Things God will not say. . . . .

I believe scripture is true. I believe it is infallible. I believe God is bound by His word. This sometimes places limits on His ability to work in our lives if we place ourselves outside of His word. Within the confines of His word I believe the following is true.

Thank you to whoever posted this on youtube.

Myspace Equals mywitness: would Christ approve?

Myspace equals Mywitness: Would Christ approve of your Myspace page or would He be devastated by what you display on your site?

I am a member of Myspace. I have looked at a lot of Myspace profiles and I am finding a common problem. If you don’t know what Myspace is, which I seriously doubt, if you’ve found this blog, but just supposing you don’t know what Myspace is; it is a site that allows people to set up a web site about themselves in order to meet and network with other people on the Myspace site. It is probably one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get on the web to promote yourself or what ever you choose within reason. Each Myspacer fills out a profile about themselves telling as mush or as little as they choose. They can upload pictures of themselves to share with friends they have added to their Myspace friends list as well as everyone else on Myspace if their profile is public. Myspace doesn’t allow pornography which is good but some of the sites are close to pornographic but with out pictures.

My pet peeve is this:

I find a lot of profiles who list themselves as Christian but their content is anything but Christlike. If you are a Christian that is great. If your content is in line with what you say you believe, great. However, this is not usually the case. Too many so called Christians put all manner of profane trash on their site. If as a Christian, we are called to be Christlike then that includes your Myspace page as well.

Rom 12:2Rom 12:2
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  

  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God.

“Be not conformed to this world” or lets say don’t be like the world. The world is all those who are not God’s. If you are born again you are God’s so be like God not the world. To be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” is a conscieous effort on your part. This is the part that the Aposlte Paul referred to as “dying to self”, “crucifying the flesh”. The renewing of your mind means you choose to do what is right and to follow what God has told you to do in His word. Why do we do this? What does the verse say? “To prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God”. That’s right your life is the proof of the good, pleasing and perfect will of God. Do people see this in your  life, on your Myspace page.

The world is going to hell fast and all they have to show them what God is all about is you. If your Myspace page promotes all the stuff they already have and you call yourself a Christian; why should they give God a chance? All they see from you and your Myspace page is God is no different than the god they already serve, Satan. The Bible says Satan has come to steal, kill and destroy. Why do we make God out to be the same?

Joh 10:10Joh 10:10
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

10 The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have [it] abundantly.  

  The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Jesus said this. Jesus never spoke but what God told Him to speak. So, if Christ came to give life and life more abundantly; does our life show this to everyone we meet? If our life doesn’t demonstrate this, we have missed what God wants for us. Of course it could be because we have made the choice to glorify Satan in the way we live our lives. It is a choice you know? Every minute of every day the choice is presented to you to serve God or to serve Satan. Unfortunately, our Myspace pages tend to glorify Satan. We hide behind cute screen names then post pictures of our selves so everyone will know who we are. Church going Christian people get on Myspace and lose their religion, so to speak, but not before proclaiming to the world that they are “Christian other”. The only Christlike thing on their Myspace page is their religious preference in their profile.

I end this rant with a request. If you just have to display Satan glorifying crap on your Myspace page so your friends will think you’re cool, please leave the religious preference blank or ask Myspace to include Pagan to their list of preferences. Better thought, be bold, take a stand, be Christlike and glorify God with your Myspace page. Myspace is a great witness for Christ if you display a Christlike page.

Myspace equals Mywitness: Would Christ approve?

Spiritual Farming 101 (pt 3): What Fruit is My Tree Producing?

Spiritual fruit: What is it? Christ used parables to help the people of His time understand His teachings. Farming was a common choice for Jesus since most of the people He taught were familiar with farming. If you were growing an orchard, the trees in your orchard would produce a specific kind of fruit. As a Christian, you are in a  since like a tree in an orchard. As a believer in Christ you are expected to produce certain fruits, i.e. works, actions, attitudes. . . a lifestyle.

Lets look at it like this; if you were a tree that could produce any kind of fruit you chose to produce and when you became a Christian God planted you in His orchard; He would expect you to produce the kind of fruit that He wants. Now, for the sake of this discussion, lets say God wanted apples. Apples were the fruit that would be pleasing to God. As a tree in God’s orchard, if you want to please God you would need to produce apples, not oranges, lemons, pears, etc. We have a tendency to think we can do anything we want and still please God. This is not true.

If we are discussing the fruit that we produce, then the obvious question would be; what fruit? In Galatians 5:19-24Galatians 5:19-24
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, 21 envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. 24 And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof.  

we see the different kinds of fruit we produce; both good and bad.

