God Is On My Side!

“My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! I praise God for what he has promised; Yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:9-11

God is on your side. NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU WILL PROSPER! He is faithful and true to His promises to us. They never ever return void. He cares for every detail of our lives. He wants to bless us and fill us with His peace, wisdom, and knowledge. He directed us to study the Book of Instruction (the Bible, God’s Word) continually, meditating on it day and night so that we will be sure to obey everything written in it. ONLY THEN does He promise that we will prosper and succeed in all that we do. Even our failures will be used by God for our good and for His divine purpose. It is time for us to believe His promises and walk by faith, not reason or sight, but by faith in His promises! (Joshua 1:8-9)

Then enemy is going to come up against us with everything he has trying to get us off the narrow road that leads to a life more abundant in Christ Jesus. He knows that if we walk in our calling our lives will produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit and that our faith will not just be lip service but it will be a light used by God to extinguish the darkness around us. He knows that we are God’s masterpiece created anew in Christ Jesus, saved so we can DO the good things God planned for us long ago. We were saved for God’s service and the enemy wants to distract us from fulfilling our divine purpose. So he has assigned demonic hindering spirits to trip us up and enslave us to what we have already been set free from in Christ Jesus. So beware and stay alert! (Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 5:8-9)

The spirit of fear, compromise, and condemnation are demonic interferences that I see frequently used by the enemy not only in my own life but in other believers around me. But these enemies will have to retreat when we call out to God for help and allow the Truth of His Word to flow out of our mouths. We have to remember that the Lord is on our side and we must trust in His promises at all times no matter what spirit comes against us!

 “God is on your side! Don’t be afraid!”

Fear will come against us tormenting and causing us to become anxious over our situations. Fear will try to convince us that we will not have enough and that the Lord will not provide for all of our needs. Fear will try to get us impatient so that we take matters into our own hands instead of waiting on the Lord. Fear will try to get us to turn back when the Lord has told us to keep pressing forward in faith. Fear will provoke us to walk by sight and our simple human reasoning. We have to resist the spirit of fear and allow the Spirit of love, power, and of a sound mind to rise up in us. Remember what He has promised, believe it, and praise Him. This is His promise to us,

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1-2 (NLT)

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

 “God is on your side! Don’t compromise!”

Compromise is so deceitful. The spirit of compromise is so patient with us. It is ok with a slow fading away from the Truth as long as it fulfills its mission. It is a subtle doorway spirit. Once we give in to it we can be sure that other tormenting spirits will come with it. It creeps in little by little with simple suggestions and deceiving thoughts purposed to get us to harden our hearts to the Truth of God’s Word. Its mission is to get us to ignore God’s will for our lives and to follow our own will and ideas. May the Lord remind us where following our own will and selfish desires have lead us in the past.


Compromise will try to detour us off to the broad road that is most commonly taken not only by the world but by those who have fallen away from the Word of God. Brothers and sisters don’t get sidetracked from what God’s is calling you to do. Don’t turn to the left or to the right, be led by the Spirit. Be alert! Test every spirit and take every thought captive that does not line up with the Word of God. We have to do what King David did and dwell in the presence of the Lord. Setting the Lord continually before us will give us confidence in knowing that He is at our right hand. Our beliefs in God’s Word, instruction, commands, and promises will not just be beliefs that can be compromised but convictions that we live and die for. THEN we shall not be moved by compromise. (Psalm 16:8) When compromise rises up against us let us remember what He has promised, believe it, and praise Him. This is His promise to us,

“HE WHO DWELLS in the secret place of the Most High SHALL REMAIN STABLE AND FIXED under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! Psalm 91:1-2 (Amplified)

 “God is on your side! Don’t submit to condemnation!”

The spirit of condemnation comes against us when we have fallen short and sinned against God. Condemnation badgers our minds with thoughts of unworthiness and extreme guilt to the point where we hide from God’s presence. It will lie to us telling us that we are never going to be good Christians or that we are not true Christians at all because of all of our failures. It will tell us that we have not changed because we still battle the same temptations. Don’t be deceived! Condemnation is from the evil one. The devil and his demon spirits are the ones accusing God’s children day and night. It is not the Lord. (Revelation 12:10) Demonic principalities are the ones setting the traps for us. They are the ones that are behind the temptations provoking us to compromise setting the stage for condemnation. The spirit of condemnation is meant to keep us from going into God’s presence to receive forgiveness and help to overcome the attack. When condemnation rises up against us lets remember what He has promised, believe it, and praise Him. This is His promise to us,


