Growing in Christ

[Wordsmith]

Subject This Week's Prophetic Voice

Message

Title: You are an Overcomer

Date: 2004-04-01 13:50:52

In the book of Kings, you read about more bad than good kings. Some were
sons that were good Kings and had evil fathers and vice versa. That is how
it is today, it is not only in the USA, it is all over the world. Jesus is
coming sooner than people think! There is a great urgency to send My
servants out to warn the people.

You wonder why you're in the situation you are in, you want to do My work
and the finances are not coming in. I'am blessing you in other areas
because your're blessing many people with the Word.

The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. He wants My children in the
worst way.

I have not and will not forsake or abandon you. I will not let you go
without...

The treasure box is opening and you will see the blessing before you know
it. I know how much you need to do the work I've called you to do. I know
how much you need for daily expenses.

I have overcome all things says the Lord, I have placed with in you the
ability to rise up and stand against all odds, knowing that I will fulfill
My word over you. You are an overcomer, you are fearfully and wonderfully
made, you reflect My Love and My Glory.

I know each and every struggle to advance the kingdom, I know the lack that
stands as a mountain before you and I have given to you the Word to speak
against it in My name. Your blessing is in the endurance of your faith to
press on.

Deut 28:8 The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses,
and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in
the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

A word of caution, to whom much is given much is required, don't hold
anything back when the blessing comes, know that your faith to let go, will
produce the faith to bring in as well.

We welcome you to respond with your prayer requests and praise reports on
the Lord's guestbook at hopefortheharvest.net

Founders of Hope for the Harvest
Charles and Sara Holowell

 

[Beauty4Ashes]

Leastone

Thanks for your obediance to God in posting this article. I'm surprised I did not come upon it sooner in this forum. I am in absolute agreement with all of the principals you laid out very clearly and articulately. I pray this post continues to bless, encourage, exhort and teach those who visit this website.

Blessings to you

 

[Laivine]

wow!! thank you soo much leaststone for making this thread! I mean its such an incourgment! Recently i've really been struggling with this subject and like walking with God and keeping him first in my life allways! You are such an incourgment thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[lampwicke]

12-12-01
Knowing who God is and that his ways
are not my ways,brings a harmony in my soul.
I asked myself today,is he really faithful to me, to others?
It is a question which puzzles many a new christian.
Simply because they haven't been around long enough
to ponder some of the deeper things of him.
Nor have they seen him consistantly moving heaven
and earth for them through their lifetime.

We take him by faith,and this is as it should be.
For the spirit is of a different realm.
Unless you've interacted with him by faith,
over a good length of time,can you see his great track record.
There are so many times when we didn't get an answer
to prayer,did we say it right,was that his voice or the enemys?

Does he really love me,does he love me enough to care?
Faith and Trust are as much one and the same,
just as charity and love is.
As human beings we sell ourselves short,because it
is human nature to doubt,and worry in unbelief.
Misery does love its company at times.

In this society today you don't see much of Gods essence, Love.
With so many dysfunctional familys it grows colder,and
so many of us get our first impression
as to what love could be , from God, it's called Hope.
Couple them together,faith and hope,and the only feeling
left is what they birth in you, His Love.

Is he faithful, Him who keeps you keeping on?
As one in his body of believers,having and knowing God,
I would rather believe than dwell in unbelief.
I surmise we all can't be wrong;
for eternal life is to big a prize to be without.

"I have been young and now I am old.And
in all my years I have never seen the Lord forsake
a man who loves him; nor have I seen the children
of the godly go hungry". Psalms 37: 25 TLB.

Maranatha, lampwicke xxx

 

[Pseud]

Children of the Light,

I wanted to share with you something that our Lord has been teaching me. I'm sure if it were just a man teaching me it, he would be banging his head against a wall infuriated with me long ago. Praise God for His loving patience!

Too many times do we not listen to our Lord, but worse still, too many times do we not obey. We cling to the darkness and refuse to let it go from us, preventing God from using us at His will. We make excuses for ourselves, or even try to trick ourselves into thinking that it's allowable; deep down in our hearts we know this isn't the way.

