LIGHTNING,
THUNDER,
EARTHQUAKES...
A third of the stars fall from the sky. God
who sits high and mighty on His throne in heaven gave the order. Michael the
Arc Angel led the troops into battle. Cast from heaven they are all on Earth,
which is now their dwelling place. Sin was found in their leader. All of his
followers were in rebellion against God almighty. Planted in the battle field,
placed on earth is mankind created and dwells there too. The third heaven for
some of us and hell for others. These are the fallen Angels and Satan once
called Lucifer. Lost forever is his name and his place in heaven. Who can hope
to survive in this terrible environment.
They talk to me all the time. Telling me negative
things. I know now these thoughts are not my own. The mind is the battle field.
The enemies of God want to reign on this planet. And the only way to control
man is through his mind. Take control of the mind and mastery of the body will
follow. They try to discourage me. They tell me the things I ought not to do. I
know better though. Sometimes I don't know if what I do is right or wrong. I
have to fight my own battle in my head. I know I'm forgiven. Jesus took care of
that, but I can't forget my past. Only God can forget. All my sins have been
cast into the sea of forgetfulness. I spend time in Gods word. My only refuge.
There is no quality time for study. I must do
it all the time. There are no time outs in the study of Gods word. Sometimes as
the battle rages in me and around me, I have to rely on the word that is buried
in my heart. No time to find the book of righteousness. Warring makes study
difficult at times. That is why I must study all the time to be ready for the
next battle. There is a time for study, and there is a time for warfare.
Lord have mercy on me I pray. Deliver me from
this torment. I have begun to discern the things of the Spirit. The thoughts
that come into my mind I try to divide from my own. Some thoughts I know I
would not think of by exercise. By taking time out to sort through the many
thoughts going through my head. I go to that secret place and listen. Then I
think a thought. Yes, that one is mine. No, that one is not. Do I hear
from the Lord and the angels that minister to
me ?
There are times I hear encouragement. I feel
comforted. I meditate on what I have read in Gods word. I even do sermons in my
head. Oh how I wish I could share these sermons with others, but time passes
and there is no one to hear them. I can't even remember them the way I developed
them in my head. Great sermons I think ! Maybe they are just for me. Perhaps
during these trials my spirit prepares them just for me, and they come to my
conscious mind.
Who is the greatest preacher in the world today
? I am. We all need to feel that way. No one can preach the gospel like I can. No
one has gone through the things I have. No one is going through the things I'm
going through today. God has prepared me, and each of us to deliver the gospel
to the world. The most effective way is one on one. Pulpit ministries are good,
but for the most part people come there prepared to hear the gospel.
We have to bring church to the streets. To
those who are waiting for God to come to them instead. For what ever reason.
You have to prove yourself before they are ready
to listen to you. They also have the opportunity
to question everything you say and confront you at any time. There are
many times opportunities present
themselves. Perhaps these battles are turned into opportunities to prepare
myself for a one on one encounter. When they present themselves I am ready.
Is there a balm to ease my aching mind ? A
soothing cool ointment ? Jesus is a balm in Gilead and with him is a host of
Angels, the other two thirds who did not fall. They come to minister to me and
others. There is a war in the heavens. A constant battle for our soul
salvation. Cast down from heaven the fallen Angels are our foes. Led by Satan
Once called Lucifer. He wants to Kill,
steal and destroy our mortal bodies. He wants us to join him in the Lake of
Fire. He wants to use us, this planet and all its inhabitants. He wants to be
like God. That is his problem. There is only one God, King of kings, Lord of
all. Over all dominion's, principalities, and powers in heaven and earth. He
allows Satan to continue. But to Satan's dismay God is magnified and exhalted
throughout the land in God's children, who are a witness to his grace and
power, and by his other angels who stand fast.
