Monday, November 16, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
rick joyner on current events
go to morningstar ministries website for more of these prophetic perspectives on current events.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
politics
What is the focus of our politics? mine is not on any one party line or platform, I believe in Jesus, and so His principles are the basis to my political stance. I believe in true freedom, in the idea a true free market system. no give aways, no government handouts. Minimal taxation and minimal regulation. It is the churches place to take care of the widows and the poor. Government never had or has the authority to deal with it, nor the capacity. Education also is supposed to be community and faith based, not state and federally regulated and funded, enough of that. Well I could go on forever, enough for today.
Focus on the cross
In church today the pastor focused on how we come to the cross. One side we blame others, the other side we blame ourselves and both are self centered. We need to take the focus of us, simply acknowledge where we fall short and give it to Jesus. He bore all our sins and infirmities on the cross. So stop blaming yourself or others and start living a real life in Christ.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
forgiveness
Forgiveness is at the very heart of our Christian faith, so it's little wonder that Satan has spent so much time and effort distorting the very essence of its meaning. His goal of replacing divine forgiveness with common secular humanism has come to pass, as most of us now, on the subject of forgiveness, believe his lies instead of God's truth.
We're told by the world we should forgive unconditionally, because that's what God wants of His children. We are often directed to Luke 6:36-37 and other verses with the same or like sentiment. "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:" As usual, Satan's lies come wrapped in but a small portion of God's truth.
We are also told forgiveness is something we must do for our own mental wellbeing, as failure to forgive becomes a destructive emotional cancer. And therein lies a spiritual red warning flag, as God seeks sacrifice for one another. Only Satan seeks the best for self.
Godly forgiveness is, for both the sinner and the wronged, a healing process whereby both can become spiritually whole again. The person granting absolution regains that which was lost to the sin, while the sinner regains a rebirth ultimately seeking righteousness. For both the perpetrator and victim, the slate is wiped clean. But with secular forgiveness, that preached by those either consciously opposing the Word or those to whom the Word is unknown, both the sinner and the person who is the object of their sin are left with nothing. One is denied rightful restitution and assurance the sin against them will not be repeated while the other is left in the same retched sinful condition as before.
As a result of Satan's deceptions, many of us have come to believe that forgiveness is the responsibility of the one wronged, and, as an expression of our Christianity, we are to forgive the sinner no matter what. But Jesus sacrifice on the Cross calls into question that doctrine, for His payment for our sin came at great expense. It wasn't just a matter of loving words or saying "I'm sorry," but a loving and willing act of painful payment, which we could not do on our own, that was the ultimate and required sacrifice. How foolish of us to believe that our search for forgiveness, or our granting forgiveness, should follow any example other than His.
Jesus teaches the appropriate response for sinners seeking absolution so that we might know if our forgiveness is justly helping that person or giving them license for continued rebellion against God, and thereby making their sin a part of our life's tapestry. The issue of forgiveness is that serious. Done right, it is a witness for the One we worship. Done wrong, it can help Satan make us a partaker of another's sin. "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 10-11) "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure." (1 Timothy 5:22)
Of course, forgiveness is such an easy subject for Satan to exploit, as, on its face, it seems spiritual no matter what tact one might undertake - as long as we "forgive."
It is at this point we have to remember yet again that Satan and his lies are always there waiting to cause disaster, as for all the goodness true forgiveness brings, unbiblical forgiveness does harm with equal force and intensity. We cannot allow ourselves to be misled, because in not knowing God's truth about forgiveness, our efforts, which we want to be righteous, do more harm than good to both us and the person who has sinned against us. Then too, in granting forgiveness when it is not warranted, we erroneously do so in God's name even though we failed to seek and follow His counsel. Seeking unbiblical forgiveness is likewise destructive.
