You Have the Power

Matthew 18: 19-20 I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they make ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered in My name, I am there in their midst.

There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in fellowship and in numbers. Power to live the life promised to you comes in fellowship and agreement with others. Dont isolate yourself from other believers.

When you come into agreement with other believers, Satan has to flee. He cant stand it when two or more believers in Jesus get together in prayer. For many years, Satan has tried to stop the movement of Jesus but like a mighty army, the church keeps moving onward.

We have the power in the name of Jesus. Though Satan rages, you cant be defeated because you have the power in the name of Jesus Christ. Use His name when you face battles you cant win.

Remember Jesus promised that when two or more of us get together in His name and ask for help He would answer. Today find another Christian and ask Jesus to give you the power to overcome whatever obstacle stands in your way of victory.

The battle has already been won all you have to do is walk in that victory. You will not be defeated in the name of Jesus. You will soar like an eagle today in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus, you will see mountains moved. In the mighty name of Jesus, you will see your life change.

Today be determine to find other believers and join hands with them in prayer and power. You dont have to go through this life alone, find others, and find power in the name of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Focus: Lord, lead to me to others who share my faith in You. Teach me how to use your power to overcome obstacles in my life.

Dr Bob Wilkerson is author of the book, "I Will Not Be Defeated Anymore". He is dedicated to helping others recover from life altering circumstances. Dr. Bob is a motivational speaker/singer with a true life story of God's power to change any individuals life. If your Church or organization is looking for a dynamic speaker/singer please email him today. challenger7777@gmail.com

Personal Development

Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, in the Company of the Biblical Prophets

Perhaps no other American is as controversial as Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Mormon Church and a self-proclaimed prophet. Such claims as he made, to have been visited by God, the Father, and Jesus Christ; to have been called to be a prophet to preach the Gospel to a world in apostasy are at least shocking and incredible and at most outrageous. Joseph Smith, his life and his legacy deserve close attention, then, for if true, his claims are the most important message since the discovery of the empty garden tomb.

To understand the issue, however, one must first understand what a prophet is and only then can Joseph Smith be measured against this rubric. To dismiss Joseph Smith as a prophet because he does not fit ones own definition of prophet is a circular argument since that wholly depends upon the persons preconceived image of what a prophet is. We must, therefore, look to the Bible, the record of Gods prophets to begin to understand what a prophet is. In the popular imagination the role of a prophet is to tell the future. This is, however, only one aspect of a prophets calling and likely not a major one. So, what does the Bible tell us a prophet will be like?

There are two words in the Bible that are translated as prophet. One is the Hebrew word Nabi (or Navi), and the other is the Greek Prophetes. Both have the basic meaning of spokesman or one who proclaims something. A prophet of God, therefore, speaks in the name of, and hence with the authority of, God. A prophet says, Thus saith the Lord. Joseph Smith was such a spokesman. He spoke in Gods name. To him, the Lord said, I give unto you my servant Joseph to be a presiding elder over all my church, to be a translator, a revelator, a seer, and prophet (Doctrine and Covenants 124:125).

This mouthpiece of God speaks Gods word. The Lord said to Moses concerning Aarons role as Moses spokesman: Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet [hence, his spokesman] (Exodus 7:1). In a latter revelation to Moses the Lord said:

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him (Deuteronomy 18:18).

Peter thus said in his epistle that prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21). The Doctrine and Covenants (hereafter D&C), which is a compilation of revelations given to modern prophets of the Mormon Church, echoes this statement saying that, whatsoever they [the prophets] shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation (D&C 68:4).

The Bible is a collection of the inspired words and deeds of prophets. Thus, the words of prophets become scripture. Isaiah was a man who saw great visions. Paul was a prophet whose inspirational teachings form the bulk of the New Testament. The revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith including the Book of Mormon and the visions and revelations recorded in the Doctrine & Covenants testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet. He spoke the words he received of God in visions and revelations. These words became scripture, just as in biblical times.

The message for which prophets are spokesmen is of the mission of Jesus Christ and the importance of obeying Gods commandments. In Revelation 19:10, an angel tells John that, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. A prophet, who must by definition have the spirit of prophecy, must also therefore have a testimony of Jesus. Jesus commanded His disciples to read the scriptures, comprising essentially the Old Testament, explaining that, in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me (John 5:39). He later testified that every prophet wrote about Him:

These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me (Luke 24:44).

John the Baptist, of whom Jesus said, there is not a greater prophet, had as his primary mission to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. Of him, no record details miracles or great prophesies of the future. Instead, he taught the people to prepare themselves for Jesus coming and when that came he willingly stepped aside (see Luke 7:28 ff). Joseph Smith likewise testified of Jesus Christ. In a vision he received on February 16, 1832, he and an associate Sidney Rigdon saw Jesus Christ much as Paul had centuries earlier. They declared:

And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the FatherThat by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God (D&C 76:22-24).

For Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ was the central figure in every doctrine and deed. Joseph Smith taught that Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of all mankind and provides salvation to all those who love and serve him. Prophets also denounce sin and call people to repentances. In 2 Kings 17:13, we read:

blockquote>The LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

It is the duty of prophets to call people to repent and return to God. This can be seen in many instances. In 2 Kings 12, we read that Nathan, the prophet, was sent to call David to repentance because of his sins with Bathsheba. Nehemiah was sent to call the people of his day to repent and rebuild the temple. Jonah was sent to preach against the wickedness of Nineveh. Joseph Smith said, This we believe to be our duty-to teach to all mankind the doctrine of repentance (History of the Church 2:255). It is the duty of a prophet to denounce sin, call people to repentance and to worship the God of Israel. This last duty, namely calling to worship the God of Israel is essential, for Moses warned that false prophets could accurately predict the future, but if they used these miracles to lead people away from the God of Israel, then they would be false prophets (Deuteronomy 13:1-10).

The Lord says further, If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream (Numbers 12:6). Prophets, then, have dreams and visions in which the Lord is made known unto them. Peter also mentions this as what may be termed the prophetic pattern. In Acts 10:39-44, Peter teaches that God reveals Jesus Christ to chosen witnesses, the prophets, who then teach the world about God. Every prophet is chosen by God, taught by angels or through dreams and visions and finally commissioned to teach others. Isaiah fits this pattern. In a vision recorded in Isaiah chapter 6, this great poet-prophet saw the Lord on His throne surrounded by angels. He is forgiven of his sins, and charged with a mission.

This vision and the charge given to the prophet is the Sowd, the sacred and oftentimes secret intimacy that prophets obtain with God. Sowd in Hebrew translates as counsel, assembly, secret, or divine intimacy. At its root it refers to private correspondence or counseling. The Prophet Amos said, Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret [Sowd] unto his servants the prophets (Amos 3:7). That is, the Lord will not act until He has revealed His counsel, His plans, and His secrets to the Prophets. Thus another role of a prophet is to be a diviner, through revelation, of Gods deed present and future. This can refer to prophesying the future, or to determining what work is of God right now and what His will is regarding human actions.

Joseph Smith and his mission fit this ancient pattern perfectly. As a young man, confused but full of faith, he prayed to God. According to href="http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1">Joseph Smiths own account, he saw in vision, just as Moses, Isaiah, and Stephen had, the God of Israel. Just as was the case with Isaiah his sins were forgiven and like Moses he learned the true nature of God. In subsequent visions he was taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ by angels and through multiple revelations which are recorded as sacred scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants. He was commissioned by God to translate the Book of Mormon as testimony to Jesus Christ and to Joseph Smiths own divine commission. He was shown Gods counsel and href="http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophecies.shtml">prophesied many things that have since occurred.

In connection with this divining of counsel, it is interesting to note that the Samaritan women whom Jesus met at the well in Sychar said, I perceive that thou art a prophet (John 4:19), when He told her about her life previous to meeting Him. Prophets, then, are given such spiritual insights as necessary to fulfill their missions. In this capacity a Prophet may rightly be called a Seer. When Saul sought out a man of God who could give him advice on what course he could take, the record states, Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer (1 Samuel 9:9). A Seer, then, is one who sees what is ahead, who understand the operations of God in the world. He sees accurately not only the future, but also the present and the past. Through this divine insight he can perceive Gods workings in the world.

