Posts Tagged ‘Christian life’

Warning of a war within our Gates

Posted: July 9, 2022 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, Prophetic
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(I received this word from the Lord in 2013 but did not post it at the time – 9 years later I see its truth has unfolded before our very eyes)

In these last days, we must walk in the full knowledge of our Holy Lord Jesus Christ. We must cut short the lives of any false words, so that they may be exposed and emptied of any and all power to deceive a man. We must walk in the true revelation that indeed we are charged and commissioned by our Holy Lord and his Holy apostle Paul to judge the fruit from which a man bares.

Such a lie of hell has been written in the creed of the modern-day Church that one must not judge another. I say do away with such nonsense and live the Red Letters of our most glorious Holy Lord.

The winds of war are streaming down the mountainside upon the Church and they are picking up steam. The limitation of the voice of His people in Europe to be heard is not even close to the limitation that is about to be enacted and enforced against the Church in America.

There are godless people and godless agendas which seek to silence the force of moral truth and that of our Lord’s servants altogether even to the depth of seeing them thrown in prison with the key to be lost.

In these days we must be like the lion who has been cornered, the thunderous roar echoing from the walls from which he has been herded. Yet this lion is the Lion of Judah, and his roar not merely bounces off the walls. no not the roar of this eternal one, His roar causes the walls of lies to come crashing down upon the heads of the very ones who have sought to confine Him.

This is not a season to walk in fear for it is a season ordained from the days of old to walk in the glory of our most Holy Christ. Know this also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, { ll Tim 3:1-3}

Charge on dear saints, charge on. Refuse to bow to the powers of this world, and shake off the desire to submit in any way or form to the voice of this age.

No, my brothers and sisters, we must stand up and proclaim the Gospel of our precious and Holy Christ to the world even if it means all of the world turns against us. Let them mash their teeth upon us if that be what is to come.

For we walk in the eternal glorious truth that nothing in this world or the world to come can separate us from the Love of our Holy Father with whom we shall spend all of eternity. This life is but a vapor and though a time of unease, torment, and pain may come, it is indeed but a flick of the eye compared to the most glorious time we shall have in the Kingdom of His heaven here on earth.

When the world proclaims “speak not this name Jesus anymore” let the children of the Most Holy Father rise upon the housetops, towers, and even the mountains and proclaim the name of Jesus even louder. Our voice can not, and shall not be silenced. Pass what laws they may, the Gospel shall be preached. I will die with the name of the Holy Lord Jesus Christ upon my tongue and lips.

James also warns us of these days as well as letting us know that we must in faith endure. “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial, for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust”. (James 1:12-14)

Let it be the same for all of His followers in this day, who shall not bend a knee to the temptations of this world nor compromise their faith in any way in Jesus Christ Holy name.

July 10, 2013
Russ Welch

A different kind of discipleship

Posted: October 29, 2021 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

There are two Universal Spiritual Principles found in John 3:30 that express two very fundamental truths.

First, that Christ must increase.

This is a principle that most Christians can agree with.

Are there any Christians who do not desire more of the Lord?

Are there any believers who do not long for a greater expression and revelation of Christ – in their personal walk, as well as in the world around them?

It is easy to align ourselves with this principle and pray in agreement with God’s Will – that Christ would be increased, and that the knowledge of Him would continue to grow and expand.

What is more difficult to affirm is the decrease of Self.

Yet this principle is as powerful and as sure as the first.

With more of Christ, there is less of me.

With more of me, there is less of Him.

And so, in order to cooperate with the first principle, we must overcome the “but” that stands between the two. “He must increase, but…”

Something hinders.

What gets it the way?

What prevents the increase of Christ?

It is me – or more accurately, the “I”, or the “Self” keeps getting in the way. And so, “I must decrease.”

The Disciple’s Journey

The Self-Life resists the Christ-Life.

The Holy Spirit seeks to increase Christ, while the human spirit seeks to increase Self.

