Dig One Ditch, You Better Dig Two. The Trap You Set, It’s For You...

Reviewing our audio teaching, “Defender” reveals powerful forces available to those who are children of the Most High.

^1-2 So the king and Haman went to dinner with Queen Esther. At this second dinner, while they were drinking wine the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what would you like? Half of my kingdom! Just ask and it’s yours.”
 ³ Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your eyes, O King, and if it please the king, give me my life, and give my people their lives.
 ⁴ “We’ve been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed—sold to be massacred, eliminated. If we had just been sold off into slavery, I wouldn’t even have brought it up; our troubles wouldn’t have been worth bothering the king over.”
 ⁵ King Xerxes exploded, “Who? Where is he? This is monstrous!”
 ⁶ “An enemy. An adversary. This evil Haman,” said Esther.
    Haman was terror-stricken before the king and queen.
 ^7-8 The king, raging, left his wine and stalked out into the palace garden.
    Haman stood there pleading with Queen Esther for his life—he could see that the king was finished with him and that he was doomed. As the king came back from the palace garden into the banquet hall, Haman was groveling at the couch on which Esther reclined. The king roared out, “Will he even molest the queen while I’m just around the corner?”
    When that word left the king’s mouth, all the blood drained from Haman’s face.
 ⁹ Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, spoke up: “Look over there! There’s the gallows that Haman had built for Mordecai, who saved the king’s life. It’s right next to Haman’s house—seventy-five feet high!”
    The king said, “Hang him on it!”
 ¹⁰ So Haman was hanged on the very gallows that he had built for Mordecai. And the king’s hot anger cooled.

Esther 7 [MSG]

Esther was a Jewish young woman who became the wife of the King of Persia. No one knew her ethnic heritage or lineage. So, when Haman (who thought himself to be in tight with the king) decided he wanted to kill all of the Jews, he came face to face with the reality that he had declared war against the King’s beloved bride.  Not only that... Haman wanted to kill Esther’s cousin, Mordecai.  He even built a 75-foot tall gallows to hang Mordecai on.  But Mordecai was not only the closest living relative to the Queen, he had previously saved the King from an assassination plot.  Haman built a gallows to hang Mordecai... but wound up being hung on his own gallows.

This is another indicator that the scriptures are true that say:

He who digs a pit [for others] will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a fence or a [stone] wall, a serpent will bite him.

Ecclesiastes 10:8 [AMP]

Whoever digs a pit [for another man's feet] shall fall into it himself, and he who rolls a stone [up a height to do mischief], it will return upon him.

Proverbs 26:27 [AMP]

God has promised to protect His children. God is your Defender. Don’t worry about people who try to persecute you. Keep an attitude of gratitude. Remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength. You don’t need to fight your battles. God is your defender.  Thanks to Pastor Lon Solomon for his great teachings that inspire our work.

If you need reassurance of God as your defense, listen to our audio teaching, “Defender”.

Cast Your Cares Upon the Lord

One of the most popular search items on the internet is some variation of casting your cares upon the Lord.

Apparently, a lot of people are having severe troubles in their lives and are looking for a way to get relief from those problems.  They could be dealing with:

• Financial problems
• Fear of terrorist attacks
• Unemployment
• Bad relationships

If you are seeking in this area, know that the answer is as close as your Bible.

St. Peter tells us, in his first epistle:

⁶Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
⁷Casting 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.
⁸Be 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.

1 Peter 5:6-8 [AMP]

Whatever is bothering you... whatever is taking your sleep away... whatever is driving your blood pressure upwards... whatever seems an insurmountable obstacle... just humble yourself under God’s mighty hand.

You can’t handle it yourself... so why even deceive yourself by thinking that you are big and bad and tough enough to handle it?  Just take it to the throne of Almighty God (who loves you more than you could ever comprehend) and let Him deal with it... and then keep your eyes open so that satan can’t harm you.




By the way, you can listen to the original Cast Your Cares Upon the Lord podcast using the audio control below:



Germaine Copeland of Word Ministries wrote the following:

The human body and central nervous system cannot tolerate the burden of worry, fretting, and anxiety. This type of burden causes a chemical imbalance in your DNA and interferes with the production of necessary hormones for physical, mental and emotional health. Worry is probably the major cause of sickness. The Holy Spirit taught me to cast all my burdens on the Lord during a crucial time in my life. I chose not to worry and declared that God cared for me and my household. The Holy Spirit taught me how to take off my cares and lay them on the Lord. I approached God boldly in prayer and read His Word aloud to myself until worry subsided. Today I teach classes on Overcoming Worry, but find that some Christians are determined to worry and have their anxiety attacks. The choice is yours. You can lug around the worries and cares or you can talk to the Lord about any situation whether it is financial, marriage relationship, the death of a loved one, or children gone astray. Choose to cast the care of any circumstance that is causing you to worry over on the Lord because He cares for you.

