Posts Tagged ‘word of god’

Operation Obedience

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Ephesians 6:17

[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Hebrews 4:12

[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 Peter 1:23

[23] Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

1 Corinthians 12:13

[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

One of the great missions of the spirit of God is to lead us into obedience. Before we can ever realize obedience, we must lay off the sin in our life, right? We must bring to life the part of Christ that is in us and living and more than ready to come alive! For by that one spirit He not only baptized us as an individual to do a work to bring all of our personal fears and doubts under subjection but to do this on a greater scale for the church as well!

Galatians 5:22-23

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
[23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

As we all know and admire about God, He is that great source of grace to each and every one of us. And with that grace we should be doing all that we can and not be still. Grace was not brought for us to be free for us to still feel in bondage! Since the day I was made free I can literally feel the difference in my life as the spiritual part of me rises to dominate and sanctify the other! This is my own testimony; Jeremiah said that it was as a fire shut up in His bones (the desire to obey). When you abide in the spiritual things of God, obedience will only amplify the things we read of above.

2 Corinthians 3:17

[17] Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

One of my personal favorite things about the spirit of God is that when it is time for when He calls for your obedience that there will be spiritual freedom to do it! There has never been a time that I felt the urgency to mind the Lord that I did not have the opportunity to do it. And if there was the unique case that I was being held back intentionally, I know that God was moving on my behalf to open the door for another way or another time! God will make sure that there is an opportunity for you to feel His wonderful presence!

Romans 8:14

[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Obedience is led by the spirit, and the spirit is sent from God. I love that. It is easy for me to understand and to never try to work it any other way other than God’s way. Let us always remember to be led by God and never stray to what we would feel is best; for what we would sometimes think is best may help temporarily but not spiritually fulfill the need as God could do!

Romans 8:26

[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Ah, intercession! I thank God for the veil being torn in the temple and that I have the ability to have access to pray to God today! There is nothing to hold you back from opening your mouth even now and calling out for the help that you (or others) need this very moment.

The intent of this message is to get your mind wrapped around one concept: follow the spirit of God to lead you to obedience, and when you get there take your liberty and follow what God leads you to do. In doing so, people’s lives will be changed forevermore!

Worship 365: The Power Of A Worshiping Life

Now that I have completed this book recently (as of today), all I can say is one word: empowering. This book empowers each and every person to be a constant voice for the importance of worship by not only the act of worship for ourselves but for all others who need led to that deeper walk!

The part I love about David Edwards work is that He gets the word of God worked in throughout the book in all the right places! There are also titled sections if you can only digest a little at a time. This works best for me as I feel that trying to take it all in at once loses its great spiritual value! I highly recommend!

And always remember when you are done with one, pass it on or recommend! That helps the ones who work so hard to write them!

Check out: Worship 365: The Power Of A Worshiping Life- ISBN 978-0-8054-4367-7

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A Must Have Scripture Checklist For Every Ministry

2 Timothy 3:1-5

[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

As we read from the text here, we are reminded that as time lingers on that we as people will become more consumed with ourselves than we will with God. It is very easy to find one’s self in any of these sorts of qualities when we are lovers of pleasures more than of God. Some people settle to the point and just tell me, “that is just the kind of world that we live in”. I will admit that in moments that I have seen and observed this part of the word of God literally coming into truth. This does not mean, however, that we that are lovers of God should be within this kind of position! I refuse to believe that we as people are not capable of living above these sorts of things! With the power of God helping us to do overcome you are able to do all things!

Romans 12:1-14

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
[7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
[8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

As you read this, think on the word “soberly” and consider being in a place of good standing with a clean heart and mind before God. If we are living in the world and doing any old thing, I cannot expect the power of God to begin to bless in abundance every part of the ministry that it makes reference to here. We must think clearly and have our desires in check with God being first! We do this by presenting something before God that is living, or continual. If I never waiver from praying and having a God-fearing lifestyle, then the probability for me to willingly volunteer myself to my own struggles is drastically reduced! When you are working continual and are thinking clearly before God, He will bless you with the ability to see your ministry flourish!

2 Corinthians 8:7-14

[7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
[8] I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
[10] And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
[11] Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
[12] For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
[13] For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
[14] But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

As we learn to live before God soberly (cleanly) and to put God first and to not have a more dominant desire for the world, there will begin to grow a great love and compassion in your heart. With more of the presence of God in your life, it cannot help but manifest within you and bring all of the fruits of the spirit! One of the hardest parts about the love of God once we have the mind to realize we have it is to use it (or as it reads to perform the doing of it). The difference-making power is neither in how flashy things are to the eye nor how great they sound to the ear; for it is simply by how people are drawn by the power of God that lives within you! And as each and every one of us learns to work together in a church as a body, it truly presents equality and a lifting of the heavy burdens from just a few to creating a situation where everyone walks with lighter loads!

