Divided We Will Fall!

“You only have I known 
of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you 
for all your iniquities.

³ “Do two walk together,
    unless they have agreed to meet? (Amos 3:2-3 ESV)

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When any two are in agreement with anything; it can be anywhere from cleaning the kitchen, to paying the bills, you will succeed in it. 

So many relationships, even though this is speaking of our relationship with God and the sin between us that blocks His blessings, it does relate to marriage relationships on earth of those who cannot agree on anything, then nothing and the relationship will not work! Come to agreement on paying bills, disciplining the children, doing the laundry. It’s not up to one to sit back and dictate while the other one carries the burden of doing it all alone; but to work together and do it in agreement! For example: “If laundry will be your duty, the dishes will be mine”! And stick to the agreement; therefore, there will be peace and unity in the household! AND SPEAK IN LOVE (which is a tone you normally use when speaking to your friends) I see so many people treat their outside friends better than their spouse! In addition to speaking harsh, hard and sharp to them as if they are dirt under their feet!

Biblical Conviction Series Part 2 of 4

Paul's strong belief in the Gospel is what kept him strong in his convictions to carry out what God called him to do; which is to preach the Gospel to all nations; and urge and encourage believers in their faith in Jesus Christ!

Paul writes:
For we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about the affliction and oppressing distress which befell us in [the province of] Asia, how we were so utterly and unbearably weighed down and crushed that we despaired even of life [itself].

Indeed, we felt within ourselves that we had received the [very] sentence of death, but that was to keep us from trusting in and depending on ourselves instead of on God Who raises the dead. (II Corinthians 1:8-9 AMP)

To receive severe punishment so detrimental, that you favor death over life can make those who are not deeply rooted in the word say; "I'm done! This is not worth it"! So Paul said, (summed up in my own words) since our Savior shed His blood for me, I can endure this temporary pain in my body; because I know I will receive a new body in Heaven that will never know pain or suffering - but Joy Everlasting! (II Corinthians 5:4-8 AMP)

Think about it; every time Paul set out to preach and teach, he faced oppression, beatings, and severe rejection that many times led him to be imprisoned (beaten with wooden whips, stoned [and left for dead at times], mobbed, lied on, fleeing cities because many were plotting to kill him) and in all of this; Paul stood firm in his conviction! THAT'S POWERFUL!

Paul also writes:

But I call upon God as my soul’s witness: it was to avoid hurting you that I refrained from coming to Corinth—

Not that we have dominion [over you] and lord it over your faith, but [rather that we work with you as] fellow laborers [to promote] your joy, for in [your] faith (^[in your strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God) you stand firm. (II Corinthians 1:23-24 AMP)

Does any of this sound familiar? It should; because Jesus endured this and much more; yet even when he was accused, he said not a word! (Matthew 27:12)

Biblical Conviction Series Part 1 of 4

Throughout this week, you will read several scriptures on leaders who exemplified biblical conviction! I will start with scripture in the New Testament and end with the Old Testament; and I have a purpose for doing so! (Note: this is the longest of the series to inform you of what is to come)

Paul wrote most of the New Testament when he was at his weakest moments - beaten and chained in prisons!

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (II Corinthians 12:9-11 ESV)

God works through us when we are at our lowest point to prove He is always, guiding, leading, directing, and supplying wisdom, knowledge and His strength in and through us when we surrender to Him! Think about it, we all know God exists, but when everything is going our way, we become self-righteous – basically ignoring God and promoting our own efforts in all that we do!

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As leaders in the church, our country, our homes, and even our work place, we have a responsibility to uphold and a commitment to carry out rightful duties. In the church we as leaders are to draw all men and women unto us so that they will share in the inheritance of the Kingdom and become Christians! This is not the case if the leaders are egotistic, argumentative, or an adulterer! When people view leaders doing this, they are accurate to say, “They aren’t any different than I am, so how are they to lead and guide me to Christ”? Yes temptations are daily knocking at our doors, windows, and even the little cracks; however, that’s why it is imperative to daily read the bible and stay in prayer!

Christian leaders do not have to be aloof, stuffy, and boring, but they do, after being born again, are to maintain purity of heart and living a righteous life! This is their divine purpose so others can see they are honest, sincere, and committed to Christ who is the Head of the Church, and our Savior! If you will, please meditate on the scriptures as I begin to introduce you to Biblical Conviction!

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Everyone is talking about the terrible thing that has happened there among you, something so evil that even the heathen don’t do it: you have a man in your church who is living in sin with his father’s wife. ² And are you still so conceited, so “spiritual”? Why aren’t you mourning in sorrow and shame and seeing to it that this man is removed from your membership?