That about says it all, doesn’t it? Worry makes you sick. Worry makes you physically weak. Worry makes you spiritually weak. Worry is like faith in reverse... rather than believing God for the victory, you are believing your problems for defeat. How about making a decision to exorcise worry from your life, once and for all?

Have you ever said, “That person gets on my nerves” or possibly had someone say that about you? Well… if people are getting on your nerves, don’t worry. Judypie has a meditation to deal with that too! Just pray this prayer:

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. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Psalm 25
A Psalm of David

^1-2 My head is high, God, held high; I'm looking to you, God;
No hangdog skulking for me.

³ I've thrown in my lot with you;
You won't embarrass me, will you?
Or let my enemies get the best of me?
Don't embarrass any of us
Who went out on a limb for you.
It's the traitors who should be humiliated.

⁴ Show me how you work, God;
School me in your ways.

⁵ Take me by the hand;
Lead me down the path of truth.
You are my Savior, aren't you?

⁶ Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God;
Rebuild the ancient landmarks!

⁷ Forget that I sowed wild oats;
Mark me with your sign of love.
Plan only the best for me, God!

⁸ God is fair and just;
He corrects the misdirected,
Sends them in the right direction.

⁹ He gives the rejects his hand,
And leads them step-by-step.

¹⁰ From now on every road you travel
Will take you to God.
Follow the Covenant signs;
Read the charted directions.

¹¹ Keep up your reputation, God;
Forgive my bad life;
It's been a very bad life.

¹² My question: What are God-worshipers like?
Your answer: Arrows aimed at God's bull's-eye.

¹³ They settle down in a promising place;
Their kids inherit a prosperous farm.

¹⁴ God-friendship is for God-worshipers;
They are the ones he confides in.

¹⁵ If I keep my eyes on God,
I won't trip over my own feet.

¹⁶ Look at me and help me!
I'm all alone and in big trouble.

¹⁷ My heart and kidneys are fighting each other;
Call a truce to this civil war.

¹⁸ Take a hard look at my life of hard labor,
Then lift this ton of sin.

¹⁹ Do you see how many people
Have it in for me?
How viciously they hate me?

²⁰ Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble;
Don't let me down when I run to you.

²¹ Use all your skill to put me together;
I wait to see your finished product.

²² God, give your people a break
From this run of bad luck.

Psalm 25 [MESSAGE]

Fear is a Killer

We listen to Pastor Gregory Dickow each week and are impressed by his 40 day fast from wrong thinking. It has nothing to do with not eating... but it has a lot to do with not worrying! Free your mind... and the rest will follow!

With the economy in the worst condition since the 1930’s, people have been killing themselves. Even worst, and as a first, some have murdered their spouse and children before taking their own life. Why? Because of fear of the consequences of the economic downturn. Hey folks, fear is a killer! Jesus Himself said so:

Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter.

Luke 21:26 [AMP]

Although it is one thing for people to be so afraid that they faint or drop dead... it is another to take a gun, knife, or bottle of pills and do the job yourself.

Or, even worse... to do harm to innocent family members. The sad truth is that satan is trying to draw souls into hell by causing them to deny the salvation freely offered by Jesus and choosing to handle their problems themselves.

If you have a friend or a family member who is going through some difficulty because of the pressures of this life and the world system that is turning upside down on itself, you can help by having them slam some of the word of God into their iPod or MP3 player.

Suicide is not the answer... it only opens the door for problems your loved ones will spend their lives dealing with... and if you don’t know Christ as your Savior, you will have an eternity to deal with it!

Wisdom from Judypie

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]

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]

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]

Get Your Praise On and Get it Right

by Reverend M. Sylvia Ball

¹²What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? [How can I repay Him for all His bountiful dealings?]
¹³I will lift up the cup of salvation and deliverance and call on the name of the Lord.
¹⁴I will pay my vows to the Lord, yes, in the presence of all His people.

Psalm 116:12-14 [AMP]

Spiritual Warfare

Yesterday I had one of those days.  Not a bad day, an incredibly good day.  The bad day was the day before when the enemy did a sneak attack.

Warfare is never wanted but in this case, it was unwanted and unexpected.  So, after a couple of sleepless nights I decided to practice what I preach and teach.

