"Do you feel that God abandoned you?" Are
you angry at what you feel is injustice? Do you feel like life dealt you a bad
hand? Are you struggling in your walk with God?
If this is the case then I am going to share with you ten keys to
surviving a trial. First, you must know
that God is on your side! Jesus came to
give you life and life more abundantly. The devil comes to steal, kill, and
destroy. John 10:10 Secondly, you must know that whatever problem life
has dealt us we are never without a choice. We are made in such a way that we
can survive most anything and turn any situation around if we would only have
faith. Our past or present circumstances do not have to determine our future.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
When To Leave An Abusive Relationship:
One of the most difficult decisions to make in married life is to know when to leave an abusive relationship. Especially if you are a Christian. There are feelings of guilt and shame. You almost feel like you have to protect your abuser from the error of their ways. In many cases, people stay hoping their prayers will change the other person but unfortunately in the meantime, they are suffering an incredible amount of mental anguish, emotional heartache, and physical pain. My friend you are not alone in this and even people in the ministry struggle with this issue.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Bitterness the Poison In Our Souls
Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it
—Heb 12:15 Amplified
How do people become bitter?
Bitterness comes from unmet expectations, past hurt, continuous injustice, breach of trust, slander, violations against the human soul such as broken boundaries, and other people who are bitter. Bitterness or resentment will cause you to fail to secure God's grace! God's grace in this scripture is charis: favor, goodwill, loving-kindness, and mercy of God. We need to sow mercy (undeserved love) into others so we can reap it in ours. Please read over Hebrews 12:15 carefully. Bitterness will cause us to live in torment and becomes a spiritual contamination in your life that contaminates others. Everywhere we go it will cause trouble. We won't be able to get along with others because if we feel they touch us wrong we will overreact because bitterness is a festering wound. Imagine a wound with pus coming out of it. That's what bitterness looks like in the spirit. Let's look at this word defile it means to: to dye with another color, to stain, pollute, and to defile with sins. As God's bride, our wedding dress needs to be without stain. When other people are bitter it is our responsibility to guard our hearts and keep ourselves without stain. Let's see how we can become bitter or defiled.
It often punishes others for the mistakes of someone who had committed the wrong. That includes not helping others when being asked for help or being grudging about giving of themselves. You can tell someone is bitter by the way they bring up those who have offended them. They blame the person for what is happening in their life now and slander them behind their backs. They displace the anger they feel onto people who remind them of the offender. They assume that everyone will treat them the same way, and never give that person a chance to prove themselves. They recreate the offense to prove to themselves that they have every right to be angry thus keeping bitterness alive in their hearts. Bitterness gives them a sense of entitlement to hurt others just like they have been hurt. They often make excuses for mistreating others. Love and compassion are non-existent in the place of bitterness. They cannot co-exist. People that are bitter are often critical, judgmental, over-sensitive, and find it hard to be kind to others. After all, everyone is out to hurt, offend or disappoint them. Some times the person sulks in long periods of self-pity citing every offense as a reason for their present woes.
Unforgiveness has very similar aspects to bitterness. However, bitterness tends to mask its true feelings behind flattery, a fake smile, and hidden hostility. Unforgiveness makes a solid decision to blacklist the person and move onto other things. Bitterness spreads like cancer polluting the waters of that person's spirit. Eventually, they vomit up the bitter waters of their soul in their conversations defiling the hearers, and sowing discord wherever they go. This is especially dangerous if you are sitting under someone who is bitter, and ministers out of a place of bitterness. You can be sure that they will continually bring up past events, and offenders to justify present actions. The focus is continually on those who are offending them, and never on their own character flaws. If perchance that person gets others to take on the offense; division, and strife ensue. The root of bitterness is pride. It can not get past the fact that someone actually rejected them, offended them, hurt them, corrected them or moved on in their lives.
Bitterness is like a tea bag it seeps in the hot water of every conceivable imagination, and lie inspired by hell. Soon, those who are bitter start to become paranoid, suspicious, and find fault in others. You will often see these people either writing blogs or making videos of other ministers they believe are part of the great conspiracy against all Christians or heavily involved in finding secret government plots. They become known for all kinds of conspiracy theories and often will run from any submission to authority. Their hurt drives them from any commitment or intimate friendship with anyone. I'm not trying to make a blanket statement here, just understand there are various degrees to unforgiveness, and bitterness is its fruit.