We can have either one, but we cannot have both.

As Christ is increased, Self is decreased.

As Self is increased, Christ is decreased.

We begin our journey through life in a self-centered existence instead of a Christ-centered existence.

This is why we must be “born again.”

To be born again is to interrupt the self-centered pattern of our lives and open us up to the possibility of taking a different route and living a different life – a life that is Christ-centered instead of Self-centered.

Until this happens, it is impossible to love God and love our neighbor.

These two great commands are impossible to those who maintain a healthy connection to their Self-Life.

Loving others is impossible for ones who mostly love themselves.

This is the way of the world.

The way of a disciple of Jesus is a different way.

It is a way that cuts at the heart of self-love by making it possible for us to rise above Self-centeredness through Christ-centeredness.

Jesus describes it as a difficult, narrow way that few find.

Why is it so difficult? Because it strikes to the very core of who and what we are.

Even our very desire to follow Jesus can be self-centered.

Of course, we want to serve God; but we also hope to get a little something for ourselves.

Many people are drawn to the Lord with mixed motivations.

For example, the promise of a home in heaven is very appealing, as is avoiding the fires of hell.

But the Self-life is revealed in these subtle expressions that often appear spiritual and religious.

To follow Jesus for nothing other than the love of Jesus is the way of the disciple.

It is true that many follow Him imperfectly, and do so for many different reasons that they cannot fully explain or understand.

Fortunately for us, Jesus does not demand sinless perfection from the ones who follow Him.

His disciples make many mistakes and they often stumble and fall. Nor does Jesus require that we be spiritually mature and perfectly free from our Self-Life before He accepts us as disciples.

Dealing with the Self-Life is part of His discipleship program.

The very act of following Him begins a process that, if followed all the way to the end, results in what I call being reduced to Christ.

What does this mean? It means that when I began to follow the Lord, I may have had all kinds of motivations for doing so, and many of those motivations were self-serving and self-centered.

My very existence was rooted and strengthened by my Self-Life. But as I follow Him, and as He increases, more and more I find my self-centered ways being stripped away.

I find the power of Christ increasing within me, and I also find the power of Self is decreasing. With this process working simultaneously to increase Christ and decrease me, I find my motives are becoming more and more singular.

I am no longer following Jesus for what I hope to get out of it. Even my “mansion in heaven” does not seem so important anymore.

My many needs I find are not as urgent as they once were.

My many questions are not as essential as I once thought they were.

I have fewer questions, and so I require fewer answers.

Where I used to be troubled and vexed and concerned and stressed over “many things” it is becoming easier to focus on the “one thing” that is needed.

Christ is increasing, and everything else is decreasing.

My life, my purpose, my focus, my very existence is being condensed from many paths in pursuit of many things so that I am becoming more and more narrowly focused upon one thing.

Paul expresses it perfectly: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).

Lost Art of Family

Posted: September 13, 2021 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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In studying the scriptures and getting revelation as to the Garden mandate, one thing is clear.

We were all seeded with an innate desire for fellowship in way of family before the foundation of the world was laid. Yet the truth be told – family is a disappearing aspect of our society in so many ways.

Now, Paul taught much in lue of military terms.

With that we must understand that in war there are valued long term alignments as well as necessary short term alignments. The same can be said of the Kingdom, from the man who supplied the colt for the Lord to make His triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

To the man who was carrying the picture of water, tasked with securing the room for the last supper, these were necessary how be it short term alignments.

Whereas Peter, John, James etc, were long term alignments.

We must understand there will be people who grace our lives with their presence who were purposed to be but temporary alignments.

Where as others we will make almost life long alignments.

But lets be nakedly honest. Some people are also rebellious as to the will of God and run from commitment when the fire starts to heat up.

As in all things, we must become extremely skilled in trusting the Lord while guarding our hearts so that we understand that not everyone who is walking with us today, will be walking with us tomorrow.

Not everyone was purposed to take the long path journey with us.