In a revelation given to Joseph Smith in November of 1831, the Lord said of Joseph Smiths mission:

Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments (D&C 1:17)

The reasons given were:

1. That every man might speak in the name of God the Lord (v. 20)
2. that faith also might increase (v. 21)
3. That mine everlasting covenant might be established (v. 22)
4. That the fullness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple (v. 23)

Joseph Smith was commissioned to be an instrument in the hands of God, but only one of many, who would lay the foundation of Gods Kingdom here in these days. As a Seer and Revelator he taught truth and revealed many things to come, as a Prophet he preached repentance in Gods name and taught the testimony of Jesus Christ, and as translator he translated and published the Book of Mormon. Finally, as a prophet he was a leader. In Hosea we read:

And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved (Hosea 12:13).

A prophet is set to lead the covenant people of the Lord. Paul said that the household of God is built upon a foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone (Ephesians 2:19-20). Apostles, as can be easily shown, are prophets also, since they have the spirit of prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus Christ, but as apostles they have a special mission to go forth and proclaim Jesus Christs resurrection (see Acts 1:22). Prophets and Apostles lead the people of God. In this capacity, Joseph Smith was the leader of the Mormon Church, called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church (D&C 20:2). Until his death in 1844, he led the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Prophet and Apostle of god. Joseph Smith guided the Mormon Church through persecution and trials.

It must be remembered, however, that prophet are human agents working for God and are thus fallible. James said of Elias (i.e. Elijah), that he, was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months (James 5:17). Commenting on this passage Joseph Smith said:

I was this morning introduced to a man from the east. After hearing my name, he remarked that I was nothing but a man, indicating by this expression, that he had supposed that a person to whom the Lord should see fit to reveal His will, must be something more than a man. He seemed to have forgotten the saying that fell from the lips of St. James, that Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, yet he had such power with God, that He, in answer to his prayers, shut the heavens that they gave no rain for the space of three years and six months; and again, in answer to his prayer, the heavens gave forth rain, and the earth gave forth fruit. Indeed, such is the darkness and ignorance of this generation, that they look upon it as incredible that a man should have any intercourse with his Maker. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 Vols. 2:302)

Of himself he later said, I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 Vols. 6:366). The Prophets and Apostles of God are human and hence fallible, but the inspired words they reveal, as Peter said, come from the Holy Ghost who is a revelator to mankind. Like Isaiah, Samuel, Moses, Noah, Paul, and Peter before him, Joseph Smith had his faults, which makes his miracles and teachings all the more amazing and inspiring, for God works always through weak and erring servants to accomplish His great purposes.

Perhaps it is the faults of the prophets that make some people reject them. Jesus Christ once remarked that, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house (Matthew 13:57). To neighbors, Jesus was merely a carpenter, the son of Joseph, but to those with faith He was the Messiah, the Son of God. Similarly with the prophets who, unlike Jesus, were not sinless, they are often rejected for trivial reasons. Some rejected Joseph Smith as a prophet because a business venture he participated in failed, or because he enjoyed playing sports. Others were offended by his denunciation of their actions. Finally, on June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith was murdered by a mob with faces painted black while he sat in jail awaiting trial on false charges. Like Paul before him, Joseph Smith was jailed, persecuted, and finally killed. Many prophets and apostles have been killed because of their teachings and deeds and Joseph Smith was no different.

In every possible test Joseph Smith compares favorably with the prophets of the Bible. Like them, he spoke in Gods name and the revelations given to him have become scripture just as Paul or Moses did. He had the testimony of Jesus Christ, the spirit of prophecy, and so devoted his ministry to testifying of the divine mission of Jesus Christ. He was commissioned by God through visions and the visitations of angels to do Gods work here on earth and so received authority to act and speak in Gods name. He was a prophet, a seer, a revelator, a translator, a missionary, an apostle, and a martyr for he was hunted and murdered by angry mobs because he dared to speak against their traditions and because his teachings and deeds stirred up controversy.

Ultimately, one must look at the fruits of Joseph Smiths mission. To know if Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God, one must study his teachings and his deeds. These can be found first and foremost in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. If the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God, then Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God and while argument and evidence may be compiled for pages upon pages, only the Spirit of God will ultimately reveal to a person whether or not Joseph Smith was a prophet. Why this matters, even and perhaps especially for Christians, is that if Joseph Smith was a prophet, then Jesus Christ has a message for the whole world and especially for those who claim to believe in Him. This message is that His Church has been established by prophets and is now being led by them through inspiration of God. For non-Christians, the message is one of faith and hope, that Jesus Christ lives again and through His power all may be resurrected and saved.

Jonathan F. Barney was born and raised in Mapleton, Utah and graduated from Springville High School. He attended Utah State University on full scholarship and graduated in 2004 with a degree in History and Linguistics. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Near Eastern Studies, emphasizing the Arab World at Princeton University. From 1999 to 2001, he served as a volunteery missionary for the Mormon Church in Ohio. In 2003 he studied for one semester at the American University of Cairo in Egypt. In his spare time he enjoys reading, hiking, calligraphy (both Latin and Arabic scripts), and writing

To learn more about Joseph Smiths life and teachings visit these excellent sites:

Joseph Smith.net With pictures, writings, and biographical information about Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith.com with Joseph Smith's writings about his life

Should The Bible Be Edited

Obeying God and Hearing His Voice

A friend of mine told me he once asked a godly lady how she became so powerful with God. She replied, "Have you ever been in a restaurant or some other public place and felt God leading you to go talk to some stranger there?" He said yes. She asked, "Did you do it?"

He was silent as he thought of opportunities missed. She said, "Well, there you have it."

The life of a disciple is lived with regular knots in the pit of your stomach. Perhaps there are some great disciples out there who are never in fear that what they think is the voice of God inside is really just some inner impulse that will lead them to great embarrassment. I don't know any disciples like that, though. The great disciples I know set the fear aside, live with the knot in the pit of their stomach, and risk embarrassment.

These disciples talk to people, including strangers, that they feel led to talk to. They say that strange thing that they feel God leading them to say. They do that unusual thing that they feel God leading them to do.

I remember one night in Germany feeling led to talk to a man I was walking past on the sidewalk. I didn't know what to say, but I remembered years earlier that an evangelist (Danny Duvall) had said thatstraightforward is best. Just tell them that you want to talk to them about Jesus.

So I stopped this man with the question, in German, "Do you know Jesus?" His answer was amazing. "How could I possibly know Jesus? He's been dead for two thousand years."

I had one of the most interesting talks I've ever had with that man. I don't know what impact it had on him, but it led to one of the more interesting nights of my life. He invited me to talk to him more at the bar he was walking to. I went home to tell my wife I was taking him up on the invitation, and then I went to the bar.

When I got there, the German man wasn't there, but an old friend from the military was. I got to spend an hour talking to him about life and about the Lord. After that hour, another man came in talking about God. Yes, talking about God in a bar. He was very strange, and he had strange ideas about God. I talked to him until he let down and began talking a lot more reasonably, and he began admitting he knew he needed to give his life to God. It was a very, very unusual conversation.

Amazingly enough, it didn't end there. The owner of the local "house of ill repute" (that was legal in Germany then, and it may still be) came in. The bartender refused to serve him and said he always came in to start fights with Americans. I asked him in German why he hated Americans, and he was surprised I spoke German. He said he was still mad about world war II, even though he had to have been a child during the war. I was able to preach the Gospel even to him, though he was very resistant to it.

Afterwards, I drove the strange man that had talked about God to his room on base. The military had sent him over for just one week, and so I never saw him again, but I know our conversation made an impact on his life. He had been drinking a bit in the bar, even though I hadn't been, and he really opened up on the way to his room.

I've missed my share of opportunities by not listening to that quiet inner voice, but I didn't miss that one. It's been more than twenty years since that happened, but the stories from that night still inspire me and others not to let God's whisperings go by unheeded.

Make your own memories. You can't be a disciple without regularly feeling the gnawing fear that comes when God asks you to do something outside your comfort zone. The choice between obeying your fear and obeying God can be the one difference between being a great man or woman of Godand being just another person who left no impact on this world.

The Rest of the Old, Old Story: honest and historic Christianity. Is your faith working? Is it transforming you and those around you? Get in the mainstream of God's power by walking in the footsteps of the most powerful churches in history

Also see Paul Pavao's blog on Radical Christianity

Wrong With Bible Verse

Christian Themes in Contemporary Art

Undoubtedly, the first Christian art - or "God art" - appeared during or shortly after Jesus' life here on earth. Indeed, paintings from around 70 A.D. still exist. Over the past two decades, Christian themes in contemporary art have enjoyed a renaissance as artists have sought to express their spirituality and religiosity through their paintings.

