You Have Friends In High Places! Receiving Favor from God!

Friends in High Places…

Receiving Favour from God with Man

You have friends in High places, in the highest courts of heaven! God Almighty is your friend, and you have access to His throne, for it is written:

Ephesians 2: (AKJV)

⁶ and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Today we are going to look at a topic that has come to the forefront in faith circles these days, the concept of receiving supernatural favour from God with people.

We’ve all heard the saying, it’s not what you know, but who you know that makes the difference in our status in life.

People in the workplace spend incredible effort seeking to develop relationships with people of influence, in order to get the better job or position of status they desire.

Well, we’ve got friends in high places, determined to promote us, if we would simply ask. Friends of eternal consequence that is, if you have made your peace with God, and received Jesus, as Your Saviour and Lord. If you haven’t yet, please read:https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/the-gospel-the-power-of-god/

Of course, like every promise of God there is a condition attached. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his way of doing things, and all other things are added unto us.

Let’s look at a few examples of individuals in the Bible of godly people who received supernatural favour from God with man.

Joseph

Genesis 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Remember, Joseph walked with God, and gave God all the glory for what God did in his life. You recall the story, Joseph interpreted Pharoah’s dreams and:

39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

One day of favour is worth a lifetime of labour.

Ruth found favor in the eyes of Boaz, a very wealthy man. She became his wife. Her life made an eternal impact, and the rest of her days were far better than any she had experienced beforehand.

God has some Boazes for you too, as you serve Him!

Moses

I know I am using images from children’s cartoons, but hey, I’m a dad, and I love watching kids movies with my children, snuggled in the sofa before bed.

Exodus 3:21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:

Exodus 11:3 And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.

Exodus 12:36 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

Not bad, God moved to deliver His people, even as He has and is moving to deliver you. When He was finished, the enemies of the people of God freely gave them riches and wealth.

May God both deliver you from the hand of your enemies, but so move, that they freely give you riches and wealth!

Esther

You remember the story. King Ahasuerus had a haughty wife who conducted herself poorly in court, and formal affairs. He divorced her. He then had everyone look for the most beautiful virgin in his kingdom to be his wife. All the women were brought and:

Esther 2:15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

Esther 2:17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Who do you think gave that favor to Esther? God of course!

He will do the same for you too is you serve Him.

Sounds like a Cinderella story without the need of fairy god mothers, pumpkins and golden slippers.

Isn’t that the gospel though? We were lost, without purpose and direction in this life. Lonely.

Then we heard about Jesus the  King, and we asked His forgiveness, and received Him as rightful Lord of our lives, but the miracle then occurred: We became not mere subjects of His Kingdom, but adopted into His royal family, sons and daughters of heaven, kings and priests unto Him! We have become, the bride of Christ!

Well, God has a purpose for favour. It is always the gospel. There was a plot afoot in the king’s court to assassinate the people of God. Mordecai, Esther’s uncle discovered it, and asked his step daughter to go into the king to try and do something. The problem was, anyone who appeared before the king, without invitation was immediately put to death, unless the king was to extend the royal scepter towards that person:

Esther knew this so she asked for prayer:

Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

5:1 ¶ Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. Esther 5:2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

The scepter was extended! She humbled herself before God, asked her people for prayer, and they surely did pray. God answered these prayers and gave her favour with the king.

You know the rest of the story, God moved, the plot was stopped, the wicked enemy of God was hung on his own gallows, and God got the glory!

So, it appears that the favour of God could work in the governments of the day. It will work today too.

Let’s look at another couple of Bible characters to see this principal in operation.

Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.

Now again we have the people of God being ruled by a godless government power, sort of like many nations today. We have a man of God, working for the government, desiring to do a work for God in his generation. He’s seen the desolation of the things of God, the wall around the holy city was:

Neh 1:3…the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

So this man prayed and fasted and cried out to God for mercy, then he asked the king he served for permission to rebuild the things of God. We pick it up in chapter 2:

Neh 2:1 ¶ And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.

6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

So here we have a man of God, sent by the government in place (which means he still got paid) and with letters granting him all the building materials he needed to get everything done. How’s that for favor? He rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem with the godless government’s money!

Truly, this is Romans chapter 13 manifest,

Ro 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Ro 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Ro 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

God sets the governments in place, and brings order to the earth, saved and unsaved alike.

Well, you know the rest of the story, envious jealous people did everything they could to stop the plan of God. Gershom, Sanballat, and Tobiah, Satan’s GST. (Inside joke for Canadians, there is a tax there called the Goods and Services tax, called the GST) When you get promoted and prospered, not everyone is going to be happy about it.

2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Yea, even Christians may oppose you.

Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

Yes, we believe for favour with people but there are those who will not have it. Love them anyway. You favor and blessing will make them scared, envious, and jealous. That is why we cannot tell everyone all the goodness God is doing in our lives sometimes…

Well, anyway, Nehemiah built the wall despite the persecution.

You can do the plan of God for your life too.

We are looking at how God gives favour to his people with government, let’s look at:

Daniel 1: 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;

4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

8 ¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs

.

17 ¶ As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Well you know the rest of the story. Daniel served as prime minister under three kings. The three Hebrew children were delivered out of the firey furnace, and promoted to first place among all of the kings cousellors.

One day of favour is greater than a lifetime of labor.

Well, so what’s the point pastor, all of these people in the Old Testament have died and gone to heaven, what does their life have to do with me, today?

Well, I’m glad you asked child of God, you royal seed.

1 Corinthians 10:6 ¶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

If God did it for these, He will so it for you, for we are under a better covenant based upon better promises. All the promises of God are yes and amen in Christ Jesus.

Well, Many countries have become a socialist countries, with government involved in almost everything, because we let them.

My personal opinion is that the government that governs best is the one that governs least, yet the Scripture is clear:

Romans 13: 1 ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake

We are to serve Jesus, and pray for the government. Nehemiah had such favour with the government he served that they paid him and gave him everything he needed to accomplish God’s plan for his life. I believe God is well able to speak to this government to fund the gospel and the mission and mandate of your particular ministry.

1 Tim 2:1 ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

If you are a soul-winning ministry, you qualify for government funding, because salvation is always the will of God.

So, today, we are going to pray for some of you. This was written in the nation’s capital of Canada. We see businesses thriving on government contracts. People financially blessed with great jobs, working for the government. I am going to pray that God do the following:

1. That God grant us favour and divine appointments with the lost to present to them the gospel and an invitation to your church.

2. Give your church or ministry favour with the governments where you are.

3. Give each of you individual favour with the governments. (this can sure help you with your taxes)

4. That God give favour with government in the form of grants and business opportunities to anyone that will believe.

5. That God reveal to us, our authority in Him, seated with Christ in heavenly places, to bring change to our communities, and nations where we serve.