“Therefore, there is NOW no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1(NLT)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, HE IS a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17(NIV)

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9 (NLT)

Whatever the demonic forces are that that come against us it is the Word of God in us that will rise up and help us in our time of need. So we need to be full of it so that it flows out of our mouth. That is why our Lord has commanded us to meditate on it day and night. His Word is our Fortress, our Shield, and our Sword to fight against all strategies of the devil. When we open our mouth and speak God’s Word all of our enemies must retreat. God is on our side so who or what can truly be against us that we should fear? We are children of the most High God! NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER!

Great Thanksgiving

Cross-post - This a posting I wrote for WeUsed2bu Ministries..

Great Thanksgiving

This month we wanted to share with our readers what we were most thankful for. Images of my friends, family, sisters and mothers in the Lord flooded my mind and I thanked God for all of them. I am thankful for the peace and joy flowing through my entire being that comes from a total dependency and confidence in our Lord. I really have so much to be thankful for. But I wanted to share what I am MOST thankful for in this season of my life. Then the other day in the mail I received one of my ministry magazines and on the front cover was 2 Corinthians 4:15,

“All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.” 2 Corinthians 4:15

Immediately in my spirit I knew that was the Word that I needed to share with you.

“All of this is for your benefit..” hit me first. You see today I can look back over my life at all the struggles and bumps that I hit on the road and know without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord was making a way through all of it for such a time as this. He allowed me to follow my own rebellious, stubborn, and disobedient ways because He loved me and knew that He had a plan far greater than I could ever plot. His plan was to deliver me from my own wickedness. Along the way He put many road blocks and detours to try to lead me back to Him, but I was so foolish and hard hearted. But He didn’t give up on me. He allowed me to be pulled up out of society and consecrated to Him behind prison walls were I began an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. It was there that the Holy Spirit showed me that the enemy had been trying to destroy me since I was a little girl, but the Lord did not allow him to take my life. He let me see that what the enemy meant for my destruction that He would use for my good and for His glory. He saved me and gave me a desire to want to know Him, to know His Word. My life began to change. My mind was being renewed through the Word of God. (Genesis 50:20)

That journey began over twelve years ago. For many years I struggled with the Spirit choosing to sit on the proverbial fence with one leg in the world and one leg in the church. Then the Lord called me out and made me realize that if I was not working with Him then I was actually working against Him. My gifting and talents were given to me not to serve the world but to be used to glorify Jesus, edify the church, and win souls for the Kingdom, but I hadn’t surrendered completely yet. (Matthew 12:30)

I began to realize that we are truly in the end days and I did not want my family to be left behind for the tribulation to come. Nor did I want any of them to die and go to hell. I knew the Truth that Jesus came to save the lost, heal the broken hearted, and set the captives free. I believed what the Word said in Acts 16:31 about my entire household being saved. The Lord put a new song on my heart and I began to praise and glorify Him like I had never done before, not just with my words but with my life. He lit a fire in me and I began to want to be used by Him to reach the lost and hurting. I wanted everyone around me to know that Jesus Christ IS The Way, The Truth, and The Life. I wanted them to know that what He had done for me and my husband He could and would do for them if they asked. I began to stand on Psalm 40:3b,

“Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.”

I knew that those who knew the old me knew that I was truly different. I had been transformed into a new creation in Christ Jesus. So I began to testify about what God had done in my life to those closest to me. For those that did not want to listen I believed that my life would be the witness they needed to see. I began to pray, fast, and intercede for our family taking back the ground that the enemy took for so long. I began to understand and feel in my heart and spirit the same desire that our Lord has, that none should perish but that they should have eternal life with Christ Jesus. Well we know that the Word says, “The prayers of a righteous man (or woman) avails much”. (James 5:16)

Glory be to God, since jumping off the fence my husband and I have seen almost twenty family and friends receive Jesus Christ as their Lord Savior and the Lord has used us to found different ministries, including this one. Now these people are bringing friends and family to church with them and they are sharing the Gospel with others. Just recently my father had the privilege of leading his brother to the Lord. These ministries are reaching people all over the world and the Truth of God’s Word is being shared! All the glory goes to God!