Religious Themes

Contemporary Christian paintings incorporate a wide variety of themes. Some fine art adheres to the iconic imagery seen in religious art throughout the ages - what some might call literal Biblical interpretations. These iconic themes include the Annunciation, the Adoration of the Magi, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, the Stations of the Cross, and the Virgin Mary. Saints are also popular iconic themes in contemporary God art.

Some artists go back to before Christ's birth; indeed, to the creation of the universe. For example, contemporary fine artist Anthony Falbo's Genesis Series depicts the first book of the Bible. Through Falbo's paintings, the creation of the universe unfolds as though it was happening today. Through his abstract style, you can see light emerging, the separation of day from night, the firmament rising, the land appearing, the vegetation blooming, the living creatures coming forth, and the hand of God touching the hand of man.

But just as God created both light and darkness, contemporary Christian artists depict both good and evil. From the shame that Adam and Eve felt after disobeying God in the Garden of Eden to both overt images and subliminal messages of hell, artists depict the darker side of humanity.

A Variety of Styles

Today's Christian artists employ styles and media as varied as devotion itself. For example, some artists may paint in an Impressionist style, using bold colors, loose strokes, and thick dabs of paint to bring a scene to life. Others express themselves through cubism, the art form that rearranges pieces of objects in such a way that the person seeing the painting gains new insight into the object represented. Still others paint in an abstractionist form, stretching, enlarging, or magnifying figure and form to shed new light on everyday subjects. Some artists, like Anthony Falbo, combine forms like cubism and abstractionism into what could be termed "cubestraction," and produce remarkable pieces.

Exhibiting Our Devotion

Christians today are embracing contemporary artists by purchasing both original works and limited edition reproductions. Fine art with a spiritual theme - whether it's the birth of Christ, the creation of the earth, or other "God art" - serves as a reminder of the Creator's presence in our lives, as well as His importance to our safety and well-being. It also keeps us mindful of the need to express our devotion, to spread the Word of God, and to be thankful for the gifts He has bestowed upon us.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about God Art: Christian Themes in Art.

Meditating On Religious Scriptur

Divine Power

Divine power is so great, Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus says in 2Corinthians 10:3, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. Now in many chapters of the Bible it says that Jesus is over everything, in Psalm 24:1 says, The earth is the Lords and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the sea and established it upon the waters.

I recommend reading Philippians 2:5, it says Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to deatheven death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Enjoy more reading at:

http://www.hostinghelps.com/allaboutjesus

Ask And You Might Receive Or Ask

The Obscure Verses

Who is a Christian?
A Christian is an individual that believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Son of God. One who believes the Bible as the word of God, and believes that it is entire, and lacking nothing. This message is not on homosexuality, nor about any one person, its about what to believe, and what to reject. The Bible is true, and our guide from this life to the next.

Many in these end days consider themselves as Christians, but deny the Lord that gives light to the world. They pick and choose what to believe in, and what they affirm to be true. There are no obscure verses in the Bible, that many claim. The Old Testament does not contradict the New. What was written in the old was a schoolmaster for all, to teach man, who God is, and His requirements for the lifestyle that is acceptable with Him.

Can Jesus deny what God had already written to be true, and acceptable? No, for Christ and God are.
We see controversy in the Bible, not from the word but from mans interpretation. When men try to prove that they are acceptable to all manner of lifestyles, they use some scriptures to contradict others.

In other words they try to make one verse deny another, there-by making all manner of lifestyles acceptable.
They say that Jesus in one verse contradicts what God had said in another. This is deception and a compounding of lies. Why do they do this? To get all men to accept them as a holy man, or a man of some prominence. As it is written; 'When a man thinks he is something, he is nothing."
Quote; "he believes the Sermon on the Mount justifies his support for legal recognition of same-sex unions." Unquote. From NewsMax .com

For an example, this is a verse, that a prominent man stated was, "an obscure verse; and Jesus accepted this idea of life.
"Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet." (Rom 1:25-27)

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.(Lev 18:22-23)

Where is the contradiction between these two sets of verses?(Lev 18:22-23)(Rom 1:25-27)

Does not the one compliment the other?
Can you find anywhere in scripture where Jesus contradicted God, or His commandments? Not even with the sermon on the mount. The problem lyes here; "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1Co 2:14)

Many believe that they can interpret the Bible without the aid of the Holy Spirit. They deceive themselves, going after the acceptance of man instead of, the acceptance of the Lord God.
"For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people.
Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God." (Lev 18:29-30)

If God has condemned theft, homosexuality, murder, or any other sin, in the Old, how could God deny His own word in the New?
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. (Jude 1:16)
"admiration because of advantage"; Barnes states of these things; The sense is that of repining or complaining under the allotments of Providence, or finding fault with God's plans, and purposes, and doings.

Complainers - Literally, finding fault with one's own lot.

The word does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament; the thing often occurs in this world. Nothing is more common than for men to complain of their lot; to think that it is hard; to compare theirs with that of others, and to blame God for not having made their circumstances different.

The poor complain that they are not rich like others; the sick that they are not well; the enslaved that they are not free; the bereaved that they are deprived of friends; the ugly that they are not beautiful; those in humble life that their lot was not cast among the great and the frivolous. The virtue that is opposed to this is "contentment" - a virtue of inestimable value.
Walking after their own lusts - Giving unlimited indulgence to their appetites and passions.
Having men's persons in admiration - Showing great respect to certain persons, particularly the rich and the great. The idea is, that they were not "just" in the esteem which they had for others, or that they did not appreciate them according to their real worth, but paid special attention to one class in order to promote their selfish ends.

Because of advantage - Because they hoped to derive some benefit to themselves.
This last part is what God warns us about in these end days. "Because they hoped to derive some benefit to themselves."
Men, especially the anti-Christ, will state many things to get the populace to trust in them, and to give them advantage over many things of the flesh. The laws of the land will be used to control many and will destroy mankind in the end. This is the advantage of any to deceive as many as they can to gain power over all.

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (2Pe 2:1-3)

Covetousness; A strong or inordinate desire of obtaining and possessing some supposed good; usually in a bad sense, and applied to an inordinate desire of wealth or avarice.
Feigned words; Invented; devised; imagined; assumed, artificial.
Pernicious ways; Opposite; opposing; acting in a contrary direction.
False prophets; An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real. One who has forsaken the church, sect or profession to which he before adhered. In its original sense, applied to one who has abandoned his religion.
Damnable; In a low or ludicrous sense, odious, detestable, or pernicious.
Heresies; That may be damned or condemned; deserving damnation; worthy of eternal punishment.

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Dan 7:25)
To change not only the law of the land but the laws of the Lord God. A deceiver, and a great deception. Who is a Christian? One who believes the Bible as the word of God, and believes that it is entire, and lacking nothing. We will accept no other doctrine except the one that was delivered unto us by the Lord Jesus Christ. Ars.

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Ministries
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

Personal Development

Travel Writing Course Solves Job Problem

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Travel Writing Course

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If travel writing is your dream career learn as much as you can about it. Remember it's what you do with the knowledge that is important. You can take 20 different courses and still fail because you're not applying the lessons. Determination, perseverance, and a little work will take you far in travel writing. Find a course that's right for you, sign up, and watch your writing take-off.

Our website is dedicated to aspiring and experienced travel writers. You'll find inspiration, encouragement, and education on everything travel writing.

Sign up for our weekly blog recap. If you're about to travel this is a great way to keep up-to-date with the latest in travel writing. Also, check out our forum. If you have a question, login, and with a click of a button you'll have the answer to your question.

URL: http://www.Travel-Writers-Exchange.com

What Happens To Nonbelieving

Judging and Offending

We are a peculiar people, the people of earth.
We strive for everything from power to wealth. Sometimes we see ourselves as super human, with the ability to leap tall buildings with a single bound, but some times we can't even open a jar without help.
Many people, even Christians, don't realize that, there will be others that will judge, and others, that will offend.

Offenses come in many different varieties and forms.
Some times they are subtitle, and sometimes, they are direct, and hurtful. Many times Christians will become offended, by the world, which according to Scripture, bring about drastic measures to come down upon them by God, as punishment for hurting one of His Children, but also offences will come from the word of God.
Many Christians are still carnal minded, not truly understanding what the word actually is stating.