6. That God bring wealthy people into your life to lovingly support your gift and calling.

7. That God give you wisdom to recognize and avoid the traps of your enemies, as His favor manifests.

Ps 5:12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Let’ Pray:

Father, we ask you right now for:

1. Romans 13 – favour and praise and honour from governments.

2. You to surround us with favor as with a shield.

3. Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

That God would order our steps into right places, and relationships of honor, integrity, and like precious faith.

4. Lu 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdotm and stature, and in favour with God and man.

That we would grow to become more like Jesus today, in wisdom, strength, in your favour, and please grant me favour with man.

5. That your grant us favor with wealthy people to lovingly support our gifts and callings.

6. That you protect us and give us wisdom to avoid the traps of our enemies.

Now there is action to be done here:

His will is to see lost people born-again and loved into His kingdom. Let’s pray for divine appointments to pray with people to receive Jesus, and to be used to help those He loves.

Father, I believe that my steps are ordered of you. I know your will is that people be born-again, and added to the church. Please give me favour with those who don’t know you, and words to win them to you, and invite them to church, in your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen.

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Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Go to Church! Your Nation depends upon it!

Go to church, Restore your nation

Jer 13:16 Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.

17 But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD’S flock is carried away captive.

Hear the heart of Jeremiah here, the one Bible scholars call, ‘the weeping prophet’. He sees God, and sees the people of God rebelling against Him, in pride going their own way.

Note for intercessors, the only way to bring down a spirit of pride, is with an opposite spirit, a spirit of humility. Jesus did it with His disciples, setting the eternal example of servant-hearted leadership, for all generations, He washed His disciples feet. Jeremiah too, has found a secret place, away from the eyes of men, to weep.

Why? He sees the inevitable consequences of their rebellion, captivity and bondage.

Over the past couple years, as I have spent time simply walking around and meeting new people here in Tulsa, I have discovered an amazing ignorance of the things of God in the people I have met.

They seem like nice enough folks, but out of the heart, the mouth speaks. I ask them where they go to church, and they tell me that they used to attend church, but…and then come the stories….

Yes, horrible things have happened in churches, simply because fallen, broken, sinful people attend them, but we cannot allow the behavior of others, no matter how ‘spiritual’ they appear dictate our decision to obey God in attending a place of worship:

Proverbs 18:19

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle

Pride is not just someone walking with their chest puffed out, strutting their stuff.

No, pride in God’s eyes, is deciding that our will is greater than His. Like we are smarter than He is….

The Bible says, GO TO CHURCH! Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

In these last days, it is not a time to be playing with God: tremendous prophetic events are occurring in the earth, and great consequences happen from both obedience, and disobedience.

The way I see it, you are either part of the solution, or part of the problem.

The solution is Jesus, His kingdom, power, and restoration through the establishment of His Word. His church, the bride, is the answer to this world, His kingdom extended through His people…

Yet, if you think you are too smart for God, that ignorance is bliss, think again.

Do not mistake God’s silence for permission or acceptance of your lifestyle. He loves you, but He is holy, and when the only word He could speak would be correction that He knows you will not hear, in His mercy, He is quiet, hoping you will, of your own volition, turn to Him. If He were to speak, His only word would be judgement upon your sin, and so, in mercy, He is silent.

If you won’t, of your own volition do what the Word clearly says: He remains faithful and true, but the withdrawing of His presence and blessing has very tangible consequences, like here in the nation of the United States of America, a 14 trillion dollar deficit. (At the end of FY 2016 the gross US federal government debt is estimated to be$19.4 trillion, according to the FY17 Federal Budget. )
We have prayed, and now have a President, and Vice President that understand this: God will make America great again, and this debt is nothing, before the Creator of the Universe – His righteousness will exalt America again, and blast this debt back into the hell that spawned it.

“The church’s task with regard to the state which is posed for all time is thus clear. First, it must loyally give the state everything necessary to its existence. It has to oppose anarchy and all zealotism within its own ranks. Second, it has to fulfill the office of watchmen over the state. That means it must remain in principle critical towards every state and be ready to warn it against transgression of its legitimate limits. Third, it must deny to the state which exceeds it limits, whatever such a state demands that lies within the province of religio-ideological excess; and in its preaching, the church must courageously describe this excess as opposition to God.”

Oscar Cullman, The State in the N.T., pp. 90-91

No matter how great any of us are, God has instituted pastors and five-fold ministry that are faithful to HIS Word. This Word, properly articulated and applied, is the answer to every human need, both personally and nationally.
Come back to Jesus today. Find a good church. Find a place to serve and give something back. There is joy and eternal purpose in it.

Your nation depends upon it.

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, you see the state of the ‘church’ in my area. You know me, and all that has been done. Give me the courage to attend where You want me to attend, for Your sake, not the sake of the people there. Lead me, guide me, speak to me, and make a way, where there has been no way. In Your Name, I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

Scriptural Prayers Part of our Daily Prayer List

Scriptural prayers 

Over the years, I have learned that the best way to pray (other than in tongues, in the Holy Spirit), is by taking these Holy Spirit inspired prayers from the Bible, and personalizing them. Initially, I simply prayed them for myself and my family, but now, as I name many, many people, places and ministries before the throne of God each day, I am praying them for many, many others. Today, as I pray these, I am praying, and sharing them with you…

Eph 1:16  Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

17  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us–ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Eph 3: 14 ¶  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Col 1:9 ¶  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

12 ¶  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Make Good Decisions!

Phil 1: 9 ¶  And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

10  That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

11  Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Josh 1: 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.

We are redeemed from the curse, and partaker of the blessing. As we obey Holy Spirit, these blessings are ours…

Deut 28:1 ¶  And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

2  And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

3  Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

4  Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

5  Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

6  Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

7  The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

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

9  The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

10  And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

11  And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

12  The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

13  And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

14  And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Ps 3:3  But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Sleep is a precious gift from God, yet, like anything He promised, it needs to be received, by faith!

Ps 4:8  I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Ps 127:2  It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Pr 3:24  When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Ps 5:12  For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

1Sa 2:26  And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

Lu 2:52  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Ac 2:47  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Ps 89:17  For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.

Pr 3:1 ¶  My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

2  For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

3  Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

4  So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

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

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

Ps 18:35  Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Ps 23:1 ¶  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Ps 67: 5  Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

6  Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

7  God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

Ps 84:11  For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Ps 90:16  Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.

