My Special Quotes

hhodgson

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We Can Change America

Matthew 13:24-30
The Parable of the Wheat and Tares 24 Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away. 26 But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also. 27 The servants of the landowner came and said to him, "Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? how then does it have tares?" 28 and he said to them, "An enemy has done this!" The servants said unto him, "Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?"

Summary:

~ He that "soweth" the good seed is the Son of Man (Jesus)
~ The field is the world
~ The good seed are the children of the Kingdom
~ But the tares bad seed are the children of the wicked one
~ that is (Satan)

It was the plan and intent of our Founding Fathers for appointing godly people, and thereby godly principles, to be intimately involved in the political, judicial and educational realms of our government. The founders believed that only the godly would understand the unalienable freedoms provided by God and thus protect them in our government system. They never-intended for Christian principles to be divorced from public affairs.

Unfortunately, over the years, we "Christians" for the most part have voluntarily removed ourselves from the political, social and legal arenas when it comes to the direction of our nation and where it is heading today. Whenever the godly depart from any arena, their godly values depart with them. A person in office always legislates according to his or her personal beliefs and convictions, and herein the wisdom of...

Proverbs 29:2 made evident: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when wicked people rules, the people groan."

Christians, over the years, through bad doctrine, political inactivity, apathy, and complacency, are dangerously on the verge of handing over the reins of our nation to ungodly leaders who will award lifelong appointments of hard core radical liberal justices, eager to uproot Christian values that had been the heart of this nation for centuries. Quite frankly, the court's religion-hostile decisions were merely an outgrowth of what the Christian community at large had permitted and encouraged in the decades preceding those rulings.

A biblical description of how this process worked is given by Jesus in Matthew 13:24-26. In that parable, good people had a good field growing good seed. However, an enemy came in and planted bad among the good, thus contaminating the entire field. What afforded the enemy such an opportunity? The stark answer is found in verse 25: "While [the good] men slept, [the] the enemy came.

Jesus won't fault the enemy for doing what they are doing, for it was their task and purpose to destroy the godly morals of our nation. Jesus will place the fault on the good men (us) who went to sleep, thus allowing the enemy the opportunity to contaminate the field. We definitely need to repent. Very bluntly, what has occurred in America happened first because the Church went to sleep--and then because the enemy came in and caused the damage.

First things first: The problems we have created for ourselves although colossal, can yet be solved. The first thing we must do is to put first things first:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for leaders and for all that are in authority.
" 1 Timothy 2:1-2.​

This is not an arbitrary, haphazard plan given by God. God wants every individual born-again believer in America to pray for civic leaders first, because civic leaders and their policies affect every individual. For our own benefit we should be praying regularly for our leaders at local, state and federal levels, in each branch of government (including), the United States Supreme Court. Prayer is the "first key" to effecting significant change, for situations do not change on earth until they have been changed in the heavenlies.

Additionally, we need to pray that God will uproot the wicked from office and raise up righteous individuals to replace them. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and having the right individuals in office will prevent the enactment of any of their damaging policies to our nation.

Christians Are a Majority. The political realm, formerly dominated by Christians, is still available to us. The elimination of religious activities and acknowledgment of God from public affairs occurred through the political system; it can therefore also restore those principles. While it might seem easier to empty the ocean with a thimble than to change politics, it is not as difficult as we may think. You've probably heard, or perhaps even made statements such as; "My vote won't make a difference anyway." "It does us no good to vote." "As Christians, we're already in the minority, so why should we vote?"

Sound familiar?

The fact is, such statements during (that time) were not true in that several years ago, a Gallup Poll showed that 84% of this nation firmly believes in Jesus Christ and a separate poll indicates that 94% believes in God. We're sure that today these poll percentages (may) have dropped significantly since those years... due to the increased apathy and complacency in many of our Churches that we see today. This same apathy and complacency may also be numbered in the true (born-again believers in) the Body of Christ that have over the years... "fell asleep" as noted in Matthew 13:25 in the Parable of the wheat and the tares as mentioned in the beginning of this writing.

While polls show that the overwhelming majority seems ready to return godly precepts to public affairs, it is clear that a vast number of our elected officials are not. Whose fault is that? Hmmm!

In recent decades, we, the (Church of Jesus Christ) have wrongly allowed the very principles which produced morality and virtue, and thus national stability, to be "restricted" today in public life. We need once again to recognize the truth so well understood by George Washington that: "The propitious [favorable] smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained."

We must become convinced of the principle expressed by Abraham Lincoln and then accept the civic responsibilities implied by his statement: "The truth announced in the Holy Scriptures, and proven by all history [is] that, "Those nations only are blessed, whose God is... their Lord."

It's not too late for "WE" the Church of Jesus Christ to... wake up and (fight the good fight of faith) for our nation in these final hours... and stand up for the true democracy our Founding Fathers started in the beginning of our existence as a... "One Nation Under God". We need to stand up against the (leftwing) radical liberal socialist "mob" movement that will destroy The United States of America as we know it if they take control.

So, if you love America... Let's join our President Donald J. Trump in prayer... that God will manifest Himself against the entire deep state workers of Satan along with the Socialist agenda of the left that are among the enemy's of our country.

Let's return back to, "In God We Trust."

( With the help of: David Barton (born January 28, 1954) is an evangelical Christian political activist and author. He is the founder of WallBuilders, LLC, a Texas-based organization that promotes unorthodox theories about the religious basis of the United States.)


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hhodgson

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Prayers Start With Position

IMAGINE getting up early one morning to get away to your prayer closet. You slip out of bed, feel your way through the dark and somewhat sluggishly settle in to that familiar place where you "meet with God" for a few quiet moments before the sun comes up. This morning, however, is not the same. You gently turn the knob, as you've done so many times before, and open the door for a time of intimacy with Him. But "this time" you're met with a blasting voice that knocks you to your face.

When you finally come to your senses, that same voice---which sounds like the waters of a rushing, mighty river---beckons you, "Come up!"

"Come up!"---to where? your mind asks. And what is the difference this particular time you enter your prayer closet as you've done so many other times. Instead of our normal routine, is God trying to really get our attention? Is this His wake-up call for the Church of Jesus Christ to not only "Come up!" and seek His face, because, of the China pandemic, the current events in the presidential election, and the senate races, especially in "Georgia?" And so, as Christians... what are we doing about the irregularities in these areas?

Question! Have we (the body of Christ) become so complacent (there's that word again)... that we've lost our "identify in Christ" by not taking our position of authority that He has given us? While thinking this through, I don't believe we have lost our identify in Christ "but", we as the (body of Christ) definitely have left our guard down as to applying our position of authority pertaining to these things going on in our nation. As for the results of this election, and as most of us "Christians" just sit by and watch the enemy's of God making every attempt to steal the election from "our choice" of voting for who is to be rightly elected for our country in the senate and the President. The church needs to (wake up) before we can "Come up!"

Suddenly, in your prayer closet, you're jolted again that cause you to blink your eyes to see if this is all real. But you know... it's real the moment your eyes settle on the one central figure, as described by the (Apostle John) in Revelation 1:13:16,

"and in the midst of the seven lampstands, One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire. His feet were like the fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength."​

That's right, It's Jesus. And He's standing right in the middle of your prayer closet. Is it a dream? Maybe a vision? Not quite, Read Revelation 4. It's simply a "day in the life" of the throne room of God.

Take Your Place of Authority: Imagine having an experience as dynamic as this every time you open the door to your prayer closet. Think of how it would revolutionized the results that would follow! Knowing our position of authority and... (taking it), makes a world of difference when it comes to praying.

Ephesians 2:6
explains that place of authority like this: "And God raised us up together with Jesus and made us sit down together giving (us "joint" seating).. with them, in the heavenly sphere.

God has given us a real seat, or position of authority, in Him. And it's not just a place for us to sit so we don't have to stand. No, it is a position of authority and dominion from which we are to rule and "speak to these mountains" in these areas that "dare" to come against the awakened Church of Jesus Christ pertaining to these issues.

We often hear about someone having a "seat" on a board of directors. We say that person sits on the board. It could be for a school, a corporation or maybe a church. The same applies to state and federal legislators. In the United States we say they have a seat in the Senate. It is a position, or place of authority from which those elected officials exercise their authority.

It's no different for us, as (believers). In fact, we hold a seat of even greater authority because Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, which is the seat of all authority, and WE are (now) seated with Him. Did you get that? If so, then we need to let it sink in!

Before Jesus left this earth, He told His disciples, "All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. "Go then and make disciples of all the nations" Matthew 28:18-19. In other words, all that authority and power to rule was invested in Jesus. Then, He turned around and handed it over to us, which was God's plan from the very beginning. Halleluiah to the Lamb of God!

What's more, when Adam walked this earth, his God-given authority only covered this earthly realm and he only exercised very little of that, because it wasn't long before he relinquished his authority to the devil by disobeying, thus rebelling against God.

But when Jesus came on the scene, and (paid the price) to take back that position of authority, He not only recovered Adam's authority over the earth realm---He also went into the pit of Hell and seized authority over that realm, as well.

Before He was through, Jesus regained authority over the heavens, the earth and hell itself. Then, He (empowered us) with that same authority, which we are to exercise in the earth realm, under His direction.

Squeezing Out the Fear: So, how do we exercise this awesome place of authority to rule in heaven and on earth---especially in prayer? Like everything else in the kingdom of God, we do it by faith. Some believers think they take their highest place of authority in prayer when they march around in their prayer closets, stomp the floor and yell at the devil, "I take authority over you, you wicked spirit!" And certainly, authority can be released in that.

But exercising the authority that Ephesians 2:6 describes... goes much further than that. It is a knowing not so much in the head, but by the spirit. And it has everything to do with our position of authority in Christ.

Let's say... the Holy Spirit brings a situation to mind that He wants us to pray about---the nation's economy, the covid-19 pandemic, or... our current presidential elections for instance. Just the week before, your spouse was laid off work and the food pantry is nearly empty. So, sure, you are more than glad to pray about that, and the other things mentioned. The "challenge" is, will you pray from the (right position) that God has given us in...