In prayer, (a rather shameful one where I nearly abandoned before I had really even begun), I knelt at the Lord's feet. I wasn't there long, a minute at most when I was about to rise. The Lord urged me to remain there, knelt before His feet, and gave me a sense of peace. "Lord, may I wash your feet", I asked and our Lord allowed it. So in spirit I remained, washing our Lord's feet, and it all seemed to make sense...

We must remember our place, which is knelt before the Lord - not above Him, thinking we can do what we want. We must remember that each time we try to deny ourselves that which the Lord wants to dispose from us, we are denying our glorious God and attempting to be above him - which just doesn't suffice.

Next time you feel yourself beginning to stray, or even considering it, remember your place. Know it in your heart that it's your place at His feet, serving Him and not the liar. I pray that you will soften your heart, swallow your pride, and humble yourself enough to take a deep breath and face one thing that you've been tripping up on, and I pray that God will give you the strength so that you never trip up on it again.

Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

 

[oworm]

Just as in our physical and mental life there is a necessity to grow and become mature, so it is the same with our spiritual life! There is no such thing as spiritual stagnation in the Christian life! We are either moving forward or backwards!
When we were babies our mothers fed us as we required, for the benefit of our growth. If we had been neglected in this most basic of areas we would quickly deteriorate and die. If you don’t feed a child it does not stagnate and cease growing for lack of food. It deteriorates and gradually begins to waste away and eventually dies. Obviously the same would be true for any animal or vegetable which lacks the necessary sustenance which is vital to life. Even a piece of fruit which has been plucked from its tree, because it has been separated from its source of sustenance, it is slowly on a downward spiral to destruction. If left long enough it will rot and eventually reduce in size, dehydrate and fall as molded green dust.
This same principle applies to the Christian who is not growing in knowledge of God!!
No matter how a person becomes a Christian, whether a Damascus road experience as in the case of the Apostle Paul, or having been brought up in a Christian home and come through Sunday school, eventually becoming an active member in ministry, we all need to GROW!!

So why do we need to grow spiritually? Isn’t it enough that we are Christians saved by grace? What is the purpose of growth? What is the means of growth?
If we look back to Genesis chapter one we find the words:

“God created man in his own image.” Gen 1: 27

Before Adam fell into sin he was perfect. He reflected the moral image and character of God and had perfect unity with God. He had full access to Gods presence.
When Adam fell into sin by choosing to disobey God he lost the ability to access Gods presence and found himself alienated from him. That was why Adam hid. Also, when he fell, Adam lost something of Gods image in him. The image of God in him became marred and corrupted and brought about his spiritual “death” it was this death that brought about the need for redemption and reconciliation.

As we know, we are born sinners and in need of redemption. In Christ we are redeemed and brought into a right relationship with God but it doesn’t stop there! God is not in the business of merely saving us and leaving it at that! Like any earthly parent who desires that their child grow into maturity, God desires that we grow up spiritually and become mature and complete. The writer to the Hebrews said:

“ Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,” (Heb 6:1)

We need to grow spiritually in order that the image of God is restored in us. The purpose of this growth is that we be made ready for heaven.
Paul tells us that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20)
We are not of this world!

1PE 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

1PE 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God's elect, strangers in the world,

By the implications of those two verses it is evident that we are not of this world!!

If then we are “not of this world” and citizens of another world it is imperative surely that we become aware of the character traits of a citizen of that kingdom!

 

[TheThirdLink]

Child of God - wherever you are at this very moment, no matter what you may be feeling - Jesus truly and deeply loves even you! He is not disgusted with you ever; to Him you are His dear one, the very one for whom He lay down His own life. And as you keep seeking Him, and keep believing His Truth rather than the lie of the enemy, His Life, His Spirit will grow in you day by day. And I am witness that as this happens you will really and truly begin to realize His great and wonderful Love for even you!

LeastOne

Hi, leastone! I've been reading this thread quietly for the past few days. I feel God's peace...like how you described your "blood almost boils." It kind of felt like that.