Here is an example.

I wrote an article on the Biblical teachings of the Curse of Israel. Some were offended and desired me to retract what I had written.
I refused, and they became offended even further. I cannot change what the Bible states as fact.

Jesus was sent to the House of Israel first. They rejected Him and the gentiles accepted Him. This is Bible. I cannot change that.

Here is part of the message I have written called The Curse of Israel pt.1.;

Mal 3:9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Pro 1:23-31; Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity( destruction the King James Version); (5) the devastation of war (Jer.46:21 (6) adversities of any kind (Pro.27:10).); I will mock when your fear cometh;.

As you can see, God had established many curses upon His own people for their rejection of His Laws. But this curse shall be lifted from them at the end of days, when they accept Jesus as Christ.

The world(Carnal man, 1st Adam.)

Matthew 18:6-7;

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
For an unbeliever to offend one of the Lords Children is common today. Christians, all around the world are persecuted, hated, offended, and murdered, for no other reason than that they believe in Jesus Christ, as the Son of God.

Many people offend a Christian, because of the way we think, act, and testify of the Lord Christ.
Our actions are different than the world. We do not do what they desire us to do. We do not commit adultery, run around the streets, drunk, on drugs, committing riotous acts, as they do.

1st Peter 4:3-5; For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
This is the way the world desires us to act. We cannot commit willful sin, we cannot accept any sin, no matter who they are, being, children, friend, family nor fine neighbor. Life is precious, but it is not the end.

We are commanded by Christ, who is the head of all things concerning the church, to be separate from the acts of the world.
Romans 13:12-14; The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering(Wanton, lewd, immodest behavior.) and wantonness, (lasciviousness.)(The softness, delicacy and weakness in men, which are characteristic of the female sex, but which in males are deemed a reproach; unmanly delicacy; womanish softness or weakness. Voluptuousness; indulgence in unmanly pleasures; not in strife and envying.) (Webster.)
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

We are hated because we stand up for the commandments of God. We cannot be partaker of homosexuality, drunkenness, adultery, riotous living, we cannot accept this madness, that the world says, is freedom of sin to all. But we must warn them of their sin, and the consequences of they sin they commit.

We are judged by the world as, trouble makers, and lyres.

We are judged by the world as, dangerous people supporting Israel, and righteousness. We are called names, persecuted, and hounded, because we will not accept, the new world order, a one world religion, and the rejection of any man calling himself Father. We are hated, and judged, by the world because we will not be partaker of joint worship with the religions, that reject Christ as Lord and Savior. We cannot be married to God, and sleep with the Devil.

The Christian(Carnal Minded.)(Christians are in Last Adam.)

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
This is speaking of the unruly among some Christians. Those that are trying to teach things that are contrary to sound judgment.

We are commanded to avoid and mark them, and their teachings, as not Biblical.
Jud 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
This happens very little in todays world because of apostasy in the mainstream church world, as per Biblical prophecy.

Many churches today and, yes, many pastors, are not use to being strong within the bounds of the church body. We as ministers must control those that teach within the church, and be sure of the doctrine that they teach.

We must not forget the Commandment of Christ;

1Titus 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

We also see the power given to ministers, from God, in Romans;

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Is one church better than another? No. They all have their faults, but we remove ourselves from any Church that does not teach the sound doctrine, that was delivered to us, from the Holy Spirit. We must remember that there is only, One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism. This is stated in Old Testament writings and also in the New Testament Book of Revelations.

There can no longer be ministers, nor Churches, that speak evil of one another, for we are the light of the world. If we are fighting among ourself, saying that this Church is bad, or that Church is bad, then how can we all come together as Christ commanded? How can we prove to the world that, Christianity is the only way of living, that God will accept? How can we prove to the world that, Christianity is the only way of salvation and that Jesus is Lord?

Mat 7:21-23; Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
None of us are immune to making mistakes.

1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. The key here is to learn from them and ask forgiveness.

Is there hope for these hypocritical Christians? Yes.

Lets read; Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Think about it. Ars.

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Ministries
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

Christian Articles

Your Covenant with Death

As we walk in the beautiful raze of the sun, we dont take much time considering our death nor or eternal home. The Bible tells us that we have an appointment and a covenant, with death and an agreement with Hell.

Isa 28:15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Do men actually believe these doctrines will save them in the time of Christs reappearance? Do they believe, Wood, Hay and Stubble, will keep them from the fire of eternal damnation?

Isa 28:15, are the thoughts and words of those that have, and will reject God and His son Jesus. From the Mosaic Law to the Law of Grace and Mercy.

As was in the Days of the Mosaic Law, today there are multitudes that reject the word of God. The Bible is one of the most read books in the history of the world. Many read it to find salvation and guidance and others read it to find fault.

Many scholars of the past and the present, have tried to avoid this subject, many saying that hell is just an imaginary place created by the church and death is just the end of life, no reward nor punishment. Isa 28:15, Covenant; A mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons, to do or to forbear some act or thing; a contract; stipulation. Agreement; Union of minds in regard to a transfer of interest; bargain; compact; contract; stipulation.

The covenant with death came with the fall of Adam. We are all born into the curse that Adam and Eve placed us with. We are all of the Family of Man, from the beginning to the end. Now being born so, we also hold the same responsibility of abiding to the covenant that Adam brought upon all. So we are appointed to die.

Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adams transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Act 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
The agreement that many sign with hell, is the spiritual and not the physical body, that enters into a contract with hell to abide by no rules nor limitations on our actions as a physical being. Satisfying the flesh while letting Satan have the soul.

Deu 32:22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. The word,Hell is mentioned 55 times in the KJV.

All with the idea that it is a place of utter torment and a result of Gods anger with mankind. Psa 21:8 Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee. Many say, they dont need God, we are beautiful, we are intelligent, we are in control of our own destiny, we are gods of ourselves. We have attained the summit of intellect, wisdom, knowledge and understanding of our world, and the universe is ours to plunder and shape.

Psa 21:9 Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

In Mat 23:13, we see an example of the things going on in the time of Jesus, but we also see things that are going on in our world today. There are many teachers, teaching for doctrines of man, things that are contrary to the Scriptures, false religions, false doctrines, books written by man, for man, by the will of man and not of God.
Bibles that are written by man that alter Gods word, false prophets are made to be something when they are not, for example, the Books of, Nostradamus, Scientology, Joseph Smith, the Church of Satan bible, Marshal Applewhite, Jim Jones, the new world religion, and many many others.

Man has created himself gods of stone, wood, gold and paper. Its not just these men but also those that believe in them. Mankind has, sense the time of Adam, sought to make gods many that would supply the lust of the flesh and make salvation easier to obtain, these times were the days of darkness.

Mat 23:13; But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Just as with the followers of Nostradamus, his writings are so vague that anyone could intreprete any of his words, to mean anything they wanted. Its not the words but mans use of those words, that create a real and present danger. These writings are the writings of confusion and deception. If they would take the book as a fantasy, things would be different. But the use of these words create a stumbling block to them who teach, and a wall of ignorance to all who listen and believe. Just as Jesus stated; ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. Ignorance and Indifference make men susceptible to all manner of false doctrine, accepting these things, results in a pact with death and an appointment with hell.
False preacher,Prophets and Ministers of Lies; Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Mat 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Ars
Isa 28:9 - shall he teach: Isa_30:10-12; Psa_50:17; Pro_1:29; Jer_5:31, Jer_6:10; Joh_3:19, Joh_12:38, Joh_12:47, Joh_12:48 doctrine: Heb. The hearing, Isa_53:1 *marg.

