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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.

Divine Judgement And Blessings

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I have been forced to reconsider the relationship between divine judgment and divine blessing. I have always thought of them as opposites that have no relationship. I like to think of judgment as something that has little to do with me and much to do with my enemies. I like to think of God’s blessings and salvation as mine, unrelated to judgment. I have come to the conclusion that divine judgment and divine blessings are very closely inter-related.

In the first place, God’s judgment is the means whereby He delivers us from our enemies

(3:15, 19). 15 The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.  19 Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get [7] them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.

Second, divine judgment purifies the righteous remnant

(3:9).  9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, [3] that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent. 

Finally, God’s judgment is the means by which God brings about our blessings. When God removes the wicked, it is so He may come and dwell with us. In addition, when God removes the wicked, He gives their possessions to His faithful remnant

(2:5-7, 9-10).

5 Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the Lord is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant. 6 And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks. 7 And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the Lord [1] their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

9 Therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them. 10 This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the Lord of hosts.

The judgment of the wicked is the means to our blessing.

These reasons for divine judgment can best be summarized in this way:

  • God will judge those in Judah who practice pure paganism (1:4).
  • those who mix the worship of God with the worship of other deities (1:5a).
  • those in Judah who completely reject and turn away from the faith of their fathers (1:6).
  • those who choose to identify with the heathen (rather than the people of God) by their dress (1:8)
  • those who practice violence and deceit (1:9)
  • those who presume that God is indifferent about their sin (1:12)
  • those who put their trust in anything but Him (1:18)
  • those who refuse divine instruction, and who have ignored His warnings (3:1-2). Judah should have learned from God’s judgment of others, but she did not (3:6-7)
  • those in leadership, who have abused their authority and forsaken their stewardship (3:3-4)

Zephaniah 3:8-13

Zephaniah also summarizes the hope of the righteous remnant:

Their sins are forgiven and they are cleansed from their sin (3:9, 11, 13).

They will be delivered from or through divine judgment (2:1-3)

They will eventually be rescued from the hand of their oppressors (2:4-15; 3:15).

They have the hope of future blessings (2:6-9).

They will be given fame and honor (3:19-20).

They will enjoy security and peace (3:13).

They will enjoy being in God’s presence, as He rejoices over them as the objects of His love(3:15-17).

Zephaniah 3:14-20

After the promises of taking away sin, follow promises of taking away trouble. When the cause is removed, the effect will cease. What makes a people holy, will make them happy. The precious promises made to the purified people, were to have full accomplishment in the gospel.  They show the abundant peace, comfort, and prosperity of the church, in the happy times yet to come. He will save; he will be Jesus; he will answer the name, for he will save his people from their sins. 

Living To Overcome

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1 John 4:1-4

[1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
[2] Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
[3] And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
[4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Overcoming our adversaries and obstacles

Spiritual adversaries are always active

  • Speaking through false prophets
  • Walking in the spirit of the anti-Christ

We face 3 main types of enemies that the devil uses to attack:

  • Spiritual adversaries
  • Recurring anxieties
  • The world’s temptations

These adversaries are deceptive and powerful, using things unaware to our flesh to provoke it

Ephesians 6:11-12

[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

You do not overcome by fighting in fear, you overcome by a perfect love and great faith.

John 4:18

[18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

  • Responding to God’s love brings faith
  • Fear and faith are opposites
  • Knowing that we are loved makes us unafraid

How do we overcome?

John 14:16-17

[16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
[17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
[18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

The one we have is greater within us then the one within us that tries to bring fear

We have the Holy Spirit which is not only our comfort and teacher but our weapon to spiritual wickedness

It will not only dispel fear but also help us to rebuke the world’s appeal and keeps us from lowering ourselves to that level

1 John 5:1-5, 13-15

[1] Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
[2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
[3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

[13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
[14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
[15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

We can overcome the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life by faith.

We have faith given by God to receive his love and comforter that by this love we lose our fear and gain faith to use the weapons of our warfare not against flesh and blood but to the pulling down of spiritual wickedness!

