Lovers of Pleasure

2 Timothy 3:4 - " treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."

Paul in 2 Timothy talks of the characteristics of those in the last days. What struck me here is "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God". It doesn't say evil or bad pleasures. Even good pleasures can keep us from serving God and growing in Him. We may neglect reading God's word, praying, attending church, not serving in the church, and serving others because we are engrossed in some earthly pleasure. Some of the pleasures that may be harming our relationship with God and others is T.V., Social media, internet, sports, entertainment, and socializing, among others. If you noticed, I didn't name any of the bad or evil pleasures, while these are surely included.

What pleasure in this life has taken the place of your love for God or diminished your love and commitment to Him?

Prosperity Doctrine is Self-centerdness

The prosperity doctrine is very strong in the church, and at its root it is self-centered.

James 5:3 - ".... You have hoarded wealth in the last days."

James 5:5 - " You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter."

The apostle James is rebuking those Christians who are materialistic and self-centered. The Lord has promised to meet our every need, not our every want or desire. Our Father loves to give good gifts, but hates selfishness and greed.

Often people use the O.T. scriptures to preach their prosperity theology, but don't consider why God blessed Abraham and the people of Israel. It was that they might be a blessing to the nations and the furthering of God's kingdom and glory.

2 Corinthians 9:11 re-enforces this idea. "You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

How many cars do you need? How big or fancy does your house need to be? How many expensive vacation trips do you need to take? How many shoe or clothes do you need? How many times do you need to eat in fancy restaurants? How much investments or savings need to be socked away? How many toys or things do you need?

Ultimately only you and God can answer these questions, but I encourage you to take a hard look at your own life. Many a person could live off of 50% of their income or returns on their investments and give the rest to help others and the work of the Lord.

Remember, your wealth and money is not yours to do with as you will, but is God's to do with as He wills.

Let us be ready to meet Christ

There is one thing that I have been reflecting on more lately. Maybe it is because I am getting older. The topic is heaven

Jesus put great importance on heaven and His coming. Matthew 24 goes in to some detail on this. Some key ideas in this chapter are:

- Signs before Christ's return are:

1) There will be great upheaval in the world before His return.

2) There will be great persecution.

3) Many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.

4) Many false prophets and teachers.

5) Wickedness will increase and the love of most will grow cold.

- When He comes for His saints:

1) There will be much mourning among non-believers.

2) Christ will gather His saints, and leave the rest for judgement.

3) No one knows the hour Christ will come.

4) Life will be happening as normal.

5) It will be a surprise appearance.

- What are we to do?

1) Keep watch.

2) Be ready.

3) Be faithful to Christ and wise.

4) Be faithful to what Christ has called you to do.

- What happens with those who are not doing what they should be doing?

They will not spend eternity with God, and will be judged with an everlasting judgment.

Let us not get so caught up in ourselves and this life that we are not caught off guard. Let us seek first Christ's kingdom first and live in His righteousness that we may be taken up to meet Him when He comes.

Repent God's People & God Will Heal Your Land

2 Chronicles 7:14 - "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."

As I read this verse again this morning, God showed me that we often misuse or misunderstand this verse. We tell the people if they humble themselves, pray and seek God. God will heal the land. Others add when the nation turns from its evil ways, God will heal the land. We miss the whole point of the verse.

God is not speaking to the nations of the world. He is speaking to His people. He says, when the nation of Israel (his people) repent that He will forgive their sins and heal their land.

In today's context, it is when the church repents that he will heal the land that the church dwells in. The verse is not for unbelievers to repent, but for God's people to repent. The church is the salt and light. If we are not living according to God's will, we are no longer salt and light. We the church are key to the blessings of God upon our land. We the holy church are the ones who are able to stem the tide of God's judgment.

Remember when Abraham pleaded for Sodom. The Lord said he would not destroy it if He found 10 righteous people in it.

This verse is not saying that the unbelievers are to humble themselves and repent. This verse is not calling us to intercede for our nation. This verse is calling His church (people) to repent.

