Posts Tagged ‘Christian life’


 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

(2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV)

In Old Testament prophecy we have a very distinct revelation of God’s ideal of the New Testament saint. He is a redeemed sinner who, under the provisions and influences of “the new covenant,” has been divinely cleansed “from all filthiness and from all his idols,” and whose “iniquities shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and his sins, and they shall not be found.”

“The sun is no more his light by day, neither for brightness does the moon give light unto him; but the Lord is unto him an everlasting light, and his God his glory. His sun does no more go down, neither does his moon withdraw itself: for the Lord is his everlasting light, and the days of his mourning are ended.”

In his experience has been realized, and is being realized, all that was spoken of by the prophet Joel: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy.”

In the New Testament this “new man” is revealed as “after God created in righteousness and true holiness,” and as “renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him;” as “beholding with open face the glory of the Lord, and being changed into the same image from glory to glory;” “as comprehending the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and knowing the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, and being filled with all the fullness of God;” as “walking in the light, as God is In the New Testament this “new man” is revealed as “after God created in righteousness and true holiness,” and as “renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him;” as “beholding with open face the glory of the Lord, and being changed into the same image from glory to glory;” “as comprehending the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and knowing the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, and being filled with all the fullness of God;” as “walking in the light, as God is in the light;” as “having been made perfect in love;” and as “having fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.”

To him “Christ manifests Himself,” and is formed within him “the hope of glory.” He is “crucified with Christ,” and “by the cross is crucified to the world, and the world to him.” “He is in the world as Christ was in the world,” and “in the name of Christ asks and receives until his joy is full;” and “believing in Christ he rejoices with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” “Out of his belly flow rivers of living water.” “When weak, he is made strong,” and “in tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, sword, death, and life,” he is “more than conqueror, through Him that hath loved us.”

The New Man displays the very Character of Christ

In him “tribulation worketh patience; and patience experience; and experience hope;” and “all things work together for his good.” When “troubled on every side, he is not distressed; when perplexed, he is not in despair; when persecuted, he is not forsaken; and when cast down, he is not destroyed.” In every condition of existence, he finds deep content in the center of the sweet will of God, and verifies in experience the great central fact of the Divine life–that “we can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth us.”

Clad in the panoply of God, “he stands in the evil day,” and “quenches all the fiery darts of the wicked.” “His faith groweth exceedingly,” and his “charity aboundeth;” and be is constantly growing “into the stature of the fullness of Christ.” He also “has power with God and with men.” “He asks what he will, and it is done unto him.” As reflecting the image and glory of Christ, he is “the light of the world” and the “salt of the earth.” Such is God’s revealed pattern of the New Testament saint, “the new man” whom we are required to “put on.”

Taken from “The Baptism Of The Holy Ghost by Asa Mahan.

Posted by WindWalker





“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. (Isaiah 26:3)

There are many in the Church today who are filled with fear, stress, anxiety, and a host of other unbridled emotions which operate totally opposite of the peace this passage describes.

Jesus taught His disciples foundational keys to be able to live in the overflowing abundance of peace in His Kingdom that so many miss. Sermons and memorized passages do not do that which Holy Spirit can with scripture as in Spiritually tattooing it upon our hearts.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24, KJV)

Here is a verse that people quote all the time, yet many of those who quote this are in deep prisons of fear and anxiety when it comes to finances. Many families, friendships and marriages are destroyed over finances.

Jesus follows this passage with a key to peace when He said:

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (Matthew 6:25, KJV)

This often read yet faintly practiced truth is an amazing key to the peace of the Kingdom. Yet when one’s heart is ensnared with the worldly belief that money is where peace is found, they are blocked from experiencing the peace of God.

Then the Lord goes deeper, to the root of one’s heart as He states the following to His disciples:

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (Matthew 6:26-32, KJV)

My friends, these teachings of our Lord when taking and put in to action are vessels of spiritual truths and are weapons against the enemy’s traps of stealing our peace. When it comes to financial matters as well as other areas in our lives, these truths when blended with faith will destroy the stronghold of Satan, which are fortified forts in our thinking blocking us from seeing and experiencing the peace of God.

I am not saying that money is bad, neither was the Lord, He is equipping the disciples to walk in Kingdom stewardship. When we trust in God we should be able to create wealth in ways the world only dreams of. But our peace cannot be in the wealth, it must be centered in the Kingdom.

This is witnessed in Jesus bringing this lesson to His disciples with:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33, KJV)

He goes on to add the icing on top of this lesson with:

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:34, KJV)

When we focus on the Kingdom and His Righteousness, we demolish the powerful spiritual lure of cultural trends which reek of worldly philosophies and are grounded in selfish thinking, robbing us of his peace. The “Like the Jones’s” or “better than the Jones’s” mindsets are all birthed in the fallen nature thought process. It feeds into the spirit of envy and ultimately feeds the spirit of pride. Keeping us entrenched with everything but the Kingdom and His Righteousness.

So today, brothers and sisters, seek after His Kingdom and His righteousness first, trusting every area of your life to the hands of our loving Father. Ask Holy Spirit for divine encounters and wisdom from on high. By keeping your focus on the Kingdom and the King, the enemy will have no access to steal your peace.

Russ G. Welch A.K.A WindTalker


(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


“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).


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 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


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


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.

2000-paul-the-apostle-1

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……


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 50:15and 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 145:18-20The 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 41:17The 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, 3Come, 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 65:24Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”

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

Micah 7:7But 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 2:13for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

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

Matthew 28:20bAnd 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 4:20-21Yet 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 4:19And 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 41:13For 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 17:5-7This 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 32:7You 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 1:4aThrough 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


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.