^3-4 Although I am not there with you, I have been thinking a lot about this, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I have already decided what to do, just as though I were there. You are to call a meeting of the church—and the power of the Lord Jesus will be with you as you meet, and I will be there in spirit— ⁵ and cast out this man from the fellowship of the church and into Satan’s hands, to punish him, in the hope that his soul will be saved when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.

⁶ What a terrible thing it is that you are boasting about your purity and yet you let this sort of thing go on. Don’t you realize that if even one person is allowed to go on sinning, soon all will be affected? ⁷ Remove this evil cancer—this wicked person—from among you, so that you can stay pure. Christ, God’s Lamb, has been slain for us. ⁸ So let us feast upon him and grow strong in the Christian life, leaving entirely behind us the cancerous old life with all its hatreds and wickedness. Let us feast instead upon the pure bread of honor and sincerity and truth.

⁹ When I wrote to you before I said not to mix with evil people. ¹⁰ But when I said that I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who live in sexual sin or are greedy cheats and thieves and idol worshipers. For you can’t live in this world without being with people like that. ¹¹ What I meant was that you are not to keep company with anyone who claims to be a brother Christian but indulges in sexual sins, or is greedy, or is a swindler, or worships idols, or is a drunkard, or abusive. Don’t even eat lunch with such a person.

¹² It isn’t our job to judge outsiders. But it certainly is our job to judge and deal strongly with those who are members of the church and who are sinning in these ways.¹³ God alone is the Judge of those on the outside. But you yourselves must deal with this man and put him out of your church. (I Corinthians 5 TLB)

In One Direction!

The American Dream???

Is it really that much easier to give to your child all their wants just to keep the peace? Ask yourself this question again when your child is 38 years old and you are still giving! Do you have peace; are they learning to be independent of you and dependent on God? I can tell you the answer will be a resound, “NO”!

Very few children, who are constantly handed things, develop the mentality that everyone no matter, friend, enemy, or family need to continue this pattern of giving to them! And when things do not go their way, they do what they have always done as a two year old – they throw a temper tantrum! Why not, it’s always worked as child and guess what; it works as an adult ~ just with more destruction of self and others!

I personally did not hand my children everything they thought the wanted, nor did I allow a negative response from them when they did not get it! I’ve experienced so many Mothers say, “I just gave in just so they would shut up”! Giving in is not an option, nor is the behavior! Yes it takes consistency, determination, and God to raise your child as a true Christian; and yes, it does seem like you are failing miserably at times! But NEVER, EVER give up hope on God and the work He does in us as well as our children! Everything we do for Christ will last!

Our children appreciate us more and the things they thought they wanted more, when there is something they are required to do to get it! The major thing is sacrifices to experience in order to receive; we have to give; and not grudgingly either! Giving a less fortunate child a new toy you purchased from the money you earned cutting the neighbors grass, or helping care for a younger sibling while Mom works to save on money, doing the cleaning, cooking, and nurturing! All of this is growing you in many ways; in character, as well as in the Holy Spirit!  

Teaching your kids to give as they receive! As they work to get, they also are getting to give!

We do not have this type of lifestyles anymore; and I say this from witnessing how the students in school come in day after day with things that are not a need, but parents are comparing their lifestyle to others; or the old cliché”; “Keeping up with the Jones’”! Americans have become wreck less, selfish, egotistic, arrogant, ruthless, and blind to the deterioration it is producing! “The thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy”! (John 10:10) and he is doing a very good job of it, only because we as a people are ignorant to a better way; which is being a born again Christian! If you continue on the path of destruction, it will end in destruction! Our spirit has to depart somewhere when we leave this earth; that very few understand this and do not care; until that day comes and you are not able to change it!

No man or woman wants a 38 year old in body, but two years old in mind, character and spirit! Stop the giving, and begin the proper, God-fearing, and rearing of you and your children! God is more concerned about our character than our comfort!

¹⁹ There was a certain rich man who [habitually] clothed himself in purple and fine linen and reveled and feasted and made merry in splendor every day.

²⁰ And at his gate there was [carelessly] dropped down and left a certain utterly destitute man named Lazarus, [reduced to begging alms and] covered with [ulcerated] sores.

²¹ He [eagerly] desired to be satisfied with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover, the dogs even came and licked his sores.

²² And it occurred that the man [reduced to] begging died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.

²³ And in Hades (the realm of the dead), being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom.

²⁴ And he cried out and said, Father Abraham, have pity and mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.

²⁵ But Abraham said, Child, remember that you in your lifetime fully received [what is due you in] comforts and delights, and Lazarus in like manner the discomforts and distresses; but now he is comforted here and you are in anguish.

²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who want to pass from this [place] to you may not be able, and no one may pass from there to us.

²⁷ And [the man] said, Then, father, I beseech you to send him to my father’s house—

²⁸ For I have five brothers—so that he may give [solemn] testimony and warn them, lest they too come into this place of torment.

²⁹ But Abraham said, They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear and listen to them.