I made a conscious choice to catch the negative thoughts and exchange them for a word of thanksgiving and praise. Now, this was not easy to do; it had to be intentional.

Over time, however, something amazing happened.  I experienced an incredible peace, calmness and joy deep down in my soul.

From Stressed to Blessed

I can’t tell you when I made the shift from feeling stressed to feeling blessed.  All I know is that it happened.  And when I realized that my stress was gone, somehow a simple “thank you Lord” seemed so inadequate.

What about you? Have you experienced a time when you were so completely overwhelmed with the goodness of God that you found it hard to articulate your thanks?  Intuitively, we recognize that God wants us to maintain an attitude of gratitude.

It is good to praise the LORD
       and make music to your name, O Most High,

Psalm 92:1 [NIV]

In Psalm 50:14, Asaph reminds us:

Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
       fulfill your vows to the Most High,

Psalm 50:14 [NIV]

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Thessalonians 5:18 to maintain a constant state of thankfulness.   We are to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].

Thessalonians 5:18 [AMP]

In Romans 8:28, he reminds us that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Romans 8:28 [AMP]

When we experience emotions that encompass wonder, love and gratitude beyond words, maybe GOD is not so much looking for our words, but our actions.

In Psalm 116:12-14, the Psalmist, recalls the goodness of the Lord, searching out personal ways to show his gratitude. He asked; Lord, how can I praise you in a way that articulates my thanksgiving and most importantly, please you?  He wants to get it right. 

If you, like me, are wondering how to go beyond the WORDS of thanksgiving, if you want to get your praise on and get it right, the text shares three things for us to consider.

Think on God’s Goodness

The Psalmist says in verse 13, I will lift up the cup of salvation.  In Biblical times, the cup was symbolic of a person’s lot or fate in life.  Whatever God allowed to happen; whatever situation they found themselves in, they would think about it in light of God’s wonderful salvation.

Taking time to thank God for his goodness is a discipline that many of us find difficult to cultivate and maintain.  We are such busy Christians.  Wearing various hats and operating in different roles.  We are spouses, parents, care-takers, ministry leaders, employees, community service workers, students.  The list goes on and on and many of us wear our busyness as badge of honor.  We rush home, to work and to church, often arriving late, unable to resist sharing just how busy we are for the Lord. 

God did not call us to busyness, but he does call us to a time of meditation, a time of reflection.  “Be still, and know that I am God,” (Psalm 46:10a NIV).  This is a paradigm shift, from focusing on what we have done for God; it’s about what God has done for us.  Take time to think about God’s goodness.  Block out today’s “to-do” list, tomorrow’s challenges and yesterday’s successes and failures and spend time thinking about God’s goodness, this great salvation.

• Think about the fact that we needed to be saved.
• Just as a murderer needs a lawyer...
• Just as a drowning person needs a lifeguard...
• Just as a sick person needs a doctor...
• We were sinners and we needed to be saved.
• Think about the fact that God “worked our salvation with his own arm (see Isaiah 59:16).
• Think about the fact that we are redeemed with the blood Jesus, adopted into His family.
• Think about God’s saving and sustaining grace.
• Think about the fact that we were chosen by Him.  We are “picked-people.”
• Think about how our salvation is secure and we are sealed, in Him.
• Think about how God consistently delivers, protects and shields.

What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for me? (Psalm 8:5 NIV).  This is how we can begin to get our praise on, simply thinking on the goodness of the Lord. 

After a time of thinking on the goodness of the Lord, the psalmist tells us that the natural outflow of our thinking will be calling on the name of the Lord. An involuntary utterance unto the Lord will flow out of us.  That is pure praise, not prompted by a praise leader or fixed rote praises to the Lord. Psalm 116:13b …call on the name of the LORD.

Call Him by Name

We know the Lord as Creator, Judge and Savior, but there are other names for God that we come to know only through life’s experiences or trials, sickness desires and needs. It is in these crises that God reveals Himself in ways unique to our situation.

When GOD called Moses and Moses said; who shall I say sent me? Moses wasn’t asking GOD “what should we call You?”  He asked “who are You, God?”

GOD responded saying “I AM Who I AM.”  In other words, “Moses, I will be continuously present for you, provide what you need, no matter what the situation.”

Abraham came to know Him as Jehovah Jireh my provider, GOD told him to sacrifice his son; Abraham was going to go through with it until GOD provided a substitute.

Think about your most recent trial, through the situation, GOD showed Himself in a unique ways.  When you think on His goodness to you in a personal ways, then He becomes a personal God and you can call Him by name and make it personal.

If you were sick; you might call Him HEALER.