2 Timothy 1:6-7
Where Paul tells Timothy to "stir up the gifts" of the Holy Spirit within him to fulfill his office and ministry, "Wherefore I put you in remembrance to stir up the gift of God that is in you, by the putting on of my hands."​

What was the gift that Paul was referring to here? Kenneth Hagin says that it has a two-fold application. First of all, he says that it refers to the impartations given by the Holy Spirit when God sets people aside for service. Hagin says that the second application of the gift refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit, or being filled with the Holy Spirit when hands were laid upon them. This gift, which refers to the presence of the Holy Spirit, can be stirred up, as this verse says here, on the inside us by... praying in tongues.

You could easily find yourself praying from a place of being under pressure of the situation---a position beneath your God-given position of authority. Or, by an act of your faith, you can pray from a place above the pressure, where you belong. Then, the circumstances must change to fall in line with God's will (His Word) because someone in a position of authority---that's you... so, "stir up the gift that is within you" for we have work to do, and the works of God is... Only Believe!

Obviously, this is the time when faith-filled words of faith need to pour out of your mouth...not faith-sounding words that are really full of fear, words that get squeezed out of you once panic sets in over a situation. The point is, the position of authority you take in prayer determines the (outcome) of your prayers.

God has authorized us to sit in heavenly places with Him in the Anointed Jesus. (So the call to us today) is, Come up! And... "stir up the gift that's within you" and take up and apply your position of authority and start (speaking) to these mountains... of Covid-19 and the election fraud that by now... is very obvious!

Come up
!... to a higher awareness of your rightful position of authority at the very throne of God. Come up!... and begin to pray from your position of authority that is above the circumstances of this world... and not beneath.

We need to remember that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God and we are sitting next to Him. His finished work on the cross has been completed so... everything we will ever need on this earth (has already) been provided as we take it by faith. Also... this needs to be repeated... so remember that, before Jesus left to sit down at the right hand of God, The Father...He (turned)and passed on that same position of the God given authority that He had... and handed it over to every born-again believer that's walking on the face of the earth to... "whoever dares to believe!"

So, with all that being said, and again what's next? Well, consider this... Let's stop what were doing and take a moment and then "examine ourselves." Has there been apathy and/or complacency that has crept into our lives over the years that needs repenting from? If so, then let's repent (turn away) from it in the Name of Jesus and then use our position of authority to confront these evils.

If we... really care about which direction, do we... as born-again spirit filled Christian believers... need to believe for our nation during this election, then "seek Him first." As far as the Covid-19 virus that I believe was purposely released to the world, especially to affect and overtake the USA as the No 1 superpower with our military and in our financial status to the world. I believe this whole thing was orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), with support by various big tech rich elite multi-billionaire globalists. (more on that later... perhaps!)

Also, as for Covid-19... We as the Body of Christ can stop that by, "let's take up our God given position of authority and rebuke that thing right now in the Name of Jesus... and send it back to hell where it came from. Kenneth Copeland was mocked by our typical band of Word of Faith critics when he declared victory over the virus on YouTube. Copeland can't do it alone. Only Jesus could! However, if the Body of Christ were to get serious about these things, then WE together can destroy this virus... and also turn this election around for many of us believers fully believe that God is using Donald J Trump as He used King Cyrus in the Old Covenant to do the work that He planned for His People then and now... so let us in the Body of Christ take our God given positional authority not to give up on what we're seeing now and see victory in our election through the eyes of faith.

Thank you Father God for your continued blessing through your Son Jesus Christ upon our nation... The United States of America that was founded on your principles of "In God We Trust" and, as we the Church "regain" our God given position of authority to rule and reign and proclaim to the world that, "Jesus Christ is Lord!

(Thanks for the help of Terri Copeland Pearsons, the eldest daughter of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland... to her article in their BVOV magazine.)


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hhodgson

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But... God Found a Way

No one... can deny that 2020 brought unprecedented pressure... from a tumultuous pollical arena, to a world wide pandemic, to an economic rollercoaster, and to the unrest in the streets of our nation. But these end-times of pressure shouldn't surprise us. Paul spoke to Timothy about these days, calling them "... perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]."

Although... the times may be hard to bear, they are not impossible to bear... "because with God, nothing is impossible! God can make a way where there seems to be no way" (Isaiah 43:16).

For instance... when the inhabitants of Jericho... heard of the good works God had done for (His people), the Israelites... the report terrified them. Consider Rahab's words to the spies: "I know the Lord has given you this land." she told them. "We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror... No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things... "but... God found a way!"

Whenever... Paul preached, the kingdom of darkness got stirred up... yet the Church kept growing. After just (one) preaching event, a mob formed and Paul and Silas were thrown in a dungeon and bound with chains. But the two men didn't complain like many would; instead, they sang praises to God while the other inmates listened. And their singing resulted in an earthquake that shook the prison's foundation and caused the prison doors to fly open!

The event was so supernatural that the jailer asked, "...What must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, (you and your household.)" (Acts 16:30-31). And that very night, he and his entire household were born again... "but... God found a way!"

When... true believers are pressured, the Church grows. Peter wasn't intimidated by pressure when (3,000) were saved after the first sermon he preached at Pentecost. In fact, so many were being converted that the city officials forbade Peter from preaching about Jesus. When they imprisoned him, he was guarded by (24) soldiers [and]... was bound by chains between two soldiers. They were terrified Peter might escape.

And what did Peter do while shackled and imprisoned? He slept! And just as the officials feared, an angel appeared to facilitate Peter's prison break. It's revealing that Peter slept so soundly, the angel had to strike him to awaken him. During great persecution, Peter didn't fear or complain. He slept like a baby..."but... God found a way!"

When a governor in his state recently make it illegal to sing in church, believers took (corporate worship) outside the four walls of the church... and into the streets... "but... God found a way!"

These (few) events establish a pattern that shows us what God will do for those who put their trust in Him... and not (have our hearts depart) from Him. These are just a few examples of "God making a way where there appears to be no way." I suppose there are 10s of thousands more that can be found in the Word of God, and It doesn't matter... what situations we may have to deal with. If, WE... put our trust in Him, He will find a way.

We may say our heart hasn't departed from the Lord. But if we're looking and listening, more to the (worlds) report, about current events, then to what the (Word of God) has to say, it's very likely that we won't even see the good that God is doing... when it does come!

Great things... (I believe)... that great things are happening right now (behind the scenes) in the spirit... that we don't know about, as we face these times of unrest of... (the pandemic, the elections, the riots), and other uncertainties happening in our nation today. Can we see in the spirit the good things God is doing, or... are we too focused (on our own) problems were facing right now?

In contrast, those who rely on God have quite a different outcome! "Blessed in the man who trusts in the Lord. And whose confidence is in Him. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spread out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes, but its leaves will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought never cease from yielding fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

As Christians, we must not get caught up in what the (current-day) doomsayers are saying. We must recognize the unrest, the hatred, and the antichrist spirit for what it is: a fearful response of the kingdom of darkness. This level of disturbance in the (natural realm) reflects the activity in the (spirit realm)... as Satan's forces seek to thwart the plan of God, and disrupt the great last-days outpouring of the Spirit that looms on the horizon. When there is this level of unrest in the (natural) that's on full display in this present hour, you can be sure there is much activity in the (spirit).

The current unrest today mirrors the tumultuous period of time our nation had in the 60s. But...Today, we are on the precipice of the greatest awakening of the Church Body ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ the world has ever experienced. The media can't stop it, and it can't be legislated away. The more pressure that is applied, the greater the Body of Christ multiplies.

So don't...be concerned, or distracted by the "socialistic" (opposition) that is coming against our presidential election, and this nation that was and is founded on, "In God We Trust" as the whole world is watching the end results. Instead, stay focused on God's wisdom and let God deal with those who resist His plan. He promises that those who set traps for us... will "end up falling"... into those traps themselves.

When our eyes are fixed on JESUS and His delivering power, the opposition can make attempts to thwart us, but we'll escape without a scratch... and remember, "God will find ways where it appears there is none!"

Question! Whose report will you believe?" will you join the fearful... the complainers who echo the world's doom and gloom? Or, will you be like the believer, who declares..."we are certainly not those who are held back by fear and perish; We are among those who have faith and experience true life!"

As for the presidential election, it appears that there is absolutely no way that Donald J. Trump can get reelected as it stands now. What more can be done that hasn't been done? Looking at this in our natural eyes, it looks hopeless. But, as I mentioned several times earlier in this post... God will find a way where there is no way! Let us... (The Church of Jesus Christ) take a STAND and "fight the good fight of faith" for... the best is yet to come!

On January 10th, our President Donald J. Trump said this... "Our incredible journey... is just beginning!"

(Thanks to Vicki Burke, wife of Pastor Dennis Burke, a friend of Kenneth Copeland Ministries)


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hhodgson

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Discerning False Prophets
(1 John 4:1)​

"Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak (prophesy) by My Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have... comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world."​

(Deuteronomy 18:20-22)​

‘But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My Name which I have NOT commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ “You may say in your heart, ‘How will we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’ “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does NOT come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has NOT spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him."
(Jeremiah 23:25-28, 30-32)​
“I have heard these prophets say, ‘Listen to the dream I had from God last night.’ And then they proceed to (tell lies) in My Name. How long will this go on? If they are prophets, they are prophets of (deceit), inventing everything they say. By telling these (false) dreams, they are trying to get my people to forget me, just as their ancestors did by worshiping the idols of Baal. “Let these false prophets tell their dreams, but , let My true messengers faithfully proclaim My every word."​

THEREFORE,” says the LORD, “I am against these prophets who steal messages from (each other) and claim they are from Me. I am against these smooth-tongued prophets who say, ‘This prophecy is from the LORD!’ I am against these false prophets. Their imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin. I did NOT send or appoint them, and they have NO message at all for My people. I, the LORD, have spoken!
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So the (key question) to the prophet today is..."Am I willing to die for what I believe God has shown me "the Word of the Lord" in prophesying to His people?" I'm sure the prophets that probably are (mostly from NAR)... are well aware of how God handled this in the Old Covenant as scriptures were revealed in the beginning of this post has shown... "that prophet will die."

Our prophets are prophesying one day... and changing, or adding, to their words just days later, "The Lord told me this..." Some have apologized when the events prophesied didn't quite turn out the way they spoke it to be." I don't believe these prophets prophesying (today) that are (found to be wrong) aren't going to be killed off as warned in the Old Covenant period of the law. But they most probably will examine themselves, and either continue on believing God will reveal a way in Trump's favor, or repent and bow out, and just accept that... (We here the phrase) "it is what it is."