If any of this has any striking similarities then understand that most everyone you know has been hurt at one time or the other including Jesus. We can't stay in that hurt and live there. My friends, if you recognized any of these behaviors please realize that we have no right to stay in the sin of unforgiveness or keep a record of wrongs against us. We are not to be "conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); rude (unmannerly) and acting unbecomingly. We do not insist on our own rights or our own way, we are not to be self-seeking; touchy or fretful or resentful; we should not take account of the evil done to us [or pay attention to a suffered wrong.]" (1 Corinthians 13:5) Amp. my version
Perhaps you know someone like that then here is my advice: Bind the lying spirit that continues to whisper in their ear, and ask God to loose their will from every evil spirit that is controlling them either emotionally or mentally. No one can really free a person from this unless they are willing to let go of it.
Why you should let go of bitterness
1. You will actually not be able to move on or grow up spiritually if you don't let go of offenses, hurt and unforgiveness. It will actually keep you in a backslidden state.
2. Your prayers will be hindered. You will cease to walk in favor.
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25-26)
Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)
3. We can not embrace our future if we stay in the past.
4. We give power to the person to continually hurt us by repeating the matter over and over again in our hearts. We also give our power and authority over to the devil to keep us in bondage to him. It becomes a chain around our necks.
5. We are not hurting the person that hurts us. We are actually hurting any chance of having a healthy, and happy relationship in the future.
6. We need to realize that most people deserved to be judged but that is something God decides not us. We also need to understand that we also deserve to be judged but God mercy on us.
For we know Him Who said, Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the meting out of full justice rest with Me]; I will repay [I will exact the compensation], says the Lord. And again, The Lord will judge and determine and solve and settle the cause and the cases of His people. Hebrews 10:30 Amp.
7. Jesus said, that if we want to be forgiven then that same privilege must be extended to others.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.
14 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.
—Heb 12:15 Amplified
How do people become bitter?
Bitterness comes from unmet expectations, past hurt, continuous injustice, breach of trust, slander, violations against the human soul such as broken boundaries, and other people who are bitter. Bitterness or resentment will cause you to fail to secure God's grace! God's grace in this scripture is charis: favor, goodwill, loving-kindness, and mercy of God. We need to sow mercy (undeserved love) into others so we can reap it in ours. Please read over Hebrews 12:15 carefully. Bitterness will cause us to live in torment and becomes a spiritual contamination in your life that contaminates others. Everywhere we go it will cause trouble. We won't be able to get along with others because if we feel they touch us wrong we will overreact because bitterness is a festering wound. Imagine a wound with pus coming out of it. That's what bitterness looks like in the spirit. Let's look at this word defile it means to: to dye with another color, to stain, pollute, and to defile with sins. As God's bride, our wedding dress needs to be without stain. When other people are bitter it is our responsibility to guard our hearts and keep ourselves without stain. Let's see how we can become bitter or defiled.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:30-32
Like I mentioned before bitterness can come from other people. The number one way to get contaminated by bitterness is evil speaking. When I looked up the word "evil speaking" in the Greek it is the word blasphemia which means injurious speech, slander, impious and reproachful speech. In today's terminology, abusive speech or reviling is the number one way to become resentful. Deep resentment or bitterness is also the root of anger (violent emotion), clamor (loud and confused noise especially that of people shouting in an intense manner) wrath (inflaming wine which either drives the drinker mad or kills him with its strength)!
The Nature of Bitterness
Bitterness is a weed that springs forth from the heart continuously wanting to be watered by new offenses, and new people. Unfortunately, this weed is a blind spot in many people's lives. It is often hard to see because it tends to live in the minds, and hearts of those who have harbored a grudge. They nurse it continuously in their conversations by repeating the matter in their minds. Soon this weed starts to affect the personality of the person making them cynical, sarcastic, suspicious, critical, negative and having a sour attitude. They also eventually become hardened, unresponsive to God, alienating them from people until they find themselves alone. Bitterness is a stronghold caused by thoughts that slither around in the minds of the offended making them get lost in their darkened thoughts for vengeance or retaliation. Like I mentioned before bitterness can come from other people. The number one way to get contaminated by bitterness is evil speaking. When I looked up the word "evil speaking" in the Greek it is the word blasphemia which means injurious speech, slander, impious and reproachful speech. In today's terminology, abusive speech or reviling is the number one way to become resentful. Deep resentment or bitterness is also the root of anger (violent emotion), clamor (loud and confused noise especially that of people shouting in an intense manner) wrath (inflaming wine which either drives the drinker mad or kills him with its strength)!
The devil is never content to keep his misery to himself. He likes to destroy the purity of our heart by filling it with anger, resentment, violence, and lust. He hates the purity in children. That's why he works so hard to destroy the innocence of children by trying to expose them to drugs, alcohol, evil speaking(music), violent content, and pornography. It's our job as parents or guardians to guard their hearts by guarding ours. The devil wants us to stay in the sin of resentment or bitterness so he can dwell with us. "Be angry, and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26) This word "place" means opportunity and power as well as habitation. When we stay in the sin of bitterness or resentment we have rented out space to the devil in our minds and hearts. When we don't forgive it grieves the Holy Spirit. God's word exhorts us to "forgive one another as Christ forgave you." Before the sun goes down every day we should make it a habit to forgive and let go of bitterness.
