I believe most if not everyone who reads this article will agree that we are living in difficult times. God does not exempt us from being tested just because we are Christians. But He has given us promises in His Word to give us inner peace and to serve as an anchor for our soul during difficult times.

It’s hard to ignore it when we are going through a difficult time. That’s because we feel the weight of the test. We may know what the Bible says about God’s faithfulness during those times in our life, but we tend to focus more on the agony of the test than on the consolation of God’s promises. So in this article, let me share several of God’s promises that we should bear in mind when we are tested:

1. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). Based on this verse, it is not always true that when a person goes through difficulty in life that it’s due to his or her wrongdoing. Even the righteous will see many afflictions. But the good news is that God delivers him out of them all. If you are a Christian, you should never accept difficult times in your life as being lifetime sentences. God’s desire is to deliver you out of them all!

2. “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Even when God allows difficult times to come in our life, He makes sure that they don’t overwhelm us. The Bible says God is faithful in this regard. We may feel as though we can’t bear the burden of our test, but we can if God allowed us to be subjected to it.

3. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally.” (James 1:5). In prayer we ask God for lots of things, but how often do we ask Him for wisdom? This verse invites us to. Moreover, this verse, taken from the book of James, specifically addresses times we when we are tested. So let us accept God’s invitation and pray to Him for wisdom on how to endure and overcome difficult times in our life.

The aforementioned verses only scratch the surface of all the promises of God that speak to those difficult times in our life. When we embrace them by faith, they give us peace amidst the storms of life.

Copyright 2011 by Frank King. All rights reserved.

Frank King is a former church pastor. He is currently an evangelist and an author. Frank holds a Master of Theology degree. Through the grace of God, Frank has been blessed to cross cultural lines in his preaching. Website: http://www.efrankking.com

Blog: http://wwwefrankking.blogspot.com/

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Love is really the in-thing nowadays. People sing about love, movies are themed around love, books about love are bound to be bestsellers. Love sells but what is love?

Does the world portray an accurate picture of love? Does the church portray an accurate picture of love? Maybe, a good place to start really is in the famous Love chapter of Paul namely 1 Corinthians 13 written about Agape – the love of God.

The last thing we all need is a dictionary definition of God’s love. But rather, I would like to explore the different aspects of love. And the first aspect I would like to indulge in is this, taken from the  New Testament is the Patience of God.

1 Corinthians 13:4a

Love meekly and patiently bears ill treatment from others.

Meekly and patiently bears ill treatment… Wow… the thought itself is mind blowing. This brings back the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 5:39-42

But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

What possibly could be running through Jesus’ mind when He uttered those words? Was He thinking about these words, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing”? Who was on HIs mind when He spoke them? Was it Judas who betrayed Him with a kiss? Was it Peter who denied Him three times? Was it His disciples who ran away forsaking Him? Was it the soldier who forced the crown of thorns down His head? Was it the one who tore His flesh with the whip? Was it the crowd crying out for His crucifixion? … meekly and patiently bearing ill treatment… Was it my sins He was paying for on that cross? Was it my continual denial of Him with my daily disobedience? Was it…?

The first time the word was used to portray ‘meekly and patiently enduring ill treatment’ was in Matthew 18:26-27 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all. ‘ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

The master didn’t give the man an installment plan or made him pay half the debt or mortgaged his house or sold his wife and children. He forgave him of everything. The man walked away free at the expense of the master.

As I looked at all these verses, I realised the first thing about Patience – it will cost us. It is about giving when we should be getting what was owed to us. It is about mercy when punishment was due. It is about me being forgiven extending forgiveness to my fellow men. It is about giving up my right to what was mine. The right to anger. The right to revenge. The right to hate. The right to re-tribute. It is about extravagant forgiveness.

If we claim to love, then maybe the first question to ask if we have been patient. Patient with family. Patient with friends. Patient with colleagues. Patient with the stranger. Patient with our enemies.

I think I am found lacking. It is impossible. It cannot be achieved unless the crucified Christ lives through me. Unless I give up my right to my rights to Him and allow HIm to transform me little by little, from glory to glory, strength to strength.

As Joyce Meyer would put it, “I’m not there, but I am on the way.” I am on the way to Patience. The Patience of Jesus. The Patience of God.

I am just a regular guy who really desires to please God. I’m not there yet, but I’m on the way.

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Mic 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Deut 5:29
29) Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

Deut 13:4
4) It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

Prov 1:7
7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

fear of the LORD = respect, honor, willingness to submit to a Higher Power)

Eccl 12:13
13) Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

1Sam 16:7
7) But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Exo 19:5-6
5) Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine,
6) you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

(we know the Israelites eventually failed in their allegiance, and were forsaken by God when the Romans conquered their nation in 70 A.D. Today, these words are for true Believers in Christ all around the world, whether of Jewish descent or from other nations, the Gentiles)

Luke 10:25-28
25) On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
26) “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
27) He answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
28) “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

Jam 1:25
25) But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it he will be blessed in what he does.

(next 2 entries explain what “doing it” means; an ongoing, lifetime learning process)

1Cor 13:1-7
1) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2) If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3) If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5) It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7) It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

(describes a gentle, unselfish Spirit…at peace through feeling forgiven/accepted by God)

Gal 5:16-24
16) So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
17) For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19) The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20) idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21) and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24) Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

(remember, the “fruit of the Spirit” takes time to learn; God is patient and forgiving)

Php 2:12-15
12) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
13) for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14) Do everything without complaining or arguing,
15) so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe

Gal 6:1
1) Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

1Cor 10:13
13) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

(in this fallen-from-grace secular world we live in, it is impossible to not be tempted into wrongdoings daily, even hour by hour. But the Scriptures encourage us to persevere, and God will help us withstand it)
*NOTE: Researcher comments in parentheses added for clarification

*To see other articles from this collection, go to “Bible Studies” or “Prayer” categories within Faithwriters.com pages

Wesley Pierce has been a student of the Bible for over 35 years, plus a student of being led and blessed, or taught and disciplined by the Lord’s inner Spirit daily, as any sincere seeker experiences.

*Copyright 2011, all rights reserved

For more info > http://www.biblestudy-madesimple.com

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Good Morning Friends, I’ve spent many hours through the night praying and the Lord put many things on my heart today. I remembered this beautiful song ‘O To Be Like Thee’, I used to sing in Church as a child and found this lovely one on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsSOUqSAD0g. Please hear it and let God touch you in a special way.

Tears fell down as I remembered the days of my youth and how we loved Jesus and revered Him in Church. I ached because I have lost that special fellowship with Him in Churches today.

Our God has not changed, but we have changed the way we worship Him. For a while, I too changed along with the new trend at Churches, it is very easy to get caught and follow the crowd. However, God is showing me He is unhappy with the way we worship Him. We’ve got rock bands, jumping, clapping and people dancing instead of the days of old, where we would kneel in awe of our Blessed Saviour.

It’s only when God opens our eyes, that we can see clearly

I walked into a service some weeks ago and the music was blaring and the worship leader jumping up and down as he strummed his electric guitar. If I had not known this was a Church and saw a silent clip of him and his team on a video, I would have thought this was a rock band. I hesitate to go and hear them worship again. Their sermons are wonderful but the style of worship has put me off!

What has happened to us? Where did we go wrong? I think I know, the world has entered our Churches and the devil is laughing because that’s what he intended. The devil is the ring leader in causing irreverence to God and unknowingly we get entrapped by his tactics. Wasn’t he in charge of worship in heaven? He turned against God and was kicked out of heaven with a third of the angels who followed him. What do you think is his main attack today, and where will he attack God from?

Let’s bring reverence back into our Churches. Let it only be a holy place serving a Most Holy God. Let’s refuse to partake of all irreverent music and behavior. Let us walk out if the Church is offending God and not partake of her food but before we do, talk to the Leaders for it is fair to give them a chance and let them reconsider their ways. If they continue their ways, should we continue to be in it?

Heaven is on its knees crying out “Holy, Holy, Holy” and we fail so miserably.

God is calling out today to awaken us from our sleep. He is calling out to men and women and Church leaders who are ready to hear Him and change their entire Church in true devotion and adoration.

“Throw away your filthy garments” He calls out “For they stink before Me”.

I pray that each of us will face God today and hear what He is saying to us individually and collectively and act upon His words today. Let’s not continue to offend Him for on the Day of Judgement He may say “Depart from Me, I never knew you.”

Prayer:

“O God, have mercy on us. Please touch our hearts and minds and bring about a permanent and total change. We are sorry for offending You both knowingly and unknowingly. In Your mercy and compassion, You reach out to us yet again. I pray dear Lord that You will touch hearts today and lead them to what You want them to do by this message. In Jesus’ Name I pray and surrender it all to You. Amen.”

“Let us humble ourselves and turn towards God today. Let not our faults or failings prevent us from reaching out to God. He is waiting for us as a Prodigal Father to return to Him and ready to change us and teach us His ways.”

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Opening my bible is like entering a portal into another dimension. Instantly I am transported to heaven, and my worldly worries and cares dissipate as I read more and more. By about 20 pages God has refreshed me at least, and at most done a lot more, and spoken to me with key specific verses targetting responses to my situations.

Reading the bible is like gazing at Gods face. You are quietly launched into His realm, presence and way of thinking and being. This is so far removed from the world’s ways and therefore most refreshing, and quite a relief.

During the hour or two spent in the word, time is well spent. Quietly and gently the Holy Spirit teases out and removes anything toxic during contact with the world. God is the best Companion and He does so much quietly that it is hardly noticeable. Freeing, healing, reconstructing and reprogramming you for the rest of the day. When I have daily contact with the world, I need the companionship of God. The Bible is an easy read and refreshes my soul quicker than say a stroll in a really beautiful place surrounded by trees and fields. Sure, nature revives, through sweet, melodious birdsong, and the flaming reds and orange colours of the sky. But it is the Bible that provides a different, stronger and very essential refreshing.

Also, the bible increases faith quickest out of the normally available disciplines available to me. Being out in the countryside refreshes me too, but the advantage of the Bible is the way it increases faith in ways nature cannot.After Bible reading faith is more alive, and I’m activated. My identity returns slowly and surely, and my soul has returned to its natural state in God.

I am looking at what God is writing to me and also hearing in my inner ear what God is saying through His still, small voice.

There is no book I can commend more than the Bible. I would urge you to read it over and over again. It will always build you up.

Michael Hume. Christian since 1987. Believe the Bible in original form is true, and in a daily personal relationship with Jesus. A freelance writer. Copyright belongs to author.

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THE LAW OF MOSES WAS ABOLISHED

Following the death of Jesus upon the cross and the condemnation which the Law of Moses brought on him, his Spirit became clothed with filthiness. There was therefore need for him to be cleaned up.

The Father then commanded: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” (Colossians 2:14). The hand writing against us (Christ and his body) had to be blotted out.

In keeping with the Father’s command, the Holy Spirit went to work, he abolished (annulled) the Law of Moses and nailed it to the cross of Christ. Once that Law was nailed to the cross of Christ, the Holy Spirit went to the temple and: “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” (Matthew 27:51).

The tearing of this veil was the physical evidence that God had made away with the Law of Moses: “Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuarythe priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year..The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing” (Hebrews 9:1-8).

The torn veil indicated that the holiest of all has been made manifest to everyone; therefore the Levitical high priest has no more sacred role to play, in the order of God’s worship.

Indeed: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2); Christ death on the cross delivered the believers from the Law of sin and death.

To enforce the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (the New Testament), the old had to be disannulled (abolished): “For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof” (Hebrews 7:12-18).

As if to answer the critics who would assume that what was abolished was simply the form of worship, Paul did also say: “But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away

For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished” (2 Corinthians 3:7-13).

What then was abolished? Is it the veil which Moses wore, the glory of the Old Testament or the entire commandments and ordinances mediated by Moses?

Answering the above question, Paul said: “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances” (Ephesians 2:14-15).

The law of commandments contained in ordinances, including the ‘ministration of death written and engraved in stones’, were abolished. It was not the veil or the glory of the Law of Moses but the entire law, was abolished in order to give way for a better and perfect testament.

Therefore Christ: “is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second” (Hebrews 8:6-8); the first covenant was abolished in order to make room for the second.

REASONS FOR ABOLISHING THE LAW OF MOSES

Due to the deceptions which the forces of darkness have planted into the church concerning the Law of Moses, it will be pertinent to summarize the entire reasons which informed God’s decision to abolish that law.

FIRSTLY: The covenant of Mount Sinai contained holy laws demanding strict and wholesome compliance of its contents from an imperfect people. It therefore became a yoke of bondage upon the Jews. That was why it was named the ministration of death or the law of sin and death.

Abolishing that law was really a source of great liberty to the Jews. They were redeemed from the sentence of death that was hanging on each of them: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christfor by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Galatians 2:16).

SECONDLY: Paul also said: “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Ephesians 2:14-16).

The Law of Moses made the Jews God’s people on earth while all other nations of the earth (called the Gentiles) were willed to the kingdom of darkness. Therefore the Law of Moses served as an instrument of enmity (separation) between the Jews and the Gentiles.

Although God was the God of the entire universe, the Law of Moses restricted him to the nation of Israel alone. This was why Jesus restricted his earthly ministry to only the lost sheep of Israel: “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24).

Because this Law was a wall of demarcation between the Jews and the Gentiles, it had to be pulled down to make peace between them in order to reconcile the entire humanity to God.

The demise of the law gave birth to the church of Christ. One glorious body called the church (the body of Christ) came out of both the Jews and the Gentiles as a result of this act.

THIRDLY: Paul made a glorious revelation when he said: “For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law” (Romans 5:13); and that: “sin, getting a point of attack by the commandment, wrought in me every lust; for without law sin [was] dead” (Romans 7:8 Darby English Bible). Therefore: “the sting of death [is] sin, and the power of sin the law” (1 Corinthians 15:56 Darby English Bible).

Because the Law of Moses empowered sin to execute punishment against its offenders, the entire human race came under siege (captive) by the forces of darkness. The abolishing of the law destroyed this instrument of captivity and showered grace on humanity: “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men” (Ephesians 4:8).

As a result of the demise of the Law, death has lost its sting: “O death, where is thy sting..But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:15-17). We now have victory over death, thanks to the demise of the Law of Moses.

FOURTHLY: Even Jesus was held a prisoner in hell; thanks to the Law of Moses. His death while hanging on a tree made him guilty of a clause of the ordinances of that law: “.for he that is hanged is accursed of God.” (Deuteronomy 21:23). Therefore Jesus became: “a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Galatians 3:13).

Remembering also that James said: “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10), this means that Christ also became guilty of the entire Law of Moses.

Since that law could not have been amended, haven been confirmed, it means that any one upholding it, is demanding that Jesus should be brought back to hell. If that law had not been abolished, Jesus would not have risen from the death; death would still have had authority over him.

No wonder Paul said: “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above)” (Romans 10:4-6). Why then should any believer desire to send Christ back to hell?

FINALLY: It is important to note that the Law of Moses (the gospel of Moses, the law of sin and death, the covenant of Mount Sinai or the Old Testament), is in all respect distinct from the Law of Christ (the gospel of Christ, the perfect law of liberty; the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus or the New Testament).

While righteousness (right standing with God) was to be earned by the strict compliance to all the commandments, ordinances and statutes of the Law of Moses (about six hundred in all); under the Law of Christ righteousness (God’s divine nature) is of grace through faith (a gift to all that believe in Christ Jesus).

In the Law of Christ, righteousness is being freely imputed to all those that believe with their hearts the saving grace which is in the name of the Son of God, Christ Jesus. The implication of these differences is that operating the two laws together would have created confusion in the kingdom of light.

God is not the author of confusion. Since a confirmed law cannot be amended, one of them had to give way for the other. The Law of Moses haven fulfilled its mission (being the school master that led the Jews to faith); it had to give way for the Law of Christ (the law of grace or promise through faith) to take its place.

We were not given the authority to use the grace of God, in Christ Jesus, for the purpose of fulfilling in part or in whole; the Law of Moses. God’s abundant grace given to us is for the fulfillment of the Law of Christ (faith unto free gift of righteousness and loving each other as Christ loved us unto eternal reward in the kingdom of light).

So, our new garment of grace should not be used to patch the old garment of the Law of Moses; which haven waxed old, has been abolished (has vanished away).

It is therefore perfectly true to conclude that the death of Jesus was indeed the end of the Law of Moses and the beginning of the Law of faith (the gospel of Christ).

Therefore we must learn to stand fast: “in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:1-4).

A Nigerian aged 44; Holds a BSc and an MBA degrees in social sciences. A devout christian and a scholar of the scriptures; an anointed teacher of the gospel of Christ. Married with two children

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JESUS said, “Let the children come to me.” And we can see why when our own children skip about in happy abandon, life precious to them; their innocence. The love they lavish on us is without hesitation. That is how we are to live, with zest, without bags of problems to hold us back.

I know from my own life experiences, it can be a challenge simply dealing with daily struggles; the bills, holding onto one’s job, and in many cases raising our own children.

Imagine the sacrifice God made on our behalf, to actually offer up His Son to redeem our sins, to have Jesus come into the world as a man, with the limitations of men. And that one day He would grow up and lead us into a new world. His guidance would free us from snares, which involve issues like offense, jealousy, and material wealth.

When my children were young, I tried so hard to be the perfect dad and husband; something impossible in today’s world. I would flit back and forth like a chickadee, from one child to another and another and another; my precious wife losing out at times with my time. Children always win over adults in the energy department and only recognized by myself in later years.

My marriage remains strong after thirty-five years, my wife and I enjoying our time together; just the two of us, with our four children living so far away. And the flavour of Jesus sustains us.

* * *

(c) Richard L. Provencher 2011

Richard & his wife, Esther, wish their (All Rights Reserved) writing encourages you in this awesome world. Pray for your families & friends, and forgive anyone who may have offended you. Any feedback on our work may be sent us via: http://www.writers.ns.ca/writers/P/provencherrichardl.html

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“Seeing Others as More Important Then You”

When we see this verse what comes to mind? Is it easy to think this way or do you struggle with this? Why is it so easy for some of us to agree with this statement? Could it be as simple as having a low self-esteem? I believe it is so, at least in my case.
I have always wondered were we got our opinion of ourselves from. Was it from your parents, maybe from your peers, or could it have been from a chance meeting with someone you though highly of and what they said has stuck with you. Whatever the source, our opinion was formed at a young time in our lives and we have lived with it since. If you were fortunate you received positive affirmation, if not then you have had an uphill battle.

As a Christian, I have study the scriptures and I have found a discrepancy from what the Word says and what I believe about myself. I believe we have got it all wrong when it comes to our opinions and until we get it right we will be struggling the rest of our life. Let’s see what the Bile says and begin to change our opinions.

Paul writes in Philippians that we are to have the attitude of Jesus. If you look at this statement in context, you would notice that Paul is showing that Jesus knew He was equal with God but He was not grabbing it and throwing it in our face; no, He was acknowledging His position and letting us know that He was willing to humble Himself to help us. Know we are to have the attitude, or mind, of Christ which means we are not to be afraid to acknowledge our importance in God’s Kingdom and begin to have a higher opinion of ourselves and yet to humble ourselves as well. This is the beginning!

I am a laymen with an advanced degree in Biblical Lit. I use the internet to speak of those things that touch my heart. You can freely use this article if my name and web site appears on document. http://www.iman-1.com

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If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer,” declares Matthew 21:22. Many Christians are aware of a type of prosperity Christianity that tells us if we have enough faith, we can receive from God whatever we desire. Such terms as “name it and claim it” depict that all we have to do it express our desires to God and He is just standing by to fulfill our every wimp and want.

God does want us to trust and put our faith in Him for everything we need; however, it’s just as important that when we ask, we give God the room to answer our prayers in the best way he sees fit. Often, in our limited understanding, we may ask for things according to our flesh and not the will of God for our lives. The Bibles says that we may not receive from God because we are asking amiss or out of our own lust. When God said he will give us the desires of our heart, he is also saying that he will plant the desires as well. The more in alignment we are with God’s spirit, the less we will ask for things contrary to God’s will for us. Have you ever asked God for something and once you got it, you wished you hadn’t- that job that you hated or that boyfriend or girlfriend that broke your heart? Waiting on God is more for our good and protection and never God’s way of punishing or torturing us.
When it comes to asking God to fulfill our desires it is also important that we surrender these affections to the Lord. Our motto should be, “if it’s not good enough for God, then it’s not good enough for us.” But in addition to giving God freewill to bless us in his own way and timing, it is equally as important that we leave the results to Him.

Leaving the results to God means detaching from the outcome of what we are requesting. That means once we ask, we let go and let God. We don’t try to make it happen. We don’t look for it under every nook and cranny. We don’t help God out or continue to pray and pray for its manifestation. Instead, we detach from the outcome knowing that God is in complete control and that we can trust him to do what is best both now and in the future. It means waiting on God with faith and expectancy knowing that God is working out all things for your highest good.

But many Christians have a hard time letting go and detaching from their desired outcome. Maybe you’ve had your mind on something for a longtime and the thought of waiting for it any longer is more than you can bear. I believe that most of the worry, anxiety, and frustrations we experience, come from our inability to live without immediate expectation. When we expect something and it doesn’t happen it leaves us feeling empty, fearful, and depressed. But if we look at it a little closer, what we have actually done is created an idol out of the affection. We believe that the desire will bring a source of fulfillment or happiness to our lives. We believe this item, situation, or person, will make us or our life more complete.

The problem with this type of thinking is that we’ve lost our first love which is Christ. We’ve allowed deception or seduction to enter our minds as well as our hearts and led us away from the love of our Lord. We begin to believe that something other than God can plug up the gaps or holes in our life. Our attention has been pulled away from Christ and within, to seeking solace, contentment, and peace from the external or without.

When we can ask for something and leave the results to God while we wait in expectancy on the Lord, we are following Jesus’s command, to “seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” When the Lord is the object of our affection, nothing outside of us can take the Lord’s place and if God grants us with such things, it is more like the icing on the cake, an added blessing that God bestows upon us because he loves us so.

When we make our request made known to God, and then detach ourselves from the outcome, we can live in peace, joy, and contentment while waiting on God to work all things out for our highest good. When our thoughts begin to lead us astray, we must continue to bring them under the authority and word of God. We must continue to confess that we are complete in Christ and that we have everything we need.

Christ-centered meditation or meditating on the scriptures helps us to hide God’s word in our heart and to continually practice his presence. The Bible says that in God’s presence is fullness of joy. Isn’t it wonderful that we don’t have to search for joy in people, places, or things? We can find joy in the fullness of God and that fullness resides within us, within our own hearts.

Whatever you are asking or believing God for today, believe that you have received it and it will manifest as God’s best and you don’t have to think about it a second longer.

Learn how to eliminate worry, negative thinking, and stress by meditating on the Lord. Visit http://www.thechristianmeditator.com for Christian meditation Cds and resources. Learn about health and wellness from a Christian perspective at http://www.christianhealthonline.com today.

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Hey, I just wanted to let everyone know that we’ve just put a book on for sale today.

The book is Grace before Meat: A collection of table blessings for all occasions

This book, originally published in 1903, is full of prayers that were said around the dinner table, at banquets or just about any place they were serving food.

We’ve added a few pictures, updated certain sections and made it so it’s an instant download after you’ve purchased it.  We’ve also priced it very inexpensively at only $4.99.

You could buy it from here or go to it’s page (look up above, just below the seaside picture, and click on the tab that says “Grace Before Meat a Collection of Table Blessings”) to read more about it.

Thank you again for coming in today and we here at The Holy Story wish you a very Blessed Day!

Man giving thanks for his daily bread

In the Body of Christ the fulfillment lies, the promise fulfilled.

In the Body of Christ God blesses us, God loves us, God protects us, God redeems us.

In the Body of Christ, God’s grace flows unto us, just as if we are Christ Himself, because we are in the Body of Christ.

God glorifies His Son, so also are we glorified. God raised up His Son, so also are we raised up by God. We are crucified and made new, our sins nailed to the cross with Christ and we are risen-up, without blemish in Christ, to be reconciled unto God, so that we can commune with Him, just as it was in the Beginning before sin in Eden.

We live in Christ, so we live in heaven. We live in Christ, so we wear Christ, we are under His protection, blessed by God through Christ our Redeemer; the Way, the Truth, the Life.

As God loves Christ His Son, so also are we loved in Christ and receive the FULLNESS of His glory and blessings.

When we wear the whole armour of Christ, we are as Christ Himself, no weapons formed against us shall prosper for God will not stand to see His Son destroyed. We are given power to command and to cast out for God’s sake, Amen.

Ephesians4v1-6: I therefore beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forebearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one Body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one Hope for your calling; One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Copyright info: bjlopez ARR

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? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you

Mathew 6: 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

? Key is added. when we seek first Him and His will, He already knows what we have need of and will add all things in His way and time.flesh wants thingsGod says supplies our needs. If we can learn that our true life is in His presence alone, we can walk in victory no matter what we have or don’t have.

? Do we believe that they will be added?

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

? Seek God’s face, not His hand

? Focussing on His hand is strivingwe get consumed with what we are asking for. He said be careful for nothing

Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

? Being careful in the Greek means: AV-take thought 11, care 5, be careful 2, have care

1) to be anxious

1a) to be troubled with cares
? Being careful for things causes discontent, frustration, striving, fears, unrest and causes us to actually get out of His presence as our focus is on things, not Him.

? Ask and it shall be given..he says shall, not maybe

Mt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

? You have not because ye ask not..ask..then let it lay..Focus on getting into His presence and pleasing Him..doing His will..all things will then be added

Jas 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

? Be content as Paul was with or without

Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

? Life is not in what we possessit is the Spirit that gives to us life

Lu 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things, which he possesseth.

2Co 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

? Learn to minister to the Lord so that He may minister to us and through us as that is seeking first the kingdom. It is seeking what He wants instead of what we want. It is pleasing Him first, not our self. It is building His kingdom, not our own. His kingdom is eternal; ours is only temporal.

Ex 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. (One of many references about ministering to the Lord)

? Hebrews 12:1 says lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us..the key here is so easily. There are so many things that the devil and the world say that we need to focus on. Unfortunately that is to satisfy our flesh. The flesh does not give to us our life. In fact God says that we do not please Him when we are in the flesh. We are also told that there is a way that seemeth right unto man but the end thereof is the way of death. So many things we seek seem right. Yet we are duped into believing that they are our life, when in actuality the only thing that produces true life in us is His Spirit. We must focus on and feed our spirit man and not our flesh man. To be carnally minded is death: to be spiritually minded is life and peace. We wonder at times why we have no peace in our mind. It is because we are not spiritually minded. Peace is the fruit of the Spirit not the flesh or carnal mind.

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Pr 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Ro 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Ro 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

? We can seek a thing for us from His hand and it actually can become a stronghold in our mind as it consumes our thinking and us. We must stay focussed on Him, not what we desire from His hand.

2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

? If we truly believe that God is a rewarder of them that seek Him and that He does know our needs before we ask, and He will supply, then we should just ask knowing that He hears us. We then leave the request with Him knowing that He will answer and then just seek His face and what he desires.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

? He said that we are to cast our cares upon Him. When we constantly carry our cares we have not given them to Him. We are not fully trusting Him and believing that he has and will take care of them.

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

? Faith, belief and trust are so closely related. Takes faith to please Him. Can’t have faith if you can’t trust or believe.

? Believe that you receive

Mr 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

need to contact me? r_king60@hotmail.com (note there is an underscore (_) between the r and the k in my email address. Thanks

I am a 60 year old Born-Again spirit filled Christian, that has been saved for 30 years. Jesus found me when I was suicidal. I learned real quickly that I was powerless to be in control of my life, so I let Jesus take over. He has chosen me to be a warrior for Him. WE win, if we fight His way.

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“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marveloushow well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” ~ Psalm 139:13-18

Oh, what comfort these verses have brought and continue to bring me. Though I had heard the expression “God don’t make junk” before, I didn’t truly get it, until I read these verses again and again and again. I read them over, and over, and over, letting them take root deep inside my heart. I needed them desperately.

People who’ve grown up in abuse, poverty and dysfunction often struggle with feelings of inferiority. Self-worth is frequently associated with performance. There is often a feeling of not fitting in or measuring up. That’s how it was with me. Often through the years, my pain, anger, loneliness and oppression really got to me. I sometimes thought I was unlovable, to myself, to others, and to God. I didn’t think I was a bad person per se; it was more like I just didn’t matter. I wandered through life, determined to do and be better than my family. I worked hard and was pretty well liked, eventually, popular even. But all of that was superficial. Inside I was eaten up by insecurity and unworthiness.

I always was aware of God, always knew Jesus, but I never committed my life to Him. It wasn’t because I wasn’t interested. I just couldn’t find Him. I tried out various churches through the years, but never felt anything. Finally, when I was 30, I walked into the church that changed my life. God had been wooing me and I was primed. I was ready. I was tired of searching, I now wanted to find.

And find Him I did! God radically changed my life and more importantly, how I saw and valued myself. I realized I was beautiful, enjoyable, and purposeful simply because He made me that way. I had worth and value, because He created me, not because of where I came from or what I’d accomplished. The wonderful and amazing God of the universe, created me, thought about me, loved me, had a purpose for me.

It is truly astounding to me, that He has written all the days of my life in His book. That He has a very specific and unique purpose for me, one that only I can fulfill. He created me; giving me the looks and personality He wanted me to have to fulfill that purpose. I have learned that when I criticize myself, I am actually criticizing the work of God’s hands. That’s not to say I can’t or shouldn’t better myself, but rather I’m kinder to myself as I go about it. I may mess up from time to time, but God is still there. He still watches over me and thinks of me. He still loves me.

I now know that no matter what happens in my life, I am not alone. I am not unwanted. I am not unloved. Thank you, Jesus!

Lauryn Abbott is a wife and mother, with a passion for writing and a zest for life. Her writing has always been a private passion, but recently the Lord has been urging her to make it public. More of her writing can be found on her Seed Thoughts blog at:

http://takeck.blogspot.com

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“I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.” ~ Psalm 139:7-12

Isn’t it good to know we are never alone? Though undoubtedly we may feel that way at times, the truth is that we are not. The thing is the Bible doesn’t ever say we’ll never experience the darkness, storms, sorrow, pain, betrayal, cruelty, evil or death. What it says, is that when we experience these things, God is right there with us.

Have you ever tried to flee the presence of the Lord? Times when you’re angry, doing something you know is sinful, wanting things your way and in your timing, or simply retreating into yourself? I have. It seems like the times that I need Him the most, are the times that I push Him away. Much like a petulant or pouty child. Nevertheless, He is always there for me. He is always waiting on me. He is always reaching out to me.

Have you ever felt as if God has abandoned you, that when you reach out to Him, He’s just not there? I have. There are times when the darkness is so dark and the storm is so violent that you feel you’ll never make it out, you feel like you won’t survive. You even wonder, where is God in the midst of it all? But we can’t rely on or trust our feelings. They are fluid, constantly changing, and influenced by our own limited and faulty perceptions. Feelings waver, truth does not!

The truth is that no matter what we feel, God is right there. Whether we are choosing to live righteously or in sin, whether we are joyful or heartbroken, content or dissatisfied, running to or from Him, He is always there. He supports us when we are frail and uplifts us when we fall. He strengthens us when we are weak and guides us when we are lost. However, we have to let Him. We can, and sometimes do, choose to turn Him down. But that doesn’t mean He’s not there He is. The darkness may last for a time, but the Light always pushes it back. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psa. 30:5)

I am so grateful that I don’t have to rely on my own strength, knowledge, wisdom or feelings. To think that the Lord of all creation is always with little ol’ me, no matter where I am, what I’m doing, or who I’m with, is too wonderful for words! Yes, the storms come and the waves crash down, but we don’t have to be overcome by them. We can trust in the Truth, rather than our feelings, and lean on the support and strength of Jesus to get us through. That’s what He wants. That’s what He offers. All we have to do is receive it.

“Thank you Lord, for always being with me, no matter what I’m going through. Thank you for offering me your love, mercy, grace, compassion, comfort, patience, strength and support. Thank you for driving out the darkness and showering me in Light. Thank you the hope and abundant life you have for me. You are everything to me and I praise you!”

Lauryn Abbott is a wife and mother, with a passion for writing and a zest for life. Her writing has always been a private passion, but recently the Lord has been urging her to make it public. More of her writing can be found on her Seed Thoughts blog at:

http://takeck.blogspot.com

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“O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” ~ Psalm 139:1-6

This Psalm (139) is probably my most favorite of all the Psalms. I have read it many times throughout my Christian journey. It has given me comfort and assurance in ways that are both deep and profound. It is Rhema to me, life-giving words to live by. Just today I read it again. Once more, it has jumped out at me, specifically the part posted above.

I’m the sort of person that can pretty honestly say, “What you see is what you get.” I’m not much of a faker. I never have been. This doesn’t necessarily mean I wear every emotion on my sleeve, but still, I try to be real, though not always deeply revealing (in that I do try to practice wisdom). That’s why it’s been so important for me to be real in my writing. As I go through the seasons of my life, I find I have to be real and honest about them. With both myself and God.

Reading the above verses, it’s good to know that in this, I’m right on target. Like the Psalmist, God knows me better than I know myself. He knows what I think, feel, say and do, whether I’m honest about it or not. Whether I’m aware of it or not. And even whether I am near or far from Him. He knows whether I will take the high road, or the low road, way before I even arrive at the road.

Recently I had another miscarriage. That makes three. And once again, with my latest miscarriage, as with my previous two, I felt anger. I was angry with myself, with God, with the world The thing I didn’t want to do was pretend that I was ok, because I wasn’t. I was hurting badly and downright mad! This is just me, being real. I spoke of my hurt and anger in person, on my blog, to others and to God. And you know what? I began to feel better. Yes, I’m still in the process of healing. But being real, rather than in denial, is both healing and freeing.

Sadly, there are too many Christians who aren’t real. Worse yet, there are “seasoned” Christians who try to influence “newer” Christians to not be real. I wonder who they think they’re fooling? Certainly not God! He knows us, loves us, and understands when life, and the storms of life, gets to us. That’s part of the beauty of the reality of Jesus. He’s fully God and fully man. He felt strong emotions; He loved, laughed and grieved. He experienced loyalty and betrayal. And He faced, and conquered, death. He gets us!

And because He gets us, He expects us to be real, even if that real is raw. He is there for us, waiting for us to come to Him, to receive the comfort, peace and love that only He can give. Like a loving Father, He welcomes us to come and sit on His lap and pour out our hearts to him. Even if it is after a temper tantrum. And as we sit with Him, being real with Him, and inviting Him to touch us in His own special way, He does. Tenderly, lovingly, He reaches out to place His hand of blessing on our head.

Thank you, Lord, for your healing-balm, tender-mercies and loving-kindness. Though it is too great and wonderful for me to fully understand, I thank you.

Lauryn Abbott is a wife and mother, with a passion for writing and a zest for life. Her writing has always been a private passion, but recently the Lord has been urging her to make it public. More of her writing can be found on her Seed Thoughts blog at:

http://takeck.blogspot.com

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