Relationships – Chapter 29

Self-Esteem – Part 4

 

Our concept of God affects our concept of ourselves since we are made in the image of God.

 

God will accept us in Christ. However, we need to also see that God is a God of purpose and plan. First we read in Psalm 138:8 that He has a specific plan for us all. “The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands.” But He has a general plan for us as well. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

 

One of the things that I am learning is that to understand God’s plan for me – both specifically as well as generally – I need the interaction with the rest of the Body of Christ. This is where the importance of relationships comes in. We do not discover ourselves in solitude, but only when we share and give of ourselves. We need one another and this can also be threatening. A real problem that we have in the church today is that it is very easy to leave a fellowship and go someplace else where our interaction with one another can remain shallow. Consequently, we postpone the spiritual growth that God wants and desires in our life.

 

We begin to see and understand God’s concern and care for us when we read Scripture. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

 

Through the interaction of the Body of Christ we begin to know this concern and care. This comes back to building strong biblicalrelationships. One of the great needs, humanly speaking, is for community with a sense of belonging and family. It is through this type of atmosphere that God expresses Himself.

 

Another aspect of what God will do through the Body is to give us guidance.How important this is for each one of us! How often we wished that God would speak to us in a clear voice and tell us what to do. I believe that God has given guidance through His Body, but maybe we did not listen or like what we heard.

 

Psalms 37:23 “If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm.”

 

Job 23:10 “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

 

Hebrews 2:11-12 ”So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.”

 

Romans 8:37-39 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

In these verses we see God’s concern, love and guidance for Hischildren. These are concepts of God that we need to understand and take a hold of. Our concept of God affects our concept of ourselves.

 

We read in Scripture that God gives us spiritual gifts for the common goodof the Body. Look at some of those gifts. We have the gift of wisdom. Could a person with this gift give us insight to some of the things that we might need and should be doing? I believe so. What about the gift of knowledge in showing us right from wrong? We live in a society where the line of right and wrong is becoming very unclear, as Tozer said: “Truth and error walk the same highway.”  How often we have needed men and women with the gift of knowledge to help us out in some of these unclear times.

 

All of these things are to give us a clear concept of God and in so doing also amore clearer concept of ourselves – made in the image of God.


 

Daily Devotional

Son, ask My children, “Why have you allowed America to become what it is today?” My children have betrayed Me when they failed to demonstrate My holiness to the people of America.

 

My children have become prosperous, but indulgent and fat. They allowed the worship of other gods to take root in America, and have said nothing. They have elected leaders who have broken My covenant with their forefathers, and have made Me very angry with their lack of actions.

 

My question is: “Are you really My children? If so, then why have you allowed a deceitful and twisted generation to grow? Why have you allowed these leaders to abandon the covenant I had made with your forefathers? Why have you allowed a generation without wisdom and integrity to rule over you? Therefore My children, take these words of warning to heart that I am giving you today. Understand that My words are not empty words; they are your life!

 

When I abandon America, you will see what becomes of a nation that makes a covenant with Me and then abandons Me. Trouble and disasters are coming because My favor is no longer with America. I will hide My face from it on account of all the evil the people commit. I will take revenge on aborting little children and then selling their parts. Their day of disaster will arrive, and a gruesome destiny will overtake them, and with no one to save them. There is no other God but Me! I am the one that gives life and the one that takes life; no one can be rescued from my powerful hand!

 

Son, tell those children of Mine who are faithful and very upset about what is taking place in America, “I know that you are overwhelmed, and that you pray to Me, saying, ‘Haven’t I seen enough already? And now You are adding more! I am worn out from sighing and can find no rest!’ Are you not seeking great things for yourself in this world? Stop doing it! Understand that I cannot allow America to go unpunished.”

 

Lord, my heart has heard You say, “Come and talk with Me.” You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me.  Teach me how to live in this world; a world that no longer seeks after You. Lead me along Your narrow path for my life. Let me walk with You Lord!

 

Son, My true children must be wise and courageous – as they wait patiently for My return.

Daily Devotional

“The black-robed regiment of the Revolutionary Period were men of God who spoke out concerning the issues of the day. The name was given to a name of pastors, especially in colonial America that were very instrumental in America winning their independence. The reason why they were called black-robed regiment is because every Sunday they would mount their pulpits wearing their long black clerical robes, that’s how preachers would preach in that day. They would get in their pulpits wearing these long black robes, and they would preach the Word of God without fear or favor. These men of God would get in their pulpits and they would basically tell people what or who they should and should not vote for, because they understood that in order to have a great government, then you must have great citizens. The way that you have great citizens is by having great people that are rooted in the foundation of the Word of God. Week after week after week, they expounded upon the principles of the proper role of government, the proper role of individuals, all underneath the kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

Son, I can no longer bear all the disgusting things going on in America. By My great Name I declare, “My anger is coming.” 

