Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Witness For the Word: Leah Joy writes her first song...
Witness For the Word: Leah Joy writes her first song...: "When we were returning from Niagara Falls on Elizabeth's 21st birhtday; Liz was driving, I was chattering away with her in the front and Lea..."
Monday, September 27, 2010
Father of Lies
Satan is the Father of lies. What makes him so good at lieing? At convincing others so easily of his lies? It is because he knows the truth and he believes that the promises of God are true. He tries to come in and twist the truth around say some of the truth, but add some lies to it to lead us astray. He believes very much in the promises that God gives to us, even more then the believers themself. Satan wants to come in and hinder these promises.
In the end times the father of lies will speak and people, even believers, will believe these lies. This puts a fear in me because I do not want to be that fool. This father of lies is doing his work even now. He speaks lies to us that will convince us and then as humans we do the self destruction. He whispers something false to us and once we dwell upon in and start to believe it, then he lets go and we shut down.
God comes and speaks to us and then Satan comes in and tells us lies. 'Did God really say that?', 'Why would God need you to fulfill tha?' and we #1 listen, #2 dwell among it, #3 then we begin to believe it! In Proverbs 4:15 that you should: 'Avoid it!!, Pass not by it!!!, Turn from it!!!, and Pass away!!! This was Eves problem. She hear the serpant, but she did not avoid him, she listened and when she heard the lies she did not turn from it, but she continued to listen until she believed those lies. She saw the tree and it became good in her sight and she took the fruit and she ate of it.
It is important, especially in a time like this, to obey Proverbs 4:15! To put yourself under stable authority and to listen and obey that authority(s)! It will do you know good if you do not obey! [also, you must seek God for that authority! you cannot just pick the authority because you will pick someone in whom you know will tell you what you want to hear and do!]
Avoid it, Pass not by it, Turn from it, and pass away!
In the end times the father of lies will speak and people, even believers, will believe these lies. This puts a fear in me because I do not want to be that fool. This father of lies is doing his work even now. He speaks lies to us that will convince us and then as humans we do the self destruction. He whispers something false to us and once we dwell upon in and start to believe it, then he lets go and we shut down.
God comes and speaks to us and then Satan comes in and tells us lies. 'Did God really say that?', 'Why would God need you to fulfill tha?' and we #1 listen, #2 dwell among it, #3 then we begin to believe it! In Proverbs 4:15 that you should: 'Avoid it!!, Pass not by it!!!, Turn from it!!!, and Pass away!!! This was Eves problem. She hear the serpant, but she did not avoid him, she listened and when she heard the lies she did not turn from it, but she continued to listen until she believed those lies. She saw the tree and it became good in her sight and she took the fruit and she ate of it.
It is important, especially in a time like this, to obey Proverbs 4:15! To put yourself under stable authority and to listen and obey that authority(s)! It will do you know good if you do not obey! [also, you must seek God for that authority! you cannot just pick the authority because you will pick someone in whom you know will tell you what you want to hear and do!]
Avoid it, Pass not by it, Turn from it, and pass away!
Never Under Estimate the Power of your Actions!
A quote that God continually spoke to me my senior year was this, "Never under estimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can chang a person's life. No matterwho that person may be, God puts us all in each other's lives to IMPACT one another in some way. Actions speak way louder then words."
This message has been proven to be so true. People at my work know that I am a Christian and they see my actions. Now sometimes it is hard because people think Christians show be a list of things, but it isn't that way. If you are a born again Christian; then you strive to make sure that GOD screams out of everything you do. My senior year is over, thank God, and you know this quote was really hard for me. Every day wasn't a new joy, but a continuance of yesterdays drama and frustration. People wouldn' forgive and forget. They would hold on and which really tries the attitude of those who have forgiven and are trying to forget.
People see us (Christians) and you know what it's true. So many lives depend on what we do, upon us fulfilling the Call God has upon our life! Which is always why we must be continually crying out to God for continual patience and strength. Ask Him to put a song in your heart or if you don't like to hear yourself sing ask Him to put a message or a prayer in your heart. 'When you're about to give up, remember what made you hold on for so long' in other words, when you feel like you have no more strength remember the source of all your strength(s) in the past an cry out to Him! He will never leave you nor forsake you so don't leave Him. Don't allow yourself to listen to the Father of lies because guess what GOD CARES! He always has and He will continue to do so! He loves you!
