We pray for the sick, we pray for the children, we pray for the lost. All needful prayers, but rarely do we hear a request for our own relationships with Christ, for our own walk with the Lord. I would like to ask all of you to pray for me that the Lord would fill me with the boldness of the Lion of Judah. Boldness that so many American Christians today are so sadly lacking. Boldness that allows believers in Nigeria, Cambodia, Pakistan, Vietnam, China, and other persecuted countries to stand before a firing squad and say, "I am so afraid, but I cannot deny my Jesus, I will not deny my Lord!"
What changes the Lord would make in our lives, our homes, our church, our families if we could only attain such boldness. That boldness that could take me beyond my pitiful walk of today and take me to the place where I can walk in such close fellowship with Jesus Christ that I can know the desires of my heart will be granted because they are His desires as well. What miracles we could see occur before our very eyes if we could be so bold!
I believe that the Lord is coming back and I believe it will be soon. I believe that He is raising up His army even now, I believe that His chosen people are undergoing the refining fires today to prepare them for what is to come. I believe that we should be expecting great miracles in our lives and our families. I believe that we should be looking for the amazing power of the Holy Ghost to anoint His people once again, just as in the upper room in the book of Acts. I believe that if we are to be in the Lord’s army, we must be filled with this boldness, we must be prepared to put on the full armor of God, we must be ready to fight, not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers of darkness. We must be ready to say, in the words of Paul, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain!" and in the words of John, "Even so, come Lord Jesus!"
Friday, November 21, 2008
Modesty...
1 Timothy 2:8-10
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
In the garden of Eden, after Adam & Eve's sin, they realized their nakedness and they made fig leaf aprons for themselves. When the Lord found them, there they were, their shame on full display. The Lord then killed an animal and made coats of skins and covered them. The world says, "If you got it, you may as well flaunt it." But, the Lord says, "COVER YOURSELVES!!!" These fleshly bodies are NOTHING to be proud of that we should walk around with them on display. They are our shame!!! The plunging necklines, the shrinking hemline, and the clinging fabrics that the world wears today have no business on the child of God. People have so immersed themselves in the world with its ideas of beauty and fashion that we can't even go to church anymore for a reprieve. Even in the church, a person who is trying to remain modest has to almost sit with their heads down to keep from seeing something that ought not to be seen in public! We have splits up to there and necklines down to there and push up bras that make things do things they should NEVER do!! Why??? Why do we value the approval of man so much that we ignore the word of God so blatantly on this matter? What's more important to you, the approval of a lustful, fallen man whose righteousness is as filthy rags before the Lord or the blessed approval of the Lord God Almighty???
Which do you aim to edify with your manner of dress: flesh or spirit? Galatians 5:19 says this: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness," so the opposite, or works of the spirit, would be chastity, purity, and modesty. The only way to gain this spirit of modesty is to turn away from this world with its idols of fleshly beauty and sexuality, turn off the TV with its shows that romanticize a life of sinful fulfilling of fleshly desires, and run to the Lord. Embrace His holiness, immerse yourself in His holy word. Stop believing the lies of Satan that let you rationalize the word of God to the point that you can say certain passages aren't applicable for today and the lies that tell you that if a person looks at you with lust, then it's their own sin. We ARE responsible for the sins of others when we cause them to stumble. Remember, it was Bathsheba's son that was taken, too, not just David's.
Stop obeying the flesh, people, we know the end of that road if we know God's word!!! Start heeding the word of God! If Satan can instill a grain of doubt in us over one word of scripture, we will never know the peace that comes from obeying the Lord. Our flesh is enmity with God, we cannot serve two masters. When you got up this morning and you chose your clothes for the day, which master did you choose to serve? I hope it was the right one. If not, I pray that the Lord would instill in you a desire to serve Him in everything you do and say, that He would give you that spirit of modesty and purity, and that He would allow you to use your body only to please the one He gives to you in marriage.
May this word go forth and be used to bring honor and glory to the Lord God Almighty! God bless and Agape, Annie
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
In the garden of Eden, after Adam & Eve's sin, they realized their nakedness and they made fig leaf aprons for themselves. When the Lord found them, there they were, their shame on full display. The Lord then killed an animal and made coats of skins and covered them. The world says, "If you got it, you may as well flaunt it." But, the Lord says, "COVER YOURSELVES!!!" These fleshly bodies are NOTHING to be proud of that we should walk around with them on display. They are our shame!!! The plunging necklines, the shrinking hemline, and the clinging fabrics that the world wears today have no business on the child of God. People have so immersed themselves in the world with its ideas of beauty and fashion that we can't even go to church anymore for a reprieve. Even in the church, a person who is trying to remain modest has to almost sit with their heads down to keep from seeing something that ought not to be seen in public! We have splits up to there and necklines down to there and push up bras that make things do things they should NEVER do!! Why??? Why do we value the approval of man so much that we ignore the word of God so blatantly on this matter? What's more important to you, the approval of a lustful, fallen man whose righteousness is as filthy rags before the Lord or the blessed approval of the Lord God Almighty???
Which do you aim to edify with your manner of dress: flesh or spirit? Galatians 5:19 says this: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness," so the opposite, or works of the spirit, would be chastity, purity, and modesty. The only way to gain this spirit of modesty is to turn away from this world with its idols of fleshly beauty and sexuality, turn off the TV with its shows that romanticize a life of sinful fulfilling of fleshly desires, and run to the Lord. Embrace His holiness, immerse yourself in His holy word. Stop believing the lies of Satan that let you rationalize the word of God to the point that you can say certain passages aren't applicable for today and the lies that tell you that if a person looks at you with lust, then it's their own sin. We ARE responsible for the sins of others when we cause them to stumble. Remember, it was Bathsheba's son that was taken, too, not just David's.