The reality is that it is our assignment and the long path ministry vision for which we ourselves must keep our eyes on. If we can maintain that understanding, that comes the peace that is beyond human understanding with birth in us an inner knowing that the Lord will be there with us every step of the way.

We can read in scripture as to how Jonathan was a dear close friend whom David loved and trusted with his own life. I think if we were dive deep into David’s life (and I have) we will find after Jonathans death there were very few that David felt comfortable putting his life in their hands. Yet, he grew in his trust of the Lord’s ability to watch over and keep him safe.

We are all created with a sense and longing for community. Some more so than others. I personally am content being deep in the woods, alone save my dog and there I am at total peace being surrounded by the Father’s creation of nature. An occasional interaction with people is enough to keep me going for days, even weeks. Even with out the woods, I am becoming more and more accustomed to my quiet time with Holy Spirit.

I’ve had a life time of people being there one moment only to begone the next.

Now, unlike many who mourn when someone is taking out of their life. Or walks out of their day to day functions of life, I sense a loss but only for a short time, as I quickly refocus on the assignment the Lord has for me.

Some may call it shell shocked or battle hardened.

Eitherway, for me, the Lord fills the void that others struggle with filling. (It use to be with addictions – Now its Jesus).

In studying the life of George Muller, I find comfort knowing that our lives are so much alike in many ways. He was a rebellious one before coming to the Lord, as was I. He had many alliances but few close friends, as have I. He grew to take the WORD at face value, spending little time in reading other peoples commentary. Instead, he found himself being far more comfortable listening to Holy Spirit’s interpretation.

And as to where his trust would be for financial matters and other needs? He trusted in the Lord to the point that he never publically asked (begged) people for help.

That is where my life is at this time, anchored in the TRUST of the Lord as well as Holy Spirit high-lighting the scriptures for me (I’ve found that fasting is a amazing study hall).

At the end of his life, we was left alone, save the comfort of the comforter.

To be honest, there are times I find myself there as well. My wife is still here and I find much comfort with and from her. Yet, her full-time work schedule and my ministry schedule at times can drain us as to personal interaction.

My son still lives at home, he is 17 and is in his senior year (need I say more).

All this to say, keep your faith in the Lord, love people but trust the Lord. Now you may be completely unlike me needing more interaction with other people. Just be careful and be on guard that they do not rob you of private time with the Father.

Some people can be so busy, even in “doing” ministry that they neglect to spend time with the most important one in their life, Abba.

However, if you are like me, be on guard that your love of solitude not rob others of the love, compassion and wisdom that the Father has poured into you to bless others.

The whole idea of the garden was that of family and its the one place that the enemy has never let up his attack, family. In many ways the art of being family has been lost. Gone with it, I fear so has the spirit of loyalty and commitment.

With so few true spiritual fathers and mothers, those who love as does our heavenly father. Those who are willing to share both a hug and hand of correction. Sadly the God inspired family system has all but become extinct.

Again, there is a place seeded in each one of before the foundations of this world which long for fellowship in way of family.

I recently ended a two year position as director of a discipleship mission. I labored for 18 months to usher in the sense and atmosphere of “family”. We had finally attained it and then the enemy enter a narcissist into the leadership ranks. His demand for control had a road block in front of it. Namely myself and because of that I endured several months of slander and charactor assacination. Add to that a leader who refuses to contront (Not really a leader) and the battle became entrenching.

I sought Godly counsel from seasoned vets who after much prayer said due to the inability of the head and founder of the ministry to discern and confront, the Father had released me from my commitment.

I can’t say it ended in failure on any level, as shortly after my resigning the position the door opened for my current position as senior pastor of a Church that my wife, son and I have been in relationship with since 2013. I was a monthly guest speaker for the past two years and have patiently laid the foundation of “Kingdom family”

We must remeber that not ever ministry that carries the name “Christian” is ordained of the Father. There are a multitude of Ismael ministries and Churches scattered across the Christioan horizon in America as well as abroad.