The Nature of Bitterness
It often punishes others for the mistakes of someone who had committed the wrong. That includes not helping others when being asked for help or being grudging about giving of themselves. You can tell someone is bitter by the way they bring up those who have offended them. They blame the person for what is happening in their life now and slander them behind their backs. They displace the anger they feel onto people who remind them of the offender. They assume that everyone will treat them the same way, and never give that person a chance to prove themselves. They recreate the offense to prove to themselves that they have every right to be angry thus keeping bitterness alive in their hearts. Bitterness gives them a sense of entitlement to hurt others just like they have been hurt. They often make excuses for mistreating others. Love and compassion are non-existent in the place of bitterness. They cannot co-exist. People that are bitter are often critical, judgmental, over-sensitive, and find it hard to be kind to others. After all, everyone is out to hurt, offend or disappoint them. Some times the person sulks in long periods of self-pity citing every offense as a reason for their present woes.
Unforgiveness has very similar aspects to bitterness. However, bitterness tends to mask its true feelings behind flattery, a fake smile, and hidden hostility. Unforgiveness makes a solid decision to blacklist the person and move onto other things. Bitterness spreads like cancer polluting the waters of that person's spirit. Eventually, they vomit up the bitter waters of their soul in their conversations defiling the hearers, and sowing discord wherever they go. This is especially dangerous if you are sitting under someone who is bitter, and ministers out of a place of bitterness. You can be sure that they will continually bring up past events, and offenders to justify present actions. The focus is continually on those who are offending them, and never on their own character flaws. If perchance that person gets others to take on the offense; division, and strife ensue. The root of bitterness is pride. It can not get past the fact that someone actually rejected them, offended them, hurt them, corrected them or moved on in their lives.
Bitterness is like a tea bag it seeps in the hot water of every conceivable imagination, and lie inspired by hell. Soon, those who are bitter start to become paranoid, suspicious, and find fault in others. You will often see these people either writing blogs or making videos of other ministers they believe are part of the great conspiracy against all Christians or heavily involved in finding secret government plots. They become known for all kinds of conspiracy theories and often will run from any submission to authority. Their hurt drives them from any commitment or intimate friendship with anyone. I'm not trying to make a blanket statement here, just understand there are various degrees to unforgiveness, and bitterness is its fruit.
If any of this has any striking similarities then understand that most everyone you know has been hurt at one time or the other including Jesus. We can't stay in that hurt and live there. My friends, if you recognized any of these behaviors please realize that we have no right to stay in the sin of unforgiveness or keep a record of wrongs against us. We are not to be "conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); rude (unmannerly) and acting unbecomingly. We do not insist on our own rights or our own way, we are not to be self-seeking; touchy or fretful or resentful; we should not take account of the evil done to us [or pay attention to a suffered wrong.]" (1 Corinthians 13:5) Amp. my version
Perhaps you know someone like that then here is my advice: Bind the lying spirit that continues to whisper in their ear, and ask God to loose their will from every evil spirit that is controlling them either emotionally or mentally. No one can really free a person from this unless they are willing to let go of it.
Why you should let go of bitterness
1. You will actually not be able to move on or grow up spiritually if you don't let go of offenses, hurt and unforgiveness. It will actually keep you in a backslidden state.
2. Your prayers will be hindered. You will cease to walk in favor.
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25-26)
Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)
3. We can not embrace our future if we stay in the past.
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
4. We give power to the person to continually hurt us by repeating the matter over and over again in our hearts. We also give our power and authority over to the devil to keep us in bondage to him. It becomes a chain around our necks.
5. We are not hurting the person that hurts us. We are actually hurting any chance of having a healthy, and happy relationship in the future.
6. We need to realize that most people deserved to be judged but that is something God decides not us. We also need to understand that we also deserve to be judged but God mercy on us.
For we know Him Who said, Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the meting out of full justice rest with Me]; I will repay [I will exact the compensation], says the Lord. And again, The Lord will judge and determine and solve and settle the cause and the cases of His people. Hebrews 10:30 Amp.
7. Jesus said, that if we want to be forgiven then that same privilege must be extended to others.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.
14 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.