Weaned: Psa_131:2; Mat_11:25, Mat_21:15, Mat_21:16; Mar_10:15; 1Pe_2:2, Deu 32:22 - For a fire: Deu_29:20; Num_16:35; Psa_21:9, Psa_83:14, Psa_97:3; Isa_66:15, Isa_66:16; Jer_4:4, Jer_15:14; Jer_17:4; Lam_2:3, Lam_4:11; Eze_36:5; Nah_1:6; Mal_4:1, Mal_4:2; Mar_9:43-48; 2Th_1:8; Heb_12:29

shall burn: or, hath burned lowest: Psa_86:13; Isa_30:33; Zep_3:8; Mat_10:28, Mat_18:9, Mat_23:33 shall consume: or, hath consumed, Isa_24:6, Isa_24:19, Isa_24:20 foundations: Job_9:5, Job_9:6; Psa_46:2, Psa_144:5; Isa_54:10; Mic_1:4; Nah_1:5; Hab_3:10

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Ministries http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

Meditating On Religious Scriptur

Prophecy - Second Heaven Authority 4

This is the fourth article in this series on The Second Heaven. Here I want to tell you about the power of intercession. To intercede in prayer and in the authority of Jesus is one of the greatest power filled Keys that Christians have. The spiritual leaders of wickedness that reside in the Second Heaven realize this and consequently pit so much confusion, strife, false accusation and other tactics against it. If we are not interceding, we will find ourselves criticizing, gossipping, growing bitter, spiteful and full of worry. The inevitable end of such is trauma, tragedy and destruction. God is recalling many of His people into this strategic position to break the oppression coming out of the Second Heaven. The Holy Spirit and the Warrior Angels in God's Throne room are deploying now to stand with those Believers on earth who will take up this Key and release the Kingdom of Heaven into the earth. There is a rising roar of intercession rising from the earth from God's people. You need to close the ranks with others and take your place. This article will empower you to do that.

I interviewed a Pastor F. Shongwe who lives in South Africa. He was beaten and stabbed to death one night. He received a fatal stab wound in the heart and was declared dead on arrival at the local hospital. The police arrested one man and were in the process of opening a murder investigation. His body was placed in the morgue at the hospital overnight. Meanwhile, He went to Heaven and experienced many awesome things there. He spoke at length with Abraham about the end times. He saw different categories of Angels there. Some where very small, others were human size and many Angels were giants that held great authority and power. These giant Angels were assigned to nations and regions. While in Heaven, Pastor Shongwe, heard a roar similar to ocean waves ascending from the earth that went by him and up higher into the regions of God's Throne. He didn't understand what this noise was so he asked and was told "This roaring sound is the prayers and praises of God's people on earth ascending to the Father in the Throne Room." On the earth the people of his church prayed all through the night for him, knowing that he was dead. They also prayed for the drunken young men who had killed him. When the police arrived for a second time in the morning, the church leaders told the police "we as Believers have decided to forgive these young men." This upset the police but they said because of the crime, criminal charges would proceed. However, at the approximate time the church announced that they chose to forgive the offenders; Pastor Shongwe was resurrected and was discovered alive by a nurse at the hospital. Within a short time of his coming back to life the swelling, bruising and three stab wounds had completely disappeared and he walked out of the hospital with another Pastor who had come to visit him. The two pastors then went to the jail and lead the man who had used the knife, to personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is an awesome testimony that demonstrates the power of intercession when God's people pray. It also demonstrates the importance of forgiveness even in the face of obvious wrong.

When adversity, sin, illness, satanic activity or whatever trouble arises in the earth, God's word to His people is to intercede. Isaiah 59:16 says of God: "He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him." Every Believer has a mandate from God to pray and intercede for God's will to be released. This includes personal needs as well as needs in the nations. Intercession is more about partnering with God and making spiritual declarations over the circumstances so that God can confirm those declarations. For years, many have thought of intercession as "begging God to do something" because He didn't seem to care, so we had to awaken His compassion. However, intercession is more about partnering with God so that our prayers and the words of our mouth can be used by God to confirm what has been prayed.

I would be remiss if I didn't include scriptures to verify this article. Let me share just a few as follows.

We read in:

Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning s too deep for words."

Romans 8:27 "And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."

Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:34 "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us."

1Timothy 2:1 "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

1Timothy 2:2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

1Timothy 2:3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,"

Hebrews 7:25 "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Isaiah 58:6 "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?

Isaiah 58:7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Isaiah 58:8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Isaiah 58:9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.' If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,"

Here are two important applications of intercession:

• To intercede with (with = partner with God to do the work of His Kingdom and release Heaven into the earth) God and

Note: Many of God's kids still have an orphan spirit/mentality where to them intercession means begging God to do something because He is otherwise withholding something from them. Their feeling is that God and they are at odds and not really reconciled. This is wrong.

• To stand against Satan, demons, sickness, non-Godly circumstances on behalf of others and yourself.

When you take up this Important Key you will have great authority over Second Heaven spirits of wickedness. Intercession overlaps with prophecy. Prophecy better equips you to release God's power into earth's circumstances through intercession and that stops the work of evil operating from the Second Heaven.

Remember:

Maintain a clean heart before the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal sin. (Psalm 24: 3, 4, 5)

Rely on the Holy Spirit to pray through you. (Romans 8:26)

Don't rely on your own thoughts for how you should pray. Acknowledge His direction and wisdom. (Proverbs 3 : 5 and 6)

Praise God for His awesome faithfulness and ability to change every situation. (Ephesians 6:18 and Philippians 4:6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Be assertive against the devil and his kingdom. Come against him with all the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and the sword of the Spirit. (Luke 10:19, Mt 10:1, James 4:7)

Be responsive to the Holy Spirit for He often will speak, direct or prompt us through the Word. He will confirm His Word as well as you wait in His Presence.

Praise God for what He is doing and will continue to do. The glory belongs to Him.

Romans 11:36 "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."

Keith A. Paul has many years of Ministry experience and is an Author. He is used in the gift of prophecy, dream interpretation and words of knowledge which are gifts of the Holy Spirit. He currently lives in Abbotsford B.C. Canada. He travels internationally speaking and imparting the supernatural works of the Holy Spirit. To receive Keith's free Prophetic Words, free Dream Interpretation or purchase His E Books please visit http://www.restorationplaceministries.com

Are Christians Really Interested

The Carnal Mind

It has come to my attention, many years ago, that the mind, body, and spirit, are at war with each other. This knowledge coming threw the teachings of the Holy Spirit. The Mind is carnal, seeking after the control of the flesh, and the spirit. The carnal mind is a self serving entity and will resist all out side influences to change or control. The mind of man controls, memory, and all decision making processes. The choice to sin or not, comes from the mind.

The Bible tells us that where there is no law, there is no sin, for sin is a transgression of the Law. Sin comes into being when the mind accepts the idea that there is good and evil. A man is born into sin, but he is not born with sin, this comes later, when the mind obtains freedom of choice, and the knowledge of good and evil.

This is proved in Rom 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

David stated; Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psa 51:5) The flesh controls nothing, but is controlled by one, or the other, spirit or mind. The flesh is a container of both of these.

Is the mind necessary to the function of the body? Yes. The body tells the mind when it is hungry, thirsty, or in pain.With this knowledge the mind takes the appropriate actions. The flesh does have the ability to influence the mind, when it desires to be satisfied by its own lust for, pleasure, or satisfaction. But within itself it can do nothing.

As I have said before, the carnal mind is a self serving identity, it begins it quest for control at the time of conception, and resist change. We are carnal when we allow the mind to control all aspects of our lives, this also includes the workings of good and evil. The mind does not only control the decisions that we make, but it also resist the very faith that we exercise. Yes, the carnal mind resist faith. Here is when the carnal mind starts putting doubt within the believer, and doubt turns into unbelief. For me unbelief is the second greatest sin of all, preceded only by the blaspheme of the Holy Ghost. Where does the mind gain all of its power? From God. This is what God explains as the freedom of Choice, the fallen angels had it, as we do. So with this power, the mind does everything it can to control.

The mind becomes a danger when Satan gets control of it. This is where we see lawlessness and war, greed and lust, theft and murder. The mind will resist only the truths that interfere with its control of the lust of the flesh, and the pride of the eyes, and the pride of life. This is why many reject Jesus, because they are still carnal minded. We see this also in the double minded. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:7-8.)

A double minded man is allowing the mind, to share control of the body, with the spirit. This is a dangerous situation, and must be eliminated. For a mans salvation depends upon total faith, in Jesus being the Son of God. With doubts taking over from time to time, this mans life is a miserable one, with many pitfalls, and trouble.

The carnal mind will allow deception within itself, to stop, or at least, hinder the truth, from becoming easily known. We see this here in 2Pe 3:16 ; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. We even have a witness to this control in scripture, when Jesus had to explain flesh, and spirit, to Nicodemus. (John 3:8-10) The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? To be carnal minded is to be un-regenerated; not renewed in heart; remaining at enmity with God. Many say they speak from the heart, but what they are actually saying is, they are speaking from their spirit. Each and every man has a spirit, also do the animals of the earth, but what separates us from the animals is, our freedom of choice, the mind, body, and spirit, in wisdom of good, and evil.