However, since the creation of the Garden and man it has always been the intention of the Father for a family. As senior pastor the vision the Lord has given me is the Garden mandate, to return to our original design and purpose, to be a family who thrive in the atmosphere of love for one and other and most importantly, love for the Fatrher, Son and Spirit.

Dr. Russ G. Welch, Th.D.

Senior Pastor, Highway To Heaven Church

The example of Jesus

Posted: June 9, 2021 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, wilderness
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The Example of Jesus Christ…..He existed in the form of God, yet he gave no thought to seizing equality with God as his supreme prize. Instead he emptied himself of his outward glory by reducing himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human! He humbled himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient. He was a perfect example, even in his death—a criminal’s death by crucifixion! Philippians 2:6-7, The passion translation

Many need to read this, meditating upon it with Holy Spirit opening their eyes to it.

A personal reflection…

One day a Holy conviction shook my heart. Holy Spirit pointed out how I was chasing the recognition, respect and honor of man – basically seeking my own glory.

He showed me how I had spent years studying the fundamentals of the Church i.e. it’s traditions, rituals & culture, not to glorify God the Father rather to draw attention to how knowledgeable I was.

In reality I had become very heart hardened religious fool, an unknowing puppet in the evil ones hands.

I would pray loud long prayers not to bring healing or deliverance to people rather to draw attention to how great I was at praying.

I am so thankful that the Father loves me enough to bring correction and discipline when needed.

My whole desire today is to draw people’s attention to look upon the Lord, for He alone is able to rescue them, to bring healing & deliverance.

He alone is worthy of all the Praise, Honor & Glory!!!

Now, having been captivated by the spirit of religion for so many years, I can recognize it quickly, I can even smell it’s ugly evil presence.

This can be good or be bad, depending on whether one chooses to walk in a high level of mercy.

Or one can incorrectly sit and remain eating from the tree of of the knowledge of good & evil or choose to eat from the tree of life.

Learning from the example Jesus lived as us, I am so thankful & walk daily dependant upon Holy Spirit guidance to remind me it is not the person rather it is the spirit that is holding them in the same prison that it held me in for twelve + years ref 2 Corinthains 10:4, Ephesians 6:12.

Russ Welch

Director of Beaches Rescue & Recovery Mission

www.beachesmission.org

The Strongman Called Offense

Posted: March 8, 2021 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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Hereafter I will not talk much with you, for the prince of this world comes and has nothing in me. (John 4:30, TPT)

Jesus didn’t have any spiritual strong men of the enemy taking up residence in His soul. Lets take a quick look at the spirit of offense…Now, if we were to put the spirit of offense in the catagory of spiritual “strongmen” we can then see how he brings other strongmen with him such as anger, false judgement and unforgiveness. Then they all take captive the individuals soulish realm to where they are prisoners, having their emotions placed in spiritual chains.

This can either be a short term hostage senario if the individual comes to see what has taking place and repents (takes on the manner of thinking in which Jesus lived His life here, thinking only the thoughts as to what the Father thinks) and through the door of forgiveness they are able to escape this spiritual prison.

If repentance doesn’t happen, then the individual can well be imprisoned soulishly through their emotions for years. To the point that their growth and destiny is at a stand still until the Light of Truth exposes their unforgiving heart. Then once true repentance has taking place and Holy Spirit is given permission by that individual to evict them, then they are set free once again.

Once this happens we must be on guard and leave this area ( and all areas) of our soul surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus so that the strongman doesn’t return with even more in his attacking party.

~Russ G Welch

Director at Beaches Rescue & Recovery Mission, Jacksonville Beach Florida

You can also follow him of Facebook

A time to become a united Body

Posted: January 12, 2017 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching
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And from him, the whole body constructed and joined in every joint, according to a gift given in measure to every member for his growth of the body, that his building may be completed in love. (Eph 4:16)

hand_in_worship-preview

Have you ever really looked at a hand – the four fingers and the thumb – all different in size and even shaped differently yet together they function in beautiful harmony.