We are to forgive, but it must be according to Jesus example and teachings. This is the true path leading to forgiveness and the steps which must be followed, through Him, to be washed of our sins. It is also to help us know when, how, and why we are to forgive others. "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him: and if he repent, forgive him." (Luke 17:3) The secular world calls for forgiveness no matter the circumstances, or, at best, in response to the offender saying, "I'm sorry." Christian forgiveness is given in response to repentance.
We're told by the world we should forgive unconditionally, because that's what God wants of His children. We are often directed to Luke 6:36-37 and other verses with the same or like sentiment. "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:" As usual, Satan's lies come wrapped in but a small portion of God's truth.
We are also told forgiveness is something we must do for our own mental wellbeing, as failure to forgive becomes a destructive emotional cancer. And therein lies a spiritual red warning flag, as God seeks sacrifice for one another. Only Satan seeks the best for self.
Godly forgiveness is, for both the sinner and the wronged, a healing process whereby both can become spiritually whole again. The person granting absolution regains that which was lost to the sin, while the sinner regains a rebirth ultimately seeking righteousness. For both the perpetrator and victim, the slate is wiped clean. But with secular forgiveness, that preached by those either consciously opposing the Word or those to whom the Word is unknown, both the sinner and the person who is the object of their sin are left with nothing. One is denied rightful restitution and assurance the sin against them will not be repeated while the other is left in the same retched sinful condition as before.
As a result of Satan's deceptions, many of us have come to believe that forgiveness is the responsibility of the one wronged, and, as an expression of our Christianity, we are to forgive the sinner no matter what. But Jesus sacrifice on the Cross calls into question that doctrine, for His payment for our sin came at great expense. It wasn't just a matter of loving words or saying "I'm sorry," but a loving and willing act of painful payment, which we could not do on our own, that was the ultimate and required sacrifice. How foolish of us to believe that our search for forgiveness, or our granting forgiveness, should follow any example other than His.
Jesus teaches the appropriate response for sinners seeking absolution so that we might know if our forgiveness is justly helping that person or giving them license for continued rebellion against God, and thereby making their sin a part of our life's tapestry. The issue of forgiveness is that serious. Done right, it is a witness for the One we worship. Done wrong, it can help Satan make us a partaker of another's sin. "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 10-11) "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure." (1 Timothy 5:22)
Of course, forgiveness is such an easy subject for Satan to exploit, as, on its face, it seems spiritual no matter what tact one might undertake - as long as we "forgive."
It is at this point we have to remember yet again that Satan and his lies are always there waiting to cause disaster, as for all the goodness true forgiveness brings, unbiblical forgiveness does harm with equal force and intensity. We cannot allow ourselves to be misled, because in not knowing God's truth about forgiveness, our efforts, which we want to be righteous, do more harm than good to both us and the person who has sinned against us. Then too, in granting forgiveness when it is not warranted, we erroneously do so in God's name even though we failed to seek and follow His counsel. Seeking unbiblical forgiveness is likewise destructive.
We are to forgive, but it must be according to Jesus example and teachings. This is the true path leading to forgiveness and the steps which must be followed, through Him, to be washed of our sins. It is also to help us know when, how, and why we are to forgive others. "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him: and if he repent, forgive him." (Luke 17:3) The secular world calls for forgiveness no matter the circumstances, or, at best, in response to the offender saying, "I'm sorry." Christian forgiveness is given in response to repentance.
what version of the Bible are you reading?
Corrupting Bible texts is not a new thing. This has been going on from the very beginning of church history. The Apostles were having problems with it in their days. You can see some of these addressed in the New Testament. Some of these corrupted texts have made their way into our modern Bible versions. Many of our modern versions are using past corrupted texts to "update" the texts.
Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will not pass away." To this end, we still have God's Word in its pure form. We have the Bible in its original Hebrew and Greek texts. We also have Bible texts that have been changed from the original text to say what people wanted it to say.
Here are 12 tests you can use to see if a Bible text has been corrupted:
1. Does it pass the two or three witnesses principle? See 2 Corinthians 13:1.
2. When a New Testament text is a quote from the Old Testament, does the New Testament one agree with the Old Testament reference? This is a good check for the translation of the New Testament text.