Those that refuse the truth, and those that are in doubt of the promises of God, are still yet carnal minded. This is proven in; 1Co 3:3; For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? We cannot allow the carnal mind to take hold of our way of life, this will lead to destruction of not only the body, but also the soul.(Spirit.) I see a wonderful explanation of this in James 4:17; Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. If we know to have faith, and then refuse to allow the spirit free reign over our actions, do we not then commit a sin? If we see our brother, hungry, naked, thirsty, or in need of the carnal things, and close up our spirit to him, do we also sin? Yes. For if we say the Love of God dwells within us, and we do not do that which is good, we have lied, and the Love of God does not dwell within us.

As the carnal mind resists faith in God, we must look within ourselves, and seek additional faith, and strength, to resist doubts. Is faith easy to show, is it easy to obtain? No. Faith must be first accepted by the spirit, and forced on the mind. For the carnal mind will resist things that it cannot see or feel. Faith must be practiced and grown. Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Our spirit overcomes the world by over coming the carnal mind. If we control the mind, the world can do nothing to change us, even when the greatest of trials and troubles befall us. We are made overcomes by the word of God.

1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. My brothers and sisters, control the mind, and the mountain can be removed, control the mind and the sickness shall be healed, control the mind and we can see the gates of heaven open up to us. Ars.

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Ministries http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons

Religion Articles

Believing is Seeing

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead" (Hebrews 11:1 TLB).

Romans 1:17 is a capsule summary of Paul's message to the Romans; it changed Martin Luther's life and ours, as well: "For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: `The righteous will live by faith'." Lauterbach quotes Luther as saying, "When I learned that the righteousness of God is his mercy, and that he makes us righteous through it, a remedy was offered to me in my affliction" (Luther's Works, volume 54, Table Talk).

"Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling." We can give nothing to God but our faith, but what a joy it is to know that He gives us His all. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace..." (Romans 5:1). Even though we cannot see the future, we are assured that it is in God's capable hands and heart. What a blessing this is! It is here on this ground of hope that we build our justified life; it is here on earth that we frame a foundation of a faith finally worthy of the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10).

We don't build our life in blind faith, but in complete confidence in God's integrity. It saves us many heartaches and headaches. Harry Emerson Fosdick said, "It is cynicism and fear that freeze life; it is faith that thaws it out, releases it, sets it free." A man who had endured much trouble in his life was asked by a friend, "How is the outlook?" The man answered, "The outlook is dark, but the uplook is wonderful." Peter Boehler is said to have advised John Wesley, "Live by faith till you have faith."

The world says, "Seeing is believing." Christ says, "Believing is seeing." Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." 2 Corinthians. 4:18: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Will All Men Ever Hate Jesus

Lord, Start This Thing!

On the 13th of September, just a couple of weeks ago, Chicagoland gets the rain of all rains for this area. Of course that means the rain of all rains since they started recording rainfalls. There were no weathermen measuring such things in Noah's day. We have to take by faith that that was the real record-setter. But this one feels like a close second. No scary thunder and lightning. No heavy threatening winds. Just drop after drop of ceaseless moisture. An incredible day.

Our house holds up pretty well. The day after the rain, I notice that people on our street are literally emptying their basements and setting it all out for the garbage. We lose only a couple of area rugs.

I first notice we have a problem when I 'm in the washroom. From somewhere across the basement there is a drip-drip-drip . Then that sinking feeling. Oh no. We've sprung a leak. Water is seeping in in small amounts and slowly directing itself to a drain made for that purpose. Not bad. We can live with that.

It occurs to me that I ought to check the sump pump in our crawl space. I open the door, and there in all its glory is most of Lake Michigan, with the rest on the way. Or so it feels to me. I don my flood control outfit and crawl over to where I can take a look. The pump is dead. And buried. In water. I am definitely going to have to change socks later.

I unplug the pump and begin a wrestling match with it. I want to get it out of there so I can take it to the store and replace it. But nothing doing. The ejection pipe to which it is attached is situated in such a way that I can't move it out of its final resting place.

Meanwhile my wife is on the phone calling contractors, who are telling me what needs to be done, but unable to come help because they're suffering a deluge of a different kind: phone calls for help. After more struggling, and hearing the price quotes on a new pump, I finally take it to the Lord.

"Lord, start this thing." Not even an exclamation mark. Just your basic cry motivated from pure exhausted desperation.

And God really does it. I am motionless, I've given up. I stop. I pray. And within a few seconds, I hear something. Oh me of little faith calls out to the wife, "Did you turn the furnace on?"

She hasn't. It's the pump. I tell her it's running. She cries. I sit down and watch the most beautiful hole in all of Chicago slowly empty itself of gallon after gallon of water.

On and on it goes, until it gets to the bottom. Then that sound Junior gets when his straw reaches the end of the glass and there just isn't any more. Now what do I do?

Hey! Why not the same thing? I start to pray for it to shut off, but that doesn't happen. Even if it would, I'd have to be praying for the initial miracle to repeat itself and so on and on. It is time for me actually to learn something.

I see the switch laying out on the dry ground. Through some playing with it, and a few other purely human activities, I finally put this once-dead pump into full gear. It's been running fine ever since.

Now this is the day that I am to be carefully preparing for my first Voice Of The Martyrs presentation on Sunday. Also on Sunday I am to be starting the book of Job with my Korean students. I've planned a calm easy afternoon shut away by myself, praying, listening, reading... Instead Niagara Falls and a wrestling match. About four and a half hours of trauma.

Plenty to learn on a day like that. God still works miracles when needed. God still refuses miracles when not needed. God "gives to each day what he deems best." And the best preparation for the ministry is life itself.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs , ovber 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond .

Are Christians Really Interested

Romance - Why Write It

If you think Romance is a lesser form of fiction, go off immediately and read Pride and Prejudice.

There are many kinds of genre fiction, but nobody accuses Ian Rankin or Ruth Rendell of being lesser writers - simply because they write Crime. Genre fiction has certain expectations and constraints. But what else you do with it is up to you - and your talent.

While writing classic Romances, Jane Austen managed to comment on society, give a feel for time and place, and for people's absurdities, strengths and flaws.

Some Romance is published just for the escapism. And that's fine, too. We all need to escape from time to time. Whatever you choose to do with it, Romance can be fun to write - but don't make the mistake of thinking it's easy. It can be as hard to execute well as any other kind of writing.

Many people believe there's an easy-to-follow formula - a cookie cutter to shape the story with their eyes closed. But this would make Romance fiction incredibly boring - to read and write. Every book would be the same.

As I said, it can be fun to write. But in order to write well, you have to like romance. You must enjoy daydreaming sappy stories. You must go aaah when you hear of love that works out.

Besides being enjoyable, romance can be good practice for writing any form of fiction. You're constrained by the expectations of genre, which frees you up in a strange way to be really creative within those limitations.

It gives you the freedom to concentrate on the important things - every story worth turning a page should have believable characters, conflict that carries us through it, a satisfying ending, a world we can believe in, and language that entertains us.

These are the things that make any book good, no matter what you are writing. Romance forces you to concentrate on these aspects, since these are the aspects that will make your story stand out above the crowd.

Readers want to know that certain things are likely to happen in a Romance, and that other things won't. But we also like to be surprised. We like to be held on tenterhooks - not quite sure which way you'll swing our emotions. And this is what makes any story great.

Jo-Anne Richards is the author of four novels. Her latest is My Brother's Book, published by Picador.

She is co-founder of allaboutlove.net, a website dedicated to romance reading and writing. The site publishes novels and short stories, and runs interactive online writing courses in romance writing. It includes a basic lesbian romance writing course - thought to be unique.

Should The Bible Be Edited

God's Peace Available in Daily Life

Living in a world full of trouble, cares, and plenty of anxiety, worry and stress, we can forget as Christians that God's peace is available to us any time of the day and no matter what we are facing. God's peace comes not from the outside of us but rather it comes from the inside of us, out of our born again spirit.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace,...