Ps 90:17  And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Ps 91:1 ¶  He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Ge 15:1  I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

3  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6  Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7  A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8  Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 ¶  Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10  There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12  They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13  Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14  Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16  With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Ps 103:

1 ¶  A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5  Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 ¶  The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

Ps 112:1 ¶  Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

3  Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4  Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

5  A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

6 ¶  Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7  He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

8  His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

9  He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

10  The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

Ps 115:14  The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

Ps 121:4  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Ps 122:6  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Is 54: 1 ¶  Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

2  Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

3  For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

4  Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

5  For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

6 ¶  For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.

7  For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

8  In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

9  For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

10  For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

11 ¶  O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

12  And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

13  And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

14  In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.

15  Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

16  Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

17  No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Mark 10:29  And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

30  But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Father, keep me pure in heart and motive. Grant me the strength of Samson, and the courage of Paul, David, and his mighty men. That I may ever live victoriously for you.

I believe I receive the supernatural strength of All-Mighty God into every fibre of my spirit, soul, and body. I am strong in you Lord, and the power of your might.

I loose doors of utterance in the earth, a good word in season, open doors to proclaim the oracles of God, in Your name Lord Jesus.

I declare our redemption from sin, sickness, poverty, and believe I receive wisdom to walk in the fullness of this.

I ask you for revelation, wisdom, gentleness, and utterance to minister to my family, in every area, That I conduct myself in such a way, that their hearts are open to receive from me. I enforce healing and prosperity in this house.

I believe I receive utterance in the Holy Spirit, and fresh anointing and courage to ever speak your Word with boldness and confidence today.

Precious Holy Spirit, use me today in your gifts today. I ask for them, and make myself available to you, for your use, however you see fit. Release mighty acts of power in the earth today, anointing to trouble every trouble, in Your name Lord Jesus!

You have promised good works. May I recognize and walk in these today.

America Shall Be Saved!

America shall be saved!

This is the verse given to our founding fathers, giving us the three branches of government. It is also a promise from God:

Isaiah 33:22 For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us.

Notice the last four words of that verse: HE WILL SAVE US!

Jesus is Lord over America!

He, Himself will save this nation!

Allah is not God, we are not too far gone.. He is Almighty God the Son…

He who flung the stars into being, Creator of the universe, is well able to save America!

He will fight for this nation!

So let call upon the Lord of heaven’s armies!

Ps 80:9 Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.
Make your face shine down upon us.
Only then will we be saved.

Let’s Pray:
‘Father in heaven, release the host of heaven to fight against darkness, deception and devils here in America today. We stand before heavens courts, praying the bowls of incense before your throne, the anguished prayers of your saints, be tipped today into answers, movings of Your great power, as Your mercy again triumphs over the judgments we deserve. Reveal Jesus once again to us, and turn our hearts by Your Spirit to fully obey You, that might truly turn from all evil, to be the people of honor, love and holiness You have redeemed us to become. I ask, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask again, in Your great name Lord Jesus!”

Earthly vs Heavenly Authority, a story!

Earthly vs Heavenly Authority, a story!

Behold the man!
John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
The One who suffered and died for you, calls you to look upon Him again today!
Behold, the man Christ Jesus, risen now from the dead, King of kings, and Lord of lords!
19: 14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

On that day, Jesus stood before earthly authority, but in eternity, the day surely came, when Pilate died, and appeared before King Jesus in heaven to give an account of his life….

Reminds me of a missionary story, where I was trying to pioneer a church in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. One of the ministries we did, was to run an alcohol/drug rehabilitation program, that involved visiting the two local prisons each week. During this prison outreach, I was introduced to a group, that had applied to the City of Ottawa, for an abandoned building, to be used as a carpentry shop. They had been awarded a contract to rebuild historic window and door frames from the government, and the contract employed 22 ex-convicts for a minimum of 2 years. I looked through their proposal, and it was well thought out. The cost to incarcerate a man at that time, was around $90,000.00 tax payer dollars, and so the roughly 2 million dollar per year saving to the Canadian taxpayer, whereby criminals became law abiding, taxpaying citizens, in my mind far offset the 2 million dollar value of the condemned building, slotted for demolition. This group had mobilized an army of volunteers to remodel this facility, and felt that with the donations of supplies and labor they had in writing, they could do the proposed $2.2 million dollar remodel required for occupancy, for $400,000.00.
Their proposal was categorically rejected by the city council, and these hard working men, who in my opinion were not asking for a hand out, but a hand up, had this door of opportunity slammed in their face.

Now, if they were schemers and scammers, I would have gently walked past their need, but after meeting with them, and much prayer, I felt that they had an honest chance to better themselves, and offer hope, to many ex-cons who wanted to serve Jesus, and leave their life of crime. They needed a spokesperson, and I can preach.

I can also be a warrior for the oppressed.

So, I was invited to speak for them at the next City Council meeting, and I was given five minutes to speak.

Typical of my pastor’s schedule, I was running hard, and showed up at the council meeting five minutes before the session was scheduled to begin.

I had seen the proposal submitted to the city, but had not seen the 200 page response by the city government. I was feeling overwhelmed, as we signed into the council meeting. The court clerk asked me if I had any supporting documentation to submit to council, before I was called to speak, and I glanced in my folder and noticed a poster that we had made for our youth group, to place inside their lockers. It was a simple poster, printed on a picture of a highway that read:

Heaven or Hell?
Matt 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Which road are you on?

So, without thinking, I handed this poster to the court clerk, who quickly photocopied it, and handed it to the long row of city councilors.

While I awaited my turn to speak, one of the prison reform guys directed my attention to the final pages of the City document, the section entitled:

‘In Conclusion’
It read something like:” It is the opinion of this council that this request be denied, as it makes no contribution to the City Budget. It appears to be another charitable cause, similar to the snowsuit fund, or the food bank, that asked for a little space for a little while, some years ago, but that has been using City resources now for several years, unable to contribute financially.’

Thank God for the Holy Spirit!

So, it was time to speak, and my words went something like this:
‘Ladies and gentlemen of the council, I consider it an honour to speak to you today, regarding this proposal from this prison reform group. I have read their proposal, and it appears to me well thought out, and in the best interests of the citizens of Ottawa for several reasons:

Financially it is sound. Due to the high rate of recidivism back into the prison system, an ex-convict in this City, has difficulty finding legitimate employment, and often, statistically falls back into a life of crime, simply because that is all they know to do. In this program they are given a job, accountability, and training to be able to make a clean break with the prison system, which humanly speaking is wonderful.

It also seems that should the 22 men immediately employed in this program, from the prison system stay out of prison, the tax savings to the Canadian public alone, properly documented, should look good on ones political portfolio.

Yet, I am a man of God, and in front of you, you have the words of Jesus.

In this we find our individual responsibility to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the prisoner. Surely, each of us are individually responsible to these verses, but it would appear to me, that the blessing of God would fall not just on individuals, but to any organization or government structure that did so also.