Gal 5:19Gal 5:19
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  

  Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal 5:20Gal 5:20
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties,  
  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
Gal 5:21Gal 5:21
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

21 envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  
  envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:22Gal 5:22
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23Gal 5:23
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.  
  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Some of you have read this before. The question now is; do you know what each of these mean? If you don’t know what some of these terms mean, how can you stop doing them or start doing them? We are going to take some time here and define some of the less obvious ones for you as quickly and briefly as I can and still make them clear to you. Please take the time to look at these terms. This information could save your life. Yes, it is that important.

Deeds (fruit) of the Flesh

immorality: illicit sexual intercourse; adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc.; sexual intercourse with close relatives; sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman;

impurity: uncleanness; physical; in a moral sense: the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living; of impure motives

sensuality: unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence

idolatry: the worship of false gods, idolatry

sorcery: the use or the administering of drugs; poisoning; sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it; metaphorically the deceptions and seductions of idolatry

enmities: enemies, hostile, hostilty

strife: contention, strife, wrangling

jealousy: Suspicious fear or apprehension; Suspicious that we do not enjoy the affection or respect of others, or that another is more loved and respected than ourselves. Emulous; full of competition.

outbursts of anger: passion, angry, heat, anger forthwith boiling up and soon subsiding again

disputes: rivalry, arguments, heated disagreements.

dissensions: Disagreement in opinion, usually a disagreement which is violent, producing warm debates or angry words; contention in words; strife; discord; quarrel; breach of friendship and union.

factions: Tumult; discord; dissension.

envying: Feeling uneasiness at the superior condition and happiness of another. Mortification experienced at the supposed prosperity and happiness of another. Ill will at others, on account of some supposed superiority.

drunkeness: Duh! what else could it mean.

carousing: a carousal (as if a letting loose): - revelling, rioting.

Fruit of the Spirit

love: In a general sense to be pleased with; to regard with affection, on account of some qualities which excite pleasing sensations or desire of gratification.

Joy: cheerfulness, calm delight: - gladness

peace: peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord; of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.

patience: endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance; forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs.

kindness: usefulness, moral excellence (in character or demeanor): - gentleness, good (-ness), kindness.

goodness: The state of being good; the physical qualities which constitute value, excellence or perfection; as the goodness of timber; the goodness of a soil. The moral qualities which constitute christian excellence; moral virtue; religion. Kindness; benevolence; benignity of heart; but more generally, acts of kindness; charity; humanity exercised. I shall remember his goodness to me with gratitude.

faithfulness: persuasion, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession.

gentleness: mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness

self-control: (the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites)

Sorry, had to be done but all of the terms needed to be defined. Now you should be able to tell what each one means. If you still aren’t sure look it up in a different source but find out. Why? because this is important to know. How can you make the changes to your life that need to be made if you don’t know what is wrong or right about your life? If you don’t know the differences between apples and oranges; how will you grow apples if that is what is pleasing to God? The Bible is specific about one point; those who practice the deeds of the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God. That sounds like an important piece of information, don’t you think?

Another point; if you are constantly displaying the deeds of the flesh and profess to be a Christian? ….. there’s a problem.

2Co 5:17  So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Like 2 Corinthians 5:172 Corinthians 5:17
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

17 Wherefore if any man is in Christ, [he is] a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.  

says, “…if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature;….” i.e. recreated in spirit, a new creature. Looking back at what God has created in the past, we know that what God creates, He creates perfect. The earth and all the creatures, including man, were all created perfect. Even Lucifer was created perfect in every way until iniquity was found in him Eze 28:15Eze 28:15
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till unrighteousness was found in thee.  
. So, if everything God creates is perfect, what are you when you become born again? You are a new creature, a perfect creature in Christ. Perfection in this sense comes from Christ and not of anything you do. Our job? Serve God with all we have and all we are. If you do this you will produce the right kind of fruit.

In order for us to serve God like we need to; we must know Him and what He expects of us. We find this information in His Word. That’s right, you gotta read the Bible! It’s the only way. Your relationship with God is your relationship. Nobody else can do it for you. You can’t ride someone’s coat tails to a productive Christian life and right relationship with God. You gotta do it. You! God isn’t going to make you. He didn’t create puppets but people who are free moral agents, able to choose for themselves. His desire is for you to choose to have a relationship with Him on your own. You will ask just about anyone to be friends with you on myspace but trip all over yourself when it comes to God. Having Him as your friend is much quicker and easier, not to mention more beneficial.

Now that you understand what fruit is and what the terms mean, it is time to make your choice. Do you serve and love your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might or do you continue to bump along defeated and in bondage to sin and the devil.

Deu 6:5Deu 6:5
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

5 and thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  

  And you shall love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Deuteronomy 6:5Deuteronomy 6:5
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

5 and thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  

is how it is done. This is how you produce the right kind of fruit. Total sell out to God in every part of your life, no holding back anything.