So remember that your actions are being watched, the heavens are recording them. Do not underestimate the power your actions possess!
This message has been proven to be so true. People at my work know that I am a Christian and they see my actions. Now sometimes it is hard because people think Christians show be a list of things, but it isn't that way. If you are a born again Christian; then you strive to make sure that GOD screams out of everything you do. My senior year is over, thank God, and you know this quote was really hard for me. Every day wasn't a new joy, but a continuance of yesterdays drama and frustration. People wouldn' forgive and forget. They would hold on and which really tries the attitude of those who have forgiven and are trying to forget.
People see us (Christians) and you know what it's true. So many lives depend on what we do, upon us fulfilling the Call God has upon our life! Which is always why we must be continually crying out to God for continual patience and strength. Ask Him to put a song in your heart or if you don't like to hear yourself sing ask Him to put a message or a prayer in your heart. 'When you're about to give up, remember what made you hold on for so long' in other words, when you feel like you have no more strength remember the source of all your strength(s) in the past an cry out to Him! He will never leave you nor forsake you so don't leave Him. Don't allow yourself to listen to the Father of lies because guess what GOD CARES! He always has and He will continue to do so! He loves you!
So remember that your actions are being watched, the heavens are recording them. Do not underestimate the power your actions possess!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Your Creator
Remember your Creator! Put Him first!!!
Read Gods Word...it is important in your walk with God. Of course it isn't good enough to be able to quote scripture, but God did give it to us to bring comfort, to continually come back to the True source of truth and walk in it! Also, (Jeremiah 4:4) By the knife [sword of the Word] can we have the old nature cut away. If we live in Christ we must have a death to the "old man" [old nature/habits] and bring life to the "new man". We feed life to the "new man" by reading His word and walking in the light! We feed the "old nature" by allowing the life in the "new man" to die away and also through continual disobedience. DON'T ALLOW IT!
He created the Heavens and the earth and He wants us to enter into the fullest that He has ordained for us! God gave us His word and we should use it! Know your creator, love your creator, and walk with Him all the days of your Life! When you are suffering He understands because He suffered for more then us. Know that through that suffering the end will be worth it all. The beginning does not matter, the middle does not matter, the end does! Make it right with God...HE is merciful and wants to see us make it! Remember your Creator! Put Him first!
Read Gods Word...it is important in your walk with God. Of course it isn't good enough to be able to quote scripture, but God did give it to us to bring comfort, to continually come back to the True source of truth and walk in it! Also, (Jeremiah 4:4) By the knife [sword of the Word] can we have the old nature cut away. If we live in Christ we must have a death to the "old man" [old nature/habits] and bring life to the "new man". We feed life to the "new man" by reading His word and walking in the light! We feed the "old nature" by allowing the life in the "new man" to die away and also through continual disobedience. DON'T ALLOW IT!
He created the Heavens and the earth and He wants us to enter into the fullest that He has ordained for us! God gave us His word and we should use it! Know your creator, love your creator, and walk with Him all the days of your Life! When you are suffering He understands because He suffered for more then us. Know that through that suffering the end will be worth it all. The beginning does not matter, the middle does not matter, the end does! Make it right with God...HE is merciful and wants to see us make it! Remember your Creator! Put Him first!
Heart
Time hardens your heart and it is so very important to seek the Lord when you are young! Life hardens your heart unless you have Christ in you and you are allowing Him to continually melt/mold your heart!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Second time in San Jose/Shirjoles Costa Rica 2009
Well this second time around most of the team members are the same. We are talked and agreed that traveling down to Costa Rica felt like it was a continuation of the year before. This feeling was so real...it felt like we went to America for a week vacation and now we're returning to finish our work. Praise the Lord for giving us that attitude. Our team name this year is "The Servants of Christ" and not to boast, but I believe we all came with a servants heart. We were all determined to finish the work in which we start the year before. We, for the most part, did accomplish everything. Again, Praise the Lord!
It was great to see God touching the new people (in the church and on the team). It did bring some sorrow to our hearts when we quickly realized who all became offended or bitter and left the church. Seeing God minister to them and bring their siblings to Christ and then returning and see that they didn't really receive the message. Always brings sorrow to ones heart.