In your concluding notes, you mention the food bank, and the snowsuit fund as two entities that do not contribute to the city’s budget, and now this, a program to help prisoners find a better life. Sure looks like feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the prisoner to me.

The question then to me appears clear: Council, what are you going to do with this proposal: Obey God, and see this city get blessed, or will you be like Pilate, and wash your hands, and crucify my Lord all over again?”

I sat down, but,the mayor jumped up, red in the face, and said: ’I demand a vote!’

They voted it down, and opposed it.

Another councilor said; “I appeal this vote, as we do not have a full quorum!’

Got pretty hot in that room for a minute!

We were asked to leave, and it looked like we lost.

Yet, the lady councilor came out of chambers and told us: ‘All is not lost, I have demanded a re-vote, when council resits next week. We have 4 councillors out, and it could swing the vote.’

Sure enough, the following week, it was re-motioned and voted upon,and got approved.

That group went on to make a public eyesore, a prison reform project, and I hope they did well.

The mayor on the re-vote, resigned from office!

I prayed for him, and had the opportunity to bless him publicly at a later date, at another government function, but that is another story.

Here is the moral of the story for all you theologians out there, wondering about the roles and responsibilities of the various authority structures defined Biblically according to the ascension gifts of our Lord Jesus Christ: (apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers), versus earthly governments (Rom 13:1-5, 1Tim 2:1-5)

As ministers, we are to obey the laws of the land, and to be good citizens. Yet, there is a higher law than any human law, and that is the Word of God. I believe that even as earthly governments have the authority to correct a minister that is breaking a clear violation of God’s law and man’s (policeman giving a speeding ticket etc) even so a five-fold ministry gift has the authority of God, to correct any government institution violating the written word of God.

The wisdom of the ages is always: When do we say, vs when do we just pray?

Right now, let’s pray:
‘Father, we love you, and thank you for your goodness, love, grace and truth. May my life align with Your word, described in 1 Tim 3:1-7. When earthly authority is in error, show me when to pray, and when to say what needs to be corrected, in Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

The Invisible Kingdom

The Invisible Kingdom

Act 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

If we believe that the kingdom of God is simply the rule and authority of God, in heaven and in the earth, then we must understand that the most important thing for us, as Christians, is how to fully walk in the kingdom of God, even when the political system of the day, may be directly opposed to the righteous and holy reign of Jesus, in a particular time and space in the earth.

God only has two authority structures in the earth: The political system (Rom 13:1-5, 1 Tim 2:1-4), and His Church, that rules and reigns with him. (Eph 2:6).

In the above passage, we see how an earthly kingdom, collided with the kingdom of God.

Here is an example of the thoughts and kingdoms of men, colliding with the kingdom of God. Herod, emperor of the Rome, overstepped his earthly authority, in proclaiming himself to be a god. Just like the old adage: See the writing on the wall…

Somewhere in that generation, was a church, on fire for God, praying for God’s power and authority to be released, and it was! God sent an angel, and struck Herod dead, that it might be known there is only one true God, in heaven and earth, and that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of the Father.

Like the old worship song we sing: ‘Kings, and kingdoms, will all pass away, but there’s something about that name’.

Greece, Rome, the Ottoman empire, have all passed away, but the kingdom of God, still stands. America will too, as long as she stands with the Word of God, and Jesus, but if she would depart, she too would end up in the boneyard of history, another testimony to the unchanging, all powerful invisible reign of Jesus amongst men.

So we pray: that each of us, from the least to the greatest, might meet Jesus personally, and serve him fully in holiness, and in the unique and high calling each of us were created to fulfill.

This is where I find myself in the kingdom, using every available resource, influence, and moment of my life to promote, build, establish, and enforce the kingdom of God in the earth, for it is the answer for every situation, every problem, for its nature is love.

“Yes, Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so.”

He loves you too, and really does have an incredible plan for your life.

If we only had eyes to see and ears to hear and wits to understand, we would know that the Kingdom of God in the sense of holiness, goodness, beauty is as close as breathing and is crying out to born both within ourselves and within the world; we would know that the Kingdom of God is what we all of us hunger for above all other things even when we don’t know its name or realize that it’s what we’re starving to death for. The Kingdom of God is where our best dreams come from and our truest prayers. We glimpse it at those moments when we find ourselves being better than we are and wiser than we know. We catch sight of it when at some moment of crisis a strength seems to come to us that is greater than our own strength. The Kingdom of God is where we belong. It is home, and whether we realize it or not, I think we are all of us homesick for it.”
― Frederick Buechner

Let’s pray:
‘Father, you have said that I am to be in this world, but not of it. Bring me to my place in your kingdom, and teach me your way of walking through this life. May I not waste time on other things, but may I settle for nothing less, than the high calling you have placed upon my life, though you Lord Jesus. Reveal Your Kingdom to our lives, our nation, our families…Amen’

Scriptural Prayers Part of our Daily Prayer List

Scriptural prayers 

Over the years, I have learned that the best way to pray (other than in tongues, in the Holy Spirit), is by taking these Holy Spirit inspired prayers from the Bible, and personalizing them. Initially, I simply prayed them for myself and my family, but now, as I name many, many people, places and ministries before the throne of God each day, I am praying them for many, many others. Today, as I pray these, I am praying, and sharing them with you…

Eph 1:16  Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

17  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us–ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Eph 3: 14 ¶  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Col 1:9 ¶  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

12 ¶  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Make Good Decisions!

Phil 1: 9 ¶  And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

10  That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

11  Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Josh 1: 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.

We are redeemed from the curse, and partaker of the blessing. As we obey Holy Spirit, these blessings are ours…

Deut 28:1 ¶  And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

2  And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

3  Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

4  Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

5  Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

6  Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

7  The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

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

9  The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

10  And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

11  And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

12  The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

13  And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

14  And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Ps 3:3  But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Sleep is a precious gift from God, yet, like anything He promised, it needs to be received, by faith!

Ps 4:8  I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Ps 127:2  It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Pr 3:24  When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Ps 5:12  For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

1Sa 2:26  And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

Lu 2:52  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Ac 2:47  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Ps 89:17  For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.

Pr 3:1 ¶  My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

2  For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

3  Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

4  So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

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

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

Ps 18:35  Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Ps 23:1 ¶  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Ps 67: 5  Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

6  Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

7  God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

Ps 84:11  For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Ps 90:16  Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.

Ps 90:17  And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Ps 91:1 ¶  He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Ge 15:1  I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

3  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6  Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7  A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8  Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 ¶  Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10  There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12  They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13  Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14  Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16  With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Ps 103:

1 ¶  A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5  Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 ¶  The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

Ps 112:1 ¶  Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

3  Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4  Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

5  A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

6 ¶  Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7  He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

8  His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

9  He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

10  The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

Ps 115:14  The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

Ps 121:4  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Ps 122:6  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Is 54: 1 ¶  Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

2  Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

3  For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

4  Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

5  For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

6 ¶  For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.