What fruit does your tree produce? Check it carefully what you find might save your life.

Spiritual Farming 101 (pt 2) The Law of Sowing and Reaping

The Law of Sowing and Reaping, you ask? What is this? Well sit back get comfortable and read on and I’ll see if I can shed some light on this subject for you. Pay close attention, this is important stuff if you want to live a Christlike life.

The Law of Sowing and Reaping: (Galatians 6:7Galatians 6:7
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  

)

(NASB)  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

(AMP)  Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.

Note the last part of the Amplified; it says, “For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.”

The Law of Sowing and Reaping is a spiritual law that too many Christians do not understand. Money is what most Christians think of when we begin to talk about sowing and reaping. Sowing and reaping covers most everything in life. We unfortunately don’t equate what we have and what we receive with this spiritual precept.

Any farmer will tell you that in order to harvest you must first plant. He will, also, tell you to plant what you want to grow. Don’t plant onions and hope for corn, it won’t happen. Duh! right? Simple enough wouldn’t you say? If this is such a simple precept; Why do we constantly plant things in our lives we don’t want? What did Galatians 6:7Galatians 6:7
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  

say? Was it, what you sow you will reap? When we are sowing and reaping on the farm; we understand that we must plant what we want to grow. The same common sense statement applies to your life as well.

The obvious question here is, “Okay, so what are we planting in our lives?” The answer; seed. To simple an answer? Fine, lets define seed. Seed in any one’s life is the things that affect others around you, for a start. Like what, you ask? How about attitudes, words, actions, the things you surround yourself with, the things that are your priorities; all of these things are seed.

You want an example. Okay. The attitude you display to others is usually the attitude you get back. You talk kindly to someone usually kindness will be returned. Talk smack to someone, and ……. You get the picture? This is an example of seed that germinates and is harvested quickly. However, this kind of seed can be a long term harvest as well. Be ugly to people long enough and eventually even those who tolerated you will stop tolerating you.

The seed we sow covers every part of our lives. Most people aren’t even aware that they are sowing seed at all and all day long as well. If they knew what was sown a prayer for crop failure would be in order.

Galatians 6:8Galatians 6:8
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

8 For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.  

tells us:

NASB)  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

If every seed you sow is selfish and self centered, is all about you what you want, to feel and do; this is a good example of sowing to the flesh. To sow to the Spirit is the opposite of the flesh. If the flesh is all about self; the Spirit is all about selflessness. Part of our calling as a Christian is to be Christlike. He was never selfish. If He had been selfish we would all be in trouble. He didn’t have to be scourged, beaten, mocked, spit on, take the sins of the whole world on Himself, carry all our infirmities in His body, be made poor so we could be rich, have God the Father turn His back to Him, die a physical as well as spiritual death separated from God, allow Satan to prevail for a moment, be put in bondage so we could be free, He didn’t have to do any of that. He could have said, “Nope, not me. I’m the Son of God I shouldn’t have to do all that junk.” Praise Jesus, He was obedient unto death on a cross, for you, took all your sins and sicknesses, for you, died physically and spiritually separated from the Father, for you. It wasn’t a big deal for Him, was it? I mean, that is what He came here for, right? It was no big deal since He was God in human form, right?

Let me sow some good seed here. It was a huge deal for Him to do all of it. He left heaven, if that wasn’t bad enough, and came to earth as a man. He had no advantage over you or I. He had all our limitations. He laid aside His power or ability to use His power and operated on this earth as a mere man. He endured all of it as a man. It was a big deal!

So, what does this have to do with the law of sowing and reaping? Christ is the perfect example of how and what to sow. Total and complete selflessness. He thought only of you, not Himself. The harvest? Its coming and what a harvest it will be. Seed can’t grow until it is put in the ground and it dies. Christ was the ultimate seed ever planted.

Joh 12:24Joh 12:24
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit.  

  “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

You see, God sowed His Son that we might have eternal life. If Christ had not died I wouldn’t be typing this post entry and you wouldn’t be reading it. The law of sowing and reaping would continue on, though, even if Christ had not died. The law of sowing and reaping has been since the beginning of time. God set it up. He wants to bless what we sow and multiply our harvest. It helps if we plant something worth while.

What we plant in our lives is what we will harvest in our lives. If we plant faith we will harvest faith. If we plant fear we will harvest fear. If we plant righteousness we will harvest righteousness. If we plant hate and discontent we get hate and discontent. Have you ever heard:

Mat 26:52Mat 26:52
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

52 Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.  

  Then Jesus *said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.

Luk 6:31Luk 6:31
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

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

  “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.