The Church needs to show Love to these prophets when they prophesy wrong for they also need to be ministered to. (1 Peter 4:8) "Above all, love each other deeply for Love covers a multitude of sins." So Let's let God work and deal with them and for the most part, even though these prophets may be wrong at times, they may still be very loving and sincere Christians... and God will deal with the (fake) prophets. We must be careful in our discernments... that may lead to our judgement on them. That's not for us to decide for only God knows their hearts.

I'm sure that there are prophets that are still "believing" God will somehow, in someway... turn things around to where Donald Trump regains back the presidency, or... continuing behind the scenes "as things are being played out", and wanting and waiting for more evidence of voter fraud that may yet come forth, along with the cooperation of the federal courts this time that actually get involved and declare a fair investigation [and]... I'm not ashamed to say I am also still "believing" that God, in this situation... isn't done yet either. We don't know just what is going on... behind the scenes. Only time will tell. We need to continue seeking God through his Word, while yet to continue being patient while things play out, and hopefully God will expose the fraud prophets and let His true prophets faithfully proclaim His every word."

Our nation is not dead, yet! I believe that most of the Church is (still asleep) and haven't fully awakened to what's actually going on in our nation... that's NOW pushing their socialistic agenda. The entire church that believes that Jesus Christ is Lord will play a significant role in what direction to take if and when they get involved. A good place to start is in their pulpits.

Personally, there are some false prophets prophesying today that I would not give a second of my time to. There was/is one (he's back) particular prophet of (god) that used his wife who quizzed audience members before the show and provided him with info via a radio transmitter while he was on stage ministering. This guy was exposed in 1987 that has resulted in bankruptcy, and (maybe) some prison time. He returned in 2005 using the same old stage tricks with added snake oil and miracle holy water and once again exposed on TV in 2007. These are the ones that should be removed from any ministry their involved in, and (not to mention) to be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

If I ever see him again on TV, I just may get a gun and shoot out the screen (just kidding). Remember, when Elvis Presley was watching TV one time and Robert Goulet came on singing. (Elvis hated him) and he (reportedly) took his pistle and shot out the TV screen. True story!

We still have much work yet saints, and God is still sitting on the throne... and (Jesus) is also sitting next to the Father. And... In heavenly places... we are also (now) seated with Christ and the Father in heavenly places.

Jesus gave us His authority on earth, so Let's continue to seek God through His Word... to equip us (the Church) to spread, preach, and minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the nations of the world. Through Christ, we have been given the power and authority to rule and reign on the earth with (Christ in us)... in this life (now)—if we’ll exercise our rightful authority. The true prophets (from God)... gives us Words of prophesy and together we do the work to minister Christ to the world.


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hhodgson

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So... What Do We Do Now?

If you were to talk to Christians in your area of our nation pertaining to (such as)... the election results... the suspected fraud... Donald Trump... Joe Biden... the prophets... the awakening Church... the sleeping Church... the end time revival... the "reset" we keep hearing about... the media-the airways censorship of Christians... and much more. What would you hear about in some of these situations they may be saying today?

The truth is that many Christians have gotten tired of the fight... and many have given up as seeing our prophets apologizing and repenting for being wrong in their prophesies about these issues were facing today. Some Christians have taken other directions, and have accepted the way things are currently happening to our nation. "It is as it is." Their just tired and don't care anymore. "It's over and there's nothing we can do..." So Christianity is saying, "What do we do now?"

We, the Church... deserves what's going on in America today through our complacency, along with the Church, especially from the pulpits (Don't chew me out yet). One of our (prophets) commented that the Church is in a spiritual pandemic and as deadly and damaging as is the covid-19 virus threat. He goes on to say... "It's like the Church has been lax and overfed and underworked and having a (fake awakening) that's fighting the great awakening of the Church."

A few questions has come up, "Did many of us look at President Trump in an idolized way?" Another question is heard about the prophets, "Is some of the prophets today using the word "prophet" with a bragging capital "P" in Liew of a small "p" showing humility?" (in other words), "I am a Prophet" Yet, another question is heard, "Did Christians and the conservative un-believers back off from voting since hearing from several prophets that, "Trump will win, it's guaranteed?" Why should I vote then by knowing this? It's in the bag!

You may have heard that one Lady Senator... up for reelection lost her senate seat to a very leftist liberal "pastor" of all things. This pastor openly supports abortion and even mentions it behind the church's pulpit, to his congregation that drew some "amens." Our president (Trump) was there and campaigned for her in a large crowd... invited her to come up on stage to say a few words, and... one other Senator was (there also) running to keep his seat in the Senate. Sad to say that they both lost their seats... and the end result was... losing the Senate to the Democrats. That's how critical it was... even though much prayer that was offered up around the nation praying for their return to their congressional seats. What happened to "Trust in the Lord above everything else?"

Yes, they both lost but the more sad part is that the Lady Senator reportedly commented not much later that... "she was done, I'm throwing in the towel... and said, I give up. It's too intense."

So, to the question, "What do we do now?" Here it is! Were going to keep praying... in faith! Were going to keep contacting our government officials when we don't agree with their decisions that are contrary to the... Word of God. Were going to keep shining the light on every issue and were going to stand... in faith! That standing means standing in what is right even when it's not popular.

(Ephesians 6:13) says this, "Therefore, take up the whole armor of God to be able to stand in that evil day, and having done all, Stand!"

One repented prophet said this, "Yes, there's still much complacency in the Church as a whole, However! There is a fire breaking out in America... in the Churches of Jesus Christ because it's like the moment... when Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers at the temple. He definitely was a little upset. Today, millions of upset Christians in America are saying, "enough is enough." In the spirit world... something is going on and everything in my bones said the (prophet)... tells me this is an insurrection of American patriotism and a Christian awakening, and in the days ahead were in a moment where the spirit of God is about to fall dealing with darkness in a way we never could imagine.

Wow! Just heard... "Breaking News", The House of Representatives is NOW voting to remove the Pledge of Allegiance before a committee meeting begins. Hmm! Another "What do we do now, moment?" Let's keep up our fight... of faith and believe that God intervenes in our favor. Faith is when you quit believing what you see, and start seeing what you believe.

"If God be for us, who can be against us." (Romans 8:31)


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now faith

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hhodgson, so glad to read your thought here.
All I know is in 2016 what seemed to be a defining moment in their last debate, Trump looked at Clinton and said you would let a baby be murdered after being born.
I dont know if that was exactly what He said, yet I believe it had broken her.
It was a wake up call to America.
It provoked the minds of many people including Christians.
As far as the 2020 Election I believe it was stolen in plain site.
Our Leaders, along with the Corporations that were involved with China Had to Remove Trump or China would have exposed all the dirty secrets.
Blackmail and bribes galore are the reason for a all out assault from the media and the Left.
What they do not understand is Trump is not the God of America.
They cannot hide from The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We are His Children, and His anointed, God in His perfection is always
Faithful, and His Covenant He will not break.

God has blessed You my Friend and always will.
 
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hhodgson

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Don't Draw Back... "Go Forward."​

It's never God's will for you to retreat or to turn back regardless of what we will face ahead of us. Quitters isn't an option for people... of Faith. Going "forward" is always God's plan for you. He always has something better planned for you ahead.

Going "forward" begins in your heart... that is the new heart or new (spirit) that God gave us at our new birth. And before you can go "forward" on the outside you have to start (seeing it) on the inside through your (eyes of faith), however..! You'll never go "forward" if your feeling sorry for yourself... and having a pity party because of things (economy, pandemic, etc) that are getting much tougher in our daily surviving, and also... by seeing so much "corruption" in the radical leftist socialist agenda that we are experiencing, and seeing everyday in our nation today. Going "forward" is taking an act of faith on your part.

The many accomplishments that Donald J. Trump, (whether you like him or not)... has done for us in his (4) years in office as our President, were more than astounding in making our country "great again." What took Trump (4) years for him in accomplishing "great again" status. And sadly, it's being destroyed daily by the liberal leftist, that includes the "big tech" billionaires that (I believe) manipulated, and funded hundreds of "millions" in creating various voter fraud all throughout the election process... to be in their favor. So now, we have a President who doesn't know whether he's "coming" or "going" as he slashes Trumps policies almost daily. I think everyone knows that he is NOT running the country and that he will be their controlled puppet until they decide to replace him with the vice president and it's believed... she is much worse.

This new administration has created (what I call)... a "Red Sea" moment that leaves with the appearance of being impossible (in the natural) to reverse the damages constantly being done each day by the leftest agenda that will eventually destroy our nation.

So, were back to "what do we do now?"

Let's review the actual Red Sea miracle moment. Moses took several hundreds of thousands of God's people... (the children of Israel) and led them out of Egypt to escape the Pharaoh and his army that controlled Egypt during that time in Bible history. They came upon the edge of the Red Sea and was faced with an impossible situation in front of them... and Pharaoh's army in full force attacking from behind them.

What did the people say to Moses? "Why have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?" Didn't we tell you in Egypt saying, "leave us alone so we can continue serving the Egyptians for it would have been better for us to serve as slaves to them then to die here at the banks of the Red Sea?

Moses (said to the people), "Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today." Then (the LORD said to Moses), "Why are you crying out to me? (You) speak to the people and tell them to go "forward." And as they did, God parted the Red Sea for them and they crossed over on dry ground. The Pharaoh's army started crossing over and God released the parted waters and they all drowned.

So, in the coming days ahead you may be facing a (smaller version) of a Red Sea moment that (appears to be an impossible situation) in the natural, and in your situation... if your willing to go "forward" in your faith... there may be new possibilities awaiting for you as well as new opportunities to take you to higher levels of victory. Get this! What chain reaction do you suppose could take place if you (do) choose to... "Go Forward?"

Listen saints! Your best days are ahead and as you "Go Forward" taking steps of faith in your situation will see God's glory manifested, producing miracles and doing the impossible not only in your life... and the life of others as well.

There is something that needs to be noted when God parted the Red Sea. Remember what the LORD said to Moses in what to say to the people? It was noticed that God didn't part the Red Sea "until" He saw Moses in obedience SPEAK to them... to Go "Forward."