So when I read 2 Corinthians 4:15 it had new meaning and relevance to my life. I realized that everything that I had been through was not only for my benefit but for my family and friends as well as for these ministries. So there is GREAT THANKSGIVING in my life today because God’s grace is reaching more and more people all around me and all over the world, and our Lord Jesus Christ will receive more and more glory. To know that my imperfect life has been used by God to save others greatly humbles me. I will be thankful for all eternity.

The Poisonous Root of Bitterness

“Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” (Hebrews 12:15b)

We are warned to “WATCH OUT!” for the root of bitterness. The Holy Spirit refers to bitterness as a poisonous root that will grow up to trouble us. Here are just some of the troublesome synonyms and related words for bitterness:

resentment, sarcasm, HATRED, bad blood, harshness, HOSTILITY, ANGER and venom.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of ALL bitterness, rage, ANGER, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Brothers and sisters we are living in an evil and corrupt world with a selfish and sinful people. There will be times when people will fail us, offend us, talk about us, take us for granted, neglect, abuse, and betray us. Of course when these things happen it will hurt us and even anger us. Anger is not the problem, staying angry and sinning in response to the anger is the problem. You see bitterness is the evil behavior or sin resulting from unresolved anger. It will corrupt our hearts and will keep us from producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. (Galatians 5:19-23)

Bitterness in our heart will most certainly result in hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, dissension, and division. Jesus said that from the treasury of our heart we will speak. Meaning what is coming out of our mouths shows what is truly in our hearts. What is in our hearts can defile us which is why we must guard our hearts above all else, for it determines the course of our life. If our hearts are consumed with bitterness, resentment, and anger then our life is definitely not on the right course. We have fallen off the narrow road and started taken the broad road. (Matthew 12:33-37, 15:16-20, Proverbs 4:23)

“Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:21

When we are allowing bitterness to rule in our lives we are actually nursing hatred in our hearts. We can try to hide it but the Holy Spirit says that, “Hidden hatred will be exposed publicly”.

”People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.” (Proverbs 26:24-26)

It is best for us to not ignore the signs of bitterness but to acknowledge them and go before the Lord to find help before the day comes that we explode in front of everyone and make utter fools of ourselves. Oh that we would be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to search out our hearts and expose any roots of bitterness that have crept in to trouble us, but not only us those around us also.

Let us follow our Lord’s example. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. We know that our Lord is for us and is on our side, so who can truly be against us? We also know that what the enemy means to destroy us our heavenly Father works out for our good, so we don’t need to seek revenge on those that hurt or betray us because our Lord will take revenge for us. He will pay them back. We need don’t need to harbor unforgiveness and bitterness. (1 Peter 2:23, Romans 12:17-21)

Instead let us conqueror the evil and wrongs done against us by doing good. Our Lord has given us these instructions on how to deal with the haters and users in our lives,

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you..” Matthew 5:44

When we handle our offenders like this then we are acting like true children of our Father in heaven.

The Holy Spirit is always reminding me of what He has said through Paul in Colossians 3:12-17:

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, YOU MUST clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive ANYONE who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so YOU MUST forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, DO IT AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LORD, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

Clothing ourselves in love is the answer. Love through the power of the Holy Spirit will teach us to be long suffering, patient, and forgiving. I believe with all my heart that when we remember and truly meditate on how merciful our Lord has been with us, and how much He has forgiven us for, then we should be more willing to forgive and make allowances for others faults and offenses against us. After all we are supposed to be imitators of our Father. (Ephesians 5:1)

Also, let us always remember that we are not battling against flesh and blood people that we see, but we are battling against the evil spirits and principalities that are manipulating and oppressing people. We must learn to love the person and hate the sin. That is why our Lord has commanded us to pray for those who use and persecute us. He wants them to be delivered from their bondage and rebellion because if they continue in their sin they will most certainly suffer consequences.

So let us rid ourselves of the poisonous, venomous root of bitterness so that we can be true representatives of the Lord. Let us not let the sun go down on our anger because that is how we give foothold to the devil and allow room for the root of bitterness. Instead let’s chose to forgive and rejoice in the opportunity to suffer for doing good because it is pleases God when we suffer for the good. May we keep on doing what is right and trusting our lives to the God who created us, and who will NEVER fail us. (Ephesians 4:26, 1 Peter 4:19, James 1:12)

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

There are debates amongst believers during this time of year if Christians should celebrate Halloween? Some say, “Sure. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s not the devil’s day. Everyday belongs to Jesus. We can redeem the day. It’s just dress up to the kids.” Then others say, “No. We will have no part of it. Halloween is rooted in evil. It’s a day of honoring and glorifying the darkness and evil spirits. Christians are to be different and take no part in evil deeds of darkness.” These are very different viewpoints and while we may respect the wisdom and advice of other believers what matters most is what the Lord’s view point on this issue is. The scripture that comes to my mind is Hosea 4:6,

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.”