7  For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

8  In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

9  For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

10  For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

11 ¶  O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

12  And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

13  And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

14  In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.

15  Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

16  Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

17  No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Mark 10:29  And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

30  But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Father, keep me pure in heart and motive. Grant me the strength of Samson, and the courage of Paul, David, and his mighty men. That I may ever live victoriously for you.

I believe I receive the supernatural strength of All-Mighty God into every fibre of my spirit, soul, and body. I am strong in you Lord, and the power of your might.

I loose doors of utterance in the earth, a good word in season, open doors to proclaim the oracles of God, in Your name Lord Jesus.

I declare our redemption from sin, sickness, poverty, and believe I receive wisdom to walk in the fullness of this.

I ask you for revelation, wisdom, gentleness, and utterance to minister to my family, in every area, That I conduct myself in such a way, that their hearts are open to receive from me. I enforce healing and prosperity in this house.

I believe I receive utterance in the Holy Spirit, and fresh anointing and courage to ever speak your Word with boldness and confidence today.

Precious Holy Spirit, use me today in your gifts today. I ask for them, and make myself available to you, for your use, however you see fit. Release mighty acts of power in the earth today, anointing to trouble every trouble, in Your name Lord Jesus!

You have promised good works. May I recognize and walk in these today.

Did Jesus Give the 2nd Amendment?

 

Should a Christian own a gun for self defense?

Answer: What does the Word of God say?

Luke 22: 35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Lu 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Here we see Jesus at the last supper, giving some final instructions to His disciples in his last teaching before He left the earth..I picture what that might have looked like. You know that a cloak to keep warm was pretty important during that season, because when Peter betrayed Jesus, people were huddled around a fire for warmth, yet Jesus said that procuring a sword was more important than even wearing a winter coat!

He sees the future, and sees that disciples are about to be sent into all the world, to preach the gospel. They had been sent originally to the Jews, who had hospitality laws, and had been provided for, in safety, wherever they went, but now, the great commission was to be given, and people without the Word of God as a basic premise of life, are dangerous. As He prepared to send them, he said you were going to need a weapon for self defense, in fact, He expected that everyone should know this and should own a sword. Yet his command is more urgent than mere passive fancy. If you do not have a weapon to defend yourself, get one, even if you need to sell your coat to buy it. Well, one of the disciples took this literally, and went out and procured a couple of swords.

Let’s continue reading in Luke 22:verse38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

These swords were not needed yet, for Jesus knew He was to be crucified, and it was not time to fight, yet.

Peter, as usual, was the impetuous one. He had a sword, and a weapon in ones hand, just like a young man with a gun, makes a man feel powerful. Peter had some radical life changes in his years walking with Jesus, and with a sword in hand, he was ready to go to war on behalf of his king. Remember, the Jews were expecting a conquering king like David to lead them into battle to overthrow the Romans.

Yet, Jesus kingdom is a kingdom not of this world, a kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Jesus needed no mere human disciple to defend Him: He is Lord of Heaven and Earth, He could have simply called 12 legions of angels to defend him, but He was determined to die on our behalf, willingly, for the sin of all humanity. There was no other way.

John 10:17-18

¹⁷ Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Lets continue reading the account here in Luke 22:47 ¶ And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

So, we see here the two swords brought into the last supper meeting. Peter had one, and in passion and zeal, when Jesus was betrayed, and the soldiers came to arrest him, he acted impetuously, and cut off Malacus ear. Jesus, loving and understanding Peter, and the servant, healed the guys ear. In the natural order of things, He destroyed evidence, because Peter would have been charged with the equivalent of assaulting an officer, and been imprisoned or executed. Kind of hard to charge a guy, when there is no evidence. Can you see this case before a judge “This guy attacked me with a sword, and cut off my ear, your honour!” Well, where is the wound, says the judge. Well, this guy named Jesus, healed me, and miraculously recreated my ear back on my head. Yeah, riiiiiight! We don’t do this miracle thing you speak of, case dismissed.

Yet, there was another sword there that day, and Jesus is Lord, with obedient disciples, ultimate commander in chief of all the armies of the earth, Lord of heaven and earth.

Who held the other sword? I’m not sure, but I think it had to be John, the apostle of love, because look at the interaction in the heat of battle:

Lu 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

This should be the heart of every soldier and police officer on the planet. Shall I smite with the sword?

Lord, should I shoot? A man under firstly divine authority, and secondly natural authority. A man under command, under orders. This brother recognized Jesus as more than Saviour, but as commander in chief of all the armies that have ever marched.

You need to understand the mindset of this brother when he asked Jesus the question, ‘Shall we smite with the sword.’. His mind was instructed with the Torah, the mighty exploits of David who slew Goliath, and then there were David’s mighty men, men of courage, valor, warriors.

Here is a sample of a couple of them:

1 Sam 23:

⁸ These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth, a Tahchemonite, chief of the Three [heroes], known also as Adino the Eznite; he wielded his spear and went against 800 men, who were slain at one time.

⁹ Next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines assembled there for battle, and the men of Israel had departed.

¹⁰ [Eleazar] arose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword. The Lord wrought a great deliverance and victory that day; the men returned after him only to take the spoil.

¹¹ Next to [Eleazar] was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines were gathered at Lehi on a piece of ground full of lentils; and the [Israelites] fled from the Philistines.

¹² But he stood in the midst of the ground and defended it and slew the Philistines; and the Lord wrought a great victory.

This brother, with one sword, now stood before an armed trained military unit, and he as the Lord for orders to open fire. He was convinced that if that order was given, he would not only attack, but wipe them all out: single-handedly if necessary!

Makes Rambo, and all those hero movies kind of pale in comparison, because this isn’t Hollywood, this is a true story.

If you are a soldier or police officer, or any type of law enforcement, you need to recognize that there is a greater authority, than even the government you serve. Jesus Christ is Lord, and He will speak to you what to do, even in battle:

John 10:²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: ²⁸ and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Even with bullets flying, and men screaming and dying around you, He will speak to you, personally, in your heart, what to do, when and where to fire, who to kill, who to let live

.Soldiers in combat, led of the Holy Spirit will be divinely empowered to stop evil attacks both from within or without.

Psalm 144:1

Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

The Lord is a warrior, make no mistake about it.

Yet, in this new covenant: He would have us win our battles like He did, in prayer, in faith, with His Word:

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/12/the-warrior-heart-of-god/

Remember the account of Elisha hearing the directions of God, to thwart every evil attack against Israel. The Spirit of God, literally revealed the battle strategies of the enemy army, to the king. So detailed was this knowledge, that the king was convinced there had to be a spy in their midst.

