Monthly Archives: January 2023

The Belt of Truth

Featured

Posted on by
image_pdfPostsimage_printPrint

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.”

Ephesians 6:14

The word truth has in recent years taken a beating in that everyone has their own truth to live by. Does it matter what truth you live by? That is the question of the day, however, so many people are being deceived that it becomes difficult to determine the validity of truth. The Greek word “Aletheia” for truth is the discloser of revealing something that is not hidden. That is, it is the reality of the revealed evidence of a situation. Nothing is hidden, and all things are revealed. Some people live in a fake reality, for they are not willing to see the real truth about something. They are deceived by fraud or counterfeit. When Covid-19 arrived in the world, many did not believe it was real. Today, the US has the largest amount of death for Coronavirus recorded at 1,012,833 by Johns Hopkins University and national public health agencies last July of 2022. When Covid arrived in the US, misinformation and unbelief ran rapid on social media sites that the reality of it set up the stage for deception. We have scientific proof that Covid is real, yet many choose to not believe it.

For a Christian anything that is not of Christ becomes a counterfeit. Denying who Jesus is means you are imitating something else. When you go to great length to imitate something authentic, with the intent to steal, destroy, or replace the original, you are defrauding. The truth for the Christian is the word of God, which is the Bible. Jesus prayed that those who are his disciples would be sanctified through the truth of the word [see John 17:17]. Jesus said also to the Jews who believed him, that if they continue in His word, that they are His disciples and “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” [John 8:32]. Jesus said to Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, the following;

I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 14:6

I am the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus is the way and the truth. Do you believe that He is the truth? Our foundation is Jesus Christ who is the chief corner stone that has been laid to which all who believe are fitted into the frame of the building unto a holy temple of God, [see Ephesians 2:20-22]. We are one body in Christ being built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. We are living stones built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, [1Peter 2:5]. Praise God! We do not stand alone. We stand in Christ who is the way and the truth.

When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come.  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine and shall show it unto you.

John16:13-14

Everything points to Jesus Christ for He is the foundation in which we live. We have the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of truth to guide us into all truth. The Spirit of truth will always point to Christ and no one else. Any other spirit is of the antichrist. Knowing who Christ is gives the one who believes confidence. There is no doubt in the believer’s position. The apostle John affirms that no lie is of the truth.  “Who is a liar but he that denied that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denied the Father and the Son,” [1 John 2:22].

The armor of God begins with the foundation for truth where nothing is hidden.

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.  He that covered his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.”

Proverbs 28:12-13

One who has integrity is being honest. This means that they have a clear conscience before man and God. Have you renounced the hidden things of dishonesty? If you have not, then pray and confess it before God. Ask God to help you change into the image of Christ and forsake those actions that cause you to sin.

“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endured to all generations.”

Psalms 100:5

His mercy is everlasting, and His truth will endure to all generations. Praise His Holy Name. We are standing on a firm foundation. Have you heard of the hymn titled, “How Firm a Foundation?” Listen to this new rendition of this hymn and be blessed.

Remember always to Stand having your loins girt about with truth, which is Jesus Christ.

Jealousy – The rage of a Man

Featured

Posted on by
image_pdfPostsimage_printPrint

For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore, he will not spare in the day of vengeance.”

Proverbs 6:34

Jealousy is highly divisive and cruel for it causes division. No matter how you may look at it, jealousy becomes the rage of a man, and he will not be paid off for the offense. Jealousy is associated with anger and becomes a flame of fire that is not easily distinguished. Yet today this flame of fire continues in the world. It burns both in man and women and has brought distrust and a lack of respect for each other. The opposite of jealousy is goodwill, trust, respect and confidence. These are what society wants yet falls short because of immorality. Just read what king Solomon said about jealousy.

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.”