 

I have given the people of America minds to understand, I have given them eyes that see, and ears to hear! Again and again I sent My servants, the prophets, to plead with them to not do these horrible things that I hate.  But they will not listen or turn from their wicked ways. Since they will not listen to My messages of truth and repentance, and instead they shout, “We will do whatever we want.” Soon they will find out if My words are true!

 

Those who hear My warning should not congratulate themselves, thinking they are safe and secure while following the desires of their own wicked hearts. My judgment is coming because the people of the land broke the covenant that their forefathers made with Me. They turned away from Me to serve and worship gods they had not known before. Therefore they are accountable to all that I have revealed to them.

 

Today I am giving you a choice between prosperity or disaster, between a blessing or a curse. Choose life with Me, so that you and your descendants can walk with Me. If you decide to choose life with Me, then with all your heart and soul, obey all that I ask of you, for what I ask is not difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach. You can make this choice, and start walking with the LORD your God, obeying and committing yourself firmly to Him today. This is the key to your life turning out the way you hope.

 

If you choose Me, then understand that you have been raised to new life with Me. So set your sights on the realities of heaven, and think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Devote yourselves to prayer, and be alert to what is going on around you. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

 

Lord, show me the right path, by leading me by Your truth and teaching me the depths of Your wisdom in Your glorious Word. 

 

Daily Devotional

Son, there is good news; people’s lives are changing all over the world. Their lives are being changed just like your life was changed when you accepted Me as your Saviour.  Therefore, continue to believe in My Word, and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the promises you received from Me. Pray, and I will show you what to do and where to go.

 

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from ignorant people today. Understand who I AM! I existed before anything was created, and I reign supreme over all My creation. I created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. I made the things you can see and the things you can’t see. Everything was created through Me and for Me. I hold all creation together, and in Me lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. So let your roots grow deep into the knowledge of Me, and let your life be built on My Word. Then your faith will grow strong, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

 

Son, some of My children say to Me, “Just tell us what to do and we will do it!” I have told them in My Word exactly what they are to do. They’ve also heard it through My prophets, My pastors and My teachers, but they will not obey any better now than they have in the past.

 

So you can be sure that curses are coming that will overwhelm them! They will be confused and frustrated in everything they want to do. They will not find their way through what is coming, but will be oppressed. They will watch as their sons and daughters are taken over by the philosophies of today, and it will break their hearts. How will they help their children when they are helpless themselves – having set My Word aside and resisting My Holy Spirit? They will go mad because of all the tragedy they see around them. Their anger and frustration will not accomplish one good thing!

 

My children will continue to be objects of ridicule and mockery by those they live among you. Their enemies will become stronger and stronger, while My children become weaker and weaker. Since they do not serve Me only; serving with joy and enthusiasm, they will serve those who hate Me and them, and find no peace or rest. Their hearts will tremble because they have neglected My Word. My stubborn children will live night and day in fear and insecurity because they have misplaced their faith.

 

But, if My children will return to Me and set My Word as the standard in their hearts and homes, and fully obey what I ask of them – then they will be blessed by Me. I will bless their children, their homes and their work. Wherever they go and whatever they do, they will be blessed. I the LORD will guarantee a blessing on everything they do in this world because they love Me and obey My Word. People all over the world will know that I protect those who faithfully follow Me. I want the world to stand in awe of My children because My children stand in awe of Me. My children will be leaders and no longer followers when they surrender to Me and My leadership in their lives.

 

Lord, in You I have all that I need. You give me rest when I need it. Your Word renews my strength and guides me along right paths. I will honor Your holy name. Even when things look dark, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me – leading in my life. Your Word and Your Spirit protect and comfort me. Thank You Lord!

 

Relationships – Chapter 28

Biblical Self-Esteem – Part 3

 

In building on who God is; that He is who He claims to be and He will keep His Word, we need to see what God will do. This is important in being able to build strong relationships.

 

We read in Colossians 1:13-14 “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

 

Here we see that He has brought us into another kingdom – the kingdom of heaven. Someone rightly said that the kingdom of heaven is a kingdom of right relationships.

 

We see that He has given us redemption, the forgiveness of sins. It is important for us to understand this because what separates us from God as well as man is SIN. Here we see that we have been forgiven. What does this mean in the context of relationships? First it means that
the barrier, SIN, which was there, has now been removed. We have been reconciled and this is the message that we are to carry to the ends of the earth: reconciliation.

 

Secondly it means that we have been accepted. Ephesians 1:5-7 “Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (It comes out more powerfully in this King James Version of the Bible.) We have been accepted!