Now if you cut one or more away, the hand doesn’t function to it’s full capacity – one of the fingers and or thumb must over react to make the adjustment for the missing member. Something else, when they are all there they number 5, Grace – even as when they are all there working according to their design, there is a beautiful gracefulness about them.

Now, I have seen people who are missing one or more, I’ve also seen people who have had all of them yet because of nerve damage or arthritis they suffer as they members seem to have a mind of there own.

Sadly today the Body at large is suffering because of each member desiring to do its own thing. Everyone feels that they each have a call to do their “own” ministry. Yet when you look at the teachings of Jesus, the Book of Acts, and the writings of Paul, they speak of anything but a “single ministry” mentality – they truthfully speak of team work, family and unity.

“My ministry” sound so selfishly self-serving and self centered….

This “my ministry” mentality has caused great damage to the body when the Biblical truth is that we each need each other and until we can put down our pride, erase wrong teaching and become united in unity with one mind, but to please the Father the body and the world will continue to suffer the loss of what Jesus created and Holy Spirit seeks to continue.

I use to have the “my ministry” mindset or sometimes I would refer to it being “My wife and I’s ministry”. Yet now I cringe when people put that label on me, for in all truth it is HIS ministry which is purposed to flow through myself and those whom the Father has purposed me to serve with.

Where ever you are, stop being a single ministry minded servant and seek out the very people the Lord has purposed you to serve with (Not over) that the Body may be whole, functioning according the the Lords design, each a very important member yet no more important greater than the members the Father has purposed you to be joined too. For then we shall see the Father being pleased and the world shall see His Glory shine forth.

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This is HIS Kingdom and we all are Co-heirs, fellow citizens re-birthed as adopted children of the Father but to worship Him in Truth & Love and walk in His lavishing love poured out on us each equally..

 

Let us be the generation that puts an end to the spiritual arthritis in the Body and become united in Christ minded ministry……

Does God want His children protecting Themselves?

Posted: April 22, 2015 in Uncategorized
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We have recently been discussing the right of the believer to protect themselves according to the Bible. On a personal note I choose to depend upon the Lord to protect my family and I. When I read His promises I take them at face value. I have many times prayed a blood line around our property and believe that Lord, according to His Word, has indeed stationed (or encamped) His Angels around our lives and home.

Needless to say it has been a at time heated debate – so for my readers I want to post several different views and hope to hear back you thoughts on the matter after reading each post.

Blessings

Russ (Rush) Welch

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What can we do when we are in desperate situations?  Can we call on God? Can we depend on God?  Can we trust in God?

These are sobering times that we live in today.  Many people have lost jobs and can’t find one.  Others are underemployed and are just barely making it.  The unemployment rate is soaring, the stock market is highly volatile, and famine is spreading worldwide.  Families are losing their homes due to failed mortgages.  There are severe droughts, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and tornadoes.  And with turmoil going on in the world people are becoming desperate; even the people of God.  What can we do when our backs are against the wall and we have no where to turn and we are in serious trouble?

God actually desires that we be utterly dependent upon Him and that we are in desperate need of His help.  Think of a human father.  What good father would not want his children to turn to him when they need help?  Naturally, a father loves it when his children come to him to seek help.  There is something special about having someone there for you.  God is this true source and He is more reliable than any human father or mother.

God Says Call on Me For Help

God truly loves those that are His.  He loves you!  Listen to what God says for those who are in desperate situations and what He promises when they call upon Him:

Psalm 50:15 “and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

Psalm 91:14-16 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 145:18-20 “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.”

Isaiah 41:17 “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.”

Isaiah 55:1, 3 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.”