If you prayed and He answered quickly, you can call Him “YOU who HEARS PRAYERS.”

If you were in some form of bondage and He brought you out, call Him LORD MY Deliverer.

Maybe your life was void and in your seeking He provided in a unique way, call Him the Lord that satisfies.

Maybe you went through a dark and lonely time and He manifested Himself in a special ways.  You can call Him THE LORD my LIGHT and the God Who is there!

Just like our natural parents love to hear us call them mommy and daddy, our God delights in hearing us call Him by the name that is personal to us.  After all, it is acknowledgement that we recognize Who brought us out. 

Maybe you are going through a trial right now.  Why not get your praise on right now.  After all He is a faithful God and this is not your first, nor will it be your last trial.  What has He been to you in past situations?  Think on the goodness of your God and you just may hear yourself calling Him, a firm rock, your hiding place, your very great reward or Prince of peace.  Do you want to get your praise on?

Think on the goodness of the Lord, call Him by name and then serve Him.  

The Psalmist says I will fulfill my vow in the presence of all His people.  Have you noticed that everything the Psalmist says is personal?  How can “I” repay the Lord, “I” will life up the cup of salvation, “I” will call on the name of the Lord and “I” will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people. 

The fact that he owed the Lord for everything that God had done for him, personally, the solution is personal.  Yes, he is going to fulfill his vow in the presence of the people, but he does not say that he’s going to talk to the people about his service.  Think about it this way; when we come to the house of the Lord, for worship or service, we bring a contribution.  Sometimes, our presence in the worship experience can bless someone else.

Our presence is an affirmation of our faith, so we don’t say to everyone, “I’m here because of my faith in God, and our presence speaks for us.” 

It’s Personal

When I went through my trial last week, it was all personal.  My struggle, my tears, my prayers and my praise!   And, so it is for you, getting your praise on is personal.  That old adage, actions speak louder than words, is true. Words are not always required to give praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, but action is.

What are some ways to service the Lord?  Privately meet the need of hurting person, give without announcing to anyone.  Speaking words that edify and build up; admonishing someone in private and keeping it private.  Sincerely forgiving and praying for those who hurt you. When we pay our vow to the Lord we do the things that God requires of us, we perform our reasonable service!  We present our bodies as a living sacrifice and what we do, not what we say, becomes a sweet smelling fragrance in the nostrils of our God!

You see, praise and thanksgiving flows from our knowledge of God.  HE does not love us like a punitive judge or arbitrary moody dictator.  His love is based on His own unchanging nature.  We may change, but He never does and it for this reason that we are thankful; it is for this reason that we want to praise Him.  So, you were wondering just how to get your praise on.  Know this; you don’t need a praise team, a worship leader or a public gathering.  Simply take up your cup, for it overflows with such a great salvation.  

Call the Lord by name, for He has done great things in your life, and fulfill you vow.  Give service to the Lord, not to impress the people in church, but to simply show your love for God. 

Go ahead, get your praise on!

---

For more than 15 years, the eloquent and vibrant Sylvia Ball has been serving the Lord Jesus Christ through preaching and teaching. Sylvia is deeply committed to rightly dividing the word of God so that men, women and children will come to know Christ personally, and in doing so, each will be encouraged to walk in their God given purpose.

Breaking Down the Strongholds in Your Life

Breaking Down the Strongholds in Your Life

By Ben Cerullo

Note: Ben Cerullo was named by Charisma Magazine as one of the “30 Emerging Voices” that will lead the church in the next decade.

Who said that being a Christian means living free of problems or struggles? Just because we have a relationship with Jesus does not mean that life will be a stroll down easy street. Life can be is tough. And as Christians, we will face many challenges.

Before we were saved, we were no threat to the devil. But when we accepted Jesus into our heart, something changed. We took up a new residence in the spiritual battlefield and immediately became an enemy of Satan.

We live in two worlds - the natural world and the spiritual world. Both are going on around us, yet one we can see, and the other we cannot.

When we find ourselves faced with battles or temptations in our lives, we must realize that there is much more going on than what we see with our natural eyes. Many battles, struggles and trials are rooted in the spiritual realm. As a result, war must be waged on the spiritual battlefield and fought with spiritual weapons.

Take depression for example. Millions of people in the U.S. are diagnosed with clinical depression every year. I have faced it in my own life. However, depression is often a spiritual condition. Please don’t take this wrong, I am not against doctors or medicine. In some cases, depression stems from physiological or chemical issues. But many times, depression is a spirit. And to overcome, not just mask the issue, we must look at the root and declare war! We must fight with the weapons that God provides.