I have a problem. Someone I used to be friends with (we don't talk anymore) is around me daily. Whenever he comes around, I feel depressed and guilty and left-out. When he is not around, I feel joy and peace and happiness. I can also feel a thick darkness around him...like an evil spirit. And he is saved, too! When he comes around, the hair on my back stands on end because I can feel darkness around him. Before he decided to break off as being my BEST friend, he said "I only maintain relationships with people I am comfortable with." Those words have disturbed me so greatly. The instant he said that, I could taste a gross darkness (it was so strong I could almost taste it physically...like on my tongue!) rapidly swooping in all around us. It felt selfish. It felt prideful. It felt uncommitted. It felt spiteful. It felt hateful. It felt like a user. It felt shameless. It felt so horrible, like a nightmare. We post on the same message board (our friendship was strictly online since he lives halfway across the united states from me). But as I'm sitting there reading what he has to say to other people, I can feel that darkness. It is so strong I can feel it flowing out at me from cyberspace right into my heart! It feels like a sword has run through my heart...is what this darkness feels like. I don't know why I am being looked upon as a bad person. I don't know why his parents decided I was no good. What did I ever do to them?! NOTHING. Just because I may act strange doesn't mean I am. It means that the Devil is attacking me and I NEED help, not ridicule! I mean, let's be realistic here! At least rational! If my former friend wishes to be a Godly example, then he needs to help chase the Devil away that is preying upon me, not chase away me myself. I do not wish to be dis-respected in such a way that my friends suddenly break off and distance themselves from me just because I make them feel uncomfortable. That is selfish, rude, a contradiction of respect, and a user of my time (which is my life). You waste my time like that, you waste that part of my life on yourself. If I make anyone feel uncomfortable, I should be told, not evaded. That sends mixed messages. There is nothing else to it.

The Lord has led me to this message board that I speak of. I minister Christ unto the people there and be as best of a Godly example I can be. I have been given a burden and a love for them (The Lord wouldn't lay off of telling and burdening me to go there. The Lord is the Almighty, and He can use anyone for anything. He can even use an online ministry to impact the lives of others. God knows no bounds). But having my former friend around is making me feel uneasy and tempted...and it makes my realm darker and darker. I can't just leave these boards because God has led me there...He truely has. And I can't force him to leave because he (and the moderators) feels he has every right to be there just like I do (it's a public forum). But you see, his darkness is hindering me from giving my utmost to His Highest. I'm struggling with it.

I try to shed light on people everywhere I go. I've even shed some light on him, but he is trying really hard to avoid me. When I come around, he backs off. I try to prove to him I am not a bad person by helping him with his problems, but he has been trying desperataly to post in a topic I haven't yet, and that is a real job for him to do since I post in almost every topic that is created (I LOVE to conduct some friendly Christian fellowship and bring people closer together in the Unity of Christ). This too makes me feel used. He said he doesn't hate me and he respects me. If that were true, then he wouldn't be going completely out of his way to avoid me and working so hard to keep it that way, now would he? I could almost feel his lies when he told me he respected me. I knew he was lying. They came out of his mouth and covered my face with a thick darkness. IF he is saved, then what is this???!!!

I wake up every morning feeling depressed because I know my former friend is going to be around me at one point during the day. I usually come and read what you post here in order to shed some light and love on my life. I wanna get closer to God. Look at me, I'm only 16. I've been saved for 10 years.

This is so hard for me to deal with right now. Especially when my saved former-friend comes around me with his darkness. I never wanted to stop being friends with him, he just suddenly didn't want to have anything to do with me anymore. And the instant he did, it invited a darkness in that has been affecting the entire boards. I'm so confused.

Do you think a Demon has got a strong hold of him and he is just being deeply decieved? Or was he never saved all along? I don't know. I just don't. It's so disturbing. I can feel it.

You are an inspiration to me, my big brother in the Spirit. PRAISE GOD! And you have been a big help. Jesus shines through you, since His Light flows out to me through your words in this cyberspace realm.

You shed Light on me. My former friend sheds darkness on me.



My conclusion to this message is summed up in one question: How to you combat and defeat a darkness that is in your chosen mission field/ministry that simply puts its foot down and refuses to go away?