Isaiah 65:24 “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”

Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Micah 7:7 “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

God Says You Can Depend On Me

God wants us to depend on Him and not rely on ourselves.  God is our Father and we are His children. Children can not make it in this world without their parents.  How much more so can we not make it without the help of our Heavenly Father?  If we try to solve our problems by our self then we can really do nothing to ultimately solve them. God is actually more glorified in our weakness because by His strength He is able to display His might.  He stands ever ready, able, and willing to help us when we really need it but we must first acknowledge of our need for His help.  We truly find freedom from worry when we learn to depend upon God.  Read for yourself:

John 15:5 ““I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. “

Matthew 28:20b “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 6:25-27  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Matthew 6:30-31  “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?”

Romans 4:20-21 “Yet he [Abraham] did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,  being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

God Says You Can Trust in Me

Our money says “In God We Trust” but it is hard to trust when everything seems to be caving in around us.  Nothing looks like it will turn out right.  At times there is no evidence that God is even with us so how can we trust in Him during calamitous times?  In reality, we can sometimes not even trust our eyes…but if there is anything in this universe you can trust, it is God Almighty.  It is the invisible hand that is placed in ours that never lets go.  Like a parent holding their child‘s hand, God is securely caring for us, never letting us slip or fall:

Isaiah 41:13 “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.”

Proverbs 28:26 “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”

Jeremiah 17:5-7 “This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.”

Psalm 32:7 “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

Jeremiah 32:27 “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Psalm 36:7 “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!  People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”

2 Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

2 Peter 1:4a “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature.”

1 Chronicles 28:20 “David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.”

Conclusion

When everything seems to be falling in around us, when the walls seem to be closing in on us, when nothing in our world or in this world seems to hold any hope, when everything looks completely hopeless, just remember that God is not ever caught by surprise. He will save those who are His from calamity (Heb 7:25).  He isn’t ever going to abandon us, forsake us, or leave us.  If you are not one of His then you do not have such hope nor can you claim any of His mighty promises.   I pray right now that you seek Him because anyone who seeks Him He has said He can be found.  As it is written in Isaiah 55:6 “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”  Second Corinthians 6:2 says, “For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.  I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”  Tomorrow may be too late but it not too late right now to put your complete trust in Him, to depend on Him, to call on Him.  This is my prayer for you.  Please contact us if you make such a decision.

by JACK WELLMAN

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/call-on-god-for-help-in-desperate-times/#ixzz3Y5pyHcHi

KEEPING SIGHT OF WHAT MATTERS MOST

Posted: March 11, 2015 in Kingdom Teaching
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Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

God’s kingdom is lived from the perspective of heaven, not earth. That’s why Jesus said, “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

What far too many Christians do is mix a little of God with a lot of the world. Is this something that you have done? Have you wound up experiencing less of God because His kingdom is not of this world? When you bring the world into the Word, you are asking the King to bless something that His kingdom is not a part of, and He won’t do it.

If you lose sight of the kingdom, God’s perspective gets lost and you start focusing on the tangible and temporal things in life. When that happens, your judgment begins to be skewed and your decisions become shortsighted. Rather than living out your destiny and purpose, you may end up with wasted time, effort, energy, and emotions.

Yet when God’s kingdom is prioritized, you get to see heaven both rule and overrule in your life. You will witness God trump circumstances and people that you thought had the last word. Only God has the last word. You get to experience Him at a whole other level when you experience Him as King.

For His Kingdom.

Tony Evans

REFLECTION: How can a Christian prioritize God’s Word and His kingdom? How can we experience earth from a heavenly perspective? Where are earthly circumstances over- whelming your own vision and blocking your view of God? How can you change this?

Father, I want to experience You as King in my life. Reveal to me where I am looking to the world’s way rather than Your way in my thoughts, decisions, and actions. Help me to align all of these underneath Your Word so that I can benefit from the covering of Your covenant and kingdom. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Another Gospel Revisited

Posted: July 30, 2013 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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Another Gospel Revisited

The Mrs. and I have been occupied with interior work at the house for what seems like forever and I have been unable to get to our computer most of the time. Obviously, this has put me behind on the articles I write, but finally I am able to squeeze in some time.