We must not allow ourselves to be deceived and influenced due to lack of knowledge. A lack of knowledge leads to our destruction and rejecting knowledge leads to severe consequences. So let’s get some insight on the origin and roots of Halloween. Then we can see for ourselves if it’s truly rooted in evil and inspired by the devil? Then we can search out God’s Word to see what He has to say about this.

Origin of Halloween – A Short Overview

Halloween’s origin traces back to the ancient Celtic’s pagan festival of Samhein. The Celtics had over 300 gods and were heavily involved in demonic activity. They believed that on October 31st that the barrier between the supernatural (spiritual world) and natural world was thin and that all divine beings and the spirits of the dead moved freely among men and interfered sometimes violently, in their affairs. The Druids (pagan Celtic priests) would offer sacrifices, usually of crops and animals, but sometimes of humans, in order to placate the gods; ensuring that the sun would return after the winter; and frightening away evil spirits. During the celebration the Celtics wore costumes, usually of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other’s fortunes.

Frightened villagers were afraid the spirits would destroy their crops and live stock so in order to appease the spirits they would leave fruits and treats on their doorsteps as offerings for the spirits. They were also fearful that the demon spirits would try to harm them if they found them. In an effort to trick the entities they would try to blend in among them by wearing scary masks and costumes.

Pumpkins or turnips were cut with faces representing demons and was intended to frighten away evil spirits. It was said that if a demon or such were to encounter something as fiendish looking as themselves that they'd run away in terror, thus sparing the houses dwellers from the ravages of dark entities. They would have been carried around the village boundaries or left outside the home to burn through the night.

Samhein was also a time when it was customary for the pagans to use the occult practice of divination to determine the weather for the coming year, the crop expectations, and even who in the community would marry whom and in what order.

Halloween Today

Halloween today is the witches new year. It is considered a sacred and holy day to Wiccans and Pagans. It is considered a Sabbath to honor the ancestors who came before them. It is still believed to be a good time to contact the spirit world with a séance, because the belief continues to be that the veil between this world and the next is the thinnest. So the tradition continues with the sacrifices and offerings to the spirits (demons) as well as the divination rituals.

But for those who are not Wiccan the Halloween spirit is still manifested through them whether they realize it or not. During the night of Halloween people all across the United States dress up in scary customs and go from door to door asking for treats. Teens and thrill seekers go to cemeteries hoping to get a glimpse of a ghost or spirit. Pumpkins are carved and placed in the window or porch. At Halloween parties people will often times entertain themselves with playing occult games such as Ouija boards, tarot cards, light as a feather stiff as board, fortune telling, and other games that invite demonic spirits. Scary movies are promoted and encouraged to watch. Tricks, pranks, and mischief will happen on Halloween more than on any other night. Theme parks promote Halloween horror nights where people can go and see the most graphic, gory, demonic, and evil costumes.

The Word of God

"Little children, let no man deceive you.." 1 John 3:7

"Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good." Romans 12:9

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against ALL STRATEGIES OF THE DEVIL. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12

Our Lord has warned us to put on all of God’s armor so that we will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. We are supposed to be soldiers in the army of God. Halloween is not the day to put down our swords and sup with the devil. We are to always be ready and alert like Gideon's soldiers were to defeat the enemy. It is apparent that Halloween is one of the devil’s strategies. It is a pagan celebration inspired by the god of this world, Satan. Everything that we do is to be done to glorify God. Does joining with the world to celebrate Halloween glorify God.?.

He seems to have many convinced that to participate in this celebration is innocent and it is merely dress up. He has blinded many from knowing the truth that it is in fact rooted in evil and witchcraft, inspired by him. He has beguiled some with compromise, who know the evil roots of the celebration but have convinced themselves and others into thinking it is ok to Christianize Halloween. Let us realize that compromise always comes with consequences.

Brothers and sisters..