3. Does the text agree with its context in its natural setting? It may appear as an afterthought or it may appear not to have any relevance to its context.
4. Does it bring glory to God? See 1 Corinthians 10:31.
5. Does the text agree with the general message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or does it deny an established article of faith?
6. Does the text call you to faith and action that would bring you closer to God or does it cause you to doubt your faith in God? See Matthew 22:37-40.
7. Will it bring you into a loving relationship with God?
8. Can it be used as a perversion of the truth?
9. Does it water down the gospel message found in the Bible? There may be a note that says a passage does not belong or that it was not in the original text. If you find this in reference to a text, you should question it very carefully. Most likely the text has been corrupted.
10. Does it hinder the Christian's witness if followed wholeheartedly?
11. Does the original language agree with its contextual setting? Do not take the translator's word for it. This is a favorite tactic for people who corrupt the text.
12. When did it first appear in the manuscripts? Be careful with this. There are many corrupt texts that are passed off as the original.
It is a serious business to tamper with the original text of the Bible. To tamper with the original text is to make God say something He did not say. This is called "handling the Word of God deceitfully." See Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18, 19 for a warning to those who mess with the Word of God.
There is a world of difference between a translation and a paraphrase of the original text. A paraphrase tells you what the person thought the original text was conveying to us. The translation is a word for word exchange of the original. Literal translations are much more reliable than paraphrases.
Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will not pass away." To this end, we still have God's Word in its pure form. We have the Bible in its original Hebrew and Greek texts. We also have Bible texts that have been changed from the original text to say what people wanted it to say.
Here are 12 tests you can use to see if a Bible text has been corrupted:
1. Does it pass the two or three witnesses principle? See 2 Corinthians 13:1.
2. When a New Testament text is a quote from the Old Testament, does the New Testament one agree with the Old Testament reference? This is a good check for the translation of the New Testament text.
3. Does the text agree with its context in its natural setting? It may appear as an afterthought or it may appear not to have any relevance to its context.
4. Does it bring glory to God? See 1 Corinthians 10:31.
5. Does the text agree with the general message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or does it deny an established article of faith?
6. Does the text call you to faith and action that would bring you closer to God or does it cause you to doubt your faith in God? See Matthew 22:37-40.
7. Will it bring you into a loving relationship with God?
8. Can it be used as a perversion of the truth?
9. Does it water down the gospel message found in the Bible? There may be a note that says a passage does not belong or that it was not in the original text. If you find this in reference to a text, you should question it very carefully. Most likely the text has been corrupted.
10. Does it hinder the Christian's witness if followed wholeheartedly?
11. Does the original language agree with its contextual setting? Do not take the translator's word for it. This is a favorite tactic for people who corrupt the text.
12. When did it first appear in the manuscripts? Be careful with this. There are many corrupt texts that are passed off as the original.
It is a serious business to tamper with the original text of the Bible. To tamper with the original text is to make God say something He did not say. This is called "handling the Word of God deceitfully." See Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18, 19 for a warning to those who mess with the Word of God.
There is a world of difference between a translation and a paraphrase of the original text. A paraphrase tells you what the person thought the original text was conveying to us. The translation is a word for word exchange of the original. Literal translations are much more reliable than paraphrases.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Halloween?
So needless to say its not a very Christian thing to do, so instead we spent the day learning about deliverance. What it really looks like, not like the movies, exorcist, constantine or any of that. I am excited about what it can to do to bring freedom into a believers life. Stay tuned for updates as I move forward into this ministry.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
a view of the prophetic
About a year ago I was introduced to the idea of prophetic ministry. I got it ministered to me a few times and it had a profound effect on my personal relationship with Jesus. Then I was asked to join the teams and went through some training. The training was pretty straight forward, learning how God speaks, how he uses our personal language, reading the book "you may all prophecy" by Steve Thompson, and seeing bible verses pertaining to prophecy.