2Ki 6:12 And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.

Consider the following testimony from one of our US soldiers, serving in Afganistan, who had a mother who is a pastor, and who prayed for him daily, for protection and guidance. The man was trained as a sniper, and the story goes that they were on a routine patrol, when they came to a Taliban check point. There was a father and 12 year old son there, dressed in traditional garb, with flowing robes. The soldier claims that he heard a voice supernaturally speak to his heart, “Shoot the boy!” He immediately drew his weapon, and shot and killed the boy. When the father reached inside his tunic, he again fired, and shot and killed the father. There was immediate chaos, shouting, screaming, he was thrown to the ground and disarmed by his buddies, and there was an armed stand-off while his commanding officer order a cease-fire and investigated the bodies. Both of them were strapped as suicide bombers, waiting to enter the center of the platoon before detonating themselves. Clearly, many lives were spared that day, through the prayers of a woman of God, and the radical obedience of her highly trained son.

This kind of hearing and obedience, can prevent a soldier from responding to erroneous orders from even his own commanding officer, should his leader miss it. Each of us have to live with our own conscience before God, and killing a man is not a light thing to have to live with. I have had to minister to veterans that were given orders to open fire upon innocent civilians, the nightmares of children ripped apart by a 50 calibre still haunt them. Yet, Jesus heals PSTD – https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/11/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-jesus-heals/

Much needs to be said here, about the heart of self defense, but Proverbs 16: 32 Better a patient person than a warrior,

one with self-control than one who takes a city.

God’s kingdom is within us, and the fruit of the Spirit within us are the strength and honor of this country. Self-control, meekness (strength under pressure), longsuffering, gentleness, patience. This is the heart of honor, the heart of the gospel, and the heart of America, that Jesus is developing in each of us. This is the love of God, and freedom worth defending.

This is the spirit of the 2nd Amendment, in right to bear arms. Should free citizens be allowed to own firearms to protect themselves, their families, and this country from enemies within or without. Emphatically, YES!

The question is, what is our intimacy with God like? Are we governed by the Word and Spirit of God, seeking to love our fellow man, as our primary motive?

What makes weapons dangerous, are the people that wield them. A trained, honorable police man or soldier, upholding that which is decent, honorable, and lawful, is entitled and responsible to carry a gun, responsibly. In fact, the Bible says that soldiers and police officers serving Jesus, are ministers of God, set in place by God to execute God’s justice upon the evil doer.

Romans 13:1-8 Authorized (King James)

13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. (government) For there is no power (authority) but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ² Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: ⁴ for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. ⁵ Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. ⁶ For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Notice here, that police officers are sent of God to do good for those of us doing right, yet for criminals, the police or military becomes the avenger to execute wrath on him that does evil.

It is when fatherless men, walking in pride, arrogance, and often a drug and alcohol induced lifestyle, own guns that we have problems.

Children should be taught to pray for God’s protection and given training in gun safety at a young age, that the best fight is the one that never starts. Any honest parent wants peace…

Psalm 34:14

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

One last thought from Romans 13, where the Word of God speaks about the role of police officers and soldiers acting as the agents of God, to keep order and peace in a country.

Rom 13:1 ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Basically, this verse states that we need to obey the laws of the land, and submit to the authority of righteous government, (and pray for them daily 1 Tim 2:1-4). Yet, see how this works: Policemen and soldiers are actually called of God as his ministers to prevent the spread of evil in the earth. (and our taxes should legitimately support them)

As a husband and father, I am responsible to act like Jesus, and to love, serve, and lead my family into the call and plan of God for our particular household. Yet, I am also called to defend my wife and children, if necessary. Primarily, this is done solely through the Word of God. I believe the 91st Psalm, and that no weapon (knife, gun, or bomb) fashioned against me shall prosper. This is our primary defense, and best defense for we are in a spiritual battle, where we wrestle not against flesh and blood.

We know that Satan is a mind blinding spirit, that works through the thoughts and deeds of people who are not walking with Jesus. The nature of Satan, is to kill, steal and destroy whoever, and whatever he can. He puts thoughts of ‘Go rob that house, that person, etc”, but for a tithing believer, walking in faith, God becomes our rock of defense, impenetrable.

When we deal with the spirit behind the wicked man, the man is no problem.

If more Christians, actually did what Jesus said to do in Matt 6:33, and sought first the kingdom of God daily, and served Jesus every day, there would be far less violence in the world, and our primary warfare would be spiritual, and our focus would be on preaching the gospel to all the nations, not ruling over them with a gun.

1 Tim 2: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

I actually believe these verses, and I pray for our President (even when I do not agree with him), our government, military, police officers, and judicial system, daily. Why?

1. The man that wrote this, Paul, heard God,  loved us, and had our best interests at heart.

2. He said to do this first.

3. When we pray for the government, I believe God will honor this very word in our lives, and supernaturally grant us the reward of our obedience, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Yet, I had an experience some time ago, where we found our front door wide open in the wee hours of the morning. Guess we woke up, and the perpetrator ran off in the night. I now have a gun in the closet, that I honestly pray I will never have to use.

Shooting and killing someone is a rather permanent, and if you believe the Word of God, an eternal solution to a temporary problem, yet there are lines that cannot be crossed.

Someone breaking into a families house, has crossed that line, and just met the government of God, the right to bear arms in defense of our homes and families.

If called upon, I would shoot and kill an intruder, for I will protect my home, wife and children.

This is the heart of taking up the sword. We do not go out to conquer with it, but when enemies arise to destroy our homes and families, we will defend our freedom, come what may, here in the land of the free, home of the brave, where there is freedom, liberty, and justice for al

As Christians, we look for, pray for, and long for peace, for Jesus is the Prince of Peace. First in our hearts, then in our homes, communities and nation.

Our nature is love, and we long to forgive and turn the other cheek, but we meekness is not weakness. When evil people march, and begin slaughtering innocent civilians, women and children, then we are forced to rise up and defend our families and communities, our country.

This is our heart, to trust God for true vengeance, but when evil empires march, they quickly discover that God goes to war:

Each day I pray:

Psalm 91 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

Psalm 91

¹ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

² I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in him will I trust.
³ Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,
and from the noisome pestilence.
⁴ He shall cover thee with his feathers,
and under his wings shalt thou trust:
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
⁵ Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;
nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
⁶ nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;
nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
⁷ A thousand shall fall at thy side,
and ten thousand at thy right hand;
but it shall not come nigh thee.