Same with us today. If we have a situation coming against us. Speak to it and command it to go away in Jesus name. We have that authority!

Philippians 4:13 "And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed and therefore I spoke, we also believe and therefore speak,"

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hhodgson

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When? Is God Going To... Move?

With that title being said... This is my opinion but, He won't do any moving unless we the Church of Jesus Christ (in general) goes through a period of "repenting" of our apathy and complacency over the years. God will move WHEN we do. He is still looking for those who will stand in the gap and to (boldly declare) His Word to our dying planet. Yes!... The Church is waking up sporadically all over the world, and (thank God) this awakening is more noticable in America due to the shockwaves of our presidential election results... and with the new administration overturning many policies that were much more in line in what our forefathers have implemented from the beginning birth of our nation... that was built on, "In God We Trust." Remember that? Almost over night America has been turned over to a "Socialistic Republic."

Many in (the Church) are still at the place where their asking God to intervene and do something. "God, Where are you?" Much of the Church is not (walking by faith) as should be, but walking by what we are seeing with our natural eyes with... the corruption, the pandemic, the insanity going on with our new administration with the president, the House, and the Senate, and not to mention the abnormalities in weather patterns in various areas of our country, and around the world.

The good news is the next great move of God have already begun. The Lord is raising up ordinary people of all ages and backgrounds to bring about a Holy Spirit infused movement that will sweep the earth. It will be the greatest outpouring of God's glory the world has ever seen.

In the Old Covenant... Gideon demonstrated a pattern for this type of move. His story is found in the Book of Judges. The Israelites were handed over to their enemies because they did evil in the Lord's sight... as well as many of us today. The once victorious children of Israel were hiding in caves fearful of the Midianites. Because the nation had turned away from God, their enemy prevailed. Sound familiar today? In our presidential election the leftist Socialist prevailed. Also prevailed in both House and the Senate elections.

The Israelites were tired of their condition (so are we) and came to realize how far they had strayed. They cried out to God in repentance, and He responded to their cries. He sent prophets to correct them and give His people the hope that something good was coming. This marked the beginning of a revival for Israel. Then God looked for a person He could use to bring His plan into the earth. That person was Gideon.

An angel appeared to Gideon and said, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!" (Judges 6:12) Although... Gideon who also was hiding in fear (in the cave) like everyone else, a fire burned inside him. He asked the angel, "If the Lord is with us, why then... has all this happen to us." (Judges 6:13) Gideon had heard about the great acts God performed for his ancestors but wondered where the miracles were in his day. In essence, he was saying, "It should not be like this." He wanted to see God move! (today, so do we).

The angel replied, "Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent YOU?" (Judges 6:14) Gideon began taking steps to follow the angel's instructions, and the Lord used him to smite the Midianites and deliver his people.

The Israelites fear of their enemy reflects what is happening in the Church world in recent years (even today). The Church is hiding while the world in speaking loud and clear. Instead of the Church having a positive impact on society, people are turning to the world for deliverance.

Today, God is looking for people with hearts like Gideon. The Lord is searching for people who are tired of the status quo, fed up with seeing the Church defeated, and dissatisfied with only hearing about past moves of God. God is looking for yielded vessels who want to see their generation rocked by His presence and power. (He's talking to us!)

For years, it has been prophesied that "a great move of God is coming." That move is NOW! The Lord wants a harvest of souls. But the harvest won't come if the Body of Christ is withdrawn from society and hidden in churches.

How do we change our generation and take back what the devil has stolen? First, we must cry out to God and repent. Second, we need to pray. There has never been a revival that was not preceded by much prayer and repentance. Third, we have to prepare ourselves. That includes getting rid of anything... even good things... that suppress our hunger for God.

Movements of God don't begin by someone waking up and saying, "Let's start a movement today." They start with Believers who get on fire for God, answer the call, and go out and win souls.

It's time to believe God for the impossible. Let's believe Him for entire cities and nations. People need to know that God is real, Jesus is Lord, and that His name still has power. The problem is not on the Lord's end. He wants to do miracles in our generation. We have to hunger for it. Let's start by praying the following...

"Lord God, make me Hungary for Your power and presence. Remove all idols and distractions in my life and anything that has replaced my hunger for Your glory. I will not be satisfied with anything but Your glory, power and presence."

So, it comes down to this Church... Wake up!

(Special thanks to... Kirk Dubois) instructor at Rhema


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hhodgson

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The Blame Game

It's not uncommon to hear people ask, "Why did God permit this?" "Why doesn't God do something about this?" or, "Why did Jesus let that happen to me?" The answer may surprise you, but God "can't" do anything about it. Yes, we hear that God can do anything but there are things that He WON"T do for It's up to the ones asking the question to (exercise) their authority in Christ and enforce the Word of God in their lives.

Jesus is the Head of the Church, and we in the Church are His body (Ephesians 5:23, 30). Authority is conferred not only upon the Head but also upon the body. The same authority the Head has, the body has. Our physical head cannot do a thing without our body. In fact, our head can't do anything except through are body.

The same is true with Christ and the Church. Jesus is not here in a physical body, so it's up to the Church to "enforce" His will on the earth. Instead of doing this, many Christians don't do anything and blame God for what they are experiencing. It's not a matter of God letting bad things happen to them. They, (the Church) have actually allowed bad things to happen because they haven't excepted their responsibility, and "exercised their authority" in Christ.

This is what happened in the Garden of Eden. We see clearly from the following passage that Adam never took responsibility for his actions. (Genesis 3:8-12) And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, "Adam, where are you?" And he said, I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. The Lord said, "Who told you that you were naked?" "Have you eaten of the tree, when I commanded you that you should not eat?" And Adam said, The woman that you gave, to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

When God asked Adam if he ate the forbidden fruit, Adam immediately blamed Eve... [and] God. Adam turned the situation around by saying, "The woman that you gave to be with me." In other words, Adam was saying, "It's Your fault, God. You and this woman are to blame!"

People today aren't much different. It's a lot easier to blame someone else than to place the blame where it belongs... squarely on our shoulders. God make provision for us to be overcomers. We can be victorious even in the most trying circumstances. It may feel as though our situation is beyond our control, but God has provided a way of escape from everything that comes against us. Our victory is found in His Word, the Name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, and our authority in Christ.

We'd like to think we're not responsible for the adversity we encounter, whether it's sickness, financial lack, or some other trouble. But we are more responsible for what happens to us than many of us would like to admit. It's (up to us) to use what He has given us to change our circumstances.

We cannot allow ourselves to become so caught up in day-to-day affairs that we don't hear God's still, small voice when He tries to warn us and direct our paths to safety. We must be quick to use our authority when symptoms come on our bodies. And during adversity, we must guard our lips and only speak Words of Faith. (faith filled words)

When we realize that Christ's authority also belongs to every member of His Body, we will never be the same. We will dominate the devil instead of letting him dominate us!

In memory of... Kenneth E. Hagin


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Something Funny
The Preacher and the Peanuts

A preacher visits an elderly woman from his congregation. As he sits on the couch, he notices a large bowl of peanuts on the coffee table. "Mind if I have a few?" he asks. "No, not at all!" the woman replied. They chat for an hour and, as the preacher stands to leave, he realizes that instead of eating just a few peanuts, he emptied most of the bowl. "I'm terribly sorry for eating all your peanuts. I really just meant to eat a few." "Oh, that's all right," the woman says. "Ever since I lost my teeth, all I can do is suck the chocolate off them."

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hhodgson

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A Faith Nugget
How to Deal With the Devil

As long as Satan can keep you in unbelief or hold you in the arena of reason, he will whip you in every battle. But if you will hold him in the arena of faith and the Spirit, YOU will whip him every time. He won't argue with you about the Name of Jesus... for he's afraid of that Name. The most effective way to pray can be when you demand your rights. Peter at the Gate Beautiful did NOT pray for the lame man. He "demanded" that he be healed (Acts 3:6), You are not "demanding God" (some critics of Word of Faith would so), but when you DO demand your rights... you are demanding the Devil.​

Jesus said in (John 14:13-14), "And whatsoever you shall ask in My Name, I will do it... If you shall ask anything in My Name, I will do it." These verses are NOT talking about prayer. The Greek word here is "demand." not "ask."

On the other hand, (John 16:23-24) IS referring to prayer, "And in that day you ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked "nothing" in My Name: ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full." The Father is mentioned here in connection with (prayer), but He is not mentioned in the passage from John (14).

The Greek actually reads, "Whatsoever you demand is as your rights and privileges." The Body of Christ must learn their biblical rights and then begin... to demand them in our fight of faith with the devil.

Kenneth Hagin Ministries
Something Funny
Jesus Visits After the Resurrection
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This story cannot be found in the scriptures, but it is told that after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to an old fisherman. "I am Jesus and I have returned to show God's love and power." "No, you're not Jesus. Go away! You're scaring all the fish," answered the old fisherman. Jesus said, "I see you are full of doubt. What would you have me do to show who I am?" "Walk across the river!" The old fisherman tells Jesus. Jesus starts walking across the river, but he sinks and disappears under the water. After he swims back to shore, the old fisherman says to him, "See, you're not Jesus. You can't walk on water!" Jesus responds, "Well, I used to be able to do it, but then I got these holes in my feet!" (hint: from the cross)

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hhodgson

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Are You Really a Born-again Christian?

This post is for those who attended church perhaps for years and thought that they were "saved" Christians, but never really had a personal relational with Jesus Christ.

I WAS 4 years old when my family began attending a denominational church. No one ever talked about being born-again, so I never gave my life to Christ---I didn't know you were supposed to! We thought if we were in church, we were Christians. During junior high and high school, I went to a basketball camp every year for seven years at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. When I was at the college, the University coach at the time, asked me to coach the camp, so I did.

When I was away, I called and talked to my dad. He sounded much different! He had gotten "saved" when I was gone! "When you get back," he said, "I have a book I want you to read." After returning from coaching, Dad handed me The New Birth by Kenneth E. Hagin.

I read the small book with interest. There was nothing in it that was against what I had been taught. At my church, we learned about the Passion Week, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. But, that was about it. We never heard the salvation message of being born-again. The following Monday night, my parents and I attended a charismatic Bible study in someone's home. People were there from every kind of church in our town. After we sang some songs, someone asked, "Does anyone have anything to say?