(Matthew 6:12, 14-15)
8. Retaliation or passive aggression is the same as taking vengeance. God knows our hearts, and this behavior is not from God.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:17-18)
9. Letting go of the seed of anger when you are initially offended or hurt. We can not afford to give the devil a foothold into the door of our life. It actually gives the devil the right to torment us. See the parable of the unforgiving servant in (Matthew 18:21-35)
10. The only way to overcome evil is to do good to those who hurt us.
Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21)
Getting Free From Bitterness or Unforgiveness:
1. Please realize that no one "owes" you anything. This would make them debtors and Jesus called us to forgive our "debtors." People don't owe us anything because they are not our source. When we make other people our source we make them idols in our lives. People were never meant to be the source of our peace, acceptance, love, joy, and approval. That goes against our original design. When we make other people our source we give over our power to them. Then they decide for us when we should be happy, have peace, feel loved, feel adequate, feel secure and know our worth. In essence, this is the root of all codependent behavior. It stems from a mindset of entitlement or feeling like people "owe" us.
2. Pray for those who have hurt you. This is a kingdom secret! This will cultivate the ground of your heart and make you ready to truly release the person from your heart. At first, you may not feel like it but do it in faith and your heart will follow.
But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)
3. Ask God, by the Holy Spirit, to search your heart and reveal hidden hurts or resentments that may be buried.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
4. Forgiveness is an act of our will. Ask God for the grace to help you do this task and then make a list of people who have hurt you and talk to God about what they did.
For example, you can pray the following:
I forgive _________for____________ and I release them to you. I refuse to bring this up anymore or think about it. I shall not repeat the matter or rehearse it in my mind or heart. Do this until all feelings of hurt are gone.
Here is a checklist of possible people you need to forgive:
1. Parents
2. Siblings
3. Ministers
4. Yourself
5. Abusers
6. People who have used you.
7. Employers
8. Friends
9. Children
10. Other family members
11. Strangers
12. God
4. After we have prayed and forgiven them we must be willing to destroy the mental and emotional records of those who have hurt us.
5. We must be willing to go to that person and make things right in person. We are not responsible for the response of others.
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
Special Note: Some people are best left alone if they are holding a grudge against you, and will not relent in their abusive behavior towards you. Just stay away. Forgive, forget, and pray for them at a distance. It is not necessary to stay in relationships that are toxic to prove you forgave them. Also, forgiveness does not mean self-martyrdom which means you continue to allow them to hurt you to prove you are good Christian. Even Jesus knew when to keep his distance from vindictive religious folks.
If you are in an abusive relationship or marriage please read:
When to Leave An Abusive Relationship If you find this article helpful or would like to donate to our ministry please do so on our home page by visiting our website:
Jaziz Gutierrez
Official Website: https://www.jazizgutierrez.com/
Facebook: School Of Impartation and Living
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYxASZLjwhGePvTG27ZRKAg
8. Retaliation or passive aggression is the same as taking vengeance. God knows our hearts, and this behavior is not from God.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:17-18)
9. Letting go of the seed of anger when you are initially offended or hurt. We can not afford to give the devil a foothold into the door of our life. It actually gives the devil the right to torment us. See the parable of the unforgiving servant in (Matthew 18:21-35)
10. The only way to overcome evil is to do good to those who hurt us.
Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21)
Getting Free From Bitterness or Unforgiveness:
1. Please realize that no one "owes" you anything. This would make them debtors and Jesus called us to forgive our "debtors." People don't owe us anything because they are not our source. When we make other people our source we make them idols in our lives. People were never meant to be the source of our peace, acceptance, love, joy, and approval. That goes against our original design. When we make other people our source we give over our power to them. Then they decide for us when we should be happy, have peace, feel loved, feel adequate, feel secure and know our worth. In essence, this is the root of all codependent behavior. It stems from a mindset of entitlement or feeling like people "owe" us.
2. Pray for those who have hurt you. This is a kingdom secret! This will cultivate the ground of your heart and make you ready to truly release the person from your heart. At first, you may not feel like it but do it in faith and your heart will follow.
But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)
3. Ask God, by the Holy Spirit, to search your heart and reveal hidden hurts or resentments that may be buried.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
4. Forgiveness is an act of our will. Ask God for the grace to help you do this task and then make a list of people who have hurt you and talk to God about what they did.
For example, you can pray the following:
I forgive _________for____________ and I release them to you. I refuse to bring this up anymore or think about it. I shall not repeat the matter or rehearse it in my mind or heart. Do this until all feelings of hurt are gone.
Here is a checklist of possible people you need to forgive:
1. Parents
2. Siblings
3. Ministers
4. Yourself
5. Abusers
6. People who have used you.
7. Employers
8. Friends
9. Children
10. Other family members
11. Strangers
12. God
4. After we have prayed and forgiven them we must be willing to destroy the mental and