Even the Angels who were spared God's wrath
marvel at man. How God continues to use them and save them. One at a time we
come forth and the Angels rejoice. I imagine there is a constant roar in heaven
as the Angels praise God when each one comes forth to know Christ as their
Personal Savior. How long do they rejoice over a lost soul being found I don't
know. They probably rejoice for themselves as well. They could have been cast
down from heaven as well. But God elected them, and his children on earth
before the foundation, the solar systems were even made. Oh how magnificent are
his ways and thoughts far above what we can even hope to imagine. That he would
even think to save me and you.
How can I, a mortal man defeat such an
enemy as Satan. He has been around a long time, since the beginning of time
warring against the saints. Accusing the saints even though we have been
forgiven. Jesus having paid the price for our souls. He has had a lot of
practice. His army of evil: Powers, Principalities, Rulers of darkness, and Spiritual
Wickedness in high place, like an army are all in place. Angels from heaven have
to pass through this wall of intrusion to minister to us.
It is amazing how some people are so quick to
accuse others when that is one of the tools of Satan. He is the accuser. Should
they not instead offer forgiveness and reconciliation? You know God has given us,
the Church, the ministry of reconciliation. We are therefore reconciled unto
Christ for all of our sins. Let us be reconciled with our brothers and sisters.
Let us move on to the greater things in
him. At judgment day Christ will hold us all
accountable for the works we do here on earth. Let Him be the judge.
Sometimes I have to wait on my help. Some how
I endure. Many others are not even aware of their presence, the bomb in Gilead.
Pawns they are to the whims of the Devil. All I can do is wait till my help
comes. Till they stop pursuing me. My victory is in the Lord. He delivers me
every time. What do they want from me ? To stop serving God ? To stop being a COG
in His wheel, and become a CLOG in his drain ? No Way ! What greater calling is there than to be a Child Of God? To be
submitted to the will of God no matter where it may take you, or how it effects
your life, and the lives of others ? God is a mystery. His mysteries are revealed
to his children alone.
For what purpose did God place man in this predicament ? Does this battle help
lead to my perfection ? Am I being transformed into a Spirit ? Has my Spirit
man been awakened in me ? Has my Spirit become strong enough to come forth and
fight my battle, while my fleshly body pertains to the things of this world ?
We are Spirit, Mind and
Body. Can all three operate independently as
well as together ? Separate but one ?
We are to separate ourselves from this world.
We are to live in it as well. As Paul said, "Fleeing all fornications and
adulteries so that we could do that what we would. "How many of us are
willing to find out *that what we would*, when we don't know what that is that
we would do ? We are so busy mimicking the world system, in pursuit of, or
worrying about *what we would not be able to do* instead of looking forward to
*what we would be able to do.* That which is a mystery and has to be revealed
to us by God. Finding solace in the Comfort Zone, and fearing the Twilight Zone,
they won't pursue the Would Zone. There is no growth in the comfort zone. The
Twilight Zone is fear which by the way is not of God but of the Devil, and they
are not even aware of the Would Zone. Which is revealed by walking with God.
His Kingdom is not of this world. They
don't study the Bible enough, they rely on what they hear only, and only
remember in part. The key to remembering much is to study the same thing over
and over again until you know it well for yourself. If you forget, look it up.
So when you do hear you can add to what you already know, instead of review.
The only way we can find out what we would is
to flee these things. That means leaving the security of what we know, the
things of the flesh, to that which we don't know, the things of the Spirit. How
many are willing to take that risk into the unknown? The things of the Spirit
cannot be understood by those who are walking in the flesh. So who can explain
it to them. A spiritual man
understands the things of the flesh as well, but the things of the Spirit can not
be received by those who do not desire to take a walk in the Spirit. They have to
step out in faith, and experience it for themselves.
How can two walk together unless they
agree. So they look at others, and see their gifts in operation and say things
like, "I wish I had your gift." But do they really ? Or they say,
"They don't teach that in my church." Then they go back to their
Comfort Zone. Among others that won't venture out either.