I went house visiting the second day and that was very nice. We went to a ladys house and her daughter was there, she was about my age. God put that girl on my heart and I think about her often. I really felt that as she was sharing with us some of her struggles that God wanted to steep his comfort over her. To help her through these things and that she needed to put her trust in Him and rejoice. I pray God really touches her heart in a way that catches her eyes and that they may be fixed upon Him!
Again, the last three or four days we stayed in the city and had our fun as a team. Last year we did not have the time to walk around the city and shop, but this year we did :) We didn't get to go deep into the city because it was dark and that's not the greatest time to see the city or shop. So we waited and went shopping the next day. I must say that this year was better then last year, hotel wise. Last year our reservations were mysteriously erased and the hotel lied and said that there were no more rooms, but there were and he eventually gave them to us. We ordered Dominos pizza and that was nice, but this year. WOW :) now we actually had our rooms and they were NICE :) and we at upstairs on the absolute top. It had glass windows all around so we had the most beautiful view of the city and the food was fantastic!
Back tracking I forgot that both last year and this year we stayed in another hotel prior to this one. It was exotic and I really liked it. The second year they had made some changes and it was still exotic and better looking :) The second time all the girls and women were able to stay in a house, which I really liked that too :) Which brings to my memory that while we were in the jungle the guys decided to put frogs in the girls cabin...which none of us knew about until the next day because one of the girls woke up and saw them and removed them from our room before anyone woke up. heheh
This year was wonderful and I am sad to think that it might be a while before I will go back :(
It was great to see God touching the new people (in the church and on the team). It did bring some sorrow to our hearts when we quickly realized who all became offended or bitter and left the church. Seeing God minister to them and bring their siblings to Christ and then returning and see that they didn't really receive the message. Always brings sorrow to ones heart.
I went house visiting the second day and that was very nice. We went to a ladys house and her daughter was there, she was about my age. God put that girl on my heart and I think about her often. I really felt that as she was sharing with us some of her struggles that God wanted to steep his comfort over her. To help her through these things and that she needed to put her trust in Him and rejoice. I pray God really touches her heart in a way that catches her eyes and that they may be fixed upon Him!
Again, the last three or four days we stayed in the city and had our fun as a team. Last year we did not have the time to walk around the city and shop, but this year we did :) We didn't get to go deep into the city because it was dark and that's not the greatest time to see the city or shop. So we waited and went shopping the next day. I must say that this year was better then last year, hotel wise. Last year our reservations were mysteriously erased and the hotel lied and said that there were no more rooms, but there were and he eventually gave them to us. We ordered Dominos pizza and that was nice, but this year. WOW :) now we actually had our rooms and they were NICE :) and we at upstairs on the absolute top. It had glass windows all around so we had the most beautiful view of the city and the food was fantastic!
Back tracking I forgot that both last year and this year we stayed in another hotel prior to this one. It was exotic and I really liked it. The second year they had made some changes and it was still exotic and better looking :) The second time all the girls and women were able to stay in a house, which I really liked that too :) Which brings to my memory that while we were in the jungle the guys decided to put frogs in the girls cabin...which none of us knew about until the next day because one of the girls woke up and saw them and removed them from our room before anyone woke up. heheh
This year was wonderful and I am sad to think that it might be a while before I will go back :(
First time to Costa Rica...First time out of the Country 2008
The first time out of the Country (besides Canada). It is pretty wild, but i'm liking it. I was used by God to help the Sharp Family. I was put out of my comfort zone, which all need to be once in awhile, and it really opened my eyes. People always tell you things and you don't really believe them because we have it so good, everyone else should be having it 'so good'. It was wonderful to minister to the people there and help the Sharps out. We were able to live our lives there and show the people down there that there are people who have the same vision as Pastor Curtis and Sister Cathy.
It was wonderful to see new senary as well. I love the jungle areas and it was quite a treat to be able to stay in the jungle for a week. While we were there we helped make improvements on the Sharps house and some odd jobs on the other buildings on campus. The ladys were able to go house visiting for the first three or four days and that was a joy to go around the village and visit the people on a one on one basis. It was rough the first time because we all are new and haven't quite jumped into the 'i'm in a different country' mode. The next couple of days we helped out with VBS and that was also a blast and a step out of my comfort zone. Here we are ministering to the youth who don't really understand nor speak our language, but we are allowing God to still use us. That was such a blast and a wonderful experience. I believe it helped those who are called to another land to get a sneak peak at what might be one day what they will be doing for the Lord. Who knows?