2 Timothy 2:3-15

[3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
[5] And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
[6] The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
[7] Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
[8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Another translation says to give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and properly handles the Word of Truth. As we read this, it is important to remember when we begin to apply all of these great things into our lives to not mishandle the word of God by deliberately going against it. There are other scriptures that point out that for a person to know right and to stray from it that to them it is sin. So I say this in all sincerity: let us not pretend that we do not know how to live for God when we have been living “religion” for so long. When you perform the doing of it, this part comes easy. It is when we stray from God that we will know to help our brother and neglect the duty of it, right?

1 John 3:16-21

[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[17] But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
[18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
[19] And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
[20] For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
[21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

So what is it at the end of the day that should keep us continually going? First of all, the presence of God should keep the parts of you that fall weak going strong. The knowledge of the Word of God will teach you to stray from things that will harm you and lead you to help others in the same way. The desire in your heart will stay as long as you are continual present something to God often. And most importantly, the compassion can stay in your heart if you stay humble and put the needs of others before yourself. It is hard to do when we could so easily be selfish at the drop of a hat! People need us in deed and truth and not just in a “I will be there when you need me” catchphrase! Show someone you love them today! Operate in the calling God has given you. Do not stray in trials and pray for strength in tough times. Do not settle for the religious opinions. Seek for the wisdom of God to keep you! It works every time!

Give Your Time To God

Welcome to another day. I welcome you to move all the stuff away from the avoided topic that everyone dreads more than others: dedication.

It’s not an easy thing to stay in week after week on your commitments while trying to find time for every other part of your life. The sad part of it all is when a choice has to be made about where time is spent, God more than likely takes second place. I am definitely not here today to get everyone roused up about changing their schedules based on what I would ever say, but consider the word of God!

God in many places set out time apart from the hustle and bustle of life; for with that dedicated time comes separation from things that would try to pull us away in the beginning! There are other mentions of people striving for the mark of the high calling of God. If we dedicate ourselves to giving God the deserved priority, your life will not only be less hindered but begin to demonstrate more of the spiritual fruits for others to bear!

Stay diligent in keeping God first in your life and in your schedule! Pray and ask God for guidance about what you do and how He is glorified! It is well worth the prayer conversation!

The Hardest Part of God’s Word: Doing It

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Mark 12:1-12

[1] And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
[2] And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
[3] And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.
[4] And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.
[5] And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.
[6] Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.
[7] But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.
[8] And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.
[9] What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.
[10] And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
[11] This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
[12] And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

As using the parable, we have to use the comparison of the continual sending of persons and the rejecting of it as the way we turn away from the warnings and word of God. We must (I am saying must a million times and even with emphasis) begin to hear the Word of God to help us improve our lives, character and to avoid trouble and the effects of persecution!

Mark 12:15-17

[15] Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
[16] And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s.
[17] And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.

Using the coin as an example was showing Jesus could avoid being tripped up by worldly politics to continue on the message of being separated. We must remember (as witnesses of God) to keep a love in our hearts and to show separation by what we render unto God each day by how we live.

Matthew 5:21-22

[21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
[22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

It is a scary thing to consider and know just how much damage that we do with our very words!

You Have To Acknowledge Them Sometime!

Whether it be sometime today or some “when” down the road, there comes a time for everyone when the feelings that we are carrying become too much for us to bear. It could be a compilation of events that have overwhelmed you or might even be one small issue. Acknowledging our feelings that we have inside of us at any rate has to be done. The only way that we can truly live in peace is when we give release to the things that are holding us captive. You can generally tell when something has you captive when it continually cycles through your mind or when it is sensitive to you as it comes up. Trust me, this is something we all have to handle and keep in check! It directly affects not only your walk with God in general but the obedience to God as well!

So what do we do? Well, there are many avenues to this solution! You could choose to stand during your next worship service and praise your way out of it. You could get down at the altar at church or at your home and begin to cry out for peace and dominion over the things that try to rule your mind. You can begin reading the word of God and searching it for the countless pieces of wisdom and leadership that is available to you. The point of all of this is two simple things: we have to acknowledge the issues and then bring them to God and allow a change to occur. With this you are able to move on with the next chapter of your life instead of still being stuck in chapter 2 when someone hurt you. With the peace and joy of the Lord you are writing your future instead of living in your past!

The love of God we are talking about today (perfect love) casts out all fear! Acknowledge your feelings and fears and allow the love of God to dominate and be greater!