Gal 6:9Gal 6:9
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

9 And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  

  Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

Joh 3:16Joh 3:16
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.  

  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Joh 16:7,13Joh 16:7,13
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, [these] shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come.  

  But I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you. But if I depart, I will send Him to you. However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. For He shall not speak of Himself, but whatever He hears, He shall speak. And He will announce to you things to come.

Luk 6:38Luk 6:38
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.  

  Give, and it shall be given to you, good measure pressed down and shaken together and running over, they shall give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you measure, it shall be measured to you again.

These are a few of the many examples of sowing and reaping in the Bible. When God sows the harvest is great. When we sow into God our harvest will be great. The things we sow in our lives should be sown in faith and sown to the Spirit. We need to put aside all selfish nonsense and begin to think first of others. How will what we are doing, saying, acting like, etc., affect others? Will they be affected in a positive way or a negative way? Who is being glorified? Who are you serving by the seed you are sowing?

We the Church, Christians, ought to be praying for fruitful harvests instead of crop failure. Sow good faith wrapped seed and expect a bountiful harvest. God will bless the fruit of your vine. Satan will be more than happy to cause your weeds to run amok.

While sowing and reaping can have great financial impact in our lives; the greatest impact of all is how we live our lives and how we present our Lord and Savior to those around us. These are the greatest seeds sown. These are the seeds that will grow into the greatest of harvests. The big question is what will be harvested?

Plant well. Plant bountifully. Plant Christ.

Plow under the junk

Spirtiual Farming 101 (pt 1): Faith. What is it?

Spiritual farming may sound strange to you but it is a Biblical principle that every Christian should be familiar with. There are several areas that I will discuss but we will begin with the most basic Christian “must have” which is faith. With out faith your farming will be unfruitful at best.

What is faith? Hebrews 11:1Hebrews 11:1
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

11 1 Now faith is assurance of [things] hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.  

defines it as this:

(AMP)  NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]

(Darby)  Now faith is the substantiating of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

(MKJV)  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

(NASB)  Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

(YLT)  And faith is of things hoped for a confidence, of matters not seen a conviction,

The last part of the Amplified states it best, “faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses”. If we break down this verse you will see that faith operates in two realms. The first and most apparent realm is the here and now; the realm where you can physically possess a thing. The other realm is the spiritual realm where you receive what you have faith for first. Mark 11:24Mark 11:24
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.  

says:

(AMP)  For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].

Notice in Mark11:24 it begins with the prayer for something, anything, then faith in the fact that God has already performed what you asked of Him, then you receive in the here and now. A prayer in faith will always be granted. The only stipulations are, that God has not already spoken against it in His Word and that you as a believer are in a place where God can perform what you ask. Remember, God will not and can not do things that are contrary to His word. The believer must be in right relationship with God to receive freely from Him. You can not live in sin and be in right relationship with God. You can not ignore and deny God or ask with doubt in your heart and expect to receive anything from God.

Jas 1:6Jas 1:6
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.  

  Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.
Jas 1:7Jas 1:7
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord;  
  For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord,

In faith there is no room for doubt. Doubt will undo anything asked for in faith. Jesus stated this same point in Mark 11:23Mark 11:23
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

23 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.  

.

(AMP)  Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him.

Take note that Jesus says, “… and does not doubt at all in his heart….” not head but heart; since He said this we must believe that not doubting is important. If doubt wasn’t a problem then why did He say this to us. He, also, made it a point to say “doubt in the heart”, which is important to understand. I have heard Kenneth E. Hagin state on numerous occasions that if you do not doubt in your heart you will receive from God what you ask no matter what nonsense your head is trying to tell you. Keith Moore, in some of his sermons, has said, “sometimes you have to just say, shut up head, you don’t dictate the outcome so just shut up.” That’s not an exact quote but you will get the message. In other words, what you believe in your heart and speak with your mouth is what you will have, positive or negative. You should take note, Mark 11:23Mark 11:23
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

23 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.  

isn’t talking about prayer but believing in your heart and speaking with your mouth what you want. Sound familiar? If you have read your Bible as you should be you may have seen this before.

Rom 10:9Rom 10:9
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

9 because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus [as] Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved:  

  that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
Rom 10:10Rom 10:10
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  
  for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

That’s right, this is how we claim the free gift of salvation. We believe in out heart and confess with our mouth. There is no pray involved here, just believe and speak. This is a principle through out the Bible, even in the old testament. People have made the choice to believe God and take Him at His word, then act on what He said, speak what He said and expect Him to perform what He said. This is called faith.