Depression is only one example of a stronghold. Others include addiction, sickness, poverty, hatred, bitterness, gossip, etc. But, God is a good God and would never leave us defenseless or send us into battle unequipped. He has given us the most powerful weapon in the world, His Word.

The Bible is referred to as the sword of the spirit and for good reason. God’s Word is the ultimate authority over the lies of the enemy. There is something that happens when we put God’s Word in our mouth and begin to point it at the enemy. God’s Word will dethrone principalities and release the power needed to stand your ground. Remember you are not in a fight for victory; victory is already yours. You are just enforcing it!

The only way to fight on the spiritual battlefield and gain true victory over the enemy is through the truth written in God’s Word. I am not speaking about your everyday prayers, but prayers that aggressively target and pierce the root of the problem. Prayers and declarations that strip the enemy of any authority or rights he may currently possess and give God permission to move on your behalf.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 it says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”

Our spiritual weapons are mighty in God to overcome the strongholds of the devil. Your battles will only be won in the prayer closet through head-on confrontation. You have been given dominion over the strongholds in your life, through the truth of God’s Word. In exercising this authority, you let the enemy know that he no longer has permission to harass you.

Jesus said, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

You see, the devil is a liar. That’s his nature. Scripture tells us that he is “the father of lies.” From childhood, we learn to believe his lies. Lies about God, lies about the world, lies about other people, lies about our own selves. Yet God wants to bring circumstances in our lives that uncover those lies in order to replace them with His truth.

Ask God to show you the lies that he wants to bring to light. Maybe you know the root, maybe you don’t have a clue. The good news is that there is someone who does, and He’s just a prayer away. If you pray and ask the Holy Spirit, He will reveal the root of the lies in your life. You don’t have to go through a long ritual, simply pray and open your heart and ask God to show you.

Be patient, the answer might not come right away, but if you will wait on the Lord, He will bring you the answer. So many times, we want our answer at microwave speed, right now! But if we really want freedom and breakthrough we have to be willing to persist. Patience is not a virtue that comes easy for me; I have to really work at it, as I am sure many of you do as well. But if you do not grow frustrated or give up, you will be able to face the lie and replace it with the truth – and the truth will set you free!

When you seek the Lord, try to find a quiet place where you can block out the distractions around you. Just ask and wait. Soak in His presence. Enter into worship. Try not to do all the talking; just be still and listen. As you do, you may get a picture in your mind, a thought, memory, or impression. God reveals things to people in many ways. When He reveals the root to you, it’s time to allow the His spirit to heal you. This may mean it is the time to shift gears and confront the stronghold with the Word of God. Don’t be afraid to stand toe to toe with the enemy. He has something that belongs to you. Step up and let him know that he has no rights in your situation or life.

Remember greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. In the name of Jesus, pull that stronghold down. You need to go past the surface and rebuke the enemy at the root of the issue. Let the devil, powers, principalities, and rulers of darkness know who is in control. You must move into an offensive position, this is no time for defense. Speak to your circumstances as a child of the King and joint heir with Christ. Your words create your realities don’t take them lightly.

Don’t stop pressing in until the victory is won. As a Christian, you have the power over the devil, but he’s not going to give in without a fight. You must realize the authority God has given you and lay an ax to the root of your needs.

I pray that God will give you a revelation of the spiritual weapons He has given you as a believer. I pray you will be empowered with wisdom and discernment on how to use those weapons. I pray that the warrior inside of you will awaken and the anointing of Almighty God will breakthrough the natural and pull down the strongholds in your life and the lives of those around you, setting the captives free.

Perilous Times

Remember the scene from the movie Home Alone 2 when the kid is scared in Central Park and flags a taxi?  He says to the taxi driver, “It’s scary out there.”  The scary looking taxi driver turns around and says, “It ain’t all that great in here,” or something like that.

Well... this world we are living in is scary.  And whether you are looking at things on the domestic level (the economy... or politics... etc.) or on the international level (Al Qaeda... nuclear Iran... etc.) it is pretty scary no matter which way your turn.

That is why we find that the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy, written centuries ago, are as current as the front page of tomorrow’s newspaper.

¹BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].
²For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.
³[They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.
⁴[They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.
⁵For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them].
⁶For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivate silly and weak-natured and spiritually dwarfed women, loaded down with [the burden of their] sins [and easily] swayed and led away by various evil desires and seductive impulses.
⁷[These weak women will listen to anybody who will teach them]; they are forever inquiring and getting information, but are never able to arrive at a recognition and knowledge of the Truth.