I look forward to your response and learning further from you. The fact that you have not posted in several days means you are meditating on something and that God is carrying you through something, that much I know.


God Bless you always,
~Deane (TheThirdLink)

 

[Tappanga]

This thread is a blessing. I found it yesterday, printed it out and took it home and read it and let it bless my soul. Please keep posting!

 

[orange_dragonfire4]

I just wanted to say that your relationship with God dosen't stop with you accepting christ . Even Jesus went away to have a quiet time with God. AND HE WAS THE SON OF GOD!!!!.

Mark 1:35- " In the early morning, while it ws still dark, Jesus gotp, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there."



Daily Quiet times are soo important not only because it forces you to better manage your time to have one, but you feel lousey when you don’t have one. God loves to talk to us and teach us during these times as well. I like to follow the steps when having a quiet time. An essental to growing with God:

1) Go over you day with God, spend a little time before your quiet time starts to clear your mind. A clear mind can't help but think of God, a clear spirit can't help but worship God.

Matthew 5:23-24- "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering."

2) Start with a prayer. These are always helpful. Thank God first, to let him know how much he means, then mke your request to help yu learn what he wants you to.

3) Read a bite size portion of the bible, a chapter is good. Read this 2-3 times. THe first, to help you learn what's going on, and the second, to help God point out what he wants you to learn. After a while it becomes more clear.

4) Thank God for this time to spend with him, sing a song to him, close your eyes and just be with him, do something.

5) Lastly, Pray and thank God, and make your requests for the day.

These steps really help you grow in Christ.
Good Luck and Happy Growing!
Orange.

 

[TheThirdLink]

Thanks!

It's weird because my "friend" is starting to follow me everywhere now, and he is actually doing what I say! I don't understand this sudden change in his attitude.

 

[tonya]

wow, what a wonderful thread..i have been prayer to know the Father better..i just have a longing and desire to know him better and live in blessedness..he has revealed to me to keep a better watchover my mouth b/c it certainly gets me into trouble..i have also felt led to know the bible better and get those scriptures in my mouth cause they are powerful weapons to Satan,,

 

[tterab]

Hello.

If you are on here asking questions concerning your affairs, you are not doing enough praying. If you will pray and read the Bible then God will tell you what you should do. Now, I see where He may lead you to a forum... and i do know that advice from experience is valuable. But, a lot of people give advice without experience in the certain area.

So if you have questions regarding your post, you should stop before you post it and talk to the Lord. He might tell you to erase your post and leave the internet. Whatever His reply, it is wise to obey and not shrug it off and finish your post like you started.

I had to delete my post because as I was typing it I had to stop and pray. And now this is my post. wonderful! And, btw, I think that the Bible has become severly underrated in our society... not among the older, experienced christians but definatly to young christians. It has not been fully explained... its portrayed as this huge book of old rules and laws, not the storytellingbook that it truly is. Those wonderful scripture that people quote are from times when they have sat down and listened to what the Lord has said and opened their Bible.

Put your trust in the Lord over even the smallest areas of your life.

barrett

 

[The Julikenz]

hey dude, i just pray God will continue to use u as His messinja, u sem to cumminicate powerfully to the Christian Audience, and their responnses have just been remarkable, Praise God!!!!! your ten points really hit home, (**thankyou, Lord**) and i pray for these words to be caried on swift winds, so our Lord can be even more Glorified! God bless you man!!

 

[BlestVessel]

Leastone~
I'm very new to the internet, so bear with me if I don't know exactly what I'm doing. Your post confirmed everything God's been working in me, a return to basic and fundamental acts of faith. We're in a world of distraction, of constant motion only for the purposes of man, and-even in the church-find temptation to only serve as Martha, but neglecting His feet where Mary sits. With His yoke on us, the burden is indeed light, and you eloquently put into words the framework of our 'burden'. Thank you for your obedience, it is my comfort for the day.

Love in Him,
Blest

 

[Rie]

LeastOne, I stumbled across your thread a couple of days ago and let me just say, your words cut right in to me! I've been feeling so complacent lately! And I don't know whats going on in my life right now... I can't even explain it! It's like an itch you can't scratch, you think it's going to hit the spot but it's never where you thought it was. Does that make any sense? Thank you Lord for leading me here! May your will be done in me. In your Holy Name, Amen!