“DON’T COPY THE BEHAVIOR AND CUSTOMS OF THIS WORLD, but let God transform you into a new person BY CHANGING THE WAY YOU THINK. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”

“Stay away from every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22

We are supposed to be different from the world. A people consecrated to God. We are only here temporarily to set the example of godly living, to be a light in the darkness, urging people to repent and turn back to God. Although we are in this world we are not to act like the world. We are supposed influence them, they are not to influence us. We must not allow our contacts with the world to pollute us. When we begin to mix our faith with the evil customs this world we are teaching the world, young believers, and our own children that compromise is ok. This is how in the ends days one world religion will be accepted, through this slow fade, COMPROMISE. (James 1:27, Jeremiah 15:19)

What should Christians do?

“Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

“Teach My people to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

Expose the strategy of the devil. Discourage them from participating in traditional Halloween activities. Redeem the day by educating our children and baby believers on the origin of Halloween and expose it’s demonic roots. Show them what the Word of God says about witchcraft, sorcery, and divination. Explain to them how they are called to be different. Assure them we have power through Christ Jesus over the forces of darkness. Then tell stories of how Christ worked in the lives of other believers to overcome the powers of darkness in their days and encourage them to allow God to use them too. If we reject the yeast of compromise now and implement this tradition with our children they will pass it down and they will not be afraid to stand up for what they know is true. They will not feel like they are missing out because they will want no part of anything that even looks evil. (Proverbs 22:6)

Elliot Watson from CBN.com advises after researching Halloween:

“To counter the evil influence of Halloween, we need to join together and celebrate the reality of the heroic efforts of Christian saints over the evil in their day. Many leaders in the past -- and present -- have fulfilled the mandate of destroying the works of the devil through their sacrificial commitment to Christ and His Kingdom.

Too, rather than “hide” in the face of evil, we should unabashedly and boldly create an alternative that is positive and uplifting; that celebrates good over evil and the triumph of God over Satan. We need to provide an environment that also makes room for heaps of fun while using the day as a “teachable moment” to celebrate God’s protection, provision and purpose for our lives.”

May the Holy Spirit minister to your heart His will for your family concerning the celebrating of Halloween.

Below are links for sites that I used to do research and read commentaries:
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/onlinediscipleship/halloween/halloween_watt05.aspx
http://www.history.com/content/halloween/real-story-of-halloween
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/halloween.html
http://www.jeremiahproject.com/culture/halloween.html
http://www.chick.com/seasonal/halloween/celebrate.asp

Do You Have A Sense Of Urgency

A couple of weeks ago one of our pastors had us spend some time looking at the story in Mark 2:1-12. It’s a story of four men who brought their friend to Jesus for healing. This story is special because these friends loved and cared for their paralyzed friend so much that when they saw that they could not get through the crowds they carried him up to the roof and then dug a hole through the roof to lower him down to Jesus.

Our pastor explained, “They didn’t want to see their friend suffering any more. They were determined to get their friend to Jesus because they were convinced that Jesus could heal him. They didn’t let the crowds stop them. They were creative. They were committed and determined to go to any length to get him to Jesus. Getting their friend to Jesus was their focus.”
Then he purposed some practical application questions to us and I purpose them now to you.

• Who has God put in your life that you need to bring to Jesus?
• Do you care enough to take initiative? Will you drive them to church, bible study, or a small group?
• Are you convinced that Jesus is the only way? If you think that there is another way then you will not have a sense of urgency.
• Are you willing to be creative?

I think that out of all of the questions above the one that hit me the most was the third question and comment. If we truly believe that Jesus is the ONLY Way, the Truth, and the Life then we should have the same desire and urgency that our heavenly Father has, that none should perish, but that they too should repent and turn to God (Jesus) for salvation. (2 Peter 3:9)

Our sense of urgency to see souls saved should come from knowing what the Word of God says is the destiny of those who refuse to believe in Christ Jesus. The Word says:

“..But whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:18)

“There will be a day of judgment for all unbelievers, those who rejected the Truth and refused to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from His glorious power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)

Our urgency should come from knowing that HELL IS REAL and it is where all unbelievers go when they die. (Luke 12:5 & 16:23, Matthew 10:28 & 23:33)