Song of Solomon 8:6

There is no doubt that love is strong as death just think about the story of Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet may be one side of a story where the apostle Paul would have exclaimed, “But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.  And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband,” [1 Corinthians 7:9-10]. There is no shame in the bed of marriage. But there is great shame to a person’s soul when they come between a husband and wife. Adultery and fornication are the works of the flesh and those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God, [see Galatians 5:19-21]. Paul also warns that “he who commits fornication sins against his own body, [see 1 Corinthians 6:18]. The body is sacred for it is the temple of the Holy Spirit and those who are Christians have been bought with a price and are to glorify God in their body which belongs to God, [see 1 Corinthians 6:20]. Today we do not see the holiness of our body in the Lord, because it simply is not taught. To even think that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit is far beyond the conception of our minds. We must remember the promise of restoration how God will put a new heart and spirit in individual’s when they believe in his son Jesus Christ. The new life is in the image of Christ and Christ promised that the comforter would come which is the Holy Spirit, [see John 14:16-17]. We will not stand alone in our walk as a Christian, yet many have denied the Holy Spirit presence. Denying the Holy Spirit presence is denying God’s power to work in you. The question then becomes to whom do you present your body too?

Many have not distinguished between “carnal” which mean fleshly and what it means to be spiritual. We must remember that the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. It is the word of God that pierces and divides the soul and spirit. The word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart of man. Is it any wonder that Jesus said, “if anyone even looks at a woman to lust after her hath already committed adultery with her in his heart, [see Matthew 5:28]. The lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh are a part of fornication and adultery. We should be so warned of this double-edged sword that would defile a man to the anger of jealousy. Needless to say, jealousy effects the emotional and physical well-being of an individual. Jealousy encompasses the history and values of people. Beware of social media when it comes to jealousy. Studyfinds.org had an article titled, “Study: Social Media Making People Anti-Social, Jealous” which stated ed that 42% were jealous when they saw a friend had more likes or comments than they did on a status update, ouch! Rage is also seen on social media when couples have separated. To think that jealousy can bring insecurity, anger, and fear is nothing to be toyed with when cruelty of the grave is associated with its outcome such as the Song of Solomon expressed. We should highly reconsider its affect upon us. Do not provoke anyone towards jealousy including the Lord God. The tribes of Isarel tempted and provoked God and did not keep his word. They made images to other Gods and angered God to jealousy.

To this day the gospel goes out to the Gentiles. Salvation has come unto the Gentiles, to provoke those who do not believe such as the early Jews, to jealous, [see Romans 11:11]. It is God desire that all be saved and be restored unto him. God does not enjoy witnessing the destruction of humanity. However, he gave us free will in choosing whom we will serve. It is faith that holds the key in whom we will believe, for faith comes by hearing the word of God. Will we consider God’s word about jealousy? What about the sanctity of the body? The quality of being holy is being washed and justified before God. God has established marriage from the beginning with Adam and Eve. It behooves us to read who will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Fornicators and adulterers are on the list and let us remember that jealousy is a real emotion and is the byproduct of those acts. This is sin where a person will consciously suffer eternally unless they repent. Paul later says that he will not be brought under the power of any deeds of unrighteousness in verse 12 of 1 Corinthians, why? Because we were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus and by the Spirit of God, [see 1 Corinthians 6:11]. Have you not seen the revelation of Jesus Christ? That Christ is the son of God who came and died for the sins of all humanity. In this was the love of God manifested through his son. He who has called us is holy so be ye holy for I am holy, [1 Peter 1:15-16]. Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin, [John 8:34]. We are the servants of God and not sin. Because we were bought with a price, we are no longer the servant of men, [1 Corinthians 7:23]. Our position is in Christ Jesus and not of this world. We do not live according to our former lusts, we now live in “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus who hath made us free from the law of sin and death, [Romans 8:2]. This is so wonderful, and it is by the grace of God that he gives us the freedom from the law of sin. This is the power of God, and we receive it by faith in Christ.