After the week was up we packed our bags and headed into the city. We still have two or three days left and so we have a blast as a team :) We go zip lining over a jungle and river, boating and see Costa Rica crocs, water rafting, and a couple other things. It was such a blast as a team. We had some time to relax in the hotel and talk amongst each other about what the Lord spoke to us during that week in the jungle. It was wonderful that our team was able to work with such unity and no complaints :) God is so Good and I hope that this will be the first of many more missions trips!
It was wonderful to see new senary as well. I love the jungle areas and it was quite a treat to be able to stay in the jungle for a week. While we were there we helped make improvements on the Sharps house and some odd jobs on the other buildings on campus. The ladys were able to go house visiting for the first three or four days and that was a joy to go around the village and visit the people on a one on one basis. It was rough the first time because we all are new and haven't quite jumped into the 'i'm in a different country' mode. The next couple of days we helped out with VBS and that was also a blast and a step out of my comfort zone. Here we are ministering to the youth who don't really understand nor speak our language, but we are allowing God to still use us. That was such a blast and a wonderful experience. I believe it helped those who are called to another land to get a sneak peak at what might be one day what they will be doing for the Lord. Who knows?
After the week was up we packed our bags and headed into the city. We still have two or three days left and so we have a blast as a team :) We go zip lining over a jungle and river, boating and see Costa Rica crocs, water rafting, and a couple other things. It was such a blast as a team. We had some time to relax in the hotel and talk amongst each other about what the Lord spoke to us during that week in the jungle. It was wonderful that our team was able to work with such unity and no complaints :) God is so Good and I hope that this will be the first of many more missions trips!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Clouds...does anyone take time out of their EXTREMELY busy day and just look up/out at the sky? God has blessed us SO much and yet we do not even take the time to look at what is FREE! The sky, the grass, the water, and the seasons smells all so wonderful and free and yet we ignore it.
Which brings me to a saying that recently has spoken to me. "If one is not content/satisified with what they already have; then they shall not be content/satisfied with what they want!" We have SO much and yet we don't seem to widen our thoughts of gratitude towards it. We have green grass, clean water, beautiful sky, and fresh air and yet we take it forgranted. We don't widen our mind: there are places on earth without grass, clean water is a rarity, and the sky which may be empty or contantly full of raining clouds. What God has blessed us we, we seem to push aside. We seek for something "greater" and yet we blind ourself to the reality. The reality of it will only last a time, as year past things become upgraded. It catches your eye and makes you want it.
People say they need to try things just so they can say that they tried it, but this is very dangerous! Yes, I do think that people should try things, but to an extent!!!! People try dangerous things like drugs or clubs and they walk right into a snare and they find they cannot get out of it. Some things are better left a mystery in our eyes! Satan (god of the world) makes his temptations sound so glorious, but he only shows you one side! He does not show the ending the results. Commercials advertise beer and shows the glorys, but not the ending...waking up with a horrible headache, the addiction, or the waking up in your own vomit. Things are temporary and I think we need must think about if it is worth it?
In conclusion to my thoughts, we have become a fast paise world and we should stop and take time to realize if what we are investing in and if it is worth it?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Something I learned by traveling a lot
You know it isn't until one leaves their country and returns that they realize how their people treat each other. I have been leaving traveling out of the country for about three years and every time I return I find myself being ashamed of the people who call themselves Americans.
We have been stuck in turbo mode and no one seems to take the time to care for someone besides themself! It sickens me when I go to ask for help and I get rude replies. No one even looks the other person in the eye as they pass by, nor say hello. Why is this???? Well I can tell you why. It's because of a stupid little device that is meant for good, but is OVERUSED!!! The cellphone!
Everywhere you go in America the number one thing you will find is cellphones. It sickens me when I see six year old kids with $80 cellphones. What ever happened to earning responsibility? Parents just give to their kids whatever they want...maybe if the parents took their kids phones and internet privileges and cut it in half they might see a difference in their kids.
