Dearest Saints,
We are coming to one of my favorite times of the year, when we are to take time to remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for us to enjoy our freedom. I am glad that as we reflect to remember, we remember the One who gave the greatest sacrifice by what Jesus paid so we can be offered eternal life. It is these times that when we are truly grateful to those whom we should honor, this happens when we choose to remember. When we take communion, Jesus tells us to do this often in remembrance of Him. In other words, we need to be mindful to purposefully remember why we celebrate when otherwise it would become nothing more than a ritual and would lose its deep meaning. However, sometimes when we remember the wrong events in our lives, we can become bitter from the negative actions of others that had its negative effect on us. For myself, I can remember working for a retail outlet (after I have retired from the Regular Forces) and worked hard to do my best. However, I wanted to honor the Lord, so when I had no choice but to go to work 4:00 in the morning on Sunday, I would stop working by 10:00. I was asked to see if I would stay back to work more, and I said I would like to go and attend church service. Nevertheless, several months later, the employers decided to hand out some pink slips to their employees and lay them off for no apparent reason. Of course, I was one of them and others who chose to stay working rather than having to do anything with Church, were granted to remain being employed. So, knowing my flesh, I would be upset and envious and question God "Why this injustice?" This happened about 10 years ago. If I continue by choosing to dwell on this particular scenario about this injustice, I would continue to remain in bondage by harbouring bitterness, which we know would only do us more harm in every way. This is where that "self pity" becomes destructive. As I reflect from this on the other side of the coin, I could have been like the others and chose to not go to the service just to save my job. However, what man had closed the doors on me, the Lord opened wide the doors of much better opportunity because we delight to do His will. I have had the privilege of being employed full time in the Naval Reserve with much better pay, much better working conditions and much better working hours, where I don't have to get up at 3:00am and work different shifts. I have been privileged to travel with my work and be invited to many different units to help them out in their finance section and help train junior members and teach classroom, which I love to do immensely. Had I chosen to do otherwise, I would have missed out so much on the rich blessings by following His ways. So, when I could have remained in bondage to what I had believed to be a great injustice, I choose now to reflect and remember the blessed outcome of my decision because of what the Lord has graciously done for me. In many other instances, I could also dwell on the negative circumstances that occurred in my life from some of the past events that took place. Again, what helps me is when I stop dwelling on the injustice, but how the Lord has opened wide His arms when I reached up to Him. Those who have offended are the ones who still are wandering in spiritual darkness and perhaps I would never have reached out to the Lord in my time of need had I not gone through some of the valleys of life. Perhaps, I would remain like them by trying to be like one of them and remain to this day in spiritual darkness. It reminds me of a scripture that for every trouble, we will receive a double blessing (Isa 61:7) For your shame ye shall have double, and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess the double; everlasting joy shall be unto them.
Therefore, I realize what I need to do is to choose not to dwell on the negative circumstances, but the rejoice in the blessings of the outcome that the Lord has opened up to us. Just to know we are His, is a rich blessing beyond any amount of money anyone on this earth could ever attain. Who knows, maybe we would not have reached out to the Lord if it weren't for our enemies?? When we see Jesus as our common denominator, we can believe that whatever man or the powers of darkness has ever done against us, God is able to do exceedingly if we will simply believe. I can truly testify that when trouble came against me in the past, God made a better way for me. I can now claim the power of the promises of His Word and know that when God is for us, who can stand against Us? (Rom 8:31); and read Deut 20:4.
I encourage you that when you are tempted to dwell on the negative actions that others may have done to you because God is able to do exceedingly for us. We can have victory as we dwell on how good He is to us and the promises we can live according to His Word if we will choose to keep our mind steadfast upon the Lord and His goodness and He promises that we will have perfect peace (Isa 26:3). It is easier for us to remain thankful to Him who is worthy when we remember His goodness to us, because His faithful promises are reserved for those of us who love the Lord.
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Blessing our Enemies?
Dearest Saints,
As I was watching a program recently, I truly learned a message I needed to give serious thought to. I have to admit that I have spoken curses against several ungodly events that often takes place. I compared myself to an individual who was interviewed about doing the same thing. This Christian indicated that each day, as he drove past a certain strip joint, he always spoke curses against it in order to condemn their actions and remove this disgusting night club from continuing to exist. However, as he drove by week after week, month after month and finally year after year, he always spoke curses against it and found that his efforts were seemingly futile! He later approached a mature Christian friend of his and asked why God wasn't answering his prayer to condemn and close up this strip joint? This friend of his mentioned something profound. He mentioned to him that it was not Gods will that we should ever curse, even though these events are most evil in the sight of God. He mentions in James 3:11 that sweet waters and bitter waters should not be flowing out of the same fountain. God even instructs us to bless our enemies!! What?? Why would we dare want to see our enemies prosper in what they were doing? The problem with this question is that this is the wrong mentality thinking in the first place. When this gentleman was giving instruction about blessing those who were obviously doing anything but Gods will, he mentions that when we bless them, we are joining our heart with the heart of God. Also, when we are instructed to bless them, it does not mean that they financially or inheritently prosper in the business they are in and continue to do the things that may be an abomination to God. But when we truly bless them, we are praying that God will in fact change their heart and become the type of people who would long to come to know Christ and in the power of His resurrection, just like the Apostle Paul yearned for (Phil 3:10). So when this particular person realized this, he started to speak blessings upon the people running this night club every time he drove by and no longer speaks curses against it. It was only a week later when he started to speak blessings over this building, that this strip joint was closing up and was already on the market for a new business to replace it.