"I don't know what possessed me to share, but I said, "I just read the book, The New Birth, by Kenneth E. Hagin. I want everyone to know that I believe God raised Jesus from the dead and that He is my Lord and Savior." At that moment, I knew something happened.

(Romans 10:9-10) "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is make unto salvation."
I had never heard that if I confessed with my mouth the Lord Jesus, I would be saved. My church didn't teach us that. I never (acted) on (Romans 10:9-10) when I first read it. But that night when I confessed Christ as my Savior, I felt something change inside me.

Those folks got excited and started singing again. A little Catholic lady from the Philippines walked up to me and said, "I'll hold you hand, and you will speak in tongues." She did, and I did!

I thank God I can credit The New Birth (book) with teaching me the doctrine I needed to act and receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
(Special thanks to Tad Gregurich, the Dean of Rhema Bible Training College and associate pastor at Rhema Bible Church)

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FAITH IN ACTION
A Fresh Start

Jesus taught that you must be born-again to have a right relationship with God. Great benefits belong to Christians, but! Before you can claim any of them, you must experience the new birth, You don't have to have a feeling like Tad Gregurich did, you just need to act on (Romans 10:9-10). If you would like to receive God's gift of salvation, pray the following prayer:

Heavenly Father, I realize that no one is righteous and all have sinned (Romans 3:10,23).

I believe that Jesus came to bring righteousness by dying in my place, and I receive His gift of salvation (Romans 5:15-17).

I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I accept Him now as my Savior and my Lord (Romans10:9-10).

I ask You to fill me with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in an unknown tongues, enabling me to speak in a heavenly language (Acts 2:4).

Thank You, Father, for accepting me into Your family and giving me a new start in life!
If you prayed this prayer for the first time... welcome to Gods family.

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hhodgson

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The "Who" in Your Storm
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When a close friend of mine received a life-altering report from her doctor, I asked the Lord... "Why?" He said, "You are asking the wrong question. That is why you don't have an answer! Stop asking why and start asking "Who." Why the storm is happening is not as important as "Who" is in the storm... with you.

Jesus is the "Who" in any storm you may face. And, if you know "Who" He is to you during those times, the why simply doesn't matter. Many times when Christians experience adversity, they default to thinking they must be out of the will of God. But, going through a trial does not mean that at all. Jesus said we would experience trials and sorrows (John 16:33).

God knows every hardship you will face and promises to take you through all adversity. So anytime you encounter an overwhelming situation, instead of asking why, look to the "Who" that is always with you. Jesus.

The "Calm" in Your Storm

(Mark 4:39) When Jesus woke up in the boat, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be Still! Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was "great calm." The "Who" in your storm will be your calm. It's not natural to be calm when faced with difficult situations. The world expects you to freak out, cry, and scream. But, because the "Who" with you is Jesus, you can tap into His peace and let it flood your heart and mind and... be calm.

The "Joy" in Your Storm

No one feels like being joyful in a trial. There may be days you don't want to get out of bed. But, outlook often determines outcome. A defeated and depressed outlook allows the waves of a storm to crash down on you, but... instead of being discouraged, (James 1:2) says to consider it an "opportunity" for pure joy when tests and challenges come your way. Jesus is the source of your joy.

That doesn't mean you are happy for the hard time. Joy comes from knowing the waves are temporary and that you will get to the other side with the "Who" that's in your boat? You may have to force your emotions to line up by doing things that fuel your joy. Find something that makes you laugh and lifts you up. A cheerful heart is good medicine.

Your Friend and "Comforter" in Your Storm

Jesus is the source of your comfort. Believing this truth gives you the boldness and courage to face anything. (Psalm 34:18) says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed." And (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) says, "God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

God will bring people into your life to show His comfort and mercy during a storm. Don't let pride, stubbornness, or self sufficiency cause you to reject the help God sends to you. God also wants you to be part of the "Who" in someone else's life. One of the best ways to forget about your problems is by looking for "opportunities" to comfort someone during a tough season in their life.

Your "Focus" in Your Storm

Storms come at the most inconvenient times! When they arrive, it is critical to focus on the "Who" and not the circumstance, problem, or prognosis. Keeping your eyes on Jesus will transform the very atmosphere around you. It can change the atmosphere in a hospital room, in your home, or with a rebellious teenager.

(Hebrews 12:2) says to fix your eyes on Jesus--the author and finisher of your faith. That means Jesus will be with you in the beginning, in the middle, and at the finish line. He will never leave you! So, no matter how things may look or how hard they may be, stay focused on God.

The "Victory" in Your Storm

The "Who" with you is always victorious. He never quits or loses! Therefore, you never have to be afraid when faced with challenges. You can be confident that the end of your story is victorious because Jesus---the King of Kings, the Healer, the Provider, the Alpha and Omega---lives inside of you and He has made you more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).

So the next time you are in a storm, you don't have to wait for it to pass. You can smile and dance in the rain because you know "Who" is with you. Jesus

Have a Blessed Day.

(Special thanks to Denise Hagan Burns) Granddaughter of Kenneth E. Hagin.

Something Funny
Shack It to Me...in Heaven
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A wealthy man died and went to heaven. He was met at the Pearly Gates by Saint Peter who led him down the streets of gold. They passed mansion after mansion until they came to the very end of the street. Saint Peter stopped the rich man in front of a little shack. “This belongs to you,” said Saint Peter. “Why do I get this ugly thing when there are so many mansions I could live in?” the man demanded. “We did the best we could with the money you sent us!”


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The Three Enemies of Faith
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THE BIBLE TELLS us to "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12). There wouldn't be a fight if there were no enemies! The enemies of faith aren't what most people think they are. Many look for enemies in the natural realm, but that's not where they are. Our fight of faith is in the spirit realm. (Romans 10:17) "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."

The "first" greatest hindrance to faith is a lack of knowledge of God's Word. Because faith comes by hearing the Word, all enemies of faith are connected in some way with our lack of knowledge.

When you know God's Word, faith comes. As soon as the light of the Word comes, faith is there. It accompanies knowledge. People often pray for faith saying, "What I need is more faith!" But, what they really need is the (knowledge) of God's Word. People who pray for faith are attempting to get through prayer what the Word alone can give.

The "second" one of the most prominent enemies of Faith is a sense of... unworthiness. All of us have battled it. Feelings of unworthiness [and] a sense of the lack of faith go hand in hand. These two are perhaps the most subtle, dangerous weapons of the devil. But! We can find the answer to these feelings in God's Word: Your (worthiness) is in Jesus Christ!

God does not heal your body or baptize you in the Holy Spirit based on (your) worthiness. If He did, no one would ever receive these blessings from God because no one is worthy in themselves. Like many others in their churches, I was taught... in a Pilgrim Holiness church, (that my parents attended till they passed on)... that there is nothing that we can do to be "worthy enough." We grew up several years in church believing that... which, by the way is true. But! What was (not) being taught is that if we're in Christ... we ARE worthy. Please get this saints! In Him...We are worthy.

By NOT (knowing) the Word of God, many Christians allow feelings of unworthiness to defeat them. People have told me they were sure they (couldn't) be filled with the Holy Spirit because they weren't good enough for they were unworthy. Praying with people for healing, I ran into the same situation many times.

The trouble is that many Christians are acquainted, and reminded by the devil of all their shortcomings, mistakes, faults, and failures. They look at themselves from a (natural standpoint) rather than from a (biblical perspective)---which is the way God looks at us. He is our head and we are His body.

I struggled with unworthiness when I was a teenage "invalid" and thought I was being humble! I didn't know..! I was just being "stupid," for believing this stuff...which is still being taught in many churches that "I'm weak and unworthy." Many of you have heard these same things over the years from a (natural) standpoint that may have been true, but wasn't true from the (spiritual) standpoint.

I came to a different conclusion (from what I was taught) after reading (2 Corinthians 5:17), "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Paul said, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:10).

Then
... I saw where I made my mistake. Instead of believing what the Bible says about me---the real me, (the man on the inside)---I looked at the outward man and my physical shortcomings. I passed judgment on my situation when I should have accepted God's estimation of it. I knew He did not make any unworthy new creatures. If He did, that would have belittled His work.

We did not make (ourselves) a new creation--Jesus did... by His Death on the cross, Burial, and Resurrection (arose) from the dead, and His Ascension into heaven, and sitting down at the right side of the Father. His work has been done. After the cross Jesus said, "It is finished." Also, when Jesus died... we died with Him. Our (old nature man) is DEAD. And..! We were also raised up and sit with Him at the Father's right hand.

The Father looks at Jesus and sees me (the real me, the real you)... in Him. When I learned this truth, it was a giant step toward releasing my faith and having faith to receive physical healing.

A "third" enemy of faith is (substitution) either hope or mental agreement for (real faith). That is why so many people are defeated. They say, "Well, I'm hoping and praying. The Bible does not say that God hears the prayer of hope!" It's "The prayer of faith shall save the sick" (James 5:15). If James had said the prayer of hope would do it, we world all automatically have results!

Jesus taught, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you received them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:24). Believe---(not hope)---that you receive and you will have. Hope is a human reaction. You may call it believing, but that doesn't make it so.

You may say, "I believe God is (going) to do something for me. I believe He is (going) to heal me. I believe God is (going) to hear and answer my prayer someday." That isn't faith! It is hope because you are postponing what you want to in the future.

Faith is present tense (now). Blessings are already provided for us... in Jesus. The Bible tells us that God "has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 1:3). God doesn't have to do one thing more, it is already done.

Get your believing in line with what the Bible says. Quit hoping. Start believing---not because you (feel) like it or (see) it, but because God's Word says it! And that settles it!

(Special thanks to Kenneth E. Hagin) Timeless Teachings


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Something Funny
Free Commandments
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God first went to the Egyptians and asked them if they would like a commandment. "What's a commandment?" They asked. "Well, it's like, THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY," replied God. The Egyptians thought about it and then said, "No way, that would ruin our weekends." So then God went to the Assyrians and asked them if they would like a commandment. They also asked, "What's a commandment?" "Well," said God, "It's like, THOU SHALL NOT STEAL." The Assyrians immediately replied, "No way. That would ruin our economy." So finally God went to the Israelites and asked them if they wanted a commandment. They asked, "How much?" God said, "They're free." The Israelites said, "Great! We'll take ten!"
 