Here is a scenario. In the physical realm you have a need or want in your life. You have read the Word and know that God has promised you that what you ask in faith He will do. Nothing in His Word says you can’t ask for what you need or want, so you can move forward in your pursuit. At this point, Mark 11:23Mark 11:23
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

23 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.  

or 24 will be the way you choose to pursue what you want. Verse 23 is for things that we know God has already granted us through salvation such as healing, deliverance, prosperity, protection. These are the things that were completed on the cross when Christ became our sacrifice. Verse 24 deals with things that were not specifically done through salvation. However, we are promised if we abide in Him and His word abides in us that we can ask anything and He will do it (John 15:7John 15:7
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  
). Back to our scenario. You choose to pray for what you want or need. So, when you pray you must believe that what you have asked God has already done, in the spiritual realm. If God has already done what we ask in the spiritual realm when we asked, then all that is left is to not doubt in your heart that you will have it in the here and now, the physical realm. Ignore your head and just believe in your heart and begin to speak in faith that you have what you asked, even before you can see it in the physical realm. This is faith in action.

Faith is an action. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26James 2:26
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.  

). A work of faith is to speak even though you do not see, yet. We speak because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ (Romans 10:17Romans 10:17
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

17 So belief [cometh] of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.  
). It doesn’t matter from where we hear the words of Christ but that we hear them so faith can come. If we speak Christ’s words we are still hearing them. The Word is the Word, no matter who speaks it, even you.

The Physical Realm

Faith is: the substance of things hoped for or expected that we have asked of God or we know He has already granted us through salvation. Taking God at His word knowing He can not lie.

The Spiritual Realm

Faith is: the evidence of things not seen. Faith is the evidence, to you, that God has performed, already, as soon as you asked, what you asked Him to do but in the spiritual realm. Things are done in the spiritual realm before they are ever manifest here on earth before our eyes. We believe first then we see. If you have to see to believe you will never receive from God.

You know, the simple fact that God can not, will not lie should be enough information to set the Church on fire, burning up all the devils strongholds. We the Church should want for nothing. God has granted to us, through salvation, everything we need to stay productive as a ministry. Health, finances, things, time….. the list goes on. These are all things God knows we need to do His work. We receive these things through faith. God gives liberally to those who have faith and believe.

If we look at Christians today we see people who are missing what God has promised us. We see a Church, which is made up of these Christians, that is unproductive and beaten by Satan and his world. The world sees no reason to be a Christian; there is nothing in it for them but more of what they already have. Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. Our lack of faith shows the world God is no different. By being weak in faith we show God to be a liar to the world and that just isn’t true. It is your duty as a Christian to exercise your faith daily. Exercise makes the body stronger; and so it is with faith as well.

Don’t make God out to be a liar because your faith is weak. Now is the day to begin to believe in the Word of God and to take Him at His word. God is sitting on the edge of His throne, giddy, at the thought of blessing you. If you will only allow Him. Put yourself in right relationship with Him so He can.

He is not a liar! He is truth. Have faith in God.

Wake up Christian people! The Kingdom of God is at hand.

Wake up!! It’s time to take a stand for Christ or go sit with the world. The Bridegroom cometh; will He find you ready? Will you be found about your Fathers business or about your own? Are you ready? He’s coming, He’s coming!

If you study prophesy at all you know that we are in the end times. It goes without saying that we are closer than anyone has ever been. Yet, with this knowledge and the Bible spelling out what is to come plainly, Christian people still find more pleasure in the world than in Christ. Sad state of affairs we the Church find ourselves in. The world does not take note of us because we are no different than they. Why should they? What do we offer them except more of what they already have. When the world sees Christians who are impoverished, sickly, disease ridden, in bondage to various addictions, living like hell, trying to fit in with those going to hell and then a Christian asks if they want to be part of the flock, the answer is, no. Why should they. They already have a master who kills, steals and destroys. Why would they want another?

We as Christians have become an embarrassment to the Church as it was intended to be. The book of Acts, describes what the Church is supposed to be like. Christ gave us an example to follow as a Church. He said, “the things I do, you will do also, and even greater things than these.” Do we believe that? or do we want to argue how all of that died with the last apostle? We argue that we don’t need miracles and signs today because we have the Bible. Well, if you read your Bible you will see that people are no different today than they were then. The Church is still trying to reach the same kind of people. These people didn’t believe the scriptures they had then and they don’t believe the scriptures we have now, today. So, why do we argue these things when God is telling us how to reach these people? Some folks won’t believe until they see. Christ had the same problem. Do we think we are more knowledgeable and more advanced than He? May it never be!

If the Bible states it, I believe it, that settles it, needs to become the creed of every believer in the Church. We need to quit bickering over things that God Himself has granted to us to do His work. Why do we desire so earnestly to do Gods work partially equipped? We were told to put on the whole armor of God, not just part of it. So, what are we to put on? Lets look shall we.