It’s Time For Courage

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Joshua 1:1-9

[1] Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,
[2] Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
[3] Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
[4] From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
[5] There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
[6] Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
[7] Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Fear is a crippling emotion. The Lord never intended for His followers to dread the future. Although we may feel afraid at times, we should never let fear control us.

So why did Joshua need courage?

Joshua had seen how the people rebelled against moses. Now, he was in charge of leading them to take the promised land from skilled warriors.

In the midst of his challenges, God reassured him of His presence. This was and is the foundation that helps us to be courageous today.

So what did God command Joshua about being courageous?

Courage is a quality of mind or spirit that enables us to meet danger, opposition, or the challenges of life with fearlessness, calmness, and firmness. Someone who has courage may still feel afraid – but through the power of God – can act with confidence.

The Lord wanted divine wisdom and not human logic to guide the nation.

God also told Joshua that if he obeyed the law of Moses that he would have success.

The Lord made marvelous promise to Joshua: that no matter what happened He would be with them.

If you have the salvation of Jesus Christ, then you possess the very same fellowship.

How To Win The Battle Over Rumors And Silence The Critics

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One of the key ways the enemy likes to try and create perceived “drama” related to you is through the process of rumors, envyings, strife and jealousies. People that have these feelings in their heart may use things against you, even inasmuch of a way as to take one good thing you have said/done and twist it to create potential trouble.  And to those whom are being active in ministry it seems to be (as the expression goes) “double the trouble”, trying to destroy the few good things are are accomplishing.

Here are 10 key points of what may be happening that you should expect the enemy to come out (through people and circumstance) and attack you.

When you:

1) Gain spiritual control over a temptation

2) Learn how to hold your peace when you are provoked

3) Overcome in victory over a previous drama

4) Love those who are provoking you

5) Give no regard to the jealous behavior

6) Are confident and bold in your calling

7) Begin a more regular praise/prayer/study routine

8) Begin to try and be more involved

9) Show a clear display of happiness

10) Attempt to encourage/witness to others

God did not leave us without the scriptures to begin and understand how we “fight” back.

Matthew 6:25-34

[25] Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
[26] Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
[27] Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
[28] And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
[29] And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
[30] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
[31] Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
[32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
[33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
[34] Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Matthew 10:19-22

[19] But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
[20] For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
[21] And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
[22] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

When you read the phrase “take no thought” in these scriptures you can interpret this as “do not be afraid”. What may read at first glance as to not care truly means that we are not to live in bondage to anyone or to be in fear by our burdens. To interpret that as reckless abandonment would lead you unprepared in times that you are in need. So the ultimate answer to how you win over these kinds of people is to break the bondage of their control and lift the burdens of fear by the love of God. A perfect love will cast off every fear and release you from every bondage. Be as it may we as people will try anyway…but I will remind each and every one of us that despite our best efforts at times there is nothing else we can do or say that will fix anything the way God can. Sometimes even the truth as we know the truth of the circumstance or the rumor will not fix it. In fact, it just continues to fuel the resolve of the enemy. However, when the enemy sees that he can do no more harm when you show that great love of God he will turn loose. The enemy had to turn loose of Christ by the persecution of His body when Jesus was made broken for our sins. That is how we are able to live and walk as forgiven children of God! This is the same things we must do. We must endure the things that are said. Let the critics criticize, and let the judges judge.

So let the rumor-makers speak their lies, and let the trouble makers start all the trouble that they can. Ultimately the things they try to falsely create have no hold upon those that dwell in the love of God. As the lilies live, they continue to grow irregardless of the weather and boisterous wind. Their resolve to grow is steadfast even when the elements are against them. That is the same way you can continue to overcome! Learn to endure these storms. Give no regard to the things you know are untrue and stay strong in who you are in God. This much I know: those who lie will be revealed as liars, and those who walk righteously will not only be proven true but glorified and blessed in the process.

 

So Where Do You Go To Church?