2 Timothy 3:1-7 [AMP]

Perilous times will come in the last days... the days before Christ returns... the days we are living in.  The days that the bum with the sandwich board on the street are talking about.  Yeah... those days.

What Are “Perilous Times?”

The word “perilous” in the original Greek text is the word chalepoi which means fierce, perilous, hard to live in, troublesome, dangerous: harsh, fierce, full of troubles and dangers; times that are hard to bear.

It is not very surprising when we see such characteristics in the people of this world. After all... these people are servants of satan and follow his behavior patterns.

What is surprising, however, is when we see these characteristics popping up within the church.  We cover this phenomenon from a couple angles in our book, Spiritual Fruits or Religious Nuts: but let’s address matters from Jesus’s perspective in the following scripture:

²⁴Another parable He set forth before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.
²⁵But while he was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed also darnel (weeds resembling wheat) among the wheat, and went on his way.
²⁶So when the plants sprouted and formed grain, the darnel (weeds) appeared also.
²⁷And the servants of the owner came to him and said, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then how does it have darnel shoots in it?
²⁸He replied to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Then do you want us to go and weed them out?
²⁹But he said, No, lest in gathering the wild wheat (weeds resembling wheat), you root up the [true] wheat along with it.
³⁰Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will say to the reapers, Gather the darnel first and bind it in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my granary.

Matthew 13:24-30 [AMP]

In the above scripture, Jesus tells us that the tares (a plant that looks like wheat) will be allowed to grow along side the wheat until the time of harvest. They may outwardly resemble Christians, but without any spiritual fruit.

On the day of judgment, when all men and women will stand before a righteous
God, we may be surprised to see some people who were prominent in the church being judged.
No doubt, they may be even more surprised about that. 

So let’s do some expository on Paul’s words to Timothy and the members of the
body of Christ, and let us attempt to understand our scripture text and discern exactly what types of behavior
Paul was referring to in these perilous times we are living in:

Men Shall Be Selfish (philautoi)

Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself, or do you “look out for number one?”

And he replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

Luke 10:27 [AMP]

God’s very nature is to be gracious... to give.. to show mercy and
loving-kindness to you.  He wants us to do the same.

And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!

Isaiah 30:18 [AMP]

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

John 3:16 [AMP]

If we are to walk after the image of our Heavenly Father, we need to walk after His example of selfless giving, not “get all you can... can all you get... then, sit on the can.”

THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].

Ephesians 5:1 [AMP]

Men Shall Be Covetous (philargooroi)

They will be lovers of money more than lovers of God or their brethren.

They would rather spend extravagantly than bring tithes into the house of God. They would rather be gluttons than donate food to the poor. They would rather watch television than hear the gospel.

Some of them will stand in a pulpit and squeeze money out of people who can’t afford it in order to meet their own agenda.  And while they will take, take, take... they never give any of their own away.

In either instance... these covetous people have made material things their god... and we all know that you can’t take it with you.

The world says to love things and use people. We need to love people, and use things to bring glory to our Father.

The members of the early church shared all that they had. Why don’t we?

Men Shall Be Boasters (alazones)

This word was originally used to describe a “quack” doctor who went from town to town, trying to sell “snake oil.”

The phony medicine pushed by these quacks promised to cure a wide range of illnesses. In reality, they did nothing to help people... but may make them sicker or even kill them!

Such individuals claim to have the answers, but they really do not. Their religion is just empty pretending.

Are you an empty pretender? Do you parade about, trying to pass yourself off as something you are not? Does God get the glory or do you pat yourself on the back?

Paul had much that he could have bragged about.

• He was a Pharisees’ Pharisee.
• He was an eloquent speaker.
• God handpicked him.

Despite all of this, Paul counted his credentials as worthless as the feces one flushes down the toilet.  Nothing could possibly compare to the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One)

Philippians 3:8 [AMP]

Men Shall Be Proud (huperəphanoi)

The Greek word means “to show oneself above.” These persons not only think too highly of themselves, they despise others. We see an example of this spirit in Luke, chapter 18:

The Pharisee took his stand ostentatiously and began to pray thus before and with himself: God, I thank You that I am not like the rest of men--extortioners (robbers), swindlers [unrighteous in heart and life], adulterers--or even like this tax collector here.

Luke 18:11 [AMP]

Have you ever bristled upon encountering a drunkard, a homeless person, or perhaps a prostitute on a street corner? Remember it is only God’s grace that you are not out there.

And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me.

