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Yearly Archives: 2015

Learning To Love Our Enemies

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Luke 6:27-36

27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.

30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

There are many things we can learn about here:

  • If we do not love our enemy ultimately means we hate our enemy
  • If we want to hurt those who hurt us it is from the fear of being hurt again
  • If we want justice for those who used us then we are letting selfishness drive us
  • If we will not give back when others will take then we care too much of what we have

There are also many things we need to do:

– Show love when others would look to hate

– Exhibit benevolence and give when others would not

– Be the voice in a tough conversation

– Find the good in an adverse situation and do it

  • Expect nothing in return even when you give it all

So while this may sound crazy I am thankful for every storm, trial, confrontation, battle and enemy that has ever shown up in my life. It’s by these opportunities that I have truly gotten to know the true love of God and how this love can change the world if the world will love itself and its enemies

We Cannot Be Conquered

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Revelation 2:8-11 

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

  1. I know thy works and tribulation
  • Jesus knows of our every act of obedience and sacrifice
    • by the one who was dead and alive we have our advocate through the beginnings and ends of every situation
    • as we strive in obedience we win the hearts of those who do not know Christ
    • by seeking the kingdom of Heaven and its ministry we receive from that
  • Jesus knows all out troubles
    • most go through things they didn’t think they should
    • most go through things they didn’t think they could

– John 16: 33 told us we would have it

  • physical (the early persecutions)
  • emotional (suffering of bad relationships and death of loved ones)
  • mental (attacks of the imagination)
  • spiritual (temptations and ensnarement by satan)

2. I know thy poverty

  • This was a poor church: no temples, plush carpets or tall steeples
    • yet, in the eyes of God they were rich
  • There are many ways we can be rich in Christ
    • Rich in our position with Christ (2 Cor. 8:9)
    • Rich in works for Christ (1 Tim. 6:18)
    • Rich when sharing the reproach of Christ (Heb. 11:26)
    • Rich in faith (James 2:5)

3. In knowledge of the good and bad Christ offers instruction for our future until His return

– there have been many that have suffered much

– Polycarp burned at the stake

– Ignatius cast to the lions

– Some tortured to death by dogs

– some crucified, waxed, stoned or burned

Ultimately we must learn that if Christ was resurrected then we should not fear vexation, persecution nor death. As we remain faithful to God’s promises we will learn no matter the persecution we shall endure.

Video: Singing “You Are God Alone” Live @ 13th Street Church of God

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“You Are God Alone” Live @ 13th Street Church of God

Lyrics:

You’re not a God created by human hands
You’re not a God dependent on any mortal man
You’re not a God in need of
Anything we can give
By Your plan, that’s just the way it is
[2x]

You are God alone, from before time began
You were on Your throne, You are God alone.
And right now, in the good times and bad
You are on Your throne, You are God alone.

You’re the only God whose power none can contend
You’re the only God whose name and
Praise will never end
You’re the only God who’s worthy
Of everything we can give
You are God, that’s just the way it is

You’re unchangeable (Unchangeable)
Unshakable (Unshakable)
Unstoppable (Unstoppable)
That’s who you are (That’s who you are)
[2x]

Video: Singing “Didn’t I Walk On The Water” Live @ 13th Street Church of God

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“Didn’t I Walk On The Water” Live @ 13th Street Church of God

Lyrics:

As I kneel in the darkness in the middle of the night
I’m praying for assurance everything’s gonna be alright
Lord I see another battle out in front of me
I’m afraid I won’t be able and I’ll go down in defeat
And He said, I walked on the water and I calmed the raging sea
I spoke to the wind, it hushed and I gave you peace
Didn’t I run to your rescue didn’t I hear you when you called
I walked right beside you just so you wouldn’t fall
Didn’t I leave all of Heaven just to die for your sin
I searched until I found you and I’d do it all again
He said, do you remember where I brought you from
Just take a look behind you at how far you’ve come
And everytime you asked me, didn’t I deliver you
So why would you be thinking that I wouldn’t see you through
Now she’s talking to her father in a house that was once a home
She said my bills are coming due Lord and six days is not that long
She hears a voice so still and low
It says I’ve moved like that before
And I’ll do this little thing and I’ll give you so much more

Video: Singing “If You’re Talking About That Old Time Religion” Live @ 13th Street Church of God

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“If You’re Talking About That Old Time Religion” Live @ 13th Street Church of God

Lyrics:

Everybody is talking about something
You can hear as the crowd passes by,
Some are talking about their wealth and their mansions,
While others talk of their troubles and strife.
Well, I don’t know how to talk to a rich man,
When compared, I’m a beggar, no doubt.
But if you’re talking about that old time religion
Then I know what you’re talking about.