 

Why is it so important to be accepted? One of the basic human needs we have is to be accepted. And one of the ways that Satan keeps peoplelocked up in the different kingdoms of this world is through the bars of acceptance. People sense acceptance from the wrong people and identify with those who accept them as they are. This acceptance is stronger than bars of steel.

 

When we do not feel accepted in a relationship, it is hard for us to accept others, but when this need is met (as it is in Christ) then we can begin to accept others. We need to see that this acceptance is not based upon our performance, and nothing that we have done, but it is all aboutwhat Christ has done for us. It is based upon His promise. This is why it is important for us to have a healthy concept of God. He is not a man that He should lie. If He says He accepts me in Christ then this is what He does.

 

When I am accepted, not depending upon what I do or not do, then it becomes easier for me to accept others. One of the basic laws of the kingdom of God is acceptance or reception. It is hard for a person locked up in one of the kingdoms of this world to enter into the kingdom of God when there is no sense of acceptance from those that are in the kingdom of God. It is a scary thing to leave a kingdom of this world for another kingdom because of this human need of acceptance.

 

What will God, who is not a man that He should lie, do for me? He will accept me not because of what I do (my performance), but because of His promise. Isaiah tells us: “The LORD Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.’ For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?” Isaiah 14:24, 27

 

Praise God that we have been accepted in the Beloved!

Daily Devotional

Son, I am coming soon, so don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell Me what you need, and be thankful for all that I have done for you. Then you will experience My peace, which exceeds anything you can understand. My peace will guard your heart and mind as you live for Me, and I will give you eternal blessings and the joy of My presence. So stay focused on this: forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead. Remember, soon I will take your weak mortal body and change it into a glorious body like Mine!

 

Understand that My unfailing love will keep you from stumbling. Therefore, fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise, and learn how to be content with what you have. Remember, with Me you can do anything – because I will supply everything you will ever need.

 

Son, watch and be wise; those evil people who want to control you by the intimidation of political correctness, and expect you to tolerate and even accept that which I call evil – will not stop until My children have fully surrendered to them. They have no fear of Me at all. So when they attack you – fear Me, not them, and stand on My Word no matter what. They so proudly brag about their shameful ways and think that life on earth is all there is. Their conduct shows that they are My enemies. And, you know what I have said is coming to all My enemies; for it is written and set to happen.

 

Lord, I was yours at birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. Everything in this life is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing You. So whatever happens, I want to know You and experience the mighty power that raised You from the dead.

Daily Devotional

Son, understand that I began a good work within you the day you asked Me into your heart, and it will continue until it is finished. Therefore, know what really matters in this life. Live your life pure, blameless, and be bold for Me. Live as citizen of heaven, and conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of My grace. Stand with My children, by being united with one spirit, one purpose, and fighting together for the faith. Don’t be intimidated in any way by the progressive thinkers of today. This will be a sign to them that they are going to have to stand in front of Me SOON! I have given you not only the privilege of trusting in Me, but also the privilege of suffering for Me.

 

Don’t be selfish, or try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Do everything I ask of you without complaining and arguing. Hold firmly to My words of life, then your life will count, and your work will not be useless.

 

Lord, Your Word is perfect, for it revives my soul. Your Word is trustworthy, for it brings joy to my heart. Your words are clear giving insight for living. Your Word warns me of danger, and is a great reward for those who obey them.

 

Lord, look at all the sins lurking in my heart! Cleanse me from these faults. Don’t let them control me. May my life be pleasing to You, my LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. For it is my prayer that my life will bring honor to You.

 

Daily Devotional

Son, do you want to know who My heroes are? Those who have let My Spirit renew their thoughts and attitudes; who speak the truth of My Word without any hate in their hearts, only My love in their hearts – these are today’s true heroes! I take pleasure in them, for they have decided to live a life worthy of their calling. They are not moved from the truth by new kinds of teaching. They cannot be influenced when people who cleverly try to trick them with lies.

 

These heroes are united, binding themselves together as one, with My peace. They understand that there is only one body, and it fits together perfectly. That they have been called to one glorious hope for the future. That there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God who is over all, in all, and living through all. They come boldly and confidently into My presence, and I tell them remarkable secrets about things to come, so that they are prepared. They know that I am able to accomplish infinitely more than they can think or imagine with their lives.

 

So My children – who still need milk, live no longer like the people of this world do, who do not know Me, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they have wandered far from My truth. They have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against Me. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. Do not feel sorry for them, or show them pity, for they have made their choice and are guilty! You need to understand that I will fight for you against these wicked people who have refused the truth, and I will give you victory when you stand on the truth of My word!