Therefore, what has happened was the fact that we may have a totally wrong mentality when it comes to speaking a blessing upon the enemies of God and the evil of this world. We are not speaking blessings to cause them to prosper that will cause them to attain further worldly gain, but in fact, the opposite may happen in order to allow the hearts of these people to turn to God and become the person God wants them to be in the first place. Just like the story of Jonah, who wanted this wicked nation of Ninevah to be destroyed because of all the evil which took place in that nation. God didn't want to destroy this nation, but the hearts of this nation to be changed. God wanted to use Jonah to go there and be a blessing to this nation by turning the hearts of these people to God. When we do speak blessings upon our enemies, I know the results will be much better when we do the will of God and bless our enemies and leave the results in His capable hands. What I had learned from the error of my ways is that we often associate blessings with financial prosperity and living with a life of ease and being merry and never encountering any problems or difficulties. However, when we join our heart with God and speak blessings upon our enemies and the enemies of God who are obviously not living according to His will, we actually are allowing God to do whatever He needs to do to turn the hearts of these people to Him. It may result in unfortunate incidents as the world may know, but if our heart is in line with Gods heart, our motive would be that God would do what He knows to do to the exact measure to turn the hearts of people to Him with the hope that destruction would not have to take place in peoples lives. God is gracious to us because He tells us that we don't often receive what our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10). Therefore, His will is obviously that the outsiders would not be penalized to the point of the measure of their sins either. I want to encourage each of us to be like people whom God can say of us that we are people after Gods own heart to go that extra mile to speak blessings to our enemies so that they too can know the goodness of God and become people of God. Just as their is power in agreement of prayers, it is therefore powerful when we get in agreement with God (Matt 18:19) and bless our enemies (Matt 5:44) so we can watch God move on their behalf.
It is especially true when I take time to remember the mercies I always receive from God in an awesome way, it is only then that I am able to give that same measure of mercy to others in their time of need.
Psalm 103:10 He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
As I was watching a program recently, I truly learned a message I needed to give serious thought to. I have to admit that I have spoken curses against several ungodly events that often takes place. I compared myself to an individual who was interviewed about doing the same thing. This Christian indicated that each day, as he drove past a certain strip joint, he always spoke curses against it in order to condemn their actions and remove this disgusting night club from continuing to exist. However, as he drove by week after week, month after month and finally year after year, he always spoke curses against it and found that his efforts were seemingly futile! He later approached a mature Christian friend of his and asked why God wasn't answering his prayer to condemn and close up this strip joint? This friend of his mentioned something profound. He mentioned to him that it was not Gods will that we should ever curse, even though these events are most evil in the sight of God. He mentions in James 3:11 that sweet waters and bitter waters should not be flowing out of the same fountain. God even instructs us to bless our enemies!! What?? Why would we dare want to see our enemies prosper in what they were doing? The problem with this question is that this is the wrong mentality thinking in the first place. When this gentleman was giving instruction about blessing those who were obviously doing anything but Gods will, he mentions that when we bless them, we are joining our heart with the heart of God. Also, when we are instructed to bless them, it does not mean that they financially or inheritently prosper in the business they are in and continue to do the things that may be an abomination to God. But when we truly bless them, we are praying that God will in fact change their heart and become the type of people who would long to come to know Christ and in the power of His resurrection, just like the Apostle Paul yearned for (Phil 3:10). So when this particular person realized this, he started to speak blessings upon the people running this night club every time he drove by and no longer speaks curses against it. It was only a week later when he started to speak blessings over this building, that this strip joint was closing up and was already on the market for a new business to replace it.
Therefore, what has happened was the fact that we may have a totally wrong mentality when it comes to speaking a blessing upon the enemies of God and the evil of this world. We are not speaking blessings to cause them to prosper that will cause them to attain further worldly gain, but in fact, the opposite may happen in order to allow the hearts of these people to turn to God and become the person God wants them to be in the first place. Just like the story of Jonah, who wanted this wicked nation of Ninevah to be destroyed because of all the evil which took place in that nation. God didn't want to destroy this nation, but the hearts of this nation to be changed. God wanted to use Jonah to go there and be a blessing to this nation by turning the hearts of these people to God. When we do speak blessings upon our enemies, I know the results will be much better when we do the will of God and bless our enemies and leave the results in His capable hands. What I had learned from the error of my ways is that we often associate blessings with financial prosperity and living with a life of ease and being merry and never encountering any problems or difficulties. However, when we join our heart with God and speak blessings upon our enemies and the enemies of God who are obviously not living according to His will, we actually are allowing God to do whatever He needs to do to turn the hearts of these people to Him. It may result in unfortunate incidents as the world may know, but if our heart is in line with Gods heart, our motive would be that God would do what He knows to do to the exact measure to turn the hearts of people to Him with the hope that destruction would not have to take place in peoples lives. God is gracious to us because He tells us that we don't often receive what our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10). Therefore, His will is obviously that the outsiders would not be penalized to the point of the measure of their sins either. I want to encourage each of us to be like people whom God can say of us that we are people after Gods own heart to go that extra mile to speak blessings to our enemies so that they too can know the goodness of God and become people of God. Just as their is power in agreement of prayers, it is therefore powerful when we get in agreement with God (Matt 18:19) and bless our enemies (Matt 5:44) so we can watch God move on their behalf.
It is especially true when I take time to remember the mercies I always receive from God in an awesome way, it is only then that I am able to give that same measure of mercy to others in their time of need.
Psalm 103:10 He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Overcoming worldly sorrow
Dearest Saints.
When we considered some of the results of worldly sorrow, we first mentioned about being a victim of someone elses abuse. What I have found helpful is to recognize that the real enemy to all mankind is the devil and his angels, not flesh and blood. I know it is very difficult to get this concept around our minds when I see how I have reacted many times in the past when being confronted from other people. When we focus on flesh and blood as our real enemies, we will see ourselves as a victim from those who would otherwise oppress us or persecute us. When we realize that the ones who oppress others are a victim of the real enemy who is able to use them, we will see the true picture of what is taking place in the spiritual realm. When we consider the grave eternal consequences of their actions, we will understand that they are blind by their actions and they have no concept of the account they may give because of their actions. When we keep our focus on who the real enemy is (satan and his angelic followers), we will be like Jesus and like Stephen. They did not see themselves as a victim, but they saw those who were crucifying Him and stoning Stephen. They both cried out to God with Godly sorrow for those who came against them and said "Father, forgive them for they not know what they do". When we focus on this and have this mindset, it is an awesome liberating truth that sets us free from becoming a slave to the enemy. If our enemies would only have their spiritual eyes opened, they would see the evil of their ways and repent immediately. But, because the enemy has blinded them from knowing this reality, they are truly the ones who are the real victim.