Ephesians 6:11-18Ephesians 6:11-18
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil [one]. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,  

  1. Gird your loins with truth. (a wide thick heavy belt)
  2. The breastplate of righteousness
  3. Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace
  4. Take up the shield of faith which will extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one
  5. Put on the helmet of salvation
  6. Put on the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God

Now, notice this is only six things. Seven is usually associated with God because seven is considered to be a perfect number. So, is this a mistake? No. Most Christians miss number seven in this list.

7. With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, ……

Number seven is the piece that always gets overlooked. Number seven is the most powerful of all. When we pray in the Spirit, Satan can not intercept this prayer and counterfeit it. Praying in the Spirit is a prayer you can’t mess up. When you pray in the Spirit it will always be the will of God.

This is a call to arms, Christians. It’s past time to get ready. We have already been at war and some of us aren’t prepared. No wonder Christian people are getting stomped by the devil on a regular basis. You wouldn’t go to a gun fight with a knife would you? So, why do we do this with the devil? Our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12Ephesians 6:12
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places].  

). This is a spiritual battle and most Christians have not grasped that yet. We’re still praying that God will make the world a nicer place. Hooey! Ain’t gonna happen. Read your Bible. There is no scriptural basis for this, none.

Faith begins where the will of God is known. His Word is His will. If what you pray for isn’t supported by scripture, quit praying it! Quit wasting time on prayers God can’t answer. God can not and will not operated contrary to His Word. He can’t grant you world peace because you asked for it. We must pray the Word. You can have anything from God you want, if the Word supports your request. And the Word will support the things you want and need. However, some requests, such as world peace, are plainly spoken against in the Word. If the Word says something will happen it is a waste of your time to pray that it doesn’t.

Okay, got off on a rant there, sorry. The point of this post is to wake Christian people up. It’s past time to be prepared for battle.

He’s coming, He’s coming, He’s coming sooner than you think.

So be ready in season and out. Be always on the alert for you adversary the devil is prowling about seeking whom he may devour.

Don’t let it be you. That’s right; don’t you let it be you. Put yourself in a place where God can protect you and bless you. Like I said, He can not and will not operate contrary to His Word.

So, be ready! He’s coming! Don’t be found lacking!

W W J D: How About What Did Jesus Do?

We’ve all seen WWJD on all kinds of things. What would Jesus do? What would Jesus do? I have a better question; instead of what would He do, how about what did Jesus do? Our goal is to be Christ-like, right? So, why don’t we take a look at what He did while He was here?

I know WWJD was intended to make christians think, “what would Jesus do?”, before they did something stupid, like, lets say ….. sin. However, everybody had this logo every where but nobody stopped and thought what would Jesus really do right here right now. Unfortunately what happened, WWJD was worn to keg parties, while teens were engaging in premarital sex, while cussing people out, stealing, pick a commandment to break and WWJD was there. So, again I say, lets look at what Jesus actually did and lets begin to act like He did. Mike Warnke, Christian comedian once said, “People sit around worrying about doing all the don’ts in the Bible. If they would get busy doing the dos they wouldn’t have time to do the don’ts.” That is why we are going to look at what Jesus did.

Jesus began his ministry by being baptized by John the Baptist. At that time the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove and a voice was heard from heaven saying, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt 3:13-17Matt 3:13-17
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John would have hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him. 16 And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him; 17 and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  

). After Jesus was baptized He was led by the Spirit, into the wilderness, to be tempted (Matt 4:2-11Matt 4:2-11
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered. 3 And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 and he said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.  
). Jesus was tempted in every way that we will ever be tempted and withstood the temptation so that He would be an example to us, as well as come to our aide when we are tempted (Heb 2:18Heb 2:18
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.  
). These temptations are in three main areas; lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life. These three things are what we deal with on a daily basis and Christ our Lord and Savior beat them all.

Next we see that Jesus preached. What did He preach? Love? Tolerance? Salvation? Hell fire and brimstone? Be a good person? No. He preached The Good News of the Kingdom of God and Repentance (Matt 4:17Matt 4:17
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

17 From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  

, Mark 1:14-15Mark 1:14-15
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

14 Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel.  
, Luke 4:43Luke 4:43
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

43 But he said unto them, I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to the other cities also: for therefore was I sent.  
). That was His message. Did He teach these other things at the same time? Yes, but this was His message. Good news is what the people were craving and repentance was what they needed. The same thing applies today. God never changes, so why would His message?

The Gospel, i.e. the good news was accompanied by Jesus meeting the physical and spiritual needs of those who came to Him. How? He healed the sick, made the lame walk, the blind see, cast out demons, raised the dead, fed thousands of people with a little boys lunch, twice, made disciples of those who followed Him so the message and meeting of the people’s needs could be expanded beyond Himself (Matt 10:5-8Matt 10:5-8
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying, Go not into [any] way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans: 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give.  