³⁰ But he answered, No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent (change their minds for the better and heartily amend their ways, with abhorrence of their past sins).

³¹ He said to him, If they do not hear and listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded and convinced and believe [even] if someone should rise from the dead. (Luke 16:19-31 AMP)

Blessings Abound!

I can dress in high fashion clothes, shoes, and accessories – believe it or not, any woman who intentionally dresses up grabs the attention of numerous people because of their appearance! Men lust over her, woman want to be her; in addition to wanting her clothing, money, and lifestyle!

In our minds, we think that if we have money, we have everything we need; including happiness! Yes, constant attention on you does elevate your ego! We begin to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to (Romans 12:3); and become arrogant! If you read the bible, you will read several stories of people God blessed with wealth, and they deserted God because they felt they did not need Him anymore!

Interior reconstruction of King's Solomon's Temple

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King Solomon was the richest man ever to live and scripture tells us that there will never be another one again! (II Chronicles 1:11)  In Solomon’s glory he had walls, floors, and accessories made of gold and expensive metal! People came from all over the world to view his wealth and wisdom; and left mesmerized by all of it! However, he too, became careless and enamored with himself, more than his adoration to God who gave him the wealth! (Read I & II Kings)

There is nothing wrong with looking, feeling, and being nice, but success does not depend on how much money, nice clothes, and houses you have! Think about it; many who have these things in this world are not debt free, worry free, or at peace! Are they giving to others from the heart, do they daily think about how they can give back because God has blessed them, or are they investing wisely when their body and prestige grows old? If you want to know, look up those who are no longer in the public eye and see how they are faring?

                                                                     Bird's Eye View of King Solomon's Temple

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When you are blessed by God with things, you are debt free, worry free, and at peace!

It’s a journey that will have obstacles along the way, but a journey worth taking! There is nothing God does to us, for us, and within us that does not reap a harvest of overflowing blessings ~ to get there, for those who are willing, will reap the rewards and benefits that come from building a relationship with God; and not just things! If you had a friend who only wanted you because of what you can give them, you would become weary of this person; and eventually severe the friendship! This is how so many people view God; they want things that are only pleasing and beneficial to them so they can look good in the eyes of people!

America, if you haven’t noticed, people disappoint, are backstabbers, lie on you, steal, belittle you, and more! Yet we still idolize wealthy stars, royalty, and others in the community (whether they are obedient to the law or not); whom we value only because they have a lifestyle we think is success!

The fascination of wealth and stars is not brand new! This magazine was published in 1958

Everything under the sun, moon and stars was created by God, so without Him, we are nothing! 

Solomon son of David took firm control of his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him very powerful.

2 Solomon called together all the leaders of Israel—the generals and captains of the army, the judges, and all the political and clan leaders. 3 Then he led the entire assembly to the place of worship in Gibeon, for God’s Tabernacle was located there. (This was the Tabernacle that Moses, the Lord’s servant, had made in the wilderness.)

4 David had already moved the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the tent he had prepared for it in Jerusalem. 5 But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri and grandson of Hur was there at Gibeon in front of the Tabernacle of the Lord. So Solomon and the people gathered in front of it to consult the Lord. 6 There in front of the Tabernacle, Solomon went up to the bronze altar in the Lord’s presence and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings on it.

7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”

8 Solomon replied to God, “You showed great and faithful love to David, my father, and now you have made me king in his place. 9 O Lord God, please continue to keep your promise to David my father, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth!10 Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?”

11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— 12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” (II Chronicles 1:1-11 NLT)

God's Will!

If you grew up poor, hungry, controlled, abused, with hatred, or rejected, we all transition physically; because your body grows from a child to an adult – but very few make the transition in the mind! It cannot be done in your own strength unless you surrender your thoughts and hearts to Jesus and let Him complete you in mind, body and spirit!  

"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect". (Romans 12:2 NLT)

To keep from being deceived in your thoughts by Satan, read your bible daily to give your mind the proper nutrition it needs and stay deeply rooted in Love!

                                                                 

                                                                     When Someone you Love is abused!

¹ The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

² He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

³ He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.

⁴ Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with ^[a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

⁶ Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place. (Psalm 23 AMPC)

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 23:5 It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate, but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body with oil to protect it from excessive perspiration. When mixed with perfume, the oil imparted a delightfully refreshing and invigorating sensation. Athletes anointed their bodies as a matter of course before running a race. As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed, invigorated, and better fitted for action, so the Lord would anoint His “sheep” with the Holy Spirit, Whom oil symbolizes, to fit them to engage more freely in His service and run in the way He directs—in heavenly fellowship with Him. (biblegateway.com)

Everyone has faced rejection in some form! It is a hurdle many have jumped! But for those who approach the hurdle afraid they will fall; you will because your fear is more powerful than your faith!