PRAYER & FASTING

Lengthy, but good information that will help in your life with Christ and give power over the enemy, the devil.
PRAYER AND FASTING
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. --- Matthew 6:17-18
What Is Fasting?
One of the most powerful weapons of spiritual warfare that God has given to His children is fasting -- a way of crucifying the flesh or denying your flesh the basic sustenance of food. Although fasting will weaken you physically, it will highly enlighten you spiritually. It is important to note that fasting should be combined with prayer for utmost effectiveness.
Fasting is a form of spiritual discipline that informs God that you are serious about repentance. Fasting is a significant part of your Christian walk just as praying and reading the Bible is significant. Fasting is for everyone who desires to draw closer to God.
When you fast, you do not have to give up just food; it can be anything of importance to you that is a sacrifice to give up. Whenever you fast, you need to pray and seek the Lord, otherwise you are just depriving your body of food and not getting in touch with what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you.
Although fasting is not commanded in the Bible, it is expected of all believers in their Christian walk, for Matthew 6:17-18 says "when you fast." Jesus did not say, "if you fast" but rather "when you fast'; therefore Jesus reveals through scripture that fasting is expected of us; however, it is not commanded (for example, you are not committing sin by not fasting).
Types of Fasts
The Normal Fast involves abstaining from all solid and liquid food except for water.
The Absolute Fast involves abstaining from both food and drink. You should never stay on this fast more than three days unless under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
The Partial Fast involves abstaining from just certain foods. You can live on just certain foods during the duration of this fast such as bread and water, or you may choose to fast a certain meal each day.
The Daniel Fast consists of fruits, vegetables, and water.
The Juice Fast consists of fruit and vegetable juices only.
The Television and Entertainment Fast involves setting aside television, radio, newspapers, and other forms of entertainment to seek the Lord.
The Water, Honey, & Lemon Fast is considered a cleansing fast. Squeeze ½ lemon in a cup of hot water and add honey to add flavor. This recipe can be used for an extended fast.
Reasons for fasting
The prophet Isaiah writes: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"
Isaiah 58:6-7
Thus, there are 7 reasons for fasting according to Isaiah 58:6-7, and they are as follows:
1. To bring justice
2. To undo heavy burdens and break the yoke of bondage
3. To free the oppressed and loose the bands of wickedness
4. To share food
5. To provide shelter for the poor
6. To clothe the naked
7. To provide for one's family
However, there are several other reasons for fasting:
1. To mourn and repent
2. To receive God's instructions
3. To die to the flesh
4. For humility and deliverance from bondage
5. To resist the devil's temptations
6. Due to lack of food
7. For health and healing
8. For spiritual power to cast out demons
To Mourn and Repent
"In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
Daniel 10:2-3
(Also see Esther 4:3; Isaiah 58:5; Joel 2:12-13; Zechariah 7:5)
To Receive God's Instructions
"And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments."
Exodus 34:28
(Also see Acts 9:9-12; Acts 13:2)
To Die to the Flesh
"Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and taketh no knowledge?" Isaiah 58:3
For Humility and Deliverance from Bondage
"But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom."
Psalm 35:13
(Also see I Samuel 7:3-14; Ezra 8:21-23)
To Resist the Devil's Temptations
"Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency (lack of self resistance)."
I Corinthians 7:5
(Also see Luke 4:1-2)
Due to Lack of Food
"And he (Elijah) arose, and did eat and drink, and went in strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God."
I Kings 19:8
For Health and Healing
"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, 'Here I am'."
Isaiah 58:8
(Also see Psalm 35:13)
For Spiritual Power to Cast Out Demons
"And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour."
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
And Jesus said unto them, 'Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.'" Matthew 17:18-21
People in the Bible that fasted
Name Duration Scripture
Jesus 40 days Matthew 4:2
Moses 40 days Deuteronomy 9:9,18-19
Exodus 34:27-28
Elijah 40 days I Kings 19
Daniel 21 days Daniel 9
Paul, prisoners, and Roman troops 14 days Acts 27:33
David 7 days II Samuel 12:16-20
Esther 3 days Esther 4
Saul 3 days Acts 9:9-12
Nehemiah ------ Nehemiah 1:4
Exodus 34:27-28
Christians from Antioch ------ Acts 13:1-3
Acts 14:23
John the Baptist's Disciples ------ Mark 2:18
The people of Nineveh ------ Jonah 3:5-10
Apostles, elders, and church members ------ II Corinthians 6:4-5
Preparation
The first thing you need to do before you fast is set a definite time period for your fast. Will your fast be 1 meal, 3 days, 7 days, 21 days, 40 days?
The second thing you need to do is decide which type of fast you will undertake. Will it be a normal fast, a Daniel fast, or perhaps a television and entertainment fast?
If you are going on a prolonged fast, please don't begin your fast immediately but rather gradually cut your food intake back and then begin your fast. Also cease drinking caffeine products a few days before you start a prolonged fast so you can get over the withdrawl headaches before you start.
Precautions
Drink warm water instead of cold and do not drink too much water at one time. Do not drink milk, coffee, or other beverages during the fast for this will be considered dieting and not fasting. (Follow these procedures on all types of fasts except the absolute fast.)
Do not take excessively hot baths during a prolonged fast; for this may cause dizziness. However, take a bath regularly during your fast because fasting causes many impurities to be secreted through the pores of your skin thus causing an odor.
Do not engage in excessive work or exercise.
Walk, read, pray, and worship during mealtimes to overcome temptations.
Some Symptoms You May Experience
1. Headache
2. Nausea
3. Low fever
4. Sleeplessness
5. Stomach pains
If you have any of these symptoms do not take medication for them.
Three phases of a prolonged fast:
Phase 1 Craving food
Phase 2 Feeling weak and faint for 2-3 days or even longer.
Phase 3 Growing stronger and no longer having concern about food.
Breaking the fast
Breaking the fast is the most difficult period after the fast; it requires discipline and self-control. If you fast for 40 days, then you should allow your body an adequate period of time to recover so you will be able to resume your regular diet.
Start with some vegetable and fruit juices a little at a time and maybe a cup of watered-down soup. The following day, start to drink juices and increase the thickness of the soup. Continue to do this until you gradually begin to build yourself back up.
Final Thought
Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life.