God's peace is available to us as a result of God, the Holy Spirit, living inside of our recreated spirit. God cared enough for you in this troubled, mixed up world; that He placed Himself inside your spirit so you could have continual contact with Him and He could release His peace to you. God's peace, the Bible says, passes all understanding; in other words, you shouldn't in the natural have such peace in such difficult times.

Jesus told His disciples, God, the Holy Spirit, would come for our benefit.

John 16:7 However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].

God, the Holy Spirit came and lives in your spirit for your profit, your advantage in this world, to have close fellowship with you and to act as your Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby in this earth. In other words He is here when you need help, need someone to talk to you and give you excellent advice and direction for your life.

When we received Jesus as our Savior our spirit was born again, become brand new and was filled with the Holy Spirit and peace coming from His presence. As a result of this, we are as peaceful as God is right now in our spirit concerning everything we are challenged with in this world; we just have to notify our soul, which is our mind will, emotions and intellect. The Holy Spirit is as close to you as your inner man, your spirit.

We have to remember we have God's peace available to us at all times and then yield to this powerful, supernatural force of the fruit of the Spirit so it can work things out. That means we must not allow our soul and circumstances control our thinking. That's why I am writing this article to let you know of His presence in your life and the peace that comes from Him.

Isaiah 1:19 If you will only obey me and let me help you, then you will have plenty to eat. NLT

Daily the Holy Spirit of peace is calling out to us to let Him help us. When we allow His help and allow His peace take control of our mind, then He will be our supply Source.

I am reminded when God supplied the children of Israel with all they needed in the wilderness for 40 years. He will do the same for us as we allow the Holy Spirit to help us.

God, the Holy Spirit wants us to ask for His help and not take the care of this world on our own shoulders.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. KJV

The peace of the Holy Spirit is that peace available to us in the most difficult of situations and is the same peace Jesus told His disciples He was leaving with them.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]

Yielding to this peace on the inside of us will keep us from being troubled, afraid, agitated, fearful, intimidated, cowering down to difficulties on the outside and becoming unsettled in our minds. This is reality in the life of the spirit. Learning to live out of our spirit will allow the Holy Spirit to be in control of our life's situations. With the Holy Spirit of peace comforting us, counseling us, helping us, strengthening us and interceding through us; then we will make the right decisions for our lives every time.

If we are not living in this peace at the present, we either do not know about the peace that comes with His presence or we are ignoring Him. Maybe you weren't even aware of the ministry of the Holy Spirit to comfort you, counsel you and be your Helper. Now you do and that should be comforting and peaceful. There is no problem you have His peace cannot get you through.

In the Old Testament, there is testimony after testimony of people who experienced extraordinary deliverance from God in the most difficult and impossible times. You can read of testimonies of supernatural debt cancellation, supernatural favor, supernatural wealth, and supernatural deliverance from enemies and on and on.

Maybe you have some impossibility you are facing today. Now is the time for you to have an extraordinary testimony of deliverance yourself. He is the same God and He has the same abilities available to use on your behalf. So just allow God's peace to overtake your soul today.

God doesn't want us to be full of care about nothing. Ask for the Lord's help, give Him thanks and then fully expect the peace of the fruit of the Spirit to show up and keep or guard your mind so that you have peace beyond human comprehension working on your behalf until the end. It's this peace filled mind, the mind that is stayed on Him that releases God's supernatural help.

That's what happened to Jesus in the garden before His crucifixion. In His anguish of facing the cross, the peace and joy of God helped Jesus make the right choice to do Father's will and go to the cross.

The anguish over things you face in your life may not have caused you to sweat drops of blood like Jesus, but still maybe you have sweat under the pressure of it all. Jesus our High Priest knows what it's like to face pressures in the mind, will and emotions. That's what makes Him a compassionate High Priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities.

He is also called the Prince of Peace. Jesus our Prince of Peace is available to us every day. He lives inside of us and we can be as peaceful as He is about our situation. God's peace is what the enemy of our souls comes to steal from us day after day. God's peace is God's guarantee of one victory after another for us. So make a decision to yield to God's peace right now and continue to yield no matter what is going on.

People who do not know the peace of God is available to them will be destroyed for lack of knowledge. Even Christians will experience hardship and one heartache after another, as they seek for some peace on the outside of them through people and things instead of looking to God and His peace on the inside of them.

Our brand new, born again spirit contains supernatural forces called the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, meekness and temperance) that work in the most difficult situations to turn things around. God doesn't want us to depend on natural people or natural things to deliver us since He has placed these supernatural forces on the inside of us to do the job and then it's supernatural on our natural.

God wants us to be supernatural in these days. That's why He came to live inside of us. Expect the supernatural ability of God inside of you to move to the outside of you today and every day.

Facing so much today we can forget God's peace is available to us just like the disciples did when they faced a terrible storm on the lake with hurricane winds and their boat was taking on water. Jesus, so peaceful, was sound asleep. Can you imagine that? So they awakened the Prince of Peace and asked Him, "Do you not care if we perish?"

Have you asked Him that question or something similar? He understands and is touched with the feeling of your infirmities. Remember He walked the earth as a man too.

Your Prince of Peace is here today and every day to help you in every difficult situation, as He did with the disciples. Realize He gives you peace and the other fruit of the Spirit to aid you, help you. He will never take control of your life since the fruit of His presence gives you control of your life.

Colossians 3:15 is a wonderful scripture to use as a confession, enforcing the truth of the peace of God giving you right answers just at the right time so that it always turns out for a win, win situation in every decision you make.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

"And let the peace". We must "allow" the fruit of peace on the inside of us help us make correct decisions, guaranteeing we won't end up with shipwrecked lives. God's peace causes us to know in our spirit whether things look right or look wrong for us. God's peace acts continually as an Umpire in our spirit; helping us decide and settle once and for all the questions that arise in our lives in a peaceful state. As members of the Body of Christ we are to live in this peaceful state.

Peaceful is what we are in this world through Jesus Christ no matter how chaotic it is in this world right now or will be! We need to remind ourselves every single day God's peace is in us and available to us; for it will only get worse in the world that we are living in but not living out of. In Christ, Kingdom of God living, spirit living is our way of living now and through which we experience God's peace that passes all natural understanding in this chaotic world.

Whatever is going on around you that may be stressful and may bring concern to your mind, just stop whatever you are doing and wherever you are and just look to the God of peace Who is on the inside of you and listen and yield to what the Holy Spirit says to do or not to do. His direction will always be right, even though His direction at times can seem like the craziest thing you could do. Remember He is God of the universe so He knows just how to handle your situation. As His child, through learning process, His mercy will cover your mistakes if you just ask.

Colossians 3:15 tells us we are to live in the state of peacefulness. It is a fruit of our spirit. Apples are the fruit of an apple tree and peace is the fruit of our spirit now that God the Holy Spirit lives there. Peace is always there in our spirit and that's where we can go when all is chaotic around us. It's like going into another world, a peaceful world. That's how precious God, the Holy Spirit, living inside of us can be to our life.

I think sometimes with all that is going on around us we wonder if He really cares if we perish just like the disciples did. Jesus was right there. The Prince of peace was right there and the Prince of peace is right here with us to calm the storm of fear in our soul so that things on the outside turn out right. In that peace we can allow God to speak through us to those storms of life and command, "Peace, be still!" This supernatural force of peace calms us, calms situations and calms people around us.

Peace comes as well as we get to know our heavenly Father for He is loving, joyful, peaceful, good, faithful, kind, patient, self-controlled and gentle. He is always looking out for you and will take care of any bad situations if we yield to His peace and do not worry and try to work them out on our own.

Take some alone time with the Lord and allow His presence, His peace, His hope and His power fill your soul and start affecting what is on the outside that brought you fear, worry, anxiety and stress. In His presence is fullness of joy. Joy is another fruit of the Spirit that is available to you as you enter into His presence and His peace. You can then be peaceful, joyful, and hopeful. That's when it becomes beyond human understanding. There is still the problem you are facing but you are peaceful, joyful and have all the hope and expectation to see the problems solved and see the changes you so desire.

You will remain constantly in a peaceful state of mind when your mind is constantly stayed on Father God and His Word, you lean on Him and hope confidently in Him, the Rock of Ages.

Isaiah 26:3-4 You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. 4 So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].