What ever happened to kids playing out of the streets? or Adventure? Technology is a great thing, but people are over using it and now it is making us forget what really matters. People date and break up online, people do discusting things on their phones/internet. Do you really know what is going on? I'm thinking you don't know. This generation has learned deception and mastered too well.
I don't know who may read this blog nor what you think, but I am absolutely discussed and I pray that God will do a MIGHTY work in America...open our eyes to what generation after generation closed theirs to!
We have been stuck in turbo mode and no one seems to take the time to care for someone besides themself! It sickens me when I go to ask for help and I get rude replies. No one even looks the other person in the eye as they pass by, nor say hello. Why is this???? Well I can tell you why. It's because of a stupid little device that is meant for good, but is OVERUSED!!! The cellphone!
Everywhere you go in America the number one thing you will find is cellphones. It sickens me when I see six year old kids with $80 cellphones. What ever happened to earning responsibility? Parents just give to their kids whatever they want...maybe if the parents took their kids phones and internet privileges and cut it in half they might see a difference in their kids.
What ever happened to kids playing out of the streets? or Adventure? Technology is a great thing, but people are over using it and now it is making us forget what really matters. People date and break up online, people do discusting things on their phones/internet. Do you really know what is going on? I'm thinking you don't know. This generation has learned deception and mastered too well.
I don't know who may read this blog nor what you think, but I am absolutely discussed and I pray that God will do a MIGHTY work in America...open our eyes to what generation after generation closed theirs to!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Dumbfounded right now
The title of my blog is exactly how I feel right now. My mind is running through all the things I would love to share and yet my fingers cannot keep up 8'D Well, I guess it would be best to start from the beginning.
I already shared with you all that I went on a mission trip to Guatemala and how God use me to minister there. The day before departure God gave me a word through the man who allowed us to speak at the orphanage. God spoke that a great anointing would flow upon me in a way I've ever felt before. This brought me to tears because the presence of God was so strong at that orphanage. I asked God to bring it to our Church in Pennsylvania. I am believing that God will do that and more. He is wonderful that way :)
Traveling back home I sat next to an elderly lady and we talked. The feeling of sharing Gods work in my life with her was beyond breathtaking.
This one is small, but yet it gave me a chuckly because God does have a sense of humor :) I was standing in line, at the airport, getting ready to order some Chinese food. O wanted it to go so I could it in my gate area. I listened to the lay who was orderingbefore me and it was funny the woman who was servig her asked er f it was for here or to go. Just as Iwas wondering if they had to go boxes God was able to answer that question. I'm not sure how many of you will get a kick out of that one, but you know whenyou are returning to America there isn't much time to laught! -_-
I seek to Glorify my Lord in the big and especially the little. As you praise Him in the little, it will give you a strength that is necessary!
This is Mickey Mae saying, 'Peace out!'
8^)
I already shared with you all that I went on a mission trip to Guatemala and how God use me to minister there. The day before departure God gave me a word through the man who allowed us to speak at the orphanage. God spoke that a great anointing would flow upon me in a way I've ever felt before. This brought me to tears because the presence of God was so strong at that orphanage. I asked God to bring it to our Church in Pennsylvania. I am believing that God will do that and more. He is wonderful that way :)
Traveling back home I sat next to an elderly lady and we talked. The feeling of sharing Gods work in my life with her was beyond breathtaking.
This one is small, but yet it gave me a chuckly because God does have a sense of humor :) I was standing in line, at the airport, getting ready to order some Chinese food. O wanted it to go so I could it in my gate area. I listened to the lay who was orderingbefore me and it was funny the woman who was servig her asked er f it was for here or to go. Just as Iwas wondering if they had to go boxes God was able to answer that question. I'm not sure how many of you will get a kick out of that one, but you know whenyou are returning to America there isn't much time to laught! -_-
I seek to Glorify my Lord in the big and especially the little. As you praise Him in the little, it will give you a strength that is necessary!
This is Mickey Mae saying, 'Peace out!'
8^)
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Being used on the Mission Field
I believe in a God who is so immacluate! I went on a missions trip to Guatemala for ten days with my father. God used me in ways I never thought would happen. I knew they could happen, but did not expect it to happen and in such a way. He has given me multiple opportunities to speak. I tell you what, if you have never gone on a mission trip. Pray about it and ask God if He would have you to go!!!!
