsible for giving the key of knowledge to the people. Jesus speaks of knowledge as being a key to enter the kingdom of heaven as He rebuked the lawyers (scribes) for with holding knowledge from the people. The key controls access. The lawyers should have used their offices to gain knowledge and to unlock that knowledge for others; they were stewards of the truth. Because they did not fulfill, but rather abused their duties, it is implied that the key has been taken away.

These lawyers are proto-types of some of today’s pastors, teachers and etc. who have seated themselves in the position of teaching the Scriptures. They have taken the key of knowledge and put their own twist on it for personal gain. They have abused their self imposed duties and lost site of saving knowledge, thus the key has been taken away from them and they have resorted to “ear tickling;” they will be judged for their deeds.

After entrusting the keys of the kingdom of heaven to His apostles He would also equip them with power. He was crucified and His blood was shed for the many, He was resurrected by the power of God and just before His ascending into heaven Jesus promises this same power to the church.

And appearing to His apostles at the Mount of Olives, “He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:7-8 NASU).”

Ten days after His ascending the divine order for the church was completed. The Church receives the Holy Spirit of promise with great power. A congregation of people great or small without the presents of the Holy Spirit is reduced to no more than a social gathering.

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:1-4 NASU).”

By the Spirit they began to speak boldly with power and authority of the mighty deeds of God. There were thousands of people there from many different nations, speaking many different languages. The Holy Spirit came in the form of many tongues, a symbol of the Spirit speaking many different languages. As the Spirit spoke through the apostles the ears of the elect in the multitude were quickened and caused to hear in their on language. As they spoke of the identity of Christ and His work on the cross and the peoples need for repentance and of the saving power of faith toward the Son of the Living God three thousand souls were added to the church that day.

After the Day of Pentecost they continued to preach the good news of salvation through faith in the Messiah who had given His life in their stead. They, by the power of the Spirit that had come upon them, performed miracles of healing, cast out demons, raised the dead and caused the lame to walk and the blind to see as they ministered to the needs of the people. They were, by the same Spirit, the body of Christ in the earth. Like their master before them they were pursued by the enemies of truth, beaten and thrown into prison, persecuted and slain for the cause of Christ. They met in secret to worship and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and they went out in obedience to His commands. Like their Savior before them they were mocked, cursed and their blood shed for the benefit of the masses. This was the beginning of the building of the church of the Living God.

But it was not long before the spirit of the Scribes who taught false doctrines crept into the church deluding the minds and souls of many. The legalistic spirit of the Pharisees also entered the church, again putting the burden of ritualistic worship on the people. And the spirit of unbelief that belonged to Sadducees stormed the gates of the church. The message being preached is a twisted version of the gospel that appeals to the flesh. False teachers have filled the pulpits preaching a self help message and a watered down version of the true gospel. These men filled with these deceptive evil spirits have preyed upon the hearts of the multitude. Thus the modern church has been filled with people who have sought the cross in vain because the gospel they heard has no saving power. Because of such false teachings the “visible so called church” has a form of godliness but denies the power thereof, thus the power and the keys have been taken away; it has become an apostate church, a fallen away church. The judgment of this “church” is drawing near and when it comes the fall of the apostate church will be great.

But take heart dear ones for there is a true Church; a Church of true believers; a people who have been bought by the blood of the slain Christ. It is a Church that has survived the onslaught of the enemy; a remnant of people God has reserved for Himself; a Church of power and authority. It is not a social gathering or majestic buildings with stained glass windows and steeples reaching toward the sky; all designed for the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the boastful pride of life. It is a Church of Spirit filled people who have laid down their lives for the cause of Christ; a Church with a history of martyrdom, a people who are obedient even unto death; a Church that is a pillow and support of God’s truth. It is a Church ministering to the needs of the people with authority and power. When the judgment of the apostate church comes and the tares are removed the Church built by our Lord will be revealed in all its glory. To this Church our Lord has given authority to rule.

“He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON,AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev.2:26-29 NASU).'

James C Sanford