Stop obeying the flesh, people, we know the end of that road if we know God's word!!! Start heeding the word of God! If Satan can instill a grain of doubt in us over one word of scripture, we will never know the peace that comes from obeying the Lord. Our flesh is enmity with God, we cannot serve two masters. When you got up this morning and you chose your clothes for the day, which master did you choose to serve? I hope it was the right one. If not, I pray that the Lord would instill in you a desire to serve Him in everything you do and say, that He would give you that spirit of modesty and purity, and that He would allow you to use your body only to please the one He gives to you in marriage.
May this word go forth and be used to bring honor and glory to the Lord God Almighty! God bless and Agape, Annie
Are You Ready????
The Bible says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:13-14
I'd like to ask you to look around you; look at your lifestyle and look at the lifestyles of your family members, your friends, your neighbors, etc. Chances are, if your lifestyle is the same as everyone else's, you're not gonna make the cut, no matter how many good deeds you do, how many times you've been baptized, or how many Sunday School classes you teach. The Lord clearly intends for us to walk in His ways, to commune daily with Him, to love Him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength. The Bible says we can't love the world and love God, too. We have to lay down the things of this world, forsake all, take up our cross, and follow Him.
If you haven't yet relinquished your hold on the things of this world, I dare say, you've not been born again. Jesus said in John 3:3 "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Romans 8:8 "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."
Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
My friends, PLEASE examine yourselves, for these are the last days and even if I'm wrong and the Lord tarries His coming for another century, we are still not promised tomorrow.Our last breath could come tonight, as a result of any number of tragic happenings, please make sure you breathe it for Him, who is worthy of all our praise and devotion just because He is the great I AM! The alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, the creator, the author and finisher of our faith, the prince of peace, the king of kings, the lord of lords!!!! Worthy is the Lamb!
I'd like to ask you to look around you; look at your lifestyle and look at the lifestyles of your family members, your friends, your neighbors, etc. Chances are, if your lifestyle is the same as everyone else's, you're not gonna make the cut, no matter how many good deeds you do, how many times you've been baptized, or how many Sunday School classes you teach. The Lord clearly intends for us to walk in His ways, to commune daily with Him, to love Him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength. The Bible says we can't love the world and love God, too. We have to lay down the things of this world, forsake all, take up our cross, and follow Him.
If you haven't yet relinquished your hold on the things of this world, I dare say, you've not been born again. Jesus said in John 3:3 "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Romans 8:8 "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."
Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
My friends, PLEASE examine yourselves, for these are the last days and even if I'm wrong and the Lord tarries His coming for another century, we are still not promised tomorrow.Our last breath could come tonight, as a result of any number of tragic happenings, please make sure you breathe it for Him, who is worthy of all our praise and devotion just because He is the great I AM! The alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, the creator, the author and finisher of our faith, the prince of peace, the king of kings, the lord of lords!!!! Worthy is the Lamb!
Study to shew thyself approved unto God...
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
It seems as if so many people want to believe that all they have to do to please God is go to church every now and then, maybe enjoy a gospel singing here and there, and be sure and ask the blessing before their meals, with a prayer or two occasionally thrown in for their children and their health. Paul is telling us here in his second letter to Timothy that we should study God’s word to be pleasing to Him.
The word of God is just as much a gift to us as the free gift of salvation. The only way for us to know the Lord is to study His word and meditate upon His truths. How can we sing or preach or witness about a God we don’t even know because we have rejected the gift of His word. The Lord has revealed His very essence to us in His scripture. As we study, He enlightens us with wisdom and understanding, just as Jesus did when He told His disciples the meaning of His parables. Truths that are hidden from the rest of the world are free for our taking when we choose to obey and study to show ourselves approved unto God.
I don’t want to be like the Sadducees whom Jesus said erred by not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. I wish to be like David who said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” and like Jeremiah who said, “Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” I wish to be the good ground on which the seed was sown and brought forth good fruit with patience.
Solomon said in Proverbs 1:2-7, “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Don’t be a fool and build your house upon the sand, be a wise child of God building your house upon the rock of His word. We should never think that our wisdom is so great that we have no more need to study, for the Bible says those who think they stand should take heed lest they fall.
Ephesians 5:15-17
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
The Bible says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” If we believe that, as we should, then we will delight in His law and meditate upon it day and night.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
It seems as if so many people want to believe that all they have to do to please God is go to church every now and then, maybe enjoy a gospel singing here and there, and be sure and ask the blessing before their meals, with a prayer or two occasionally thrown in for their children and their health. Paul is telling us here in his second letter to Timothy that we should study God’s word to be pleasing to Him.
The word of God is just as much a gift to us as the free gift of salvation. The only way for us to know the Lord is to study His word and meditate upon His truths. How can we sing or preach or witness about a God we don’t even know because we have rejected the gift of His word. The Lord has revealed His very essence to us in His scripture. As we study, He enlightens us with wisdom and understanding, just as Jesus did when He told His disciples the meaning of His parables. Truths that are hidden from the rest of the world are free for our taking when we choose to obey and study to show ourselves approved unto God.
I don’t want to be like the Sadducees whom Jesus said erred by not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. I wish to be like David who said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” and like Jeremiah who said, “Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” I wish to be the good ground on which the seed was sown and brought forth good fruit with patience.
Solomon said in Proverbs 1:2-7, “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Don’t be a fool and build your house upon the sand, be a wise child of God building your house upon the rock of His word. We should never think that our wisdom is so great that we have no more need to study, for the Bible says those who think they stand should take heed lest they fall.
Ephesians 5:15-17
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
The Bible says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” If we believe that, as we should, then we will delight in His law and meditate upon it day and night.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Monday, November 17, 2008
God has an answer....
HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:
You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
( Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
( Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)
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