A note for all who believe in God...if you are limiting God STOP IT!!!! It isn´t a secret...whenever you start ANYTHING new and out of your box that is called BEING STRETCHED and you know what it is scarey in the beginning, but as you continue on IT IS SO AMAZING. So I want to encourage you...if you are hearing God and He is asking/commanding you to do something, then DO IT!!!! There is Grace for everything. So STOP limiting Him and step out of your box.
I have gone, two years in a row, to Costa Rica with my church team. That was amazing too! As a team we were able to help out the missionaries in ways we didn´t even realize. We were able to show to the people who attend the Bible School or go to the church that there are people all around the world with the same vision and desires.
Back to Guatemala, we arrived late Friday night. Saturday afternoon God gave me the opportunity to share with the youth. It was really nice to be able to share with them, but I have observed that it seems harder to speak to the youth. You have a message and you want to make sure that they are understanding the importance of it, but they don´t show anything. So, even though it was difficult not knowing if they even received the message, I was happy that God used me. :-)
Throughout the week I spoke at a ladys breakfast and God really seemed to speak to them. I had two of the ladys ask me for my notes and another woman said that she could see Gods annointing flowing out of me. Praise the Lord for that! At the end of the week we went to the Molina´s Orphanage. That was an experience I hope to never forget. The worship was so amazing <3 One of the prophecys was to ask for more of His presences. That stopped me dead in my tracks because the presences of God was strong then I think I have ever known and for Him to say "Ask for more" that is amazing.
My time in Guatemala was beyond words! I have told you only a portion and I know that God has done something to me and I hope that He will continue to do His work in me!!!!
A note for all who believe in God...if you are limiting God STOP IT!!!! It isn´t a secret...whenever you start ANYTHING new and out of your box that is called BEING STRETCHED and you know what it is scarey in the beginning, but as you continue on IT IS SO AMAZING. So I want to encourage you...if you are hearing God and He is asking/commanding you to do something, then DO IT!!!! There is Grace for everything. So STOP limiting Him and step out of your box.
I have gone, two years in a row, to Costa Rica with my church team. That was amazing too! As a team we were able to help out the missionaries in ways we didn´t even realize. We were able to show to the people who attend the Bible School or go to the church that there are people all around the world with the same vision and desires.
Back to Guatemala, we arrived late Friday night. Saturday afternoon God gave me the opportunity to share with the youth. It was really nice to be able to share with them, but I have observed that it seems harder to speak to the youth. You have a message and you want to make sure that they are understanding the importance of it, but they don´t show anything. So, even though it was difficult not knowing if they even received the message, I was happy that God used me. :-)
Throughout the week I spoke at a ladys breakfast and God really seemed to speak to them. I had two of the ladys ask me for my notes and another woman said that she could see Gods annointing flowing out of me. Praise the Lord for that! At the end of the week we went to the Molina´s Orphanage. That was an experience I hope to never forget. The worship was so amazing <3 One of the prophecys was to ask for more of His presences. That stopped me dead in my tracks because the presences of God was strong then I think I have ever known and for Him to say "Ask for more" that is amazing.
My time in Guatemala was beyond words! I have told you only a portion and I know that God has done something to me and I hope that He will continue to do His work in me!!!!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Desires
Strongs: Of uncertain derivation; to ask (in generally): - ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require.
Encarta: Wish for something, request something, craving, something wished for.
We are creatures of desires. Mankind does good or he does evil based largely on his desires
1.) Why should we be careful with our desires?
a. Yes, it is so easy for us to feed our desires, and whatever we desire will take us
down certain roads.
i. If we desire for things of the world then we will go down that road, but if we feed
desires of God then we will walk down the Godly road.
desires of God then we will walk down the Godly road.
b. As humans it is part of our nature to sometimes dwell upon things. Satan finds those
people who beat themselves up and so he tempts them and then they begin to beat
themselves up for it and they dwell upon it and get themselves into a knot. We must go
back to the beginning and realize he was the one who tempted us, but we dwelled
upon it.
themselves up for it and they dwell upon it and get themselves into a knot. We must go
back to the beginning and realize he was the one who tempted us, but we dwelled
upon it.
i. God is not a condemning God as Pastor Frank said last week. He wants us to
stand up and brush the dust off and move on. Live and learn!
stand up and brush the dust off and move on. Live and learn!
“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.”