In 2 Cor 4:3-10, we read: But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to those who are lost, 4whose unbelieving minds the god of this world hath blinded, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
Therefore, when we are troubled and persecuted, we don't have to be a prisoner and feel like a victim when we see the bigger picture, focus on who the real enemy is and stop seeing ourselves as the victim.
Another point we talked about is how a person is deceived by the enemy to think that their sins are bigger than Gods Grace to pardon and forgive us of our past sins when we repent. I liked a story I recently heard during our service from my Senior Pastor. It was about a man who was caught stealing from the US Mail back in the 1800s. During that time, as we thought of this as a petty crime, he was in fact sentenced to be executed. When President Lincoln at the time was granting a full pardon to the man, the man never accepted the pardon that was granted. He then stood before the Judge and he was eventually executed. The pardon that was offered to this man in full was worthless simply because he refused to receive a pardon and ended up being penalized. I wonder how often we have that mindset. As His Children, we can come to Him to receive a full pardon that we would be otherwise convicted. Christs pardon and forgiveness is always available to us, but when we don't accept His pardon because we don't feel worthy, this is the enemy sowing these thoughts in to our minds. We end up punishing ourselves and remaining a prisoner when we can otherwise be set free by receiving Gods Grace and pardon for us. Gods pardon and Grace is valued differently to many people. Some people will see the full value of His Grace and Mercy, while others in different measure will not have its value simply because they are believing a lie from the enemy and not seeing the truth of His Grace and Mercy that has been extended to each of us. His Grace is worth to us to the measure that we believe and receive His Grace and pardon for us. It never has anything to do with the measure of Gods Grace, but it has to do with the measure of how we believe and receive His Grace for us. Don't let us be like that man who was executed. His actions by feeling sorry for himself are never justified. Worldly sorrow lead this convicted man to his eternal death, just like it did for Judas Iscariot!
Think of how God would react if one would not receive His full pardon and the price He was willing to pay by His Son Jesus to offer us His total forgiveness? Do you think for one minute God would be pleased with the man who would not accept His Grace? Friends, let us always believe and receive the Lords Grace, Mercy and pardon when we do repent regardless how big we think our sins are or how many times we commit the same sins over again. God is BIGGER than our sins and His GRACE is mightier than our faults. When we don't receive Gods Grace and Pardon, what a devastation that will be to anyone to refuse such an awesome and priceless gift!!
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
When we considered some of the results of worldly sorrow, we first mentioned about being a victim of someone elses abuse. What I have found helpful is to recognize that the real enemy to all mankind is the devil and his angels, not flesh and blood. I know it is very difficult to get this concept around our minds when I see how I have reacted many times in the past when being confronted from other people. When we focus on flesh and blood as our real enemies, we will see ourselves as a victim from those who would otherwise oppress us or persecute us. When we realize that the ones who oppress others are a victim of the real enemy who is able to use them, we will see the true picture of what is taking place in the spiritual realm. When we consider the grave eternal consequences of their actions, we will understand that they are blind by their actions and they have no concept of the account they may give because of their actions. When we keep our focus on who the real enemy is (satan and his angelic followers), we will be like Jesus and like Stephen. They did not see themselves as a victim, but they saw those who were crucifying Him and stoning Stephen. They both cried out to God with Godly sorrow for those who came against them and said "Father, forgive them for they not know what they do". When we focus on this and have this mindset, it is an awesome liberating truth that sets us free from becoming a slave to the enemy. If our enemies would only have their spiritual eyes opened, they would see the evil of their ways and repent immediately. But, because the enemy has blinded them from knowing this reality, they are truly the ones who are the real victim.
In 2 Cor 4:3-10, we read: But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to those who are lost, 4whose unbelieving minds the god of this world hath blinded, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
Therefore, when we are troubled and persecuted, we don't have to be a prisoner and feel like a victim when we see the bigger picture, focus on who the real enemy is and stop seeing ourselves as the victim.
Another point we talked about is how a person is deceived by the enemy to think that their sins are bigger than Gods Grace to pardon and forgive us of our past sins when we repent. I liked a story I recently heard during our service from my Senior Pastor. It was about a man who was caught stealing from the US Mail back in the 1800s. During that time, as we thought of this as a petty crime, he was in fact sentenced to be executed. When President Lincoln at the time was granting a full pardon to the man, the man never accepted the pardon that was granted. He then stood before the Judge and he was eventually executed. The pardon that was offered to this man in full was worthless simply because he refused to receive a pardon and ended up being penalized. I wonder how often we have that mindset. As His Children, we can come to Him to receive a full pardon that we would be otherwise convicted. Christs pardon and forgiveness is always available to us, but when we don't accept His pardon because we don't feel worthy, this is the enemy sowing these thoughts in to our minds. We end up punishing ourselves and remaining a prisoner when we can otherwise be set free by receiving Gods Grace and pardon for us. Gods pardon and Grace is valued differently to many people. Some people will see the full value of His Grace and Mercy, while others in different measure will not have its value simply because they are believing a lie from the enemy and not seeing the truth of His Grace and Mercy that has been extended to each of us. His Grace is worth to us to the measure that we believe and receive His Grace and pardon for us. It never has anything to do with the measure of Gods Grace, but it has to do with the measure of how we believe and receive His Grace for us. Don't let us be like that man who was executed. His actions by feeling sorry for himself are never justified. Worldly sorrow lead this convicted man to his eternal death, just like it did for Judas Iscariot!
Think of how God would react if one would not receive His full pardon and the price He was willing to pay by His Son Jesus to offer us His total forgiveness? Do you think for one minute God would be pleased with the man who would not accept His Grace? Friends, let us always believe and receive the Lords Grace, Mercy and pardon when we do repent regardless how big we think our sins are or how many times we commit the same sins over again. God is BIGGER than our sins and His GRACE is mightier than our faults. When we don't receive Gods Grace and Pardon, what a devastation that will be to anyone to refuse such an awesome and priceless gift!!