 

Lord, when I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray. I pray that Your glorious, unlimited resources will empower me today, with inner strength. Let my roots grow deep into Your love, so that I will proclaim Your truth from a sincere heart; one that goes after Your heart.

 

Thank You, that You guard all that I have. I have confidence that You stand beside me, and I will not be shaken. You will show me the way to live my life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.

 

Daily Devotional

Son, only fools say, “There is no God.” Will these fools never learn the truth? Look at the problems they face today and yet they will not even think of humbly praying to Me for help. The One who provides the sun to light the day and the moon and stars to light the night, and who stirs the sea into roaring waves and the wind into mighty winds, and who releases and restrains the rain; I wait for fools to look up to Me. 

 

Terror will grip these fools because they are under the control of the evil one, the commander of the powers of this world: Satan. His spirit is at work in the hearts of those who say there is no God. These fools who live in denial of Me, have no strength to stop the results of My wrath on all wickedness.

 

Son, in the coming days My children must know My Word and read it daily. That way they will know the truth of what is coming, and how to be prepared. This regular reading will protect them from foolishness, and encourage them to turn to Me in the smallest ways. They will have hope, and know that I will give them rest and joy. When My words go deep within them, it will overcome their fears of what they see happening. When My children honor My Word – I will be their God in every way. Remember that I will not reject My children – just as I can not abolish My laws of nature! NEVER!

 

Lord, why do I struggle with anguish of my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day, when You are so rich in kindness and grace? You purchased my freedom with the blood of Your Son and forgave me all my sins. I ask, that You flood my heart with Your light so that I can have a confident hope. Help me to understand the incredible greatness of Your saving power. Your salvation is not a reward for the good things I have done, no, it is because of the great thing Your Son did – that I have been granted so great a salvation, and a hope that won’t be disappointed, for a great future WITH YOU.

Legalism and Witchcraft

Legalism and witchcraft have been widely accepted for the masks they wear: a false hood. We tend to think that legalism is about rules we don’t believe in, but legalism is about following good rules in order to win favor with man.

 

We think of witchcraft as what we see in fantasy movies and books, but witchcraft at its base seems harmless and even good.  It’s neither harmless or good.

 

God hates legalism: rule keeping to gain favor with man; controlling people with rules and regulations; what leadership uses with laity; what governments use on the people; what parents use on children, etc.

 

God condemns witchcraft of any form; the intimidation, manipulation, domination and condemnation used on people to control people.

 

 

Paul addresses the Galatians as “foolish Galatians,” empty headed people. “Who has bewitched you?!!!!! They claimed to be spirit-filled and gifted; highly spiritual people. What were they lacking?

 

Wives use witchcraft with their husbands when they hold back sex from their husbands to get what they want.

 

Husbands use legalism/witchcraft with their wives and children, when they lay heavy rules down on them to control their wives and children – for their own advantage and pride.  (Rules are to protect people, not control people.) Condemnation used to control people is legalism/witchcraft. Laws made to put fear into people in order to make them submit, is a form of legalism/witchcraft.

 

Parents use witchcraft on their children by making them feel guilty about what they did after the child has repented, in order to control the child. Guilt, intimidation, manipulation and condemnation used to control someone is all witchcraft.

 

If you keep bringing up the past that makes someone else feel guilty, or they keep doing it with you, this is witchcraft. People who say, “This wouldn’t be happening to you if you had not sinned, or were spiritual.” Religious leaders use witchcraft on their congregations by using legalism: setting rules for worship and serving in the church; controlling their gifts for their own agendas; even the self-righteous attitude behind leadership over laity is a form of witchcraft.

 

The spirit of Jezebel is the spirit of witchcraft, is present anywhere there is the use of any means to control another person, group or nation – for man’s own agenda and pride.  Over America’s government is the hovering jezebel-spirit of witchcraft and legalism.  

 

Satan, the god of the world, is the master over legalism and witchcraft.  In the garden the devil used legalism with Eve, and witchcraft with Adam. The devil questioned Eve on God’s only command to them; that Adam passed on to her.  The devil used Eve’s female charm and cunning to get Adam to disobey his Father’s one and only rule in life. Every man is Adam’s son, and every woman is Eve’s daughter with the same tendencies.

 

When Adam and Eve broke God’s one and only rule – many other unnecessary rules came upon mankind, both from God and evil men under the control of the devil.

 

You can’t follow Christ’s rules, if you’re following someone else’s rules.  Jesus died to set you free from legalism and witchcraft; whether you have been the prey or predator, victim or villain.  Satan is the father of both legalism and witchcraft.

 

“The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sons-ship.Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God – or rather are known by God –   how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” Galatians 4:2-9