- Proverbs 4:14-15
i. Avoid it: intentionally stay away from evil
ii. Pass not by it: plan to take a different route
iii. Turn from it: when you see it, turn away
(“thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil”)
(“thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil”)
iv. Pass away: let it always be behind you, in other words put distance
between you and it.
between you and it.
In other words, it all begins in the mind (the gates for the mind)
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, or of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
-Phillipines 4:8
Who/what should our desires be focused around? Why?
a. The “who” is God! If we plan to hit the high mark of the high calling we must look to
the one who hit that mark. Have the desire to be like Him and to please Him.
the one who hit that mark. Have the desire to be like Him and to please Him.
i. When you see two children playing together generally they have fun when the like
to do the same thing. When we have a relationship with God we must make
sure that we like to do the same things as Him. We are following Him, He is
the leader, and so we must make sure that we are
to do the same thing. When we have a relationship with God we must make
sure that we like to do the same things as Him. We are following Him, He is
the leader, and so we must make sure that we are
b. What? This discipline takes sanctification of spirit which comes from meeting with God
through
through
i. Prayer: strong crying
"Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayerse and supplications with strong
crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;"
- Hebrews 5:7
ii. Study of God’s Word: By the washing of water by the Word (Eph 5.) You are
clean by the Word I have spoken (John.) By the renewing of the mind
(Rom 12:2, Titus 3:5, and Isaiah Butter and honey-chose good refuse evil.)
clean by the Word I have spoken (John.) By the renewing of the mind
(Rom 12:2, Titus 3:5, and Isaiah Butter and honey-chose good refuse evil.)
iii. Actions:
iv. Mortification: of the flesh
"Mortify therefore your members which ae upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate, affection, evil concupiscence, and
covetousness, which is idolatry:"
uncleanness, inordinate, affection, evil concupiscence, and
covetousness, which is idolatry:"
- Colossians 3:5
v. Sanctification: from the world
"And be not conformed to this orld: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
- Romans 12:2 (Jesus prayer)
vi. Putting on the Armour: standing against the devil
"Put on the whole armour of Gd, that ye may be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil...Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all,
to stand."
wiles of the devil...Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all,
to stand."
- Ephesians 6:11,13
vii. Deliverance: sometimes the things one suffers, a particular weakness or an
area that cannot be overcome, are because of a curse handed down
generationally (this is more common than you might think!)
When does one know that their desires are now sins?
- When the enemy (Satan) temps us with desires (ex. Sex, disobedience, relationships,
etc...) we must try our hardest to put them to death. In the Bill Wise
“3o minutes in Hell” he tells us how the that the strength of the enemy is
1000 times stronger than us. Sometimes we take those desire and try to kill
them our self, but we need to realize that we only have the power to
decide and give not destroy. God is the only one powerful enough to defeat
the enemy and we must give it to Him.
etc...) we must try our hardest to put them to death. In the Bill Wise
“3o minutes in Hell” he tells us how the that the strength of the enemy is
1000 times stronger than us. Sometimes we take those desire and try to kill
them our self, but we need to realize that we only have the power to
decide and give not destroy. God is the only one powerful enough to defeat
the enemy and we must give it to Him.
What should one do with their desires?
- We have a certain knowledge of what are good and what are bad desires.
When we know we have bad desires we must be careful and quick to get rid of them because if we dwell and feed upon them then it becomes a sin.
§ Bad desires:
* Anger (a strong feeling of grievance and displeasure)
* Disobedience (refusal to abide by the rules/laws)
* Idolatry (excessive admiration or love shown for somebody or something)
* Covetousness (long for somebody else’s property)
* Fornication (consenting sex involving somebody unmarried)
* Uncleanness (unchaste, religiously or ritually impure)
* Inordinate affection (excessive/unrestrained feelings)
* Evil concupiscence (wrong/bad lust or strong desire)
Why should our desires for God be strong?
Eve in the garden: Her desires were tried. When she was tempted to eat from the forbidden tree her desires were tried. She listened and as she listened her desire for power was planted and watered and she gave into it.
Eve had an evil concupiscence for that greater power, and she did not put to death that desire she fed it. That I believe is one of our generational curses. What we are given does not really matter, but more of what we do with it! We are given curses do we put them to death and receive something greater, or will we keep them and pass them on stronger?
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