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Root Causes of Worldly Sorrow
Dearest Saints,
I always like to find out the root of a real problem from allowing the enemy to have gained an initial foothold that has allowed ourselves to be a prisoner of serving "self" that leads to worldly sorrow. I always believe the enemy of our soul does not have any legal entry in to the lives of Christians unless we allow him or give him access. Jesus Himself said that the devil had nothing in Him because He did not allow the devil to have any access in to His life (John 8:49). One of the most devastating and destructive bondages I have dealt with in my life is being "self-ish". So I have to wonder, why is it that I had a problem being selfish and some others whom I had known weren't bothered by it? I always like to find the causes of different reasons why a person becomes selfish and self centered. This doesn't mean that we are not to look after ourselves, but it becomes a problem when we are so fixated on our selves that very little care is ever being considered towards others. The Bible speaks often about having a healthy balance where neither extremes are good. When we do Gods will, it is always for our own benefit. While selfishness is obviously not Gods will for us, we aren't expected to just look after others while we don't ever take a minute for look after ourselves, which is not healthy either. The Bible tells us in two verses in Proverbs:
1. Proverbs 20:10
Differing weights and differing measures--both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
2. Proverbs 20:23
Differing weights are an abomination unto the LORD, and a false balance is not good.
So when we are talking about being selfish, it is taking it to a level that is completely out of balance when we do need to take care of ourselves at the same time. There may be more than the examples I would like to share, but here is a start. When we see the result of someone being selfish, I believe here are some examples:
a. Someone being hurt so many times in the past by others or badly hurt with deep emotional wounds that results of you not trusting anyone else and the fact that this person doesn't even trust God, which is a great barrier when we fail to put our trust in the One whom we should, which is Christ Jesus.
b. When you fixate your mind on something someone else has and it gets to the point that you want it so bad, you lust after it. This is that covetous spirit that causes a person to think that if they don't have this material possession or other satisfying goal such as travelling the world, or any other ambition that they won't be happy. Especially when we see others doing them or having them and you don't. This comes when we compare ourselves to the others who may have more than us rather than seeing ourselves that are most likely much better off than 90% of the world. When this occurs, a person becomes competitive which leads to a person becoming envious and jealous, which the Bible often warns of its severe consequences, and we forget how blessed we really are.
c. When you don't feel that you measure up to other peoples standards, qualifications or expectations which I believe is also a condition that may cause a person to be consumed with "self", or you don't value yourself as God values you.
d. It may be by being a people pleaser that you value your reputation rather than being a pleaser of God that develops Godly character.
I heard it once said that the difference between when a person values their reputation is when they care about what others think of them. On the other hand, a person who learns to develop Godly character cares about what God knows about them, despite what others may think of them. Valuing our own reputation is another sign that eventually develops worldly sorrow when we are always concerned about valuing ourselves to what people say or think of us. When we can identify some of the root causes, we need to see how to stop feeding our flesh in these areas of our lives that would promote ourselves developing worldly sorrow and see what we need to do to change that as we seek Gods Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us and purposefully allow ourselves to have a teachable spirit within us.
These segments that I write are not simply just any subject that I pull out of a hat and try to study them in order to share, but it is part of my life experience in each case which I have learned from. I now realize more than ever is important to share with one another what we have learned and to pass vital information to others who may desperately need to hear from our experiences. The reason why I think I may have learned much about different issues is not because I have any educational intellect, but because I tend to be one of those people who have to learn the hard way rather than just initially listening to advice and wisdom from others instead. When we can share a real life testimony, this is a powerful tool that shuts the mouth of the accuser (the devil) in Rev 12:11. When we see how we have handled situations that lead us down the wrong path, we can now look at what we can do with Gods help to promote changes in our life that will lead us down the path that leads to life. So when we have our moments of grieve, with Gods help, we can make progress to promote Godly sorrow that really does in fact heal us and brings forth life. Next, we will look at ways of how we can make positive progress from what we have identified some of the root causes.
Richard
Associate Director – Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
I always like to find out the root of a real problem from allowing the enemy to have gained an initial foothold that has allowed ourselves to be a prisoner of serving "self" that leads to worldly sorrow. I always believe the enemy of our soul does not have any legal entry in to the lives of Christians unless we allow him or give him access. Jesus Himself said that the devil had nothing in Him because He did not allow the devil to have any access in to His life (John 8:49). One of the most devastating and destructive bondages I have dealt with in my life is being "self-ish". So I have to wonder, why is it that I had a problem being selfish and some others whom I had known weren't bothered by it? I always like to find the causes of different reasons why a person becomes selfish and self centered. This doesn't mean that we are not to look after ourselves, but it becomes a problem when we are so fixated on our selves that very little care is ever being considered towards others. The Bible speaks often about having a healthy balance where neither extremes are good. When we do Gods will, it is always for our own benefit. While selfishness is obviously not Gods will for us, we aren't expected to just look after others while we don't ever take a minute for look after ourselves, which is not healthy either. The Bible tells us in two verses in Proverbs:
1. Proverbs 20:10
Differing weights and differing measures--both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
2. Proverbs 20:23
Differing weights are an abomination unto the LORD, and a false balance is not good.
So when we are talking about being selfish, it is taking it to a level that is completely out of balance when we do need to take care of ourselves at the same time. There may be more than the examples I would like to share, but here is a start. When we see the result of someone being selfish, I believe here are some examples:
a. Someone being hurt so many times in the past by others or badly hurt with deep emotional wounds that results of you not trusting anyone else and the fact that this person doesn't even trust God, which is a great barrier when we fail to put our trust in the One whom we should, which is Christ Jesus.
b. When you fixate your mind on something someone else has and it gets to the point that you want it so bad, you lust after it. This is that covetous spirit that causes a person to think that if they don't have this material possession or other satisfying goal such as travelling the world, or any other ambition that they won't be happy. Especially when we see others doing them or having them and you don't. This comes when we compare ourselves to the others who may have more than us rather than seeing ourselves that are most likely much better off than 90% of the world. When this occurs, a person becomes competitive which leads to a person becoming envious and jealous, which the Bible often warns of its severe consequences, and we forget how blessed we really are.
c. When you don't feel that you measure up to other peoples standards, qualifications or expectations which I believe is also a condition that may cause a person to be consumed with "self", or you don't value yourself as God values you.
d. It may be by being a people pleaser that you value your reputation rather than being a pleaser of God that develops Godly character.