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I am going to be very clear about this topic, as I feel it is beginning to take more of a hold on people than we may realize. Don’t let the politics of an church or institution destroy your worship. Trust me, I could be a rich person for every time that someone has told me “that’s now how we do it at our church”! Please be careful to not let your life be made into religion or institutionalized when God has made the way to be free from that. If you would like the perfect test of how institutionalized or how much a church is open to everyone, just try attending a church of another denomination than your preference. If you find yourself being closed off to how the spirit of God can move because of being afraid of how you are received, then the power of a doctrine or tradition of that church may be greater than the liberty of Gods freedom to work in the people. If the church is open and loving to your anointing, know that there is nothing holding you back from yielding to God and having an amazing place to attend.

I am in places all the time where I am loved greatly until the very moment when I was asked the classic questions, such as: where do you go to church, who is your pastor, what do you all believe, what version of the bible do you use, etc. Some of the reactions have been null if at all, while in other cases I have been witness to the countenance change and addition of opinions/attitudes.

If I had a recommendation to give you as God leads my thoughts, it would be to be proud of the God that blesses you and your church rather than the institution itself. A church will fail you at some point (no matter how many people attend or outreach programs they have), but God will not! People will surprise you when they was cold on an indifference of what they believe versus you, but God will never leave you or forsake you.

On a very personal note, I have found in my life after attending many if not most of church varieties over the years that one thing is always present in a church that is growing and on fire: there is an abundant love for every person and no respect of person, period. I still know people even today that refuse to attend one church and only prefer their own institution, and it breaks my heart that we all cannot be open to work, worship and serve God together. Hear me if you dare, please please please do not fall into the pitfall of men’s ideals! Paul was not mad at the fact that roman Orthodox Jews condemned the Gentiles; in fact he was sorrowful by realizing that the only people that Sony have a free life in Christ are those bound by their own laws and ideals.

I am not attempting to start a revolution nor making an announcement of a denomination from my interpretation; I am as Paul, who claims to know nothing (free from institutions or mans binding ideals) but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He said as he was referring to his metaphor as an athlete, “I look not to the right or left”, or in other words He was to the value of the prize of Christ alone.

Let nothing steal the joy of your life in Christ! Find a church that doesn’t promote being a church that’s good at abiding in denomination, but that is filled with Gods love for everyone (and actual signs of it!).

The Power Of Self And Self-Sufficiency

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When it comes right down to it at the end of the day, the ultimate controller of how much that you allow yourself to step out and enjoy life is YOU. No one can walk up and steal your joy outright; it is something that is cultivated and maintained by what you produce and nurture. Your peace isn’t something you just lose all of a sudden; it is something that you can continually keep if you choose to work towards staying on top of the perspective faithfully. Emotions are something as we all know are often attempted to be altered by others, but in the end you possess the final say.

With that said, I want to remind you of the power that you have to stay in the presence of God. I remind myself each and every day of all of the blessings, big and small, that God has performed before me and that will happen ahead of me. When we learn to practice being faithful to God and being continual in our worship and praises to Him, we cannot help but feel the love of God in our lives. The love of God serves so many purposes but ultimately to cast out fear. Fear drives so many other emotions highly and often prompts actions to discourage us or even no action at all in some cases. The presence of God has such a powerful impact in our lives that without it we do not have the ability to stay self-sufficient on our own.

As the advocate was made with God through Jesus Christ, we have the ability each day to get up and brush off the dust that is trying to damper every part of our lives that we should be thriving in. If you have a ministry and are not enjoying it, be more self-sufficient in seeking God and getting a love and passion to go forward. If you need more love for others, seek God in a greater way so that compassion pours out of you to bless your enemies and to help the broken. Remember that through Christ that you can do all things and that no weapon formed against you shall prosper!

Who Are We Serving? Wait, Why Do You Ask?

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I love going to church. I love it for the fellowship, the unity that it brings through God, and the multiplied powers and abilities of your reaching out that can happen when done. The church to me has always been such a great place of refuge; in other words a place where I associate “a place where God dwells” With that said, I want to bring out a point that has been on my heart lately. Since we have started singing and working in the ministry (even before Heart of Grace years ago), we have been in a multitude of churches with many wonderful bodies of people. Sadly, I would be lying if I said that every place that we went had that “right at home” feeling, but it reminds me of a very important thing that we must remember to apply in our lives.