Even if a man is angered by jealousy, God will forgive when you forgive and repent. Even if you are not the person who committed the sin of adultery. Do not let the sun go down upon your anger. Give it to the Lord in prayer and make peace with God. If anyone can understand jealousy is the Lord God. God has called us to peace. I have seen the pain and anguish in my father when my mother left him and filed for divorce. We both were saved by the grace of God and God’s love helped us through the pain. When it comes to letting go and allowing God to move on our behalf, an individual can have peace with God. This is one reason why Paul stated in Romans 12 verse 18, “if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Avenge not yourselves for vengeance is mine saith the Lord, [see Romans 12:18-19]. We let them go and place them in the hands of God. We can still pray for them and hope they will eventually make the right choice to repent. Remember that your partner has a free will to choose whom they will believe in and how they will live. This may be the hardest thing to do by letting them go. It is better to obtain peace in any situation. Let us remember that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, [Galatians 5:22].  You can be assured that your conscience will be cleared when you repent and give it to the Lord in prayer. Because of jealousy there is much envying, strife, and divisions in relationships in the world we live in today. Be aware of it and do not fall into its bondage.

Later this morning my husband came in with today’s news from the “Seattle Times.” He said, “look what made the front-page news? Wow!

Pride of Life

Featured

Posted on by
image_pdfPostsimage_printPrint

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 2:15-16

The pride of life to begin with is the self-will of an individual. Pride speaks to one’s own self-knowledge. It encompasses one’s goals, values, opinions, and beliefs. It is the individual’s identity. It is also what an individual is born into such as family, nation, and status. This is the world system that we live in. It is all of the “I will” of individuals who have desires and longings to be something or like someone else. One’s own self achievements and possessions. Did you know that humility is the opposite of pride? Humility is a modest view of one’s own importance. It does not Lord over its own importance over others. Whereas pride does because it is set on being number one in the world. Pride came into the world through Lucifer who decided to rebel against God and desired to exalt his own throne above God [see Isaiah 14:12-14]. Lucifer, who is Satan, said boldly, “I will be like the Most-High God,” in verse 14 of Isaiah chapter 14. Pride in man becomes a status symbol where the saying of “I am better than you,” takes over. Those with pride can bring violence where heated arguments turn into violent combat. Those who are unbelievers are under Satan’s control of the world principles of greed, selfishness, ambition, and pleasure. This is a force in the world where rivalries and ambitions are upheld over the welfare of people.

The snare of the devil is when man is tempted of his own desires wanting to be lifted up above others. The apostle Paul warned about new converts that if they be lifted up into a position in the church that pride could enter into their hearts and cause them to fall into the condemnation of the devil, [see 1Timothy 3:6]. Paul was referring to the choosing of the church Elders and Deacons. Anyone’s position should not become a status symbol of superiority. Paul tells us in regard to Christian service that “we are laborers together with God,” [1 Corinthians 3:9]. A Christian who walks in the Spirit is a child of God and is concerned for the wellbeing of other Christians as well as for those who are not Christians. When pride enters a man’s heart, God is not in his thoughts [see Psalms 10:4]. They have become self-centered in their ways, and it is always grievous. Just read Psalms chapter 10 and you will see how David describes those who are living in pride. How they are not moved within their heart and how their mouth is full of cursing, deceit and fraud. Those who are proud will oppress those who are under them such as the poor. We see the pain in the world of those who are oppressed today by leaders who are prideful and demanding. There is no devotion to the welfare of others.

Pride compasses them about like a chain; violence covered them like a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt and speak wickedly concerning oppression.

Psalms 73:6-8

Those with pride have lost their focus on God and see only what their heart desires. Even though they already have everything. This is why it is dangerous for Christians to only focus on obtaining wealth in the world. The apostle Paul stated that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” We cannot take our wealth with us when we die. Paul tells us in 1st Timothy chapter 6 that just having food and clothing we should be content. Listen to what else Paul says.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil, which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:9-10

It is not money itself that is evil, but what we do to get it becomes evil when you abuse someone to get it, or when you lie and cheat to get it at someone’s expense. The individual’s focus has changed and is no longer on God. Those who are rich placed themselves above others and tend to be abusive and controlling. They fall into hurtful lust which are passions, cravings, and indulgences. When Paul comments about those who love money have moved away from faith in God and pierced themselves through with many sorrows, we should think twice about what money represents. What value does it hold in our life is the question we should be asking. Because of their pride they have fallen into the condemnation of the devil [see 1Timothy 3:6]. Their conscience is no longer pure like it once was. A Christian is not to be prideful, but instead to be humble and practice godliness.