I heard it once said that the difference between when a person values their reputation is when they care about what others think of them. On the other hand, a person who learns to develop Godly character cares about what God knows about them, despite what others may think of them. Valuing our own reputation is another sign that eventually develops worldly sorrow when we are always concerned about valuing ourselves to what people say or think of us. When we can identify some of the root causes, we need to see how to stop feeding our flesh in these areas of our lives that would promote ourselves developing worldly sorrow and see what we need to do to change that as we seek Gods Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us and purposefully allow ourselves to have a teachable spirit within us.
These segments that I write are not simply just any subject that I pull out of a hat and try to study them in order to share, but it is part of my life experience in each case which I have learned from. I now realize more than ever is important to share with one another what we have learned and to pass vital information to others who may desperately need to hear from our experiences. The reason why I think I may have learned much about different issues is not because I have any educational intellect, but because I tend to be one of those people who have to learn the hard way rather than just initially listening to advice and wisdom from others instead. When we can share a real life testimony, this is a powerful tool that shuts the mouth of the accuser (the devil) in Rev 12:11. When we see how we have handled situations that lead us down the wrong path, we can now look at what we can do with Gods help to promote changes in our life that will lead us down the path that leads to life. So when we have our moments of grieve, with Gods help, we can make progress to promote Godly sorrow that really does in fact heal us and brings forth life. Next, we will look at ways of how we can make positive progress from what we have identified some of the root causes.
Richard
Associate Director – Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Friday, 9 September 2011
Destructive Results of Worldly Sorrow
Good Day Saints.
There are so many hurting people including Christians that I want to reach out to, because of the pain I did bear, which has given me a desire to reach out to bless others in their time of need. Most remarkably is what we think is often a curse when we go through trials is something that God can use through us to be a blessing to many others who are in need of comfort. Had I not gone through many of the trials that I would normally would rather had not, God would not be able to use myself as an example to reach out to others who are in need. He often brings us through certain valleys to be a special vessel of Him to reach out to be a blessing to others that are going through similar trials we had once gone through. This lesson by reaching out to others is what builds healthy relationships that is not easily broken.
As I contemplate often of how people have reacted to myself when I was going through deep valleys, I always appreciated those who understood my pain and did not simply give me a bunch of wise counsel all the time, but just to know they understood what I was going through and to just be there in prayer as a friend would. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for someone who is struggling and going through difficult times is to say nothing and hold their hand and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). I have often heard that the best counselors were not the ones who often gave advice to their clients, but were the ones who simply asked questions, showed interest to the person grieving because they simply listened to them intently. When Job was going through his darkest days, he was most frustrated with his friends because they thought they had all the answers to the problems of his trials with giving advice rather than comforting him at his greatest time of need. No confrontations ever took place when his friends decided to grieve with him for the first 7 days when nothing was said but were there which comforted him (Job 2:11-13). Then the problems all started when Jobs friends tried to counsel and lecture him to make him think it was due to some sort of sin he was being punished for, rather than to console him by sharing his grief and grieving with him. I have found when I went through deep valleys, the best medicine I had received was when people just were interested to listen and understand the grief that one goes through. I have found that when we allow someone to go through a grieving process, an internal cleansing takes place deep within their soul. I also realized that although grieving was healthy, self pity on the other hand can be destructive. In 2 Cor 7:10, Paul tells the Corinthians that Godly sorrow and grief is what heals us and brings forth life, while worldly sorrow brings forth death. The fact that just the difference between grieving (Godly sorrow) and self pity (worldly sorrow) can be the result of such a great magnitude, where one brings life and healing, when the other destroys and leads to death, I think it is worth taking a serious look at. The initial problem I see that leads a person to later developing self-pity is when a person becomes so consumed in their self-interests only. When you care so much for your "self" and often do not give regard to any other, I believe worldly sorrow comes in to effect. Because when things don't go right for you, what you have hoped to satisfy your selfish needs has failed at meeting your needs or your expectations. Often times, when we put too much expectations on people, especially to our husbands or wives, we are in for a rough relationship because they are going to fail us regardless, when we should be putting our expectations on the One who died on the Cross for the entire world (1 John 2:2) Other instances I believe causes worldly sorrow is when a person puts all their hopes in their job, the economy, and/or the government to take care of them or finding security in the things we possess. Sooner or later, these things that are truly unstable are not going to be there for you and when they become a loss, or they have failed you, a person turns inwardly and develops worldly sorrow which does nothing but destroy the person by having self pity. This is that worldly sorrow we read about that brings forth death.
For myself, I believe that the tremendous trials I had gone through and endured was much harder than I needed to go through. Simply because back 15 years or a couple of decades ago, I was so consumed in doing so much for me, accomplishing so much for myself that I had very little time, if any, to have any care or thought for anyone else. I was consumed with self and when things did not go right and all seemed wrong, I was close to being destroyed by the real enemy who used this opportunity for me to be consumed with what I wanted out of life rather than finding fulfillment in what I could do for others. I know as I look back, if I had not been so consumed with living for "self" and fulfilling my self-interests so much, any unfortunate incidents that took place would have been far less devastating for me had I not been so consumed with thinking of taking care of "me". It is always amazing that everyone I have met that has lived more selfishly are the ones who are more bitter about life in general. Even in cartoon characters, when young people looks at them, the greedy and self indulgent characters always have that ugly and upsetting look about themselves. No wonder the Bible (which gives us Life), tells us that it is more blessed to give then to receive (Acts 20:35). As I continue on the part of this series, we will continue with this topic on the great difference between the destructive effects of worldly sorrow and true Godly sorrow that truly does heal ones soul that brings forth life.