I wrote an article last month titled “Another Gospel” of which most people followed my line of thought, but with no surprise, there were a few who zeroed in on one issue that was totally irrelevant.

The accusations were primarily that I supported Hank Hanegraaff, simply because I mentioned a book, one book, he wrote, and recommended it for reading since it pertained to my subject matter. I have written numerous articles, and those who have taken the time to read them should know I do not support everything Mr. Hanegraaff believes. I was even accused of speaking unfavorably of Billy Graham. I still haven’t figured out where that one came from.

Let me see if I can make this real simple for some of you. The subject matter of the article was about “another gospel by false prophets.” It had nothing to do with the Rapture, dispensations, replacement theology, or anything else. That was it; “another gospel by false prophets.” I even gave a few examples of my line of thought, as shown in the following paragraph from the article:

Some of the blasphemies these scoundrels spew from their venomous mouths strive to elevate themselves over God. For example they teach: Jesus is not God; We are gods; Jesus suffered in hell and battled Satan; God can do nothing without our permission; God lost His right to rule; We can speak into existence anything we want; God wants us to be rich; Jesus was rich; If we are sick or poor, it is because we lack faith; Our money to their ministry is “seed” faith; We can order Satan around; There are three gods; and on and on and on they go. This is just a sampling! It seems they each try to top their buddies by coming out with something even more ludicrous than what has been said beforehand by another of their kind.

Toward the end of the article I stated the following:

While writing this article, I came across a book on this very subject that I would recommend. It is called “Christianity in Crisis 21st Century” and it is written by Hank Hanegraaff. He goes into the specifics of what I have been warning about for a long time now and examines the false teachings of many of these false teachers with another gospel. In his book, many quotes from these false teachers are discussed.

I still recommend this book, not every book he wrote, but this one, for further reading for those who are interested. Does that mean that I agree with everything in the book? Of course not! You’re adults. Read the book. Check the information as best as you can. Compare what is said with God’s Word, the Bible, and let God guide your thoughts.

The “Dear Abby” column is in most all newspapers and is heavily slanted toward support of homosexuality and gay marriage, not to mention other atrocities. Does that mean you aren’t going to read another newspaper? Of course not! Does that mean you and I support all that we read in the newspaper? Of course not! Common sense people! Use it! I might recommend you read my hometown newspaper, but I certainly do not support much of what is written in it.

Mr. Hanegraaff and I do not agree on some issues, but I feel he is a Christian and understands how and why God saved him. I do not know the man, but he is my brother in Christ, I am not going to turn my back on him simply because we do not agree on some issues that are not of an eternal consequence, or just because a few people are so narrow minded.

This reminds me of all the attacks by Christians against one of their own when a book called The Harbinger was introduced. There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Jonathan Cahn is a Christian and my fellow brother in Christ, even though I’ve never met him either, and what he had to say was well worth reading.

Instead of attacking the veracity of those who are truly Christians, we need to stop turning a blind eye from those who are nothing but charlatans and leading people away from Jesus Christ instead of toward Him.

The subject matter of “another gospel” and the false prophets delivering a false gospel that is not Christ’s Gospel is of extreme importance. Millions of people today are being duped into believing much of this garbage that is being shoveled out. Why is that? It is so because most of those who call themselves Christians are ignorant of God’s Word. They’re generally fine people, but many are blind to what God actually says. They wouldn’t know the truth of God’s Word if it bit them on the nose. For those who are not Christians and believing this nonsense, their eternal state may be at stake.

Now if I may, I’ll throw in a little end time “stuff.” We are in the last days of the Church Age. Some of the greatest signs that the Church Age is nearly over are apostasy, false prophets, false teachings, greed and indifference from alleged church leaders, etc. These so-called leaders are everywhere. They are in the pulpits, on the stage, on the television, on the radio, on the Internet, and they love to write books.