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Be "Still" Before the Lord
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Were all busy in our daily lives and no matter how disciplined you are, when your smartphone "dings," and you usually find yourself pulling it out to read whatever it was that screamed for your attention: a text message, a social media post, a news release, whatever. Today, more than ever, it's a struggle not to be distracted, and instead be tuned in to where the lord would have you focus.

This became clear to me years ago when I found myself in Colorado on a camping trip with my family. One morning before sunrise, I walked away from the camp and found a solitary spot where I could watch the sun come up over a mountain. If you've ever watched the sun rise like that, you know it's breathtaking.

There I was, on the side of a wooded slope, overlooking a meadow with a creek. It was so quiet you could have heard a pine needle drop. In that moment, the Spirit of God came on me, and I sat there for a couple hours. I didn't have a vision. God didn't speak to me audibly. But, in that moment, everything He is--all the peace, all the joy, all the assurance, all the knowing-- was there. When I returned to camp, I was in a completely different place spiritually, and I remained in that place of joy for months.

I asked the Lord, "Why did I have to go to the side of a mountain in Colorado to have that kind of experience?" The Lord quickened me to look at (Psalm 46:10) "Be still, and know that I am God." Be still...know... those words stood out to me from that simple verse. If we want to truly know Him, It starts by getting still.

Getting still before the Lord allows us to experience all His capacities--what He's imparted to each of us, the assurance of our faith, and the things we believe. In Hebrew, the word still means to "cease or letup." Strong's Concordance gives another definition that makes me chuckle: "Relax." Sometimes it's hard to cease, letup, or simply to relax in this world. To do so requires a real commitment.

I'm reminded of Martha, who was so busy and concerned with serving that she couldn't sit at Jesus' feet. The Lord didn't tell Martha she shouldn't serve, but He did correct her for being hampered about much serving" (Luke 10:40). In the next verse, Jesus clarified that in doing so, she was "troubled about many things."

We need to be able to accomplish our work or ministry without being cumbered or troubled about what we do. We must recognize that there is a time to abate from our physical labor and get physically still before the Lord.

How do we get still in this busy, busy world? When my wife and I were first starting out in ministry, we only had a few members and one service a week. I had plenty of time to get still before the Lord, but as our church grew, things became more complicated. As your commitments grow and as your ministry grows, you'll face the same question I did. How can we maintain a place of stillness so we can continue to experience the presence and glory of God?

It's challenging to manage time in a way that allows us to get still before God. Getting beyond our smartphones, our cares, and our to-do lists is a battle. We all have practical things that need to be done. However, we need to spend time with our communicating with our spouses, more time with each of our children, especially when they're young. All that takes time.

If you think about it too much, you may find yourself like Martha, "troubled by many things!" Thankfully, the Lord showed me something that set me free, and I believe it will help you also. Recognizing that I had a time problem, I reasoned that if I were to get with God, time would stretch out longer, and I'd have a greater capacity to fit in what needed to be done. That revelation, and ultimately that practice, has been my greatest shortcut in ministry.

I challenge you to take time to be still, to spend time in the Word and with the Lord... and to trust that He'll redeem that time necessary for our families and friends and, the daily work requirements. No, finding time to achieve all our goals won't be easy but a a simple uncomplicated life allows His Word to enter in. That results in revelation.

How do we find that place..? And the time to relax and be still before the Lord? (1 John 1:7) put it this way: "But if we walk in the light, as He is the light, we have fellowship one with another."

This part of the verse is talking about continue unbroken fellowship with God. When you walk in the light... when you become still... you'll have fellowship with God. It's in that place that you find great revelation, great joy, great excitement and great effectiveness. It's where you maximize your time and get things done while watching your influence grow. It's where you get to know Him.

You may not be able to be at your favorite camp site to enjoy the presence of God, but... there are areas of finding places at your home... such as, relaxing on a porch swing, (one of my favorites). Finding a spot in your backyard behind the garage (some privacy). Taking a walk in a nearby park in your area.

You may be surprised in finding other areas available to use in finding precious alone time for relaxing and... getting still before the Lord... and when you do, then you may find better revelation of the Word of God, along with great joy, excitement.

(Special thanks to Mac Hammond) Senior Pastor Living Word Christian Center

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Something Funny
I Dare You
At a church meeting, a very wealthy man rose to tell the rest of those present about his Christian faith. "I'm a millionaire," he said, "and I attribute it all to the rich blessings of God in my life. I remember that turning point in my faith. I had just earned my first dollar and I went to a church meeting that night. The speaker was a missionary who told about his work. I knew that I only had a dollar bill and I had to either give it all to God's work or give nothing at all. So at that moment, I decided to give my whole dollar to God. I believe that God blessed that decision, and that is why I am a rich man today." When he finished and moved toward his seat, there was an awed silence As he sat down, a little old lady sitting in the same pew leaned over and said to him, "I dare you to do it again."



 
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Can We Shut Doors Jesus Opens For Us?

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Jesus’
work is twofold in nature: He opens and shuts doors. He said about Himself, “I am He that opens and no man shuts. I am He that shuts and no man opens." Opening and shutting doors is symbolic of Jesus' authority. The symbol of the key is a picture of His authority.

Therefore, one aspect of Jesus’ work is to open and shut doors. Actually, in the Gospels, Jesus called Himself. the Door. He said, “I AM THE DOOR: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:9).

Jesus is not shutting His doors of blessings on His people! His doors of blessings are always (open) to ALL who comes to Him, praise God! All may enter in through those (open) doors.

It is important to know that when Jesus opens a door for you, no man can shut it. Your momma can't shut it; your daddy can't shut it; your pastor can't shut a door that Jesus opens for you.

Actually, "YOU" are the only one who can in effect shut the doors of God's blessing on your life. How? By a lack of understanding of His Word. "You see"... there is a (God-ward) side and a (man-ward) side to EVERYTHING, we receive from God. "God's side is, to speak it. (Speak the Word) only. Say, "I believe, I receive, when I pray (Mark 11:24). It's already done. Believe it... and receive it now.

Many times Christians want to leave it (ALL)... up to God. They say, "Whatever I need, I know the Lord will send it. If I need healing, He will send that. Whatever it is, God will just send it." Listen saints, it doesn't work that way!

That sounds good, and it sounds religious. But, (really), by putting it in that context of what Jesus said, it isn't true. Why? Because when it comes to the "provisions" of God, Jesus has already set before us "the" open door. We are the ones who opens the doors by... "believing and receiving" by... "speaking" forth His Word.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who (had) BLESSED US WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN HEAVENLY PLACES in Christ. (Ephesians. 1:3)​

In other words, the open door of God’s blessings is already there for us to enter into because God provided us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. What are (some) of Jesus' open doors to God's blessings?

Well, there is the open door of (sozo)..."meaning", salvation, healing, deliverance, and to prosper in every area of your need. Since Jesus has opened wide His doors of blessing for us, then the responsibility is ours whether or not we ever enter through those open doors.

Throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament right on through to the last page of the New Testament, you will find again and again where the (Word of God) puts the responsibility for receiving the blessings of God upon each individual person. Yes, Yes, Yes... that's us!

For example, God said, "YOU CHOOSE... this day whom you will serve... (Joshua 24:15). He leaves the choice up to us. He didn’t say, “I am going to choose for you whom you must serve.” No, He said YOU... choose whom you will serve.

Then in the Book of Revelation the Word of God said, the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come"! And let him who thirsts come. Whosoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).

Notice that it says “whosoever.” That means each individual person must make the choice for him or herself to enter through God’s doors of blessings!

The blessings of God and everything else God wants you to have are not going to "automatically" fall on you like ripe cherries off a tree.

No, there are some things you will have to do to receive God’s blessings and provisions. You have a part to play in receiving from God.

Jesus has done His part because He’s already opened those doors of blessing. And since Jesus has set before you open doors that no man can shut, it’s up to "you" to walk through them!

I don’t know about you, but I like that word “open.” Not closed - not shut - but open. Thank God for the doors of blessing and provision that Jesus has already opened and set before us!

Wouldn’t it... be a pity to come to the end of life’s journey never having enjoyed God’s promises or provisions - (even though) they were already prepared for us? Therefore, we need to see what the Bible says about each door... so we can know if we are walking through the doors that Jesus has so freely opened for us.

(Special Thanks to the Kenneth E Hagin Ministries) Timeless Teachings

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Something Funny
Three Days After Easter

Following the resurrection, the disciples were still scattered about Jerusalem and the surrounding villages. John finds Peter and runs up to him. Excitedly he says, "Peter, Peter! I've got some good news and some bad news." Peter takes ahold of John and calms him down. "Take it easy, John. What is it? What's the good news?" John says, "The good news is Christ is risen." Peter says, "That's great! But, what's the bad news?" John, looking around, says, "He's really steamed about last Friday."
 
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hhodgson

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Jesus Fulfilled the Law of Moses

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I remember being invited to speak at a convention some years back and when one of the speakers got up to the podium to preach, he said with great conviction in his voice, "The greatest call in your life is to your family!" The crowd loved it, and the entire auditorium clapped and cheered in agreement. At the next session, another speaker stood up and declared with fiery passion in his eyes that "the greatest call in our life is to missions". This time, the crowd went wild and the entire auditorium reverberates with shouts of "Amen!"

Then, it was my turn to preach, and I prayed, "Lord, they have used up all the 'greatest calls.' Give me something." And when I stood up, the Lord put this in my heart and I shared, "The greatest call in our life is to be a (worshipper!) You see, long after all the missions have been accomplished on earth, and long after families are united in heaven, we will continue (worshipping) our beautiful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all that He has done for you and me, for all eternity.

It is all about Jesus! It is all about His (finished work) on the cross! The more you appreciate the (finished work) of Jesus Christ and all that He has done... the more you will worship and glorify Him. Let's look at the Word of God to see more of His finished work. (John 1:17) For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

On Mt. Sinai, God gave Moses the law written on two stones of the Ten Commandments. Have you noticed that truth is on the side of grace, not the law? Notice also that the law was given? This implies a sense of distance. In contrast, grace came! Grace is personal and came as a person---the person of Jesus Christ.