⁸ Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold
and see the reward of the wicked.
⁹ Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge,
even the most High, thy habitation;
¹⁰ there shall no evil befall thee,
neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
¹¹ For he shall give his angels charge over thee,
to keep thee in all thy ways.
¹² They shall bear thee up in their hands,
lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
¹³ Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:
the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

¹⁴ Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:
I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
¹⁵ He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him, and honour him.
¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him,
and shew him my salvation.

In whatever station of life we find ourselves, we must be trusting in Jesus personally, intimately for our protection. Yet, sometimes, Jesus calls free men to pick up the sword.

.

Let’s Pray:

‘Father God, I come to you now, seeking you for wisdom, peace, and protection. I choose to believe that You have indeed given your angels charge over me, and in Jesus I receive peace. Father, I desire to forgive and love all people, yet embrace my God given responsibility to protect my family and this nation from those who would do evil. By faith, I declare and decree Your Kingdom, in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost over this country, trusting You to bring true freedom, liberty and justice for all. I ask this, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’

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Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Healing America Tour – Choctaw/Spanish

As I have spent a recent time over in the Holy Spirit, praying in other tongues, it has come to my attention that I need to go to Mobile, Alabama, and pray over the land, to cleanse it from the defilements resulting in the innocent bloodshed of the Choctaws at the hands of the Spanish conquistador De Soto.

For those of you unfamiliar with why I do this, know that I am committed to a move of the Holy Spirit in the United States of America, and if you have been to many prayer meetings, you have heard quoted:

2 Chronicles 7:14New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Ever thought about the land itself needing healing?

It can be defiled by innocent bloodshed:

Psalm 106:38

They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood.

Only the blood of Jesus, applied by faith can do this…

For more thoughts on this, read my article: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/09/17/redeeming-the-land-2/

It is my intention to travel to Mobile, Alabama to the site of the Choctaw massacre of 1540 where an estimated 11,000 Choctaw were killed in battle defending their home. No date for this trip is yet set. If you would like to join me, please either call or text me at 918 851 4070, or email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com.

For more information, please read the historical account:

History of the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Natchez Indians – Horatio Bardwell Cushman

Pages 79-83

The Choctaws were first made known to the European world by the journalists of that memorable adventurer, Hernando De Soto, who invaded their territory October, 1540, and introduced the civilized (so-called) race of mankind to the Choctaws in the following manner: A manly young Indian of splendid proportions, and with a face extremely attractive and interesting, visited De Soto after he had left Tallase. He was the son of Tuscaloosa (corruption of the Choctaw words territories extended to the distant Tom big bee in the west. (Tom big bee is a corruption of the Choctaw words Itombi, box, ikbi, maker), a name given to a white man, it is said, who, at an early day, settled on the banks of the river and made boxes for the Choctaws, in which were placed the bones of their dead, which will be particularly noticed elsewhere. The young warrior bore an invitation from his father to De Soto to visit him at his capital. The next day De Soto, advancing to within six miles of where the great chief awaited him, made a halt, and sent Louis de Mascosso with fifteen horsemen to inform Tush ka Lusa of his near approach. Mascosso and his troopers soon appeared before Tush ka Lusa, who was seated upon an emin ence commanding a broad and delightful view. He was a man of powerful stature, muscular limbs, yet of admirable proportions, with a countenance grave and severe, yet handsome. When De Soto arrived Tush ka Lusa arose and advanced to meet him with a proud and haughty air, and said: “Great Chief; I receive you as a brother, and welcome you to my country. I am ready to comply with your requests.” After a few preliminaries, in company with Tush ka Lusa and his followers, De Soto took up his line of march for Mobila the capital of the mighty chief. (Mobila is a corruption of the two Choctaw words moma, all, binah, a lodge, literally a Choctaw word Pi-a-chih, to care for us), they passed through many populous towns, well stored with corn, beans and other provisions. On the fourth morning, De Soto, with a hundred cavalry and as many infantry, made a forced march with Tush ka Lusa in the direction of Mobila, leaving Mascosso to bring up the rear. At eight o’clock the same morning, October 18th, 1540, De Soto and Tush ka Lusa reached the capital. It stood by the si de of a large river, upon a beautiful plain, and consisted of e ighty handsome houses, each large enough to contain a thousand men, and all fronting a large public square. Dodge says in his book styled “Our Wild Indians” that “The aboriginal inhabitants of the North American continent, have never at any time exceeded half a million souls;” yet according to De Soto’s journalists who were with him in his memorable raid, Mobila alone, “consisted of eighty handsome houses, each large enough to contain a thousand men;” and if each house contained Dodge’s “several families consisting of men, with two or three wives, and children of all ages and sexes, occupy for all purposes one single lodge of 12 or 15 feet in diameter what must have been the number of indabitants in Mobila with “80 handsome houses, each large enough to contain a thousand men” with two, three, or more wives, and children The reader can make the calculation at his own leisure; though it seems Mobila alone contained over half the number of souls that Dodge allows for the entire continent, “at one time.” A high wall surrounded the town, made of immense trunks of trees set close together and deep in the ground, and made strong with heavy cross timbers interwoven with large vines. A thick mud plaster, resembling handsome masonry, concealed the wood work, while port-holes were abundant, together with towers, capable of holding eight men each, at the distance of fifteen paces apart. There were two gates leading into the town, one on the east, the other on the west. De Soto and Tush ka Lusa were escorted into the great public square with songs and chants, and the dancing of beautiful Indian girls. They alighted from their horses, and were given seats under a canopy of state. Having remained seated for a short time, Tush ka Lusa now requested that he should no longer be held as a hostage; to which De Soto giving no heed, the indignant chief at once arose and walked off with an independent attitude to where a group of his warriors stood. De Soto had scarcely recovered from his surprise at the independent conduct of Tush ka Lusa, when Jean Ortez followed the chief and stated that breakfast awaited him at De Soto’s table; but he refused to return, and added, “If of my territory.” At this juncture De Soto secretly sent word to his men to be prepared for an attack. Then, hoping to prevent an attack until he could again get in possession of the chief, De Soto advanced toward him with assumed smiles and words of friendship, but Tush ka Lusa scornfully turned his back upon him, and was soon hidden among the multitude of now highly excited warriors. Just then a warrior rushed out of a house, denouncing the Spaniards as robbers and murderers and declared that they should no longer impose on their chief, by holding him as a prisoner. His words so enraged Baltaserde Gallagas, that he cut the warrior in twain with one sweep of his broad sword. At the sight of their slain warrior, the Choctaws, with their defiant war-whoop, at once rushed upon De Soto and his men. De Soto, placing himself at the head of his men, fighting and retreating, slowly made his way out of the town into the plain; and continued to retreat until he had reached a considerable distance upon the plain. In the mean time the troopers rushed to secure their horses, which had been tied outside of the walls. The Choctaws at once knocked the chains from the hands and feet of the Indian prisoners whom De Soto had brought with him, giving them weapons bade them help destroy the perfidious strangers. In the first rush the Choctaws killed five of the Spaniards, who had good fortune in dense masses before the gate. At that moment, De Soto with his cavalry, closely followed by his infantry, made a fearful charge upon the disordered mass of the Choctaws, who were still on the outside of the enclosures, and with a terrible slaughter drove them back into the town. Immediately the Choctaws rushed to the port-holes and towers, and hurled clouds of arrows and spears upon the Spaniards, and again drove them from the walls. Seeing the Spaniards again retreat, again the Choctaws rushed through the gate and fearlessly attacked the Spaniards fighting them hand to hand and face to face. Three long hours did the battle rage, the Spaniards now retreating, then the Choctaws. Like a spectre De Soto seemed every where hewing down on the right and left, as if his arm could never tire. That sword, which had been so often stained with the blood of the South American, was now red with that of the North American, a still braver race. Above the mighty din was heard the voice of Tush ka Lusa encouraging his warriors; his tomahawk, wielded by his muscular arm, ascended and descended in rapid strokes, like a meteor across a starry sky. But could the feeble bow and arrow and the tomahawk avail against the hug e lance and broad-sword? What the unprotected body of the Choctaw warrior against the steel clad body of the Spanish soldier? At the enclosure of their town, closing the gates after them; and at the same time the Spaniards made a desperate charge against the gates and walls, but were met with showers of arrows and other missiles. But the infantry, protected by their bucklers, soon hewed the gates to pieces with their battle-axes, and rushed into the town, while the cavalry remained on the outside to cut to pieces all who might attempt to escape. Then began a carnage too awful to relate. The Choctaws fought in the streets, in the square, from the house top, and walls; and though the ground was covered with their dead and dying relatives and friends, still no living one entreated for quarter. Hotter and hotter, and more bloody waxed the desperate conflict. Often the Choctaws drove the Spaniards out of the town, but to see them return again with demoniac fury. To such a crisis had the battle now arrived, that there could be no idle spectators; and now were seen women and girls contending side by side with the husbands, fathers and brothers, and fearlessly sharing in the dangers and in the indiscriminate slaughter. At length the houses were setson fire, and the wind blew the smoke and flames in all directions adding horror to the scene. The flames ascended in mighty volumes. The din of strife began to grow fainter. The sun weut down, seemingly to rejoice in withdrawing from the sickening was in ruins, and her people slain. For nine long hours had the battle raged. Eighty-two Spaniards were killed and forty-five horses. But alas, the poor Choctaws, who participated in the fight were nearly all slain. Garcellasso asserts that eleven thousand were slain; while the “Portuguese Gentleman” sets the number at twenty five hundred within the town alone. Assuming a point between the two, it is reasonable to conclude that six thousand were killed in and outside of the town. Tushka Lusa perished with his people. After the destruction of Mobila, De Soto remained a few days upon the plains around the smoking town; sending out foraging parties, who found the neighboring villages well stocked with provisions. In all these foraging excursions, females of great beauty were captured, and added to those taken at the close of the battle. On Sunday the 18th of November, 1540, this monster and his fiendish crew took their departure from the smouldering ruins of Mobila, and its brave but murdered inhabitants; and with the poor Mobila girls, at whose misfortunes humanity weeps, resumed their westward march.” Thus the Europeans introduced themselves to the Native Americans nearly four centuries ago as a race of civilized and Christian people, but proving themselves to be a race of fiends utterly void of every principle of virtue the Europeans as a race unknown to civilization and Christianity, yet proving themselves possessed of many virtues that adorn man, together with a spirit of as true and noble patriotism, martyrs upon the altar of liberty, that has never been surpassed. I challenge history to show a nation whose people ever displayed a more heroic courage in defense of their country and homes than did Tushka Lusa and his brave people in defending their town Mama-binah. They exposed their naked breasts to the keen lances and swords of those iron-clad Spaniards with but stone and bone-tipped spears and the feeble bow and arrow, which were but as toy pistols against the deadly Winchester rifle of the present day; and heroically stood face to face with their terrible foes with their frail weapons and disputed every inch of ground, and yielded only when none was left to fight. That they should have killed eighty two of the Spaniards with their feeble weapons is truly astonishing, proving conclusively that had they been on equal footing with the Spaniards, not a Spaniard would have survived to tell the tale of their complete destruction.