, Luke 10:1-9, 17-20Luke 10:1-9, 17-20
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

10 1 Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself was about to come. 2 And he said unto them, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no wallet, no shoes; and salute no man on the way. 5 And into whatsoever house ye shall enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house. 6 And if a son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall turn to you again. 7 And in that same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. 8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: 9 and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 17 And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject unto us in thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. 20 Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.  
). If you want to know the miracles He performed, pick a gospel, any gospel, Matthew, Mark, Luke or John and begin to read. You can hardly turn a page without finding the Master meeting the need of someone.

Now here is the really cool part; Jesus did all of this as a man. That’s right, He did all of this as a mere man, not as God in a man suit but as a real man with all of the limitations that you and I have (Php 2:5-8Php 2:5-8
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient [even] unto death, yea, the death of the cross.  

). In the book of Philippians, it says that He emptied Himself, took the form of a bond-servant, likeness of men and the appearance of man. Charles Ryrie explains it like this:

The kenosis (emptying) of Christ during His incarnation does not mean that He surrendered any attributes of deity, but that He took on the limitations of humanity. This involved a veiling of His preincarnate glory (John 17:5John 17:5
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

5 And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.  

) and the voluntary waiving of some of His divine prerogatives during the time He was on earth.

He had no advantage over you and I except He had no sin nature as we do. That means He didn’t need a savior; He is the Savior for us. So what does all this mean to us? It means we have the perfect example how we are to conduct ourselves while here on this earth (1 Peter 2:211 Peter 2:21
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:  

). Everything we deal with on a daily basis Christ has already dealt with and won (John 16:33John 16:33
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

33 These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  
).

Now here is the really, really cool part. Jesus told us that the things He did we would do and even greater things than these (John 14:12John 14:12
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.  

). Imagine doing the things Christ did. Healing the sick, making the blind see, the lame walk, casting out demons and proclaiming The Good News of the Kingdom of God. What a ministry the church would have in the communities around them. This is the church that Christ built. This is what our churches are to be like, not dead and in religious bondage.

Jesus told Peter, “upon this rock I will build My Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18Matt 16:18
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

18 And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.  

). If you have given your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Church, we are the Church and anything that comes through the gates of Hell will not prevail against us.

Do what Jesus did and you won’t need to ask, “What would Jesus do?”.

Keeping Your Relationship with Christ Personal

Keeping your relationship with Jesus Christ personal is the first step to living a Christ-like life. To many young Christians don’t realize that they have entered into a relationship with God the Father through the Son, Jesus and that their relationship is guided by the Holy Spirit. Jesus died on the cross for the purpose of reconciling us to God the Father. Jesus took the place of all the animal sacrifice by sacrificing himself to pay the penalty for our sin. The blood shed during animal sacrifice only covered sin but the Blood that Christ shed remitted sin. In other words when you become born again all your sins are washed completely away, with no record of them anywhere. If you go to God, after being born again, about a sin you committed before you believed, He doesn’t know what you are talking about. The Bible says that when God forgives your sin He casts them as far as the east is from the west and remembers them no more (Psalms 103:12Psalms 103:12
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

12 As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.  

).

A lot of Christians fail to realize that once born again, they no longer have to sin. You can live without the acts of sin in your life if you simply trust God and do what the Word says. If you do what the Word says you will be to busy to be rebellious and disobedient. Unfortunately only a few Christians understand the absolute need for being in the Word. If you don’t get into the Word you basically starve yourself spiritually.

Here is a skit performed to Lifehouse’s Everything. It demonstrates the separation from God that sin causes in the life of a Christian and how strong sin’s pull is in your life. However, watch what happens when the girl in this skit gets on her knees and prays. This is really powerful, enjoy.

Returning to God in your own strength is impossible but when you humble yourself, repent of your sin and ask God for help, He will always meet you where ever you are and bring you back to Himself. The Bible uses the illustration of a shepherd and his sheep. When a lamb is lost the shepherd goes and finds the lamb and returns it to the fold. This is how God is with us.

Get into the Word and find out what Jesus had to say and how he did things. (1 Peter 2:211 Peter 2:21
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:  

). tells us that Jesus was an example to us that we are to follow in His steps. Being born again brings three of the best friends into your life that you will ever have, God the Father who is your source of all things, Jesus who intercedes for us always and who makes it possible for you to be reconciled to the Father, and the Holy Spirit who is with you 24/7 to help you in all aspects of your life no matter how trivial. Get to know all three, they are all revealed to you in the Word.

Obama, McCain, Obama, McCain Hmmmm??