This urgency for saving the lost should NOT come from a condemning, judgmental, or religious spirit. It should could from a Spirit of love and patience. Our Lord was loving and patient with us as He drew us to Himself. It was His kindness, mercy, grace and PATIENCE that actually led us to repentance. We must remember that the same Holy Spirit that drew us to Him is the same Holy Spirit that will draw others around us to Him too. We are not the ones who save anyone. No one can come to Jesus unless it is the Spirit that draws them to Him. Bringing someone to Christ usually is a process. Our job is simply to be a ready and willing vessel that the Lord can use. (Romans 2:4, John 6:44)

It very important for us to remember that we are in a spiritual battle. We are battling against unseen forces of darkness that do not want to let go of these people’s souls. The Word says that the enemy has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand the message about the glory of Christ. They often times consider the message of the cross foolish. Therefore we must use wisdom and patience when ministering to unbelievers, asking the Lord to give us the Words to speak, to know when to speak, and when to keep a cover over our mouth. (2 Corinthians 4:4, John 6:44, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:16-17)

A close friend recently said to me, “We don’t have to cram the bible down people’s throats”. I agree, however I do believe that we can spoon feed them and allow them to taste the Word without saying all the time, “The bible says” or “In Matthew 6:25-27...” All we have to do is speak the Word of God into their lives in normal conversation and trust the Lord’s promise to not allow His Word to return void. Then we should pray over the seed, that it not be stolen, but that it would be watered and cultivated by the Holy Spirit. But no matter what we can be sure of this, that even if some refuse to obey or receive the Good News, our godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by our pure and reverent lives. (Isaiah 55:10-11, Matthew 13:18-23, 1 Peter 3:1-2)

I believe with all my heart that our lives will be the most affective witness to the unbeliever and to those who are searching for Truth. Most need to see to believe. What is that they need to see? They need to see the love of Christ flowing in our lives. They need to see us serving and caring for others. They need to hear words full of faith, words that encourage and edify. How we react to life’s problems, trials, and tests will also be a witness to them of where our faith and hope lies. When they see that in the middle of life’s storms we are immovable and still praising God regardless of our circumstances, they will be inspired and influenced by our faith. I love Psalm 40:1-3. My favorite part of these verses is the part that says, “Many will SEE what He has done and be amazed. They WILL PUT THEIR TRUST IN THE LORD.” You see it’s because of what others see that God has done or is doing in our lives that they too will put their trust in the Lord. Our friends and family remember who we were when we were in the world so our life in Christ will be the most convincing testimony of Jesus’ faithfulness to save and change those who put their trust in Him. (1 Peter 3:1-2, Philippians 1:27)

If we are convinced that the Bible is the infallible Word of God then there should be that sense of urgency that the pastor spoke of and that the four men had to bring their suffering friend to Jesus for deliverance. We should make the most of every opportunity that the Holy Spirit provides us to share the Good News with those He has put in our lives. We shouldn’t be ashamed of our faith in Jesus or minimize it because we don’t want to offend anyone or want to be politically correct. We have been given the responsibility of being ambassadors for Christ. We should never be ashamed to acknowledge Jesus. God wants to make His appeal to the lost and the backslidden through us. We are speaking for Christ when we say “Come back to God!” We are His messengers entrusted with the Good News. We know the way to have eternal life and right standing with God so we must tell others without fear of persecution. There should be a sense of urgency to bring people to Christ because we know that their souls are at stake. (Matthew 10:32, 38 & 39, 2 Corinthians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 2:4)

Lord teach us to be living witnesses for You. Let us not be afraid of persecution. When fear or inadequacy come against us remind us that you have anointed us to share the Gospel with the world. Help us to speak boldly for Christ. In Jesus name, Amen.

Your Not The Same Anymore

October 17th, 2009 It’s 5:16 am and I can’t sleep, because the Holy Spirit has given me a Word for you. You the ex-prostitute, ex-con, ex-drug dealer, ex-masturbator, ex-liar, ex-thief, ex-porn addict, ex-gang banger, ex-drug addict and ex-alcoholic. You whom the world and even the church will often time criticize and judge. Our Lord wants you to know that you are not the same anymore! You are His now and forever more. He has waited for you to humble yourself at His feet and realize your need for Him as your Savior. He has waited for you to come to Him with a broken and contrite spirit. When you did He accepted you and cleansed you and made you new in Him. You are a new creation! Do not let the world or even the church make you feel that you are not. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Psalm 51:17)