If you’re talking about the old time religion,
Then I know what you’re talking about.
About the kind that will make you love your neighbor,
When old Satan will say, “Turn him out.”
About the kind that will comfort you in sorrow,
And it never fails to make you shout.
Well, if you’re talking about that old time religion,
Then I know what you’re talking about.

I like to talk about the day when Jesus saved me
When my poor soul was sinking in sin.
I like to talk about the way He has kept me
Through the shadows, the storms, and the rain.
I like to talk about the day of his coming
When I see His sweet face in the clouds.
Well, if you’re talking about that old time religion
Then I know what you’re talking about.

Getting Closer To God

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1 Samuel 3:2-10

2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;

4 That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

6 And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.

8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that theLord had called the child.

9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

When we are starting out in our walk with God we must learn how to yield to God’s communication, whether in good times or bad times, whether in the storm or sunshine, and whether you can feel God in your situation or not.

Staying humble will keep your mind at peace while you are awaiting your move of God

1 Peter 5:6-7

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Acknowledge his presence in your life and it will keep you close to God and distant from Satan

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Begin to do what you hear and start invoking the compassion to open your eyes and help the lost be found

James 1:22

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Walking In God’s Word

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  • To walk in God’s word gives us the power, authority and authorization by our advocate (Jesus Christ) to use the word to transform things from the things that they are not into the things we desire by faith.

Matthew 14:26-29

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

  • To better understand walking in God’s word we must first understand what the word is to us. The word is our stability; it is what we can put our trust in.

John 1:1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Matthew 7:24-27

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

  • Walking in the word of God can be difficult when we cannot see the way out. The way that we show our love and trust to God is how that we walk on and trust Him (even when we cannot see the outcome).

2 Corinthians 5:7

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Psalm 37:5

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

  • It is God’s will for you to walk by faith into the things that you do not understand to get peace over. It is God’s will for you to prosper and not be poor. It is God’s will for you to be healed and not sick. It is God’s will for you to love and not despise others. But when we are poor, sick or despised our willpower is little and unwilling. Rest assured that in these times God has come (by the Holy Spirit) to help us get up and keep walking.

Psalm 37:23-24

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

  • We keep our bodies under subjection to the spirit it makes us walk on in God’s word. When we do not we stray to our own will and become lost in God’s plan for our lives.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

The Pursuit

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pur·sue: follow (someone or something) in order to catch or attack them. (of a person or way) continue or proceed along (a path or route).

It is the things that we pursue that show our desire for what we truly value most importantly. And it is the things that we abandon that show the things we care less for. How we go after what we choose to pursue not only shows desire but a passion to have it in our lives.

To seek for God’s favor is to abandon our cares of what would make us feel favored in the world:

1 Timothy 6:9-11

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

To seek for God is to abandon evil:

Proverbs 15:9 – The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

Psalm 34:14 – Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

1 Peter 3:11

11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

To seek for doing good leads us from doing bad:

1 Corinthians 14:1– Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

Proverbs 11:19

19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

To seek for the welfare of others abandons our own selfishness:

Romans 14:19

19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

We Are The Light

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God was the light – Genesis 1:1-5

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

The great light foretold – Isaiah 9:2

2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

God gives us new light – 2 Corinthians 4:6

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the light – John 8:12

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

We are the light – 1 Peter 2:9

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

We are to walk in light – Ephesians 5:8

8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

We are to shine our light – Matthew 5:16

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The darkness cannot prevail – John 1:5

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

All things in darkness are revealed in light – Mark 4:22

22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Others are converted when we shine – Acts 26:18

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.