They go back to the world trying to compete
with it and maintain some sense of Spirituality. Buying a new car on credit thinking
that is how God blesses. What about purchasing a library of Bible study aids? Why
not enroll in a Bible College or Seminary?
It never ceases to amaze me when preachers preach
against a formal Bible education, and instead encourage people to get a secular
education so they can make money, money, money. Why not Bible, Bible, Bible?
Can't you trust God to lead you in your studies. Where do you think the God
gifted teachers of Ephesians 4:11 are ? Doesn't it occur to them that they
might be teaching in schools ? That the Sunday school curriculum might be too
elementary ? That there are perhaps deeper studies in God's word ? They might
even discover the verse that say's to seek the kingdom of God first, and his
righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
There were schools for prophets in the Old Testament.
Elijah stopped by one and picked up Elisha his successor. Guess who got the mantle
and a double anointing ? The Old and New Testament fathers, were well studied men,
scholars of the law and the prophets. Paul who wrote most of the epistles to
the
churches studied under Gamaliel, a Pharisee
and celebrated doctor of the law. After he was born again. God brought
understanding to Paul of that which he had studied, as well as revelation.
After much study comes inspiration, illumination, and revelation.
You should never be satisfied with your level
of Spirituality. Elisha wanted a double portion. To become comfortable is to
stop the development of your Spirituality. You must leave all things behind and
press on towards the higher callings in Christ Jesus. It is a total faith walk.
It is a forward momentum not a stopping place. And there is no turning back. I
believe that is what scares people the most. If they go too far they can't come
back to that old Comfort Zone. They remember what it cost them just to get
where they are. Now they just want to enjoy the earth and the fullness there of.
Which by the way is misinterpreting what God is trying to tell us.
It is not of meat, drink, cars and homes, but
a oneness with God and above all Spirituality. For God is a Spirit, and those who
worship him must do so in Spirit and truth. Gods word is the truth. When Christ
comes we will be like him; perfected. It takes all of Gods gifts to the Church
to perfect the saints.
My weapons against the powers of darkness are
not the weapons devised by man. No they don't work against Spiritual forces. I
have to pray. I have to read Gods word and meditate day and night on what I
have read. The gifts of the Spirit must be in operation and exercised. The more
I know of God's word, the truth, the stronger more self-assured I become. The more
I battle against the enemy, the more I exercise my gifts, the stronger I
become.
I have to be clean, way down on the inside.
So far down the enemy forces can't reach me there. The forces coming against me
decrease in number to just a few, and then even those have to retreat. God will
make you clean inside. Defeat is imminent for the enemy of both God and man.
His time is short according to God. But for me a thousand years is just one day
in Gods time. I don't have that long to live here on earth. But during this
time I have work to do. And I'm not talking about an eight hour a day job.
Long suffering. Some try to call this word patience,
but I saw in Scripture where both words were used in the same sentence. Jesus suffered
long in His 32 years of life as a man. But also when He was separated from the
Father. When He became sin for us. Took it away, therefore taking away the
sting of death for those who believe on His name. That must have been an
eternity for Him. Facing the Devil alone. But He is God, and I am not. I have
no desire to become God.
The battle rages. During the breaks I spend
time with God. I know He's always there but I miss Him. His personal, secure
touch. He watches over me. I hope he says this is my son. Watch him I know he
will endure. If I can just endure I know there is salvation at the end. God
rescues me all the time. That is when he is most truly real to me ! Sometimes
at the point of giving up, he throws a life preserver. I get that
phone call I was waiting for after several failed
attempts on my part. Somebody comes by and talks to me. Gives me words of encouragement
at just the right time. Or
I minister to someone that ministers to me
as well. I could go on and on about his salvation.
Once I even felt as if someone was giving me a push. Like a
hand would periodically press against my backpack as I walked down the street.
Urging me to continue walking. Prodding me along. I could not help but giggle.