Please feel free to visit my website and Blog address below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
There are so many hurting people including Christians that I want to reach out to, because of the pain I did bear, which has given me a desire to reach out to bless others in their time of need. Most remarkably is what we think is often a curse when we go through trials is something that God can use through us to be a blessing to many others who are in need of comfort. Had I not gone through many of the trials that I would normally would rather had not, God would not be able to use myself as an example to reach out to others who are in need. He often brings us through certain valleys to be a special vessel of Him to reach out to be a blessing to others that are going through similar trials we had once gone through. This lesson by reaching out to others is what builds healthy relationships that is not easily broken.
As I contemplate often of how people have reacted to myself when I was going through deep valleys, I always appreciated those who understood my pain and did not simply give me a bunch of wise counsel all the time, but just to know they understood what I was going through and to just be there in prayer as a friend would. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for someone who is struggling and going through difficult times is to say nothing and hold their hand and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). I have often heard that the best counselors were not the ones who often gave advice to their clients, but were the ones who simply asked questions, showed interest to the person grieving because they simply listened to them intently. When Job was going through his darkest days, he was most frustrated with his friends because they thought they had all the answers to the problems of his trials with giving advice rather than comforting him at his greatest time of need. No confrontations ever took place when his friends decided to grieve with him for the first 7 days when nothing was said but were there which comforted him (Job 2:11-13). Then the problems all started when Jobs friends tried to counsel and lecture him to make him think it was due to some sort of sin he was being punished for, rather than to console him by sharing his grief and grieving with him. I have found when I went through deep valleys, the best medicine I had received was when people just were interested to listen and understand the grief that one goes through. I have found that when we allow someone to go through a grieving process, an internal cleansing takes place deep within their soul. I also realized that although grieving was healthy, self pity on the other hand can be destructive. In 2 Cor 7:10, Paul tells the Corinthians that Godly sorrow and grief is what heals us and brings forth life, while worldly sorrow brings forth death. The fact that just the difference between grieving (Godly sorrow) and self pity (worldly sorrow) can be the result of such a great magnitude, where one brings life and healing, when the other destroys and leads to death, I think it is worth taking a serious look at. The initial problem I see that leads a person to later developing self-pity is when a person becomes so consumed in their self-interests only. When you care so much for your "self" and often do not give regard to any other, I believe worldly sorrow comes in to effect. Because when things don't go right for you, what you have hoped to satisfy your selfish needs has failed at meeting your needs or your expectations. Often times, when we put too much expectations on people, especially to our husbands or wives, we are in for a rough relationship because they are going to fail us regardless, when we should be putting our expectations on the One who died on the Cross for the entire world (1 John 2:2) Other instances I believe causes worldly sorrow is when a person puts all their hopes in their job, the economy, and/or the government to take care of them or finding security in the things we possess. Sooner or later, these things that are truly unstable are not going to be there for you and when they become a loss, or they have failed you, a person turns inwardly and develops worldly sorrow which does nothing but destroy the person by having self pity. This is that worldly sorrow we read about that brings forth death.
For myself, I believe that the tremendous trials I had gone through and endured was much harder than I needed to go through. Simply because back 15 years or a couple of decades ago, I was so consumed in doing so much for me, accomplishing so much for myself that I had very little time, if any, to have any care or thought for anyone else. I was consumed with self and when things did not go right and all seemed wrong, I was close to being destroyed by the real enemy who used this opportunity for me to be consumed with what I wanted out of life rather than finding fulfillment in what I could do for others. I know as I look back, if I had not been so consumed with living for "self" and fulfilling my self-interests so much, any unfortunate incidents that took place would have been far less devastating for me had I not been so consumed with thinking of taking care of "me". It is always amazing that everyone I have met that has lived more selfishly are the ones who are more bitter about life in general. Even in cartoon characters, when young people looks at them, the greedy and self indulgent characters always have that ugly and upsetting look about themselves. No wonder the Bible (which gives us Life), tells us that it is more blessed to give then to receive (Acts 20:35). As I continue on the part of this series, we will continue with this topic on the great difference between the destructive effects of worldly sorrow and true Godly sorrow that truly does heal ones soul that brings forth life.
Please feel free to visit my website and Blog address below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Use Our Past to Bless Many
Dearest Saints,
This is an encouraging thought the Lord continues to reveal to me. When a person looks back on their life, it may have been a much more troubling past then most others. Many would say "how unfortunate" and, if the person who had this troubling past, they can fall into being a prey of the devil and have a self-pity party and see themselves as "less fortunate". If we understand how God can use our past to be a blessing to others, there are certain people who have the ability to touch many peoples lives in ways because of their past, simply because they refuse to remain having a defeated mentality and know the awesome God whom we serve can make something great of our past to advance His Kingdom. I have seen that people who have gone through many trials are the ones who have made such a positive impact on other peoples lives, because they have developed an understanding heart. A person doesn't realize the importance and the impact of their decision, whether they decide to just remain defeated, or allow God to make something positive from their past to live for His purpose. They can wallow in self-pity and remain in bondage to the lies of the devil who tries to tell us 'nothing can be done about our past". Or these people can decide with the help of God, that no matter how traumatic their past may have been, they can make a decision with the help of God to use their past for the benefit of others. It is amazing, that the people who become bold enough to believe God to use their past to bless and touch the lives of others who are in need, God is able to do amazing things through people who will dare to believe God can use them. The other thing the devil wants us to believe is to feel that no one else goes through what we go through and no one understands. The good news is that Christ understands, because if anyone who has suffered greatly, it was Him. He also tells us that there are many others like us who are experiencing various great trials while to devil tries to lie to us to believe we are the only ones going through this particular trial. Therefore, our past has great value when we turn it over to God, ask and believe that He can use our past and gift us to minister to those beyond your expectation. Our reward will be great in Heaven because nothing from our past is in vain unless we fail to believe He can use our past for His future purposes. When we remain being bitter and wallow in self-pity, that is when we are defeated by the lies of the enemy.