Secrets To Joy In The Midst Of Trials

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9)

Peter says it is possible for these believers to have both great joy and grief in the midst of their trials. Paul said about his trials in 2 Corinthians 6:10: “Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything”

These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (emphasis mine).
1 Peter 1:7
No doubt there have been many miners who found something that looked like gold. It was beautiful, but when they put it into fire, they found out it wasn’t. It melted at a lower temperature. It was not as strong or valuable. Genuine gold will last at high temperatures.
That is similar to genuine faith. However, genuine faith lasts forever, and faith that ultimately falls away from God in the midst of trials is spurious. It is false faith. A lot of times we don’t talk about false faith in church, but it is a reality. In fact, James talks about a faith without works, as “demonic faith.” He says even the demons believe and shudder (James 2:19).
How can we have joy in the midst of trials?
Focus on the benefits of our great salvation—our new birth, our inheritance, and our security.
Focus on eternity; trials are brief in comparison to eternity.
Focus on God’s sovereignty and purpose in trials. The trial was not an accident it was necessary for your growth and maturation in Christ.
Focus on your faith; trials prove the genuineness of our faith.
Focus on the eternal glory; faithfulness in trials will be rewarded.
Focus on our relationship with Christ; trials can bring deep intimacy with Christ.

TRAVAIL AND APOSTOLIC ORDER

SCRIPTURES: Romans 1:1-18 and Titus 1:1-

Prayer and of course "Travail Prayer" is very "crucial" to fulfilling the purpose of the Church in the earth realm.

Ephesians 3:7-11 "Wherefore I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by effectual working of His power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul, the Apostle did travail on behalf of others in the Spirit until the Spirit of Christ was formed in those in whom God has placed on his heart. Travailing in the Spirit means to travail or labor as in giving birth just as a woman in the natural travails when she is about to deliver her child. Spiritual travail is a level of intensity marked by a Holy Spirit burden to actually bring to pass, through prayer, a given promise, a prophetic insight or a Holy Spirit illuminated need in a person, church, city or nation.

To be an Apostle means God Himself after assessing you, calls you and sends you out to serve His purposes at places He would appoint.
An Apostle is "one sent out", with an outward thrust and a pioneering or restoration cutting edge, the edge that causes revolutionary impact and can either be of a new movement or a work of extensive scale, or even both. The Apostle is a commander with a mandate and an extended vision which is usually cross-cultural or global, but not always. He is one, called, raised and equipped for the job and for the hour. The Apostle usually presides over a council of fellow ministers that has direct calling and anointing for the thrust, covering the 5-fold ministry in varying degrees.