This is a question on a lot of people’s minds as we move closer to voting day. The problem that I’m having is I don’t see either as a best choice. I find myself trying to figure out who will do the least amount of damage to me, the least of the two evils, if you will. Choosing between Bush and Gore was a no-brainer at the time. Now with fuel costs higher than should be legal I find myself questioning my choice. Not that I will ever think Al Gore would have been the better choice, at the time, but I wonder if Bush could have done more to help relieve fuel costs. I do believe Bush was God’s man at that time.

With Obama and McCain I have to ask myself who will do the least amount of damage. What a dilemma. How do I choose?

There is only one solution to this problem and that is the power of prayer. Make that two solutions, I can be Spirit led also (the Holy Spirit). The key to this is not who do I think is the best but who does God want in the highest office in the world. That’s right the highest office in the world. The presidency of the United States commands more power and authority than any office in the world, at present. So, whom does God want? The answer? I don’t know. I’m still seeking that answer.

My opinion of both men is; they both want to do what is best for America. They differ on how to do this but I believe that they both truly want to do what is in America’s best interests. I can’t fault a man for his convictions but I can disagree with what he believes. That is what makes America so great.

Most people can’t separate disagreement with liking someone. If we disagree then we must not like this person at all. That just isn’t the case. Disagreement does not have to bring about division. The Bible tells us to love our neighbor as our self. My point, agree or disagree with either candidate or those who support them but don’t dislike them. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion with out fear of retribution. Trust me, we have more than enough divisions in this country as it stands.

Whoever God chooses will definitely be the best man for the job and that is whom we are all seeking. God has proven both righteous and unrighteous men can be used to bring about his will.

So vote for the one God chooses not who public opinion chooses or who you like or feel would make the best president.

“Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” Romans 13:1Romans 13:1
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

13 1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the [powers] that be are ordained of God.  

If you are a english major or you teach grammar ignore the who and whom usage I tend to write like I speak.

this article is also posted on:

http://ovrcomr.blogspot.com/

Are you Anorexic, Bulimic or Well Fed?

Are you anorexic, bulimic or well fed? The first two we obviously recognized as eating disorders. I am not going into a long discussion about eating disorders; at least not physical eating disorders. The name of this blog is “Which Way is Up?” and therefore will be about finding our way up and out of lifes crap. As I said in my first post, my goal is to hopefully help people through my life experience and the Word of God. So lets look at our two eating disorders since we all know what well fed is.

Now, understand that I’m going to nut-shell these behaviors as they apply to this topic so if you have one of these disorders please read on but then get some professional help.

anorexia- basically the starving of ones self. For the clinical stuff look up anorexia on Google since it is a lot more than starving yourself.

bulimia-characterized by binge eating and purging. Again, Google for the real poop.

Spiritually speaking anorexia and bulimia describe far to many christians today. Finding a well fed spiritually healthy christian is becoming harder and harder. Now thats not to say there are not a lot of them out there because there are but far to many begin here with anorexia or bulimia. What am  I talking about you ask? I’m glad you asked so let me explain.

Spiritual Anorexia

Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” In other words the Word of God is spiritual food. So many people get born again but never crack their bible. This includes young and old alike. Now if you don’t eat physical food for a length of time what happens? You get weak and shaky at the least. If you go for to long you end up with even bigger problems. The same holds true to spiritual feeding as well. This gives you an idea of what spiritual anorexia is. And the Devil said, ” YeeeHawww, got me a weak one.”

Spiritual Bulimia

So what is spiritual bulimia? Since we know bulimic behavior is characterized as binge eating and purging, not totally but that is what comes to most people’s minds, then that must mean you are eating, or reading the Word but then what? Purging? How about this, we read the Word, understand the Word and then choose not to believe it or apply it, i.e. purging. And the Devil said, “Oooh, rebellious, yeah.”

Understand that both of these are choices we make. Spiritual anorexia is sometimes due to ignorance, at least until you are informed of what you should be doing. Spiritual bulimia is always stupidity. Here are some terms for you to mull over:

stupidity - you have the information and don’t use or apply it.

ignorance - you don’t have the information

wisdom - you have the information and use and apply it correctly

Everyone fits one of these terms at some point in life and in many different areas. Do your best to be wise with the knowledge you have. Don’t find yourself spiritually bulimic or anorexic but rather well fed, healthy, happy and experiencing all the promises that God has granted you. See 2 Peter 1:2-42 Peter 1:2-4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV

2 Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; 4 whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in that world by lust.  

.

‘granted us all things pertaining to life and godliness, ‘granted us His precious and magnificent promises,

And the Devil said, “……………” Yo Devil thats your que, hellooo. Guess he don’t like those kind  of people.

If you want to know what things have been granted to you and promised to you, pull up a chair, grab your spiritual food and dig in.