The law is hard, cold and impersonal and impossible to obey perfectly by man. Only Jesus as a (human) was able to follow the law with perfect obedience and have perfect relationship with God, the Father. Grace is a person and you can have a personal relationship with God through Christ. The sacrificial lamb.

Our God (Jesus) came, died a cruel death on the cross and paid the (full debt) of sin with His own life... so that you and I can reign in life for (eternity) in Him. When you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are made (holy) and (righteous) by His blood once and for all. And you can enter boldly into the presence of Almighty God without any guilt, condemnation or expectation of punishment.

Because of the cross, the (price for sin) has been paid the judgment (executed), the anger toward sin (exhausted), the veil torn and the way to intimacy with God (opened) for all of mankind (for those) He foreknew before the foundation of the world. Sin no longer hinders you from entering His presence. His precious blood has removed all memory of your sins in the sea of forgetfulness.

Jesus Fulfilled The Law. The moment you place the law of Moses, or... a (mixture) of law and grace between you and God, you are negating the finished work of Christ, for if righteousness could come through the law, then... He died in vain. Christianity cannot be reduced to an impersonal list of (do's and don'ts). Jesus' death has fulfilled the (righteous requirements) of the law in the New Covenant.

The Word of God tells us that the "handwriting of the requirements" of the 10 commandments (has been) nailed to the cross...(along) with the 613 additional commandments of the Old Covenant. Jesus came to fulfill (all the requirements) on our behalf. He said, "I have not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it." He did not sweep the law under the carpet. He came and fulfilled every requirement of the law (perfectly)... for "US" as believers in Him.

When the devil comes to accuse you with the law, and shows how you have fallen short and failed, all you have to do is point to the (full payment) that Jesus made on the cross. Christ is your title deed, which is why you are called a Christian today. You are not your own. You have been (purchased) with the precious blood of Jesus Christ... and He will NEVER (leave) you, nor (forsake) you. The law has (no hold) over you... anymore! And, (because) Jesus Christ, the Son of God, by His obedience to be the (sacrificial offering) for payment required to fulfill the penalty of death... for the wages of sin (in our place). He gave up (His life) so we can (live forever) with Him in... paradise.

You probably know that the issue of "nuclear disarmament" is big news in the world today. But, (are you aware) that there is someone more sinister who (has already) been disarmed? The Bible says that God has "disarmed principalities and powers." We know from the book of Ephesians that "principalities and powers" refer to Satan and his demons."

So, the devil has already been disarmed! But yet, many Christians have questioned, "why then is he still so powerful?" You see, "the reason he (appears) to remain powerful is because "WE" make him that way by our voice (You can have what you say). This is one of the best classic verses that Kenneth Hagin (WOF) founder used quite often in his teachings. However, many Christians need to be aware that when this verse is quoted it can work for you, or against you. It can have positive actions with your (faith), or it can have a negative action with your (unbelief).

(Mark 11:24) "Therefore, I say unto you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them."

(Paraphrased: "I believe, I receive... when I pray.)

All Satan has left is deception and lies, All lies! His (deception) is to use the law in attempts to make you (sin conscious) of all your shortcomings. But, through Jesus Christ, you are no longer under the condemnation of the law. So remind yourself that you are the (righteousness) of God through Jesus Christ. Declare it out loud! "I am the righteousness of God through... Jesus Christ."

And, as said earlier...when he comes accusing you of committing sin. Point to the cross where (full payment) was completed by the finished works of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary... as the sacrificial lamb, [and] forever settled, and accepted by God in heaven.

(Special thanks to Joseph Prince) Destined to Reign


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Something Funny
Immaculate Miracle
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A woman takes her 16-year-old daughter to the doctor. "Okay, Mrs. Jones, what's the problem?" The mother says, "It's my daughter, Debbie. She keeps getting these cravings, she's putting on weight, and she is sick most mornings." The doctor gives Debbie a good examination, then turns to the mother and says, "Well, I don't know how to tell you this, but your Debbie is pregnant--about four months would be my guess." The mother says, "Pregnant? She can't be, she has never been left alone with a man! Have you, Debbie?" Debbie says, "No mother! I've never even kissed a man!" The doctor walked over to the window and stared outside. About five minutes passed before the mother said, "Is there something wrong out there, doctor?" The doctor replied, "No, not at it. It's just that the last time anything like this happened, a star appeared in the east and three wise men came over the hill. I'm not going to miss it this time around!"
 
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What happened in Gethsemane

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(Luke 22:44) "And being in agony, He prayed more intensely: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."

The primary English meaning for agony is intense suffering. When Luke stated that Jesus was in agony in the Garden, he meant that He was in combat with the power of darkness. He was in a violent struggle and in the fight of His life. Paul's command to Timothy, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life"

In Gethsemane, Jesus was in physical combat and spiritual warfare. He struggled so violently that Luke said, His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." The Greek word translated drops is THROMBOS, from which we get our English word thrombosis, meaning a clotting of the blood.

Jesus
was in such a spiritual battle and the extreme physical agony it caused, that His sweat was oozing like watery blood droplets that clotted through His pores. Luke is the only Gospel writer who records this medical fact, and he was a physician, so he knew what he was saying.

His agony was so great the Father had to send an (angel to strengthen) Him, or He would have perished physically, and God wasn't going to let Him die, because He had not won the victory yet. Jesus had to die on the cross. So intense was His warfare with Satan and the forces of darkness, He prayed and warred to the point of physical exhaustion and potential cardiac arrest. We love to sing that old hymn "I'll go with Him... with Him, all the way..." I ask you, Christian Friend, will you go with Him in the Garden?

Jesus' emotional and spiritual (sufferings) began in Gethsemane... the garden of agony where He prayed intensely. From there they led Him to Gabbatha. This Aramaic word refers to the (pavement) surrounding "Pilate's" Judgement Hall where the Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments in mockery. There His suffering became physical as they beat Him 39 times on His back with flesh-ripping cat-o-nine tails and they pulled out His beard. Finally, after questioning, scourging, mocking, bruising, and jamming down a crown of thorns on His head, and spitting on Him. Then... they led Him to Golgotha... the place of the skull. There His (sufferings) culminated in crucifixion on a Roman cross.

Did you realize that Jesus had to pray THREE times while in the Garden as He struggled until His sweat came as blood droplets. Luke says, He then "prayed more intensely! The prophet Isaiah declared: "The LORD shall see the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied... because he has poured out His soul unto death..." (Isaiah 53:11-12).

The Olive Press
... Gethsemane is from the Aramaic language, meaning the olive press. One of the most sacred places on the face of the earth. It is located at the foot of the Mount of Olives. In this (Garden) are some of the oldest, if not the oldest, olive trees known to man, even the very olive trees that grew there when Jesus agonized in their shadows. It is just as holy as Calvary, because there Jesus entered the olive press where He suffered in agony until His sweat came forth as clotted blood droplets. Just like the olives were pressed until every drop of oil was extracted, Jesus' soul and body were pressed in travail. Do you know how they would press the olives? By... crushing them!

Gethsemane was truly Jesus' olive press. He was in such a crushing press, I believe if the Father had not sent an angel to strengthen Him, He could have died (Luke 22:43). He told His disciples, "I am exceeding sorrowful, even unto death... I'm so full of grief and in such agony, that I am ready to die" (Matthew 26:38).

His physical body was reacting like someone who is having a coronary thrombosis (formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel of the heart). His blood pressure was so great that every blood vessel was about to burst. He was in the pressure cooker like no other human being. He was in the olive press and in the struggle (for you, and for me, and for the souls of all mankind).

Our redemption hung there in the balance... If He didn't win the fight... If He didn't drink the cup of sufferings; even though it was possible for the cup to pass, God's integrity and the validity of His Word would have been worthless, for the (Redeemer), Jesus had to die on the cross.

Jesus faced a double agony in the Garden. The First was to humble Himself and become obedient to the will of the Father which He had fulfilled all the way up to that hour. This is the only time in the Bible it is recorded that Jesus prayed three times for anything while He walked on the earth 3 1/2 years ministering and teaching His disciples. He never had to pray more than once for anything, because (whenever) He prayed, the Father heard Him. But in the olive press, for the (first time), He had to pray not once... not twice... but three times to bring His will under and in obedience to the Father's will.

His Second agony is recorded in , (John 17). This was His prayer in the Garden for "you and me and for everyone" who would ever receive Him as their Savior. There He began to intercede for us, and He could not do this until He had drunk the cup (of suffering) that laid before Him. When Jesus won the battle over His own self-will, He (even with all His agony) poured out His soul to His Father for all His little ones: He said, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name: those that you gave me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition (Judas)... Neither do I pray for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word" (John 17:12,20).

That prayer includes us! He prayed the prayer of faith for every one of us who (Loves the Lord) and wants to go to heaven. Jesus had told His disciples beforehand, "No one can pluck you out of My hand" (John 10:28). If you're ever at the place where you know the will of the Lord, but you are having a battle doing it, get in the olive press. Get in the agony and pray, "Lord, I really don't want to do this thing, but nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done!" The Lord understands: He had to pray that same prayer three times.

let's recap...

Jesus came with the disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and said to them. "Sit here while I go and pray over there." He took with Him in the garden...Peter, James, and John... and He soon became very sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me." He went a little farther and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Then He came unto the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it. Your will be done." And He came and found them (asleep again) for their eyes were heavy. So He didn't bother them and left them alone and He went away again, and prayed a third time, saying the same words. "If I must drink the cup, your will be done."

Then, again... He came to His disciples and said to them. "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is as hand." (Judas)

From there... Jesus went on to His final journey of His destiny to fulfill His finished work... on the cross! It is estimated that the cross was just under 1/2 mile from the Garden. The weight of the cross is estimated at 80 to 110 lbs.

Jesus
, the Son of God came to do nothing but the will of God. He laid aside His majesty and deity and humbled Himself to be a man, yes, the (lowest of men), a servant, and this he did by choice and not being forced. It boggles my mind to think that the Majestic One would lay aside His glorified form and take on a servant's form and limit Himself to humanity.

If you are a true Child of God who has a love and a vision for the Body of Christ, for souls, for the lost ones in your family, your friends, and loved ones, and for America... you too are no stranger to Your Gethsemane.