Well that was all good but did i know how to hear God and give that to someone in a meaningful way? Well on a Friday night I was on a team at church and I spent about 30 minutes ministering what i was seeing, hearing, feeling from the Lord for 2 different people. It went well, with positive feedback. The next day we went to a larger church with 24/7 prayer and intercession that was having a conference and had asked us to prophesy to their attendees. Well needless to say, I said to the Lord this all on you cause I feel a little out of place being so new to this.
Well, the Lord showed up, His presence was tangible, and the words I was given to speak to people fit with the team, our words confirmed each other and gave a good picture to each one we ministered to. The feedback from the leaders at the conference was incredible. I knew for a fact I could hear God speaking to me for others and it encouraged me to seek him more in my personal time.
Since then I have been on the team at church once a month, and I always get something good for those I am ministering to, though I don't always understand what it is I am speaking to in their lives. We have been back to the conferences at the other church and the ability to flow there has continued to grow. I just got downloads about peoples lives and great encouragement to the people ministered to. I praise the Lord and the Holy Spirit for moving so mightily in me and using me to speak into others lives. It has helped to see the potential in everyone I see, no matter their current state, or circumstances, God has a plan for them, and he has placed gifts in them.
Well that was all good but did i know how to hear God and give that to someone in a meaningful way? Well on a Friday night I was on a team at church and I spent about 30 minutes ministering what i was seeing, hearing, feeling from the Lord for 2 different people. It went well, with positive feedback. The next day we went to a larger church with 24/7 prayer and intercession that was having a conference and had asked us to prophesy to their attendees. Well needless to say, I said to the Lord this all on you cause I feel a little out of place being so new to this.
Well, the Lord showed up, His presence was tangible, and the words I was given to speak to people fit with the team, our words confirmed each other and gave a good picture to each one we ministered to. The feedback from the leaders at the conference was incredible. I knew for a fact I could hear God speaking to me for others and it encouraged me to seek him more in my personal time.
Since then I have been on the team at church once a month, and I always get something good for those I am ministering to, though I don't always understand what it is I am speaking to in their lives. We have been back to the conferences at the other church and the ability to flow there has continued to grow. I just got downloads about peoples lives and great encouragement to the people ministered to. I praise the Lord and the Holy Spirit for moving so mightily in me and using me to speak into others lives. It has helped to see the potential in everyone I see, no matter their current state, or circumstances, God has a plan for them, and he has placed gifts in them.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
my personal testimony of Jesus
I was born and quickly baptised as a catholic. I was told the bible stories, learned about the crucifixion of Christ, told about all of the rituals. I never knew or felt God's presence in any of it. As soon as I was given a choice by my parents, bye bye church. I was a pretty good teenager, no partying no drinking, no smoking, no sexual activity(besides with myself). As I entered my 20's I started doing all that, drinking became a real issue for me. I was also in trouble over my driving habits( I like to speed) I ended up with 54 tickets by the age of 23. I ended up arrested over it. Lost my licence as you can well imagine. About this time I was very depressed, in debt, no real friends, drinking too much, no girlfriend, etc. A friend from work started asking me to come to church. I told him no way was that happening. Then he changed his approach, he asked me to go mountain biking. That was go for sure. When we got out on the trail for a while we stopped as a group at a picnic table, the group leader began to pray and before I knew it I was asking Jesus into my life.
Things got different from there, I started going to church several times a week, I started taking Bible classes, I got rid of all my non Christian music cd's, I started working for a Christian company owned by some church members. But as much as things changed on the outside and as much as I wanted to change no real difference was in my heart.
At this point I decided to move from Maine to Colorado to go back to school, it wasn't long after I arrived in Colorado I stopped going to any sort of church I started drinking and smoking more then ever before that. I forgot about God and well pretty much went back to the atheist line of thinking. I would only cry out to God when I didn't want to live anymore. Then I would be fine for a little while again. At one point I found myself married to a Bulgarian woman for money. Then I moved to Oregon in the middle of a divorce with her.