Therefore, I challenge you to dare to believe, ask and be confident in the Lord that You may receive His Grace and Mercy in our time of need (Heb 4:16), and have confidence in Him to be able to use you in special ways as His anointed Ambassador to touch many lives all around. This is proof of my own testimony that I remembered thinking that I was of no value to society, and am now being greatly used of the Lord when I asked Him and wanted Him to now use me and use my past to bless others in their time of need. If the Lord can use me in mighty ways, just think of how much greater the Lord is able to use you as His wonderful anointed. He wants to use us in order to reward us. We serve a God who loves to reward those who believe and want to be used of Him for His good and perfect purposes. My life that was defeated has now been replaced with living a passionate and purposeful life, and He promises that what He can do for one, He can do for you. Praise His wonderful name.
Please feel free to visit my website below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
This is an encouraging thought the Lord continues to reveal to me. When a person looks back on their life, it may have been a much more troubling past then most others. Many would say "how unfortunate" and, if the person who had this troubling past, they can fall into being a prey of the devil and have a self-pity party and see themselves as "less fortunate". If we understand how God can use our past to be a blessing to others, there are certain people who have the ability to touch many peoples lives in ways because of their past, simply because they refuse to remain having a defeated mentality and know the awesome God whom we serve can make something great of our past to advance His Kingdom. I have seen that people who have gone through many trials are the ones who have made such a positive impact on other peoples lives, because they have developed an understanding heart. A person doesn't realize the importance and the impact of their decision, whether they decide to just remain defeated, or allow God to make something positive from their past to live for His purpose. They can wallow in self-pity and remain in bondage to the lies of the devil who tries to tell us 'nothing can be done about our past". Or these people can decide with the help of God, that no matter how traumatic their past may have been, they can make a decision with the help of God to use their past for the benefit of others. It is amazing, that the people who become bold enough to believe God to use their past to bless and touch the lives of others who are in need, God is able to do amazing things through people who will dare to believe God can use them. The other thing the devil wants us to believe is to feel that no one else goes through what we go through and no one understands. The good news is that Christ understands, because if anyone who has suffered greatly, it was Him. He also tells us that there are many others like us who are experiencing various great trials while to devil tries to lie to us to believe we are the only ones going through this particular trial. Therefore, our past has great value when we turn it over to God, ask and believe that He can use our past and gift us to minister to those beyond your expectation. Our reward will be great in Heaven because nothing from our past is in vain unless we fail to believe He can use our past for His future purposes. When we remain being bitter and wallow in self-pity, that is when we are defeated by the lies of the enemy.
Therefore, I challenge you to dare to believe, ask and be confident in the Lord that You may receive His Grace and Mercy in our time of need (Heb 4:16), and have confidence in Him to be able to use you in special ways as His anointed Ambassador to touch many lives all around. This is proof of my own testimony that I remembered thinking that I was of no value to society, and am now being greatly used of the Lord when I asked Him and wanted Him to now use me and use my past to bless others in their time of need. If the Lord can use me in mighty ways, just think of how much greater the Lord is able to use you as His wonderful anointed. He wants to use us in order to reward us. We serve a God who loves to reward those who believe and want to be used of Him for His good and perfect purposes. My life that was defeated has now been replaced with living a passionate and purposeful life, and He promises that what He can do for one, He can do for you. Praise His wonderful name.
Please feel free to visit my website below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Power of Our Confession
Dear Saints.
I often come across many Christians who remain in various bondages, while at the same time, they confess they are helpless or hopeless. God teaches us in His Word that we are often a product of what we become because of the confession of our mouth. This is not any type of New Age material, because new age only has to do with receiving power from within, where we get these instructions by reading what God has to say about it and applying His Word. His Word is powerful, which is what brought nothing into existence (Gen 1:3;6;9), it brought many healings, deliverances and He teaches us in (Matt 8:7,8) that the power of the tongue either brings forth life or death (Prov 18:21). When God tells us about the power of the tongue that will either do one thing or the other, I think from that, that this is extremely important that we need to take heed to. In (James 3:5-8) it mentions about the unruly tongue that causes the flames of hell itself to rise and how it defiles the body, just because of the words we speak. That is why we need to take this seriously because God tells us also in (Matt 12:36) that we are going to give an account for every idle and unprofitable word we utter (unless we repent). Therefore, if God tells us that He is going to judge our words, that means He takes what we speak seriously!!
When you hear people talk negatively against yourself or someone else, it is like a sharp sword that pierces us and it is like a ton of bricks hit us simply because of the wrong words spoken. Also, when we speak Gods Word which is meant to heal, this is equally powerful because when we speak the Words that line up with what God says in His Word, this is what brings healing to many souls and encourages souls, which we are called to do. Therefore, if words are this powerful, we need to be careful about what we speak about ourselves and to others. We should also then take advantage to speak words of encouragement and healing to others when we realize how powerful the wisdom of our words are when we speak Gods encouraging words over others. I find we are often our own worst enemy because we often speak negatively about ourselves more than anyone else. When we do, we are playing into the tricks of the enemy because it is contrary to what God says. I like what Paul says in Phil 4:13, For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". He spoke positively not because of who he was of himself, but he knew personally what Jesus meant to him, and he knew who he was in Christ. He would have been arrogant if he had left out Christ, but he knew that he could do anything that he was called to do because of Who Christ is. We need to stop speaking negatively towards ourselves and start speaking the positive Word of God instead. Afterall, if God says it, then it is TRUTH and we need to receive His truth by applying this truth and speaking His Word over us. I knew the power of negative words from my past because I became a product of that by living a defeated life by carrying a negative attitude with me and continued to think negatively all the time, which is totally contrary to what God has to say about each of us. Then, later when I understood that I was simply listening to lies of the enemy, I decided (by Gods Grace) to refute every lie and start speaking the truth of His Word over me. I can say as God is my witness that this powerful truth has completely turned my life around. When we catch ourselves speaking negatively towards ourselves, we need to immediately ask for Gods forgiveness, refute and refuse to accept any lies that God does not agree with and write down scriptures and speak it over us. When I often caught myself speaking negatively about losing my mind, I had to repent and declare the promise of His Word that says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of Power, Love and of a Sound Mind (2 Tim 1:7). However, Gods Word which is TRUTH will benefit us when we not only believe it, but learn to receive it for ourselves and use His Word as a mighty Sword to speak it over ourselves and put it into practice. Scriptures tell us that the demons also believe, yet they tremble (James 2:19). Just like salvation, because it is when we not only believe in our heart, but when we make that confession to invite Christ to be our Lord that brings forth salvation (Rom 10:9,10). When people don't live in victory, it is not because God withholds from us, but because they don't receive His promises and apply it for themselves. We need to apply His Word to us if we expect to get anything out of it, by not only being hearers, but doers of His Word otherwise we are simply being deceived (James 1:22). We need to understand also that what others say that does not line up with Gods Word is nothing but a counterfeit because it is only Gods Word that is the High and ultimate standard of TRUTH, anything else is nothing but a lie. If the Word is a powerful sword of the Spirit, then we need to activate it by speaking it. So when we speak the encouraging Word of God over us, we are speaking a powerful Sword that defeats the enemy in our lives because the enemy cannot stand against Gods people when we declare Gods Word which is TRUTH. May I encourage each of us, to ask God to help us not only entirely believe His Word, but to learn to speak the powerful promises of His Word over us, to cease speaking negatively and ask God to help us live His Word which is what is ultimately the very best instructions for us to live in our entire existence. If spoken words are powerful, then let us use it to speak blessings to others and encourage others while it is called TODAY (Heb 3:13).