When we are at church, we are there to help each other and to serve God. One of the biggest mistakes that you see is when people begin to serve people rather than God. We’ll worry about each and every thing that we do with the fear of upsetting someone or ruffling their feathers. I know that when we preach or sing oftentimes that I know for a fact that people probably don’t like half or more of what I’m saying, but I know when I am doing it that I’m doing it to help them and to serve God. When we serve God in love, God fights the battles and goes before you with people by the spiritual warfare. That way, when you obey God in confidence, you will leave the work sowed in confidence. Don’t doubt the work that you do for God!

Most importantly, don’t get caught up in the opinions of people. It’s perfectly okay to seek Godly advice from someone you have confidence in, but remember to not be in bondage to one another by what you would think they think (and what the other person’s friend thinks lol). As we become more dependent on people, we forget all the others around us that God is showing us that need help! Get out from under the veil of fear and step out and perform the will of God FOR God! He is more than able to equip you with the ability to endure all persecution that you will face! So I ask you today, who is it that we serve? Do we need to adjust how we take our approach to how we are a spiritual Godly help in and out of service?

Trust me, the more you commit to God, the more that you will find the desire to keep serving Him with joy!

God Understands

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THE WORD

Luke 12:7 – But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Psalms 56:8 – Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I have worked and lived in environments in the past where I dealt with people that had little or no concern for me or my life. At first people possessed compassion but over time motives reveal the true colors of love’s lack. Even when it comes to our own families you will find that people may let you down at some point. It is a hard life lesson to learn (especially when you need it to count) but when realized can be of the most benefit. Why you ask? Sure, it is good to have others that you love in your life help you, but depending on people in this world for your emotional needs and friendship may leave you feeling helpless.

When everyone else has stopped listening and begin to unknowingly neglect you there may be a moment where you feel like your life goes unnoticed. Do not be deceived by this! God understands! God is an all-seeing, all-knowing God! He will never leave you, nor forsake you! My interpretation of this is that in my hardest situations that God is the same regardless of the love from people. He is the only constant for humankind. We should always make full use of this certainty and lean on God instead of personal relationships. Do not get me wrong; for it is good to have people, but this is how God’s intimate fellowship with the Holy Spirit is enjoyed. God is compassionate to all of your needs and wants to hear the cries and prayers of us all! So do not be afraid to call out today!

PUT INTO PRACTICE

It is always a good thing to improve our positive faithful thinking before God. One way to begin to work this in full-time is to append words of faith to every negative thought that comes around to attack you. For example, “I know I do not feel the greatest right now BUT I know God will bring me through”. You would be surprised of the impact that this will have as you see some trials come to victory. You may just begin to believe what you say!

Why Are We Ashamed?

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There is one thing that I can take pride in for sure: my work. I feel like that what I do that I do the best that I can to the best of my ability. For that, I am not ashamed of it. I would let it speak for itself to five people or 5,000 people. We’ll do this for things we are proud of, people we are proud of, or even principles or standards that we have in our lives. What I want to ask today is, why are we so ashamed to show God in our lives to others?

Just because people try to force God out by what is considered practical laws and procedures doesn’t mean that you still cannot proclaim a Godly life and live by a Godly example. If you live it close enough, people will know what you stand for. Rules and guidelines about why God cannot exist in a place, facility or group to me is simply a declaration of fear of what is simply misunderstood.

People always make it out to be a battle about your right to carry a bible and shove the word of God down their throats. That sounds harsh, but the truth hurts. It should never be about being prideful in something or the battle for being justified; it should simply be that God is the “I am” in your life, and that you do not have to prove anything to anyone. If they say “you are not allowed to speak it”, that’s fine because you can live it!

Don’t be ashamed of what you have inside, for it’s the only light that draws others to Christ!