 

[Imagine9718]

Some things I have learned from God follows:


1.) Pray and Listen with Expectation. What good is it if you pray for something and you dont believe God will actually do it for you? You must have faith in your prayers and always expect God to Answer them. Remember, some of Gods greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

2.) Listen with your HEART. God speaks directly to your heart. Do you ever wonder why when you hear something , and you tell yourself you will write it down later, but you forget? Its because your mind does not process the words from God. It goes directly to your heart, skipping your brain/thoughts and all logic. Thats a good way to know if its truly from God, and you did not let your emotions get the best of you - by looking back at what you wrote down and not remembering writing that down.

just a neat verse I think everyone should know who preaches the Word of God -

Luke 12:11-12 When you are brought before the synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.

Just something to keep in mind...The Lord told me once when i was really sad because I was thinking about how many people I never really had an impact on with God. He said to me (word for word), "Andrew, Im not looking at all the people you save, but more Im looking at how you do as a christian." But dont get me wrong, Its important to do your best to preach the word of God. But God was just reassuring me not to stress over not having saved that many people. There is alot of time ahead of me, and I just know i wont let the Lord down!!!

I hope this helps you guys, the more stuff I get from God, I will post it immediatly!

 

[e-bwm]

this realy has been a good thread and I can testify that if you truly seek God He will reward that and reveal Himself to you. What I get from this post is affirmation of what has been on my heart lately. That is getting closer to the Father and depending on Him more than people and things for my provision and happiness. Sometimes, threre just seem to be no answers to some of my problems and the only one I can go to for help is God Himself. A while back the Lord impressed on me to start seeking what he is interested in instead of what concerned me. I was always looking for answers to my problems but wasn't getting into His Word to see what He had to say to me about whatever He wanted to. The result of that venture has been so rewarding in that I have had more confidence as well as peace, just like He promises in His Word. Some Scriptures regarding this are: Hebrews 11:6, Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:33.

 

[Kjgregor13]

You have so Many Good things to share... It is truly my desire to grow closer to God I will for sure be frequenting this here Thread... Thank you Lord

 

[abigail.mcintyre]

So pleased I found this thread. This is what God is saying to me today:

Whenever you think that you may have done something wrong, think again.
Because I turn everything around to the good of those who love Me.
Sometimes, when you think you have failed, you have learned the hardest lesson of all. To risk your all for Me without reward or counting the cost.
Sometimes when you think their is no fruit from your seeds, I am multiplying your blessings, just for loving Me, and trusting in Me enough to risk yourself for me.
Do not look with your human eyes at what you have, or have not done.
Look at Me and what I have done for you and rejoice! I love you My child.

This made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and confident in His love for me.

Love in Christ - Abi

 

[Blessed2003]

Oh, I love this thread, this is the first time I have read it. I like what you wrote abigail.mcintyre, it spoke to my heart. Thanks.
Last night I was studying the Word, and praying. I thought of how hard it has been to practice the deeds of Love, and not be overcome by evil. I look around at the people in my life, and I see how sometimes, ONLY ONE act of Love, and forgiveness, has completely CHANGED our relationship. (ofcourse, I had to take the step) I use to sit around, crying, feeling so sad, because I didn't feel that anyone loved me. I have had to learn to love them first, then guess what, they love me back the way I want to be loved! What an amazing thing, sometimes being the one who has to make the first move is so hard, but through experience I have learned, once you do, the DOOR is open from then on. Praise God, the only way, the ONLY way, is the way of Love. Today, if you read this, and feel unloved, unappreciated, unnoticed, take the first step. Love the unlovable, feed your enemy, let's kill the enemy with kindness. That is the only way.
Afrer all, Jesus died for us, and we know that really, we too have been the unlovable, we have hurt people, and done wrong too, we have been forgiven, so let's love, and forgive, even when it doesn't seem that the person who needs the forgiveness, or love deserves it.
I know I am preaching to the choir here, but hey, we all need reminders.
Love to all in Christ,
B