Governed Inside? Or by the sword?

Governed Inside!

Which government will you choose?

Internal Government – Where a person receives Jesus, becomes born-again, and allows the word and Spirit of God to develop these fruits inside of character.

Gal 5: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Robert Winthrop, US Speaker of the House in 1849, stated:
“All societies of men must be governed in some way or another. The less they have of stringent state government, the more they must have of individual self-government. The less they rely on public law or physical force, the more they must rely on private moral restraint. Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them, or a power without them, either by the Word of God, or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible or the bayonet.”

Freedom is not free. Ask anyone who has ever served in the military and seen combat. Tyrants, bullies, and evil regimes must be stopped. Our hope and prayer is always the gospel, and the love and power of God to stop them. Yet, when people refuse the rule of the love of God, and to restrain themselves willingly, then wars result, and blood flows. It is either the blood of Jesus that provides mercy and life, or the blood of battle that flows in judgment and death. How much external restrain required in a society, directly depends upon how much we allow Jesus, and His freedom life to reign.

In 1832, in his History of the United States, Noah Webster wrote:
‘Almost all civil liberty now enjoyed in the world owes its origin to the principals of the Christian religion….’

Here’s why:
Phil 1: 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Notice that when Christians pray, there is a supply of the Holy Spirit made available.

2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

So, when a society is actively serving Jesus, and praying, then Holy Spirit becomes active in our personal lives, families, communities, and nations. No prayer – no Holy Spirit – no liberty. It’s that simple.

Holy Spirit will always lead us into the Word of God, and empower us to be able to do it.

Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Choose life today. Choose to learn the Word of God, and the voice of the Holy Spirit. Choose love, forgiveness, humility, reconciliation, and the passionate life that exists in the gospel today.

Surely, this war-torn, sin-sick world has seen enough hate, violence, and atrocities!

Will you choose life, and peace, or the sword?

He who lives by the sword, will surely die by it…

It’s your choice.

Let’s Pray:
‘Father, Your love is so much greater than the hate, violence, and brutality of war. Today, I choose You. Fill me with your strength and power, to live, love, and exercise self-control and forgiveness towards others. I need you Jesus! Holy Spirit, come into my life, and fill me afresh and anew with your presence, comfort, wisdom, power, and direction, today. I believe I receive it, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, AMEN!’