Go to "your Gethsemane, (your) garden of prayer," fall on Your knees, and humble Yourselves under the mighty hand of God. And, like our Savior, and Lord, You will feel the olive press; You will feel the warfare as Your self-will [and] disobedience are pressed out. The Son of God battled with human self, and so will You and I.

Thank you... for following us in this journey of the finished works of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
(Special thanks to Faith in Action by Warren G. Hardy)

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hhodgson

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The Importance of Hearing

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Do you know that it's highly possible to hear the Gospel and yet not benefit from it? That means that it is possible to hear the good news about what our Lord Jesus has done on the cross... and yet not walk in any of the Blessings He paid for us to enjoy. Let's see what the Word of God says...

(Hebrews 4:1-3) "Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the Word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest."

This Scripture is referring to an entire generation of Israelites who heard the good news that God was bringing them into the promised land (Numbers 13:23-26). They were on the brink of entering that land, however... they failed to enter in because of this. "The Word which they "heard" did not profit them, NOT being mixed with faith in those who heard it." In fact, the Bible tells us that without faith, it is impossible to even please God (Hebrews 11:6). The beginning emphasis is on the hearing of the Word.

Perhaps you are reading this and your thinking that... "a lot of stuff being prayed for in my life is also NOT happening, and my faith appears to be not working either." We know that "faith comes" by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

Notice the emphasis on the hearing that is mentioned "twice" in this verse which is in (present continuous tense), not just "having heard" (past tense). To live an abundant life isn't really focusing on our faith, but our focus should be on the author and finisher of our faith which is our Lord, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2)... and the "hearing" part is only the beginning, and as we focus more on the "keep hearing", what comes next is "believing" and as we believe what we've heard in preaching about our Lord Jesus... get ready for your miracle to happen!

During biblical times, the people had to (follow) the preacher to hear God's Word. The Bible says that great multitudes followed Jesus everywhere He preached. Today, God can use all kinds of mobile devices to contain the incorruptible seed of His Word that we can carry with us everywhere we go... we can keep hearing , and hearing the Word of God being preached and mixed with faith that leads to salvation, and living an abundant life in our walk with Christ.

Jesus said many times throughout the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, “He who has ears, let him hear." Sometimes we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just let things go in one ear and out the other. Does that ring a bell? We must guard against that, because we will begin to think, “Yeah, I understand that… but, that’s for so-and-so, they need to hear it.”

Let us be reminded that God’s Word is for each of us, and that means every word! Instead of worrying about what someone else (needs to hear), we should be concerned with “Lord, what does this mean for me?” So, let your faith grow by meditating on the Word that you've heard over and over... and let the Word take root in your heart and, (renew your mind) with the knowledge that you have received... and release your faith to what God has planned for you.


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hhodgson

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Let's Live the Let Go Life
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(After I read this story, I decided to share it on the forum and It really Blessed me and hope you enjoy it as well)
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There was once a Christian archaeologist who discovered an abandoned well in the wilderness. The mouth of the well seemed to have been deliberately covered by some large rocks, which suggested that it was not just another well, but a well that possibly contained ancient treasures waiting to be discovered.

When the archaeologist threw some stones into the well to gauge its depth, he heard the distinct clink of stone hitting metal and thought,
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"Could it be that I have struck archaeological gold? Could it be that precious artifacts lie at the bottom of the well?" The archaeologist was so excited about the possible magnitude of his discovery that he decided to climb the well to investigate, even though he did not have the proper equipment with him.

Gripping a long rope, he lowered himself into the musty opening. He did not have his torch with him, but he figured that the sunlight filtering through would be enough to illuminate some of his way. Cautiously, he went deeper and deeper into the bowels of the earth, full of anticipation at the discovery that awaited him. But the well turned out to be much deeper than he had thought.

He had lowered himself as far as the rope allowed, but still he had not reached the bottom. He peered into the abyss beneath him, but all that stared back at him was thick darkness. He had no way to tell how much farther the bottom of the well was or, what lay beneath him. So the archaeologist decided to return to the well again later when he had more tools with him and much longer rope.

But when he tried to hoist himself up, he realized he had no more strength. By now, he was dangling from the end of the rope, his hands clasping it tightly over his head. Rivulets of sweat trickled down his face, his arms burning from the exertion of bearing his weight the entire way down. In his eagerness to uncover what lay at the bottom of the well, he had used all his strength to make his way down and had no reserves left to manage the very exhausting climb back up.

Mustering all that was left of his strength, he cried, and cried out for help... even as he realized the futility of doing so. There was no one around to even hear him. All he could do was cling on tightly as he could for as long as possible and hope that somehow, someone... could come to his rescue before the last ounce of his strength fizzled out.

Time passed agonizing slowly. His voice had grown hoarse from the crying out for help. Painfully raw from gripping the coarse rope, he felt his fingers weakening. In spite of the suffocating heat that wrapped itself around him, his body turned cold with fear when he realized he could no longer hold on. He imagined how his body would hurtle into the chasm below, smashing his bones to pieces as he hit the bottom of the well.

When the last once of strength had been spent, he cried out to God, "Lord, Let me drop into eternity!" and finally allowed his trembling fingers to let go of the rope. Down he fell. After hanging on for dear life for what had felt like forever, he landed, and discovered that he was actually just (three inches) from the ground!
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Many of us are like the archaeologist in this story. We are so afraid... to let go, thinking that if we did, we would fall into a bottomless pit. We hold on to our worries, stress, and anxieties the way (he held) on to his rope with all his might. We hold on by worrying about our health, worrying about our finances, worrying about our families, worrying that every worst-case scenario that can happen in our lives will happen. But that's NOT how God wants us to live. He wants us to let go of those things! When we let go and release our worries to Him, He will catch us and uphold us with His everlasting arms of love. As the Bible declares, "WHOEVER BELIEVES" in Him will be not disappointed (Romans 10:11) AMP.
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hhodgson

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She Was Freed From Condemnation

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She had struggled frantically when she was suddenly yanked out of her bed and hauled into the streets by men from the temple. But she was no match for the disorderly crowd that had seized her, and her bare feet now struggled to find their footing as she was roughly shoved from all directions. Cold fear hammered deafeningly in her heart, almost drowning out the scornful taunts of the people drawn into the streets by the commotion.

She had sinned
, and she knew what was coming. A few months earlier, she had witnessed some woman trying to crawl away as, (one after another), heavy stones were violently hurled at her by the scornful mob called upon to execute God's justice (so she thought!) She still remembered how she had to choke back the bile that rose in her throat when she saw the (mangled body) of the (bloodied woman)... after her executioners had finally dispersed.

She never imagined that she would one day face the same fate. She had (never) set out to commit adultery. She knew that it was a mistake to meet him alone. It was a terrible mistake, and now it was too late. According to the Law of Moses, capital punishment was the price for adultery. She knew that she would die and there was no escape.

Dragged into the temple precinct like a rag doll, she vaguely recognized the fragrance of the offerings being made on the bronze altar. Though she didn't understand the significance, the smell had always given her comfort as a child growing up in Jerusalem. Remembrance's of her father telling her that God would rain His blessings down upon their family as the smell of the sacrifice ascended to heaven flashed in her mind's eye, just before the mob of religious Pharisees abruptly stopped and threw her before the feet of a man they called Teacher.

She knew her trial had begun, that this man must be her chief executioner, the religious judge who would officially sentence her to death before they dragged her out of city to be stoned. Shivering uncontrollably, she bowed her head and tried to cover her eyes with her hair as best as she could so that she could not see the screaming crowd converging around her as they all awaited her sentence.

Then her merciless accusers fired their first aggressive act against her. "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, (in the law), commanded us that such should be stoned to death. But what do you say?" (John 8:4-5). Anticipating further humiliation, she braced herself for the condemning (words of judgment) that she was sure could come from the Teacher.

But... she heard nothing except a deafening silence. It was as if the Teacher had not heard the accusatory charges read against her. Then, from the corner of her eye, she saw the Teacher stooping down and writing with His fingers on the ground. The Pharisees, poised with rocks in their hands and infuriated by the delay by the Teacher, demanded "What do you say, Teacher? Do we stone her now?

The Teacher stood up before them, and she heard a voice so resounding with majesty that her breath caught in her throat. Articulating each word with a perfect blend of authority and compassion, the Teacher declared, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7). And then He stooped to the (ground once more) and resumed writing as though the leaders of the synagogue were not even there.

His spoken Word bewildered her. Who was this Teacher? Why was He defending her, a sinful woman and an adulteress? Was this the man Jesus from the small village of Nazareth that everybody was talking about? The man who heals the blind and makes the lame walk again? The man whom they say hates legalism and loves sinners? Is this the man? Who is this man? As these questions whirled around in her frightened mind, she heard the sound of her salvation. Thud, Thud, Thud.

The rocks that would have battered her to death fell impotent (just dropped) to the ground. One by one, the sandals of those who had dragged her to the temple turned and moved away. The (crowds) that had gathered also began to disperse, since it became clear that there would be no spectacle (visually striking display).

After some time, all she could see were the Teacher's sandals. He lifted her head, and she saw His face for the first time. It was a face of compassion and love. A face that glowed with acceptance and assurance. She let her pent-up tears (flow)... as He asked her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" (John 8:10). Throughout her ordeal, no one had spoken to her. She had not (mattered) to any of them. All that had (mattered) was that she had done the deed and that it warranted her death. (But now)... her accusers had left, and the man who had rescued her was speaking to her and looking at her as if she mattered.

Gratefully, she breathed, "No one, Lord!" like the Pharisees did. She knew beyond a doubt that this Teacher was no ordinary Teacher. That is why she addressed Him as "Lord" and not "teacher" like the Pharisees did. He was the Jesus everyone was talking about. Then she heard the Words that she would never forget for the rest of her life: "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." He had saved her life, and she knew that it would never be the same again.

Note: (Jesus demonstrated something (very important) in the account of the woman caught in adultery. What enables someone to have the power to overcome sin? The threat (of the law) obviously... didn't stop this woman from committing adultery. But... (receiving) Jesus' acceptance... knowing that even though she deserved to be stoned to death, He did not condemn her... that gave her the power of His Grace to "go and sin no more.")

Wow! What a God we serve. I love Him so much, as I know you do also. Later...

(Special thanks to Joseph Prince) The Power of Right Believing)


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