I was at the lowest point of my life, depressed, overweight, diagnosed with diabetes, no interest in any real relationships. Well that all changed when a cute young lady came to work with me. She was different, she liked me for who I really was, she could see right through all the bullshit, she was a fiery debater and told me exactly what she was about. She invited me to church and being the typical man i said sure. I was very interested in her... church not so much.
Well the Lord had other ideas, I got into her church and it felt welcoming, like home, the presence of God was heavy in the place. Well one guy introduced himself and asked what he could pray for with me. I told about the fact i wasn't sure how long I was going to live, and the diabetes issues. Well he prayed with me, I asked Jesus back into my life, and I was healed that moment. No more medication, my blood sugars stabilized( and have been for over 3 years now) Even the doctor said keep doing whatever it is you are doing.
At this point the young lady who had asked me to church gave me a book. Dave Roberson's the Walk of Power, Walk in the Spirit. It was a book about praying in tongues. I thought at that moment, this chic is crazy... but I really like her so I will give it a read. I read it, I prayed the prayer in the back about the Holy Spirit.... and nothing. I thought about for a while and a few days later I decided, well I really like her and she may be crazy but I am going to reread this book. After reading this time I asked as sincerely as I could for the Lord to fill me with the Hoy Spirit, and this time bam. It fell on me and I started praying in tongues for hours. I got a download of many things the Lord wanted to do through me.
Now several years later I can tell you that was the key to changing my life. I am now married to that young lady, attend that church several times a week, am happy to call them family. I have changed dramatically, no more struggle with alcohol, or any sort of sexual immorality, am the spiritual head of my home.
Things got different from there, I started going to church several times a week, I started taking Bible classes, I got rid of all my non Christian music cd's, I started working for a Christian company owned by some church members. But as much as things changed on the outside and as much as I wanted to change no real difference was in my heart.
At this point I decided to move from Maine to Colorado to go back to school, it wasn't long after I arrived in Colorado I stopped going to any sort of church I started drinking and smoking more then ever before that. I forgot about God and well pretty much went back to the atheist line of thinking. I would only cry out to God when I didn't want to live anymore. Then I would be fine for a little while again. At one point I found myself married to a Bulgarian woman for money. Then I moved to Oregon in the middle of a divorce with her.
I was at the lowest point of my life, depressed, overweight, diagnosed with diabetes, no interest in any real relationships. Well that all changed when a cute young lady came to work with me. She was different, she liked me for who I really was, she could see right through all the bullshit, she was a fiery debater and told me exactly what she was about. She invited me to church and being the typical man i said sure. I was very interested in her... church not so much.
Well the Lord had other ideas, I got into her church and it felt welcoming, like home, the presence of God was heavy in the place. Well one guy introduced himself and asked what he could pray for with me. I told about the fact i wasn't sure how long I was going to live, and the diabetes issues. Well he prayed with me, I asked Jesus back into my life, and I was healed that moment. No more medication, my blood sugars stabilized( and have been for over 3 years now) Even the doctor said keep doing whatever it is you are doing.
At this point the young lady who had asked me to church gave me a book. Dave Roberson's the Walk of Power, Walk in the Spirit. It was a book about praying in tongues. I thought at that moment, this chic is crazy... but I really like her so I will give it a read. I read it, I prayed the prayer in the back about the Holy Spirit.... and nothing. I thought about for a while and a few days later I decided, well I really like her and she may be crazy but I am going to reread this book. After reading this time I asked as sincerely as I could for the Lord to fill me with the Hoy Spirit, and this time bam. It fell on me and I started praying in tongues for hours. I got a download of many things the Lord wanted to do through me.
Now several years later I can tell you that was the key to changing my life. I am now married to that young lady, attend that church several times a week, am happy to call them family. I have changed dramatically, no more struggle with alcohol, or any sort of sexual immorality, am the spiritual head of my home.
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