Only through Christ can we walk a holy and godly life. It is the Holy Spirit that changes our character into the image of Christ character where love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness, and self-control become our character and behavior. This is done through faith in Christ and not in self-effort [see Galatians 5:22-26]. We must allow the new life of Christ to be worked through us by the Holy Spirit. It must be worked through us by the power of God through the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us that we must follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness [see 1 Timothy 6:11]. Paul tells us to flee the things that would bring you back into bondage and turn from following the way of the world where the character of sin begins to take over in your mind and heart.

That is why Paul states in verse 12 of 1 Timothy chapter 6 to “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, unto which thou art also called and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. We must have a good profession of Christ before many witnesses. We must repent and be restored into Christ love once again if we have fallen from the faith we had in Christ. Remember that whatever is not of faith is sin. We fight with our own faith because the things of this world would draw us down a different path of many sorrows and pain. We must learn and know our own weaknesses and bring them to God in prayer and ask him for His strength for our weaknesses. We must believe in God and have faith to overcome all wickedness and evil. Read the chapter on faith in Hebrews chapter 11. This is our example of those who had faith. They were able to:

Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.  Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.”

Hebrews 11:34

No matter what the situation, our life is in God’s hands, and we look forward to the resurrection of our bodies to eternal life. Jesus Christ has begotten us unto a lively hope by the resurrection of his body from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that faded not away, reserved in heaven for you. We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time [1 Peter 1 3-5]. Kept by the power of God through faith, and that is why it is so important to fight the good fight of faith and not to fall into the pride of life which is not of the Father God. We must hold onto our deliverance who is Christ Jesus. Remember the words of Jesus!

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.“

John 16:33

Praise God through Jesus Christ we are all overcomers if we believe.

Have you prayed today?

The Prince of the Power of the Air

Featured

Posted on by
image_pdfPostsimage_printPrint

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”

Ephesians 2:2

It seems befitting to begin this New Year addressing who is the Prince of the Power of the Air? I am told that some do not even believe that Satan exists. This is no pun or childish play. Satan does exist and is the Prince of the Power of the Air. Satan was once the bright morning star who was an anointed angelic being. A created being by God but a fallen angel due to his own pride. He wanted to exalt himself above God. In Isaiah chapter 14 in verse 17, he is said to weaken the nations and who made the world like a wilderness. Satan today is known as the adversary for he disputes everything. Let us remember the story of Job in how he suffered but emerged into blessings and restoration. When the Lord God asked Satan, “from where did you come from?” Satan said, “from going backward and forward in the earth, and walking up and down in it,” [see Job 1:7]. Satan then asked the Lord, does Job really fear God for nothing? Here comes the argument about the hedge around Job and the blessings that Job had. The Lord released the power of what Job had into Satan’s hand except for Job’s very life itself he could not touch. This is an amazing story, and every Christian should read it. This story tells us that Satan moves upon the earth and has power to do things through the lives of people.

Today, we are witnessing a change in the world environment where it seems lawlessness is prevailing, and people are losing faith in humanity itself. Political upheaval is placing a division among its subjects as to how we will live in the coming years ahead. When I look at the world today, I wonder what is around the corner, for I remember in the late 60’s to the early 70’s how the youth were not satisfied with the current political world environment and protested which started the civil rights movement in America. The bottom line is the issue in how we treat each other as human beings. The treatment of each other brings about new laws that are supposed to address the issues that people are facing such as homelessness, having food and water, and a home to live in. These are the basic needs of every human being. Let us remember that certain governmental and city laws are changing the environment we live in therefore there is discontent and upheaval.