The fruit of the Spirit, the work which His presence accomplishes, listed in Galatians 5:22 are unbeatable forces. Think about it, love, God's unconditional love never fails and causes you to never fail as it is allowed to flow out of you. The fruit of the Spirit joy, fortifies you with supernatural power when you feel weak in your mind. (Nehemiah 8:10) Then the peace of God under girds you and helps you make correct decisions that lead you to a successful, healthy, vibrant life.

The peace of God brings with it hope, the God kind of hope. The peace of God will produce all the hope we will ever need in this world.

This hope is a supernatural force on the inside of you that is more than just wishful thinking. This God hope actually will make you come to the place where you earnestly, intensely expect something to happen. And then before long you will actually experience it. Remaining peaceful, just like staying in faith, is trusting God is with us and is working out all our situations.

I believe there is not much peace and hope in Christians' lives today because they fail to look to God inside of them and fail to yield to the fruit of the Spirit on the inside of them that will change their lives.

Let's make a quality decision, one from which we will not retreat, that we will live from the inside out and allow God to work in our lives. This may not be easy for us at first. We like handling things and we have been trained well by our parents and others to handle things on our own and be worried, stressful and anxious. This can be changed as we get to know Him more in an intimate way.

I suggest you spend some alone time with the Lord so that His presence, His love, His peace, His hope and His power that floods your spirit; can flow out like a river, affecting your soul (mind, will, emotions and intellect) and start affecting what is on the outside that brings all the care and anxiety to you. In His presence is fullness of joy. There may still be the problem staring you in the face, but you are peaceful, joyful and have all the hope and expectation He is working things out.

Spending time meditating scripture promises to you, especially in the New Testament, will also allow the peace of God fill your mind instead of the problems. So get started filling your mind with the Word of peace so you remain peaceful in all circumstances and make right decisions guaranteeing your success.

If you want to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior and experience His peace, just pray this simple prayer, "Father God, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus came to this earth, died on the Cross for all of my sins, past, present and future and He rose again from the dead so that I could be justified in Your sight. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus Christ. I receive you now as my Savior and Lord. Holy Spirit of peace come and live in my spirit now."

Welcome to the family of God! Please let me know you received Christ. Here are scriptures I want to share with you speaking of God's peace coming to you:

Job 22:21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. KJV

When we become intimate with the Lord then we remain peaceful and good things will result in our lives.

Psalms 34:14 ....seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!

We must seek, crave the peace of God and even pursue or go after the peace of God every day since we live in a chaotic world. God's peace does not come automatic. We have to seek spiritual things and seek our spiritual life in Christ in order not to live a carnal life where the flesh controls us and determines our outcome.

Psalms 37:37 Mark the blameless man and behold the upright, for there is a happy end for the man of peace.

Peace always is the state of mind for the man who knows he is right with God. So it is of utmost importance we know our righteousness comes only through Jesus' finished work at Calvary. Christ's righteousness always brings peace since it eliminates striving on our part to be righteous. Christ's righteousness brings peace that produces a life of true happiness. Christ's righteousness is what sets Christianity apart from all other religions striving to obtain their own righteousness. (The Bible says our own self-righteousness in the sight of God is like filthy rags.)

Psalms 85:8 I will listen [with expectancy] to what God the Lord will say, for He will speak peace to His people, to His saints (those who are in right standing with Him)....

God speaks peace daily to His children when they will listen expectantly for Him to speak. His words of peace bring an end to all conflict and confusion in our minds and our affairs, and so that's why it is so urgent we listen with expectancy for Him to speak. Be assured and expectant to hear Him speak to you every day. This scripture is a wonderful daily confession.

Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble.

Great peace, think about that! Not a little peace but "GREAT PEACE" comes to those who love God's Word! God's Word brings peace and keeps us out of offense and from stumbling through life.

Isaiah 48:18 Oh, that you had hearkened to My commandments! Then your peace and prosperity would have been like a flowing river, and your righteousness [the holiness and purity of the nation] like the [abundant] waves of the sea.

Did you notice the punctuation at the end of the first sentence of that scripture? The exclamation point emphasizes we must listen to God and do what He tells us to do! For its then our peace and prosperity will flow like a river. What a confession this would be for our daily lives! Wow!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. KJV

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

So you have been worrying about your future. Take comfort and remain in His peace for God has it all planned out! Stop worrying and trying to plan it out for yourself! His plan is for your welfare, instead of you seeking welfare from the government, a peaceful state instead of evil and hope and expectancy for your God planned final outcome! Here again is a wonderful scripture to use as a daily confession instead of speaking the problems.

John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]

Jesus did not tell us life would be all rosy and great. Jesus forewarned us of facing tribulation, trials, distress and frustration while living in this world. But yet in the midst of all of it, Jesus said we can have peace. Then He told us to be of good cheer, have courage, be confident, certain and undaunted by it all, because He Who lives inside of us has overcome the world, deprived it of it's power to harm us and has conquered it for us.

Remain at peace, resting in the truth of Jesus' Words and the fact that He has overcome everything the world has to throw at us. He has deprived it of the power to harm us and has conquered it for us. Here's another daily confession to allow God to be in control in our outcome.

It's not just you against the world, but you and Your God living inside of you, Who has already conquered its power to do you harm. So remain mindful of the One Who lives in you and the fruit of peace along with the other fruit that will supernaturally put you over every time. So yield to God's peace and not the pressures of life and spend more time with Him in the difficult times.

Intimacy with the Lord and meditating His Word will cause Him and His ability to rise up bigger on the inside of you, just like what happened to David facing Goliath; to bring your giant down! This is living in the spirit. Romans 8:5,6 shows us the results of living out of the flesh and out of the spirit.

Romans 8:5-6 For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit. 6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].

Living out of the senses and reason you will be living without the aid of the Holy Spirit and this leads you only to death and misery. But living according to the Spirit we are controlled by the desires of the Spirit and we will be setting our minds on Him and seeking those things that gratify the Holy Spirit, which only leads to life and peace for us in this world.

Romans 14:17 [After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Kingdom living is what we are suppose to be experiencing in this earth at this time and not just when we get to Heaven. Kingdom living provides the food and drink and all else we need and produces the righteousness of God, peace that all is well and joy that brings mental, emotional strength and all this by the Holy Spirit living inside our spirit. This is true Kingdom living.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell (rejoice)! Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same [agreeable] mind one with another; live in peace, and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you.

We can remain joyful, encouraged, consoled, and comforted because the Author and Promoter of peace is with us all the way through the difficult and challenging days of our lives. Hallelujah! Let's rejoice about that!

Philippians 4:6,7 has been a real blessing to my soul and I pray yours.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

God's peace, we can experience at any time goes beyond human reasoning. God's peace garrisons and guards our minds so that no matter what comes against us we remain secure in what Christ has made us to be in Him and has provided for us in Him. We will remain calm and confident that greater is He Who is in us than he that is in this world.

Every day of your life you will have to make the choice to yield to the peace of God that is already on the inside of you. Just yield to Him, the Author and Promoter of Peace. You can even make that choice before you begin each day, before you get out of bed. Make the choice you will not allow anyone or anything steal your peace.

Pray a simple pray, something like this:

"Father, I know you live inside of me. You are my peace. I make the decision right now I am going to allow the fruit of the Holy Spirit flow through me today. I will walk in the peace this entire day. I will not allow anyone or any thing steal from me the peace of God. God's grace and peace are multiplied to me today. I call on your help, Holy Spirit, my Helper, Comforter, and Strengthener. Amen."

My earnest pray is you will be strengthened with all might by the Spirit and the peace of the Spirit that is on the inside of you. I pray you live your life from out of your spirit where God resides. Be at peace in Jesus' name. Amen and Amen.

Janie Baer has produced a CD called God's Spoken Word and her website http://www.godswordalive.com offers products to help Christians use Bible scriptures in every day living finding the secret power of god's word and to help find the unconditional love of Father God. Janie also has a blog, http://www.godswordalive.com/blog Also on her site is Kingdom of God Prosperity Bookstore which offers bibles, audio bibles, music cds, music dvds, Children books & dvds, Christian books, Christian games and other products to help incorporate the Word into your life. She has also recently added Bible scriptures and confessions for healing and health, prosperity, Father God's Unconditional love and continues to add more all the time. She has applied these healing scriptures with her family for over 30 years and as a result they have not had a doctor, hospital or medical bill in all those years. They have just taken the healing Bible scriptures as their medicine as was written in Proverbs 4:22.

Living With What If In Your Life