I believe that is the meaning of salvation that
the Lord brings into a believers life. Romans then talks about how Israel needs
to be saved, but they must be born again first, receive the righteousness that
only comes from Christ, and faith in Him. Then they could be part of the
*whosoever* call's on the name of Jesus shall be saved. I call on that great
name all the time. But first you have to believe on whom you call. Hey, people
call the police all the time. They
believe in them and the authority behind them.
Jesus on earth got His authority from God in heaven, but now all power is in
His name. Call on Him.
The prophets and preachers sent could not convince
Israel about Christ. Preachers today can't do it. They would not listen to
them. People today won't listen. So in Romans chapter eleven, God said that he saved
a remnant of them. That is how all Israel is saved, a remnant through election.
Gods sovereign choice of whom he wants in his kingdom. God saves us that way
too.
God calls a people unto Himself all by Himself.
Somehow we are part of the process of bringing others to Christ. Are you part of
that remnant that God elected and saves ? Ask God. Seek His face with all your
mind body and soul. Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
Salvation is nothing short of a miracle. The
world is in search of a miracle. Blind to all those miracles around them that
have become common place. I bet if I could go back in time, drive up and pick
up Jesus in a Lexus, People would think it a miracle. Fortunately Jesus only
asked for an ass to ride into town. I don't think Jesus presented anymore than
the people were ready for. Salvation is the greatest of all miracles. To think
that God would take time out just to save me.
I have my own observation about the
miracles or creations devised by man, such as the Lexus automobile. I call it
the sand box theory. Remember when we were kids ? We would build castles in the
sand and we thought we really did something. But who provided the sand ? Or who
took us to the beach ? God has created a sand box called Earth for us to play
in. Anything we create is made from its substance provided by God. How can we
then take credit for it ? How then can we throw our creations in the face of
God and say, "Look what we did ! We don't need you !" Kinda stupid
don't you think ?
There is a final place for the fallen
Angels. The lake of fire. Satan is destined to be there too. So many people
will join him there. Why do they submit their will to Satan and fallen Angels ?
Why don't they believe God or even try to ?
Satan and the fallen Angels are liars. Tempting
people to desire things that they can see, feel, hear, smell, wear, buy, etc. All
these things will pass away but God's word will always be the same.
People will always be the same. In fact we
are really doing no more than we've ever done as people: eat, drink work,
sleep, reproduce, and party. For some reason we think a $50,000 Lexus to take
you a hundred miles to work every day is better than riding an ass into town.
It probably took less time and was less stressful riding an ass.
Maybe that is why we demand cars that are fully
loaded with features we don't even use. I think it is funny that someone would by
a $50,000 four wheel drive car with a luxury paint job. Right, they really want
to drive off road, and come back muddy with dings in the door panels !
*Repent, be baptized, and be filled with
the Holy Spirit,* Peter preached on the day
of Pentecost. The words of and after Jesus' life are contained in the New Testament
that live on and on. Instructions in righteousness through faith. Not righteousness
that comes from the law that can't save you. It was never intended to save you
but bring the recognition of how sinful we really are.
In the law are written things you are to do,
and things you are not to do. The Pharisees added even more to the law seeking their
perfection that way. That is not possible.
Being deceived they missed the point. The promises
made to Abraham will be fulfilled just like the law was fulfilled by Jesus Christ.
Who putting an end to the law, would have us moving on to perfection through faith.
The promises of God will be fulfilled and are
part of the present day believers hope as well. Abraham believed in the
promises, yet he never received them. That is true faith. Even the Old
Testament saints were saved by grace through faith and not of the law; not of
works.
The Pharisees sought to take control of the
people for their own purposes. Not just in religion. Likewise many people
desire and do control the lives of others. Satan, Gods enemy takes control of
people. Building his kingdom here on earth. Man does have a will of his own,
but he must chose who he will serve, God or money. Position or submission. The
Bible speaks of serving your masters, but not to serve Satan or money.