I have personally heard much of what has been said by these false prophets (teachers) mentioned in Mr. Hanegraaff’s book, and he didn’t address them all. There are too many. He mentioned some that “maybe” I would not have been as critical, and others he mentioned that I would have been even more so.

The false teachings coming from these snakes can only come from one source. That source is an evil heart being guided by sin and nudged forward by Satan’s influence.

Partly due to the saturation of false teachers in our society with another gospel, which is a false gospel, we are most definitely in the Laodicean age of the church. If you haven’t read Revelation 3:14-22 lately, maybe you should. It is a very clear photograph of our current spiritual condition in this country.

[Jesus said,] “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” (Matthew 7:15-16)

Often these false prophets come across as God-fearing folks, but that isn’t the case. They always mix some truth in with their false teachings, and if you are not familiar with what the Bible actually says, you will likely become another one of their victims. They know what to say, and how to say it. They often use the righteous tone of voice that is normally accepted as being very Christ-like, but they are far from Christ. They take verses and even passages and twist them to their own perverted gospel. They are not of God! Beware of them!

The apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Paul is saying the same thing that Jesus said. The false prophets are devious in portraying themselves as belonging to Christ, but they do not. Satan also masquerades as a Christian, if I may put it plainly, but we all know, or should know, where he stands.

Paul told Timothy, his protégé, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NKJV).

This is EXACTLY what has happened today. Another gospel sounds so much nicer to the ear than the gospel which says that we are condemned without true faith in Jesus Christ, that Jesus is the only way to God, that there is no other way, that God is in charge and He will have His way regardless. In other words, the true Word of God is found in His book He provided for us; i.e. the Bible, not from the mouths of arrogant apostates.

My dear friends, Jesus was not rich while on earth. His desire is not for us to be materially rich (even though some may be) but spiritually rich.

Our physical healing is not nearly as important as our spiritual healing. By His stripes we are healed … spiritually, if we will just repent and believe.

God is in absolute control of everything, and it is by His grace that we are saved.

Jesus did not suffer in hell. It was finished at the cross. He said so.

Jude wrote a very short book, but what a punch it packs. He said, “But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts” (Jude 17-19).

Many, many, many of the so-called spokesmen (and women) of today who say they speak for Jesus, are lying to you. They mock God, and if they do not repent and call upon Jesus to save their souls, they will spend eternity in hell. There may be even some who are Christians, but are out of God’s will. Their soul is secure, but they are inviting the Father to take them out to the woodshed, and they will have no reward in heaven.

Folks, just because these false teachers may look nice, wear nice clothes, have the “churchy” smile, provide beautiful music, pray, and maybe even produce a tear now and then, does not mean they are of God. Their father is Satan.

Jesus says of them, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not” (John 8:44-45).

The Pharisees, Sadducees, false prophets, scribes and hypocrites of yesterday are the false teachers of today. They will lead you away from God, not toward Him. Beware of another gospel.

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel–not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-10, ESV).

Grant Phillips

Email grantphillips@windstream.net

http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips205.html

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards

Posted: July 19, 2013 in disciples life, Kingdom Teaching, teaching, wilderness
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Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

Overall Life Mission1

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; “knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.” June 25 and July 13, 1723.

Good Works

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.

Time Management

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

50.Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

51.Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

Relationships

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.

34. Resolved, in narration’s never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May 27,and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 2,and July 13.

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.

Suffering

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13, 1723.

Character

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.

47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5, 1723.

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan. 14 and July 3, 1723.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

Spiritual Life

Assurance

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

The Scriptures

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

Prayer

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

64. Resolved, when I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those “breakings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear’, of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

The Lord’s Day

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

Vivification of Righteousness

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.

43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12, 1723.

44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12-13, 1723.

Mortification of Sin and Self Examination

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4 and 13, 1723.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23 and August 10, 1723.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

Communion with God

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton’s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26 and Aug. 10, 1723.

Aug. 17, 1723

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