Matthew 25:40 [AMP]

This type of attitude is illustrated in the following selection from our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer volume 1:

Standing on the corner
Under pale moonlight
a little lady stands there
sordid merchandise

Just an hour later
in the shadows dark
another pint of vodka
numbs her wounded heart

Do you not see her?
How can you pass her by?
Where is your compassion?
Can you not hear her cry?

Walking through the front door
of our Sunday church
The little lady comes in
wants to stop the hurt

Laying on the sidewalk
ushers threw her out
‘How dare you show your face here?’
‘Thank you, please stay out!’

How could this happen?
How could it go this way?
What would you do if God
treated you the same way?

He calls us to love and forgive
to heal the wounded sin-sick souls
the church is a holy hospital...
(not a social club)

Standing on the corner
on her way to hell
a little lady stands there
merchandise to sell

What a sad occurrence
What a tragedy...
One question you should ask yourself

What if it was me?

Do you not see her?
How can you pass her by?
Where is your compassion?
Can you not hear her cry?

How could this happen?
How could it go this way?
What would you do if God
treated you the same way?

Men Shall Be Blasphemers (blasphəmoi)

These people speak evil, slanderous, or abusive words against God and/or men.

They are quick with criticism and put-downs.

Some comedians on television joke about growing up in church while reviling God and all that He stands for.

Although you may never have taken God’s name in vain, maybe your behavior has given God’s enemies an occasion to blaspheme. (see 2 Samuel 12 and Romans 2:24).

Any sin in the camp may affect the entire church (see Joshua 7; Joshua 22:20; and 1 Corinthians 10:6).

To quote R.W. Schambach:  “Get rid of your sin before your sin gets rid of you.”

There is even a free downloadable album on that very same topic located here.

Men Shall Be Disobedient to Parents

If you have unsaved parents, keeping your room clean and your chores up to date will win them to Christ a lot faster than nagging them about church or slipping gospel tracts into their sandwiches.

Do you honor your mother and father?

Mouse-over these scriptures:

• Exodus 20:12
• Deuteronomy 5:16
• Matthew 15:4-6
• Ephesians 6:2

Men Shall Be Unthankful (acharistoi)

These ungrateful ones take and take, but never stop to say “thank you.” You should “Count your many blessings... see what God has done.” This brings glory to God and gives you strength in times of trial. David praised God for delivering him from the jaws of the lion and the bear. This, in turn, gave him the confidence and spiritual fortitude to defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17:36).

Men Shall Be Unholy (anosioi)

They offend all that is holy, not satisfied with simply practicing their wickedness but desiring to drag others into their lifestyles.

Men Shall Be Without Natural Affection (Astorgoi)

The Greek word is the opposite of “to cherish affectionately with family love.” Today, children shoot and kill without a twinge of remorse. Proverbs 12:10 describes these people perfectly... even their “tender mercies” are cruel.

Men Shall Be Trucebreakers (aspondoi)

A trucebreaker cannot agree to or refuses to enter a covenant. They are dishonest and not trustworthy. They reject salvation, since this is a covenant relationship between man and God (see Acts 3:25).

Men Shall Be False Accusers (Diaboloi)

If you speak Spanish, you will recognize the Greek word as meaning, “the Devil.” Satan is a slanderer and a false accuser (see Revelation 12:10). If you accuse your brother or sister in gossip conversation, you are sitting in the devil’s seat.

Men Shall Be Incontinent (akrateis)

This does not refer to a weak bladder, but a lack of spiritual or moral self-control.

A wise man once told me that the purpose of a lock was simply to keep honest men honest.  A dishonest man will break into a locked car or building and will steal.

In Galatians 5:23, self-control (”temperance” in the KJV) is a fruit of the Spirit. If you truly are Christ’s and are filled with His Spirit, then you will not be one such person.

Men Shall Be Fierce (anəmeroi)

These men are “brutal” or “savage.” Like wild beasts, they pounce upon their prey and mercilessly rip it to shreds.

Many people will walk past someone in the sanctuary and mercilessly rip him or her to shreds with their tongue. These people are savage... fierce.

Men Shall Be Despisers Of Those That Are Good (aphilagathoi)

They are opposed to goodness and those who stand for right. They campaign for animal rights but seek to kill unborn children. They bring homosexuals and lesbians into schools, yet protest the idea of the Bible in school.

Men Shall Be Traitors (prodotai)

This is treacherous behavior. Be diligent to lift one another up in prayer. Don’t betray your family in Christ. Stand in the gap for them lest the enemy hinder them.

Men Shall Be Heady

Are you rash, reckless, or hasty? Do you wait on the Lord, doing things decently and in order, or do you disregard leadership and do things your way?