It is not just the rich who serve money, but
in context that is who God is talking about. Those who are rich and those who seek
to become rich. Here is the proof text: How do you spend your money ? I sure
see a lot of poor people being passed, by people who drive a Lexus and those
who don't.
The law was fulfilled by the one righteous one
Jesus Christ. Not one jot or tittle of the law will pass away until it is fulfilled.
Well, Jesus fulfilled it. Now the law is dead writes Paul. Now is the time to
seek righteousness. Just as Abraham did. By faith in God. His faith was counted
as righteousness. Faith in the living God that could and did deliver him. Our
faith now is in Jesus Christ who is our
righteousness. We have to believe in Him
for our righteousness. That righteousness is imputed or given to us and works
in us.
But the battle continues. Satan can't
believe he has already been defeated. Many a person does not believe it,
whether they acknowledge Satan's presence or not. Some feel they
are seeking their own righteousness by
their good works, or just refusing to do any good works, enjoying the evil.
Unless you are in the will of God, submitted, your works count as
unrighteousness. These works however noble do not please God. He seeks our obedience
to Him alone. He is Lord of our lives, and all that we do regardless. One day
all will have to confess it. That He is Lord of all.
The word say's that some think not to do
evil is an abomination. Imagine that ! What a terrible state to be in.
Reprobate, haters of God and all he stands for. Filled with envy's, strife,
hatred of God Himself.
The law was fulfilled by the one righteous one
Jesus Christ. Not one jot or tittle of the law will pass away until it is fulfilled.
Well, Jesus fulfilled it. Now the law is dead writes Paul. Now is the time to
seek righteousness. Just as Abraham did. By faith in God. His faith was counted
as righteousness. Faith in the living God that could and did deliver him. Our
faith now is in Jesus Christ who is our righteousness. We have to believe in
Him for our righteousness. That righteousness is imputed or given to us and
works in us.
But the battle continues. Satan can't
believe he has already been defeated. Many a person does not believe it,
whether they acknowledge Satan's presence or not. Some feel they
are seeking their own righteousness by
their good works, or just refusing to do any good works, enjoying the evil.
Unless you are in the will of God, submitted, your works count as
unrighteousness. These works however noble do not please God. He seeks our obedience
to Him alone. He is Lord of our
lives, and all that we do regardless. One day
all will have to confess it. That He is Lord of all.
The word say's that some think not to do evil
is an abomination. Imagine that ! What a terrible state to be in. Reprobate,
haters of God and all he stands for. Filled with
envy's, strife, hatred of God Himself.
Perhaps even being filled with a legion of fallen Angels who direct their every
move. Thinking the imaginations in their minds
are their own thoughts. When in fact their own thoughts are lost in the mire of
their captured minds. Not even aware of it because of constant use of the evil Spirits
cast down from heaven. Taking council from other ungodly people under the same dominion,
Satan's.
Who will deliver them ? Is it our responsibility
? Do they watch us and marvel as we overcome the world through our faith
? Does it anger them ? I think so. As we speak the word of faith delivered to
the saints ? I think so.
Study, and study, and study. The fruits of
this labor has everlasting effects on your life and the lives of others. The
words that come out of your mouth will be prophetic as you speak the prophecies
of God. You talk to the Spirit man in every one you come in contact with.
Wherever you are is your mission field.
These signs will follow you. Legions will begin
to fall apart, become disarrayed, confused. They cannot stand against the word
of God. Gods word will not, does not, can not fail.
Do not give up the battle. Dismantle the bomb
in Gilead. The world is at stake. And as children of God we are responsible for
their salvation. With Jesus the head of the Church we will not fail. We are
more than conquerors in Christ Jesus who strengthens us. No weapons formed
against us will prosper. By the will of the father all that are called by him
will come unto him. There are many sheep that belong in his pasture. We have to
round them up and bring them into the presence of the Lord. There is a bomb in
Gilead. Satan and the fallen angels. But thanks be to God we have a Savior,
Jesus the Christ who is our balm in Gilead. Our healer and deliverer.