PRAYER… An Apostle who will be able to fulfill his apostolic calling effectively and productively must wear a very powerful and anointed prayer mantle. Jesus, our chief Apostle maintained a consistent and diligent prayer life that constantly put Him in touch with the Council of heaven. PRAYER WARFARE IS the highest level of prevailing prayer. Prayer warfare is fought individually and collectively. It requires constant alertness and readiness and is coordinated by the Holy Spirit. There cannot be a true Apostle without a God-given grace and mantle of Prayer. In Prayer you communicate with God then you make proclamations, decrees, declarations, orders, instructions and directives by God's leading to entities, principalities and powers, forces, domains, governments, authorities above and below, people and objects to adjust, turn and respond to God's divine order and manifestation.

THE HOLY SPIRIT: WHO EMPOWERS US TO PRAY, GIVES US WHAT TO PRAY ABOUT/ FOR AND THEN THE RIGHT AND PRECISE PRAYER LANGUAGE.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE ONLY SPIRIT AND POWER THAT SATAN AND HIS COHORTS CANNOT RESIST.
THE WORD: BY WHICH ALL WAS CREATED. THRONES, DOMINIONS, PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS, KINGDOMS AND AUTHORITIES, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE THINGS, THINGS ABOVE, THINGS IN THE EARTH REALM AND THE WORD BELOW US.
NO APOSTLE CAN ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITHOUT THE WORD. NO APOSTLE HAS ANY ORDER OR COMMAND TO ISSUE AGAINST SATAN AND ALL OF HIS HOSTS AND THEIR WORKS EXCEPT BY THE WORD.

The Apostle, teaches, trains, equips, instructs and orders changes at all levels in the spirit realm as well as the natural or physical realm by the Word, in collaboration with the Holy Spirit and Prayer. None of these three pillars can act or operate effectively independent of the other. The Word of God is the believer's primary contact with God. All that there's to know about God, Prayer, the Holy Spirit, Creation, Salvation, Life etc. is by the Word.

WE ARE GETTING NOWHERE UNTIL WE HUMBLE OUSELVES TO WHOLLY ACCEPT, OBEY AND LIVE THE WORD. THE CHURCH WILL DAILY TALK ABOUT POWER, AND AUTHORITY OVER SATAN, DELIVERANCE FROM DISEASE AND SICKNESS, POVERTY AND FAILURE, SALVATION OF THE WORLD AND INHERITING THE WEALTH OF THE WICKED, AND HOLD HIGH EXPECTATIONS, WITHOUT REAL MANIFESTATION, UNTIL OUR TALK, WALK AND LIFE LINE UP WITH THE WORD, WHICH FOUNDED THE CHURCH.

I BOLDLY ANNOUNCE TO YOU TODAY THAT SATAN'S WEAPONS ARE BLUNTED, VAPORIZED, AND EVAPORATED BY THE DIVINE LASER BEAMS OF PRAYER. DEMONIC SCHEMINGS OF PEOPLE AND SATAN ARE CONFRONTED AND FRUSTRATED AS GOD'S WARRIOR-SAINTS PREVAIL ON AND ON IN PRAYER. OUTER DEFENSES OF THE BASTIONS OF SATAN ARE BREACHED, FORTRESSES ARE PULVERIZED AND LEVELED, AND CAPTIVES OF SIN AND SATAN ARE SET FREE BY THE POWER OF JESUS AS THE WARRIOR-SAINTS PRAY. HATREDS ARE CALMED, ANGERS AND DETERMINED EVIL AND VIOLENCE ARE BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL, AND THE CAPTIVES OF SATAN'S FORCES ARE FORCIBLY FREED BY INVINCIBLE POWER OF THE LOVE OF CALVARY. SATAN'S DEMONS ARE MADE EITHER TO SURRENDER TO THE LORD, AGAINST WHOM THEY HAVE FOUGHT SO LONG AND HARD, OR ELSE TO RETREAT.
Until you find something worth dying for, you are not really living. "DARE TO BE GREAT, DARE TO OVERCOME AND DARE TO BE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE TO YOUR NATIONS AND GENERATION"

TURN AWAY COMPLETELY FROM ANYTHING WHICH IS NOT OF GOD AND NOT IN LINE WITH HIS WORD; AND WHOLLY EMBRACE HIM AND HIS WAYS AND METHODS. THEN YOU WILL LIVE, AND HE WILL PROSPER YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN, AS YOUR GOD".