Men Shall Be Highminded (teutphəmenoi)

The Greek word literally means, “conceited.” Are you proud, or lifted up with pride? Do you become blinded with pride?

Men Shall Be Lovers of Pleasure More Than Lovers of God (philədonoi mallon ə philotheoi)

The Greek phrase refers to those who would rather seek their own pleasure than God’s will and purpose. Does evening service interfere with your game? Does prayer meeting interfere with your television watching?

That is not to imply that there is no pleasure in serving God. King David said that he was glad when they said unto him, “let us go into the house of the Lord.” Are you glad about serving God, or do you see your “religious duty” as a ball and chain?

Men Shall Have A Form of Godliness, But Deny the Power Thereof

You may have an outline or a semblance of piety towards God, but your actions show that you have an estrangement with the power (or, Dunamis... dynamite dynamic Holy Ghost power) of God.

You talk a good talk but you don’t walk the right walk. You may sing and shout. Your tearstains may be on the altar. However, are you able to walk holy before the Lord?

Turn Away From Such Men (and Women)

Some of the most charismatic people in our society (politicians, entertainers and false religious leaders) fall into one or more of the categories that Paul describes.

If any of this applies to you, turn away from sin, submit yourself to God and resist the devil, then satan will flee from you (James 4:7). Submit yourself to the cleansing of God’s holy word (John 15:3).

Protect Your Family

In verse 6, Paul tells us that such people sneak (insinuate themselves) into the house / family / property / wealth / goods of others like an insect crawling through a crack in the wall.

Be vigilant to protect your family from those who would lead them away from the path of righteousness.

Are You A WIMP?

These people capture or make captive weak-willed individuals. In verse 6, the KJV reads, “silly women.” However, the context of the Greek suggests that this is not strictly a reference to women, but may also refer to what we would call a “wimp.”

If a man is not fulfilling his role as head of his family, he may be a “weak willed little woman” (see Ephesians 5:33 and 1 Timothy 5:8).

Of course, this verse also applies to women who fail to maintain God’s standards of virtue (i.e., Proverbs 31:10-31 and Titus 2:3-5).

Paul says that these “wimps” are loaded with the consciousness of many sins (failure to hit the mark, committing bad actions or evil deeds; possibly through an error of understanding). They are “Prisoners of War” to satan
and his army of demons.

These people would rather fry their brains on lust-filled soap operas than feed themselves God’s word (see 1 Corinthians 3:2).

They would rather gossip on the telephone than talk about the goodness of Jesus
(see 1 Peter 4:11).

These people are setting themselves up to be “led captive” by the people of these perilous days. Do you want to be satan’s prisoner of war... or do you want to be free?

What Impulses Motivate You?

At the end of verse 6, Paul describes these people as being led away (literally, moved by forces and impulses affecting the mind) with many types of lusts, desire, craving, longing, and desire for that which is forbidden. Harlequin Romance Novels, “Swimsuit Editions” and R-rated movies create such impulses.

Is Your Bible Study Fruitful?

In verse 7, we see these “wimps” constantly increasing their knowledge, yet they are never able to come to the precise and correct knowledge of things that are ethical and divine (the truth of the gospel). They are implacable by virtue of their own ability and resources, their state of mind, and/or their customs.

The seven most dangerous words for church leaders is, “We’ve never done it that way before.” Don’t reject God’s moving because it clashes with tradition. Don’t resist change because you are not willing to accept the truth. Don’t hear sermons Sunday after Sunday without it getting out of your head and into your heart.

Many people have their own agenda for attending church. Some go for social or political reasons. Some go to find a husband or wife. Some go to have their good deeds outweigh their sins. The scriptures describe exactly what benefit they get out of their “religiosity” or “churchianity...”

¹THEREFORE, WHILE the promise of entering His rest still holds and is offered [today], let us be afraid [to distrust it], lest any of you should think he has come too late and has come short of [reaching] it.
²For indeed we have had the glad tidings [Gospel of God] proclaimed to us just as truly as they [the Israelites of old did when the good news of deliverance from bondage came to them]; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not mixed with faith (with the leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) by those who heard it; neither were they united in faith with the ones [Joshua and Caleb] who heard (did believe).
³For we who have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on God) do enter that rest, in accordance with His declaration that those [who did not believe] should not enter when He said, As I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest; and this He said although [His] works had been completed and prepared [and waiting for all who would believe] from the foundation of the world.

Hebrews 4:1-3 [AMP]

Be steadfast in prayer and Bible study if you wish to survive these perilous times.