Romans 2:13
For it is not merely hearing the Law [read] that makes one righteous before God, but it is the doers of the Law who will be held guiltless and acquitted and justified.
Please feel free to visit my website below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
I often come across many Christians who remain in various bondages, while at the same time, they confess they are helpless or hopeless. God teaches us in His Word that we are often a product of what we become because of the confession of our mouth. This is not any type of New Age material, because new age only has to do with receiving power from within, where we get these instructions by reading what God has to say about it and applying His Word. His Word is powerful, which is what brought nothing into existence (Gen 1:3;6;9), it brought many healings, deliverances and He teaches us in (Matt 8:7,8) that the power of the tongue either brings forth life or death (Prov 18:21). When God tells us about the power of the tongue that will either do one thing or the other, I think from that, that this is extremely important that we need to take heed to. In (James 3:5-8) it mentions about the unruly tongue that causes the flames of hell itself to rise and how it defiles the body, just because of the words we speak. That is why we need to take this seriously because God tells us also in (Matt 12:36) that we are going to give an account for every idle and unprofitable word we utter (unless we repent). Therefore, if God tells us that He is going to judge our words, that means He takes what we speak seriously!!
When you hear people talk negatively against yourself or someone else, it is like a sharp sword that pierces us and it is like a ton of bricks hit us simply because of the wrong words spoken. Also, when we speak Gods Word which is meant to heal, this is equally powerful because when we speak the Words that line up with what God says in His Word, this is what brings healing to many souls and encourages souls, which we are called to do. Therefore, if words are this powerful, we need to be careful about what we speak about ourselves and to others. We should also then take advantage to speak words of encouragement and healing to others when we realize how powerful the wisdom of our words are when we speak Gods encouraging words over others. I find we are often our own worst enemy because we often speak negatively about ourselves more than anyone else. When we do, we are playing into the tricks of the enemy because it is contrary to what God says. I like what Paul says in Phil 4:13, For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". He spoke positively not because of who he was of himself, but he knew personally what Jesus meant to him, and he knew who he was in Christ. He would have been arrogant if he had left out Christ, but he knew that he could do anything that he was called to do because of Who Christ is. We need to stop speaking negatively towards ourselves and start speaking the positive Word of God instead. Afterall, if God says it, then it is TRUTH and we need to receive His truth by applying this truth and speaking His Word over us. I knew the power of negative words from my past because I became a product of that by living a defeated life by carrying a negative attitude with me and continued to think negatively all the time, which is totally contrary to what God has to say about each of us. Then, later when I understood that I was simply listening to lies of the enemy, I decided (by Gods Grace) to refute every lie and start speaking the truth of His Word over me. I can say as God is my witness that this powerful truth has completely turned my life around. When we catch ourselves speaking negatively towards ourselves, we need to immediately ask for Gods forgiveness, refute and refuse to accept any lies that God does not agree with and write down scriptures and speak it over us. When I often caught myself speaking negatively about losing my mind, I had to repent and declare the promise of His Word that says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of Power, Love and of a Sound Mind (2 Tim 1:7). However, Gods Word which is TRUTH will benefit us when we not only believe it, but learn to receive it for ourselves and use His Word as a mighty Sword to speak it over ourselves and put it into practice. Scriptures tell us that the demons also believe, yet they tremble (James 2:19). Just like salvation, because it is when we not only believe in our heart, but when we make that confession to invite Christ to be our Lord that brings forth salvation (Rom 10:9,10). When people don't live in victory, it is not because God withholds from us, but because they don't receive His promises and apply it for themselves. We need to apply His Word to us if we expect to get anything out of it, by not only being hearers, but doers of His Word otherwise we are simply being deceived (James 1:22). We need to understand also that what others say that does not line up with Gods Word is nothing but a counterfeit because it is only Gods Word that is the High and ultimate standard of TRUTH, anything else is nothing but a lie. If the Word is a powerful sword of the Spirit, then we need to activate it by speaking it. So when we speak the encouraging Word of God over us, we are speaking a powerful Sword that defeats the enemy in our lives because the enemy cannot stand against Gods people when we declare Gods Word which is TRUTH. May I encourage each of us, to ask God to help us not only entirely believe His Word, but to learn to speak the powerful promises of His Word over us, to cease speaking negatively and ask God to help us live His Word which is what is ultimately the very best instructions for us to live in our entire existence. If spoken words are powerful, then let us use it to speak blessings to others and encourage others while it is called TODAY (Heb 3:13).
Romans 2:13
For it is not merely hearing the Law [read] that makes one righteous before God, but it is the doers of the Law who will be held guiltless and acquitted and justified.
Please feel free to visit my website below. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
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