Social welfare and services are one of the biggest problems that every nation faces. I can remember Bill Clinton’s statement “this is the end of welfare as we know it.” Let us remember that welfare means the state of our well-being. Is well-being not the state of an individual health where basic needs is met such as food, clothing and shelter. Look at the policies within government to see if basic needs are being met among the people. You may be surprised at what you find. Social services such as food banks, and temporary housing are maxed out across the nation of America and also around the world. As Christians we should be concerned and pay attention to what is happening around the world and within our own cities. Remember what Paul said about praying for all who are in authority such as Kings, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life,” [see 1 Timothy 2:2]. It could be that we have entered into a new phase in human history where many are not optimistic about the future. It could be that we have entered into the beginning of sorrows as stated in Matthew 24:8.

And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers’ places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Matthew 24:6-8

We may question, “what is happening in the world today?” Is it not the question of why there is evil in the world. It is a question about the existence of Satan, the adversary? The Bible tells us of his existence and that his mission is to discredit every word of God. Some of the names given to him are devil, serpent, dragon, adversary, and Beelzebub. The apostle Peter gave us warning that the devil is our adversary who is seeking someone to devour, [see 1 Peter 5:8]. He is an invisible spirit that we cannot see, but we can witness his destruction in human lives. In recent news, I heard a reporter state that the reason why a man drove his vehicle through a store was because he heard voices and that Satan was going after him. Some may call this foolishness, but if the Bible states that the devil is a roaring lion who is walking about to find someone to devour, we may reconsider this as a real experience even if we do not see an entity. The Christian must know their position in Christ. A Christian must put on the whole armor of God in order to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, [see Ephesians 6:11]. Why would the apostle Paul state to put on the whole armor of God if the devil was not real. The battle that Christians are in is a spiritual battle. The one word I kept hearing as I was praying at the beginning of this New Year was “spiritual warfare.” In the bible there is a clear distinction between those who are children of God and children of the devil. Each individual is given a choice in what they will believe. This personal choice will choose the path of each individuals life.

The children of disobedience are those who do not believe in Christ, and they may see themselves as above others. These are those who are egotistical and prideful in their behavior. Sin is overstepping the law, the boundary between good and evil. God’s “law is holy, and his commandments are holy, and just, and good,” [Romans 7:12]. “The law is not made for a righteous man but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners,” states Paul in 1st Timothy 1:9. Therefore, we have those who are ungodly in the world who are rebellious and give false testimony about themselves and others. We are witnessing this right now in the political arena around the world. Let us listen to the words of apostle John in the following scripture.

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil.

1 John 3:7-10

The apostle John is giving a clear distinction between those who are children of God and those who are not. Satan is the prince of the power of the air because He is the God of this world systems. Consider one of the temptations of Jesus when the devil took him up high in the mountain to show Jesus the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them. And the devil said, “all these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me,” [Matthew 4:8-9]. Wow! Does the devil have the power to give such things? Think carefully before answering the question. The apostle Paul also stated in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that the god of this world has blinded the minds of them who believe not. The bottom line is what do you believe? How are you walking in this world? What is your direction in this world? These questions will establish if your faith is standing in the wisdom of men or in the in the power of God. Pray for discernment and that your eyes may be opened to the truth. The world is Satan’s battlefield, where do you stand? Remember that we all have a free will to choose what we believe and to whom we follow. Those who are Christians once walked the path of this world, but they have seen the light and are now children of the light and of darkness. Our hope is in the Lord Jesus who bought us with His shed blood. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit, [see Romans 15:13]. We must remember that man has three parts to his makeup, a physical body, a soul, and a spirit.

Pride equals self-will. Only with pride comes heated arguments. Those who are oppressed will cry out, but no one will ask where is God my maker? “There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men,” [Job 35:12].