The Lord is doing a new thing in your life. He wants you to forget the former things of old. Don’t meditate on who you were and what you did. You have entered a new life with new ways, and a new Spirit. He has given you a new heart, one that longs to please Him. He is about to do something new in you. He has already begun! Do you not see it? There will be those that the enemy will use to try to get you to look and turn back to your old ways, but you cannot go there anymore because you are not the same. That person no longer lives. It is Christ that lives in you now. You are a child of the Most High God. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Focus on who you are now. Focus on forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. Press forward to what Jesus is calling you to do in this new season of your life. (Isaiah 43:18, Galatians 2:20, 1 John 3:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Philippians 3:13)

Don’t listen to the taunting and accusations of those whom the enemy sends your way. You have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. He is your Righteous Judge who has found you not guilty because Jesus paid the price for all of your sins. Be free in Christ Jesus. It’s time to live the rich and satisfying life that He came to give you. Don’t allow the enemy to kill, steal, and destroy your faith, peace, and hope. Stand on the Rock, the Word of God, it will be your source of strength. (1 Peter 1:18-20, Acts 10:42, Romans 3:25-26, John 10:10, Matthew 7:24-27)

There will be times of testing. This testing is vital for your faith to grow, to humble you, purify your heart, develop godly character, and to teach you to obey the Lord’s commands. Don’t despise this season. You will feel at times like you are in the wilderness all alone. But do not be lead by your emotions or deceived by the enemy. Our Good Shepherd will never leave you alone. You can be sure that He will be walking with you, making a path for you through the wilderness. He will create rivers in the dry and wasteland. Just keep your eyes on Him! Do not turn to the left or to the right. Stay on the narrow road it will always lead to life and favor with Him. Stay off that broad road that is commonly taken not only by the world, but by some who claim the name of Christ. It is the road of compromise, justification, and less resistance which leads to death and the judgment of God. (Isaiah 43:19, Deuteronomy 8:1-5, James 1:2-4, Proverbs 4:27, Matthew 7:13-14)

Draw close to Him in His Word so that you will learn to recognize His voice and you will not be deceived by those that claim to come in His name but only prey on the weak, easily influenced, babes in Christ young in their faith. Fill yourself with the knowledge of the Lord and you will not be lead astray by wishy washy religion and faith that has been dipped in the world. The Word must be the final authority in your life, not the teachings of man or their philosophies. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your teacher. Meditate on the Word day and night so that you will learn what it is that our Lord wants you to do. Do not let His Word depart from your eyes, mind, and heart. The Word will be a light to your feet, directing your path all the days of your life. (James 4:8, John 10:4-5, Proverbs 2:1-5, Colossians 2:8, Luke 12:12,Joshua 1:8, Proverbs 4:20-21, Psalm 119:05)

A warning..temptation to compromise and sin will most assuredly come, so do not be surprised. If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, never rely on your own strength. Stay alert and persistent in your prayers, do not forsake fellowship with the Lord by spending time in His Word, and do not forsake fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Our Lord will use them to help hold you up in your times of trouble and weakness. Do not hide from them. Confess your temptations and sins to those that He has placed in your life that have a true heart for Him. They will pray and intercede on your behalf. They will stand in the gap for you and your family. Remember that the temptations in your life are no different from what others experience so do not be ashamed or allow condemnation to torment you. Our Lord has promised and is faithful to not allow the temptations in our lives to be more than we can stand. When we are tempted He will show us a way out so that we can endure. Be sure to take the way out, do not ignore it. (Ephesians 6:10, Zachariah 4:6, Hebrews 10:25,James 5:16, 1 Corinthians 10:13)

Be encouraged brothers and sisters because of all that the Lord is doing in you and through you. Your life will be a testimony to others of God’s redeeming power and faithfulness to save and transform lives. Sit as His feet and allow Him to teach you, to train you up for battle. Once you served in the enemy’s camp and now you will serve the Lord on the front lines. It will be by the word of your testimony and the blood of the Lamb that the Lord will use you to defeat spirits and principalities wherever He sends you. Therefore you must not be afraid to tell of the wonderful things the Lord has done in your life. Speak with boldness and assurance of who you are today in Him. Glorify the Lord not only with your words but with actions. Be lead of the Spirit and walk in love. (Psalm 40:3, Revelation 12:11, Romans 8:14, Ephesians 5:2)

May our God fill you will peace, love, and encouragement as you press forward to all that He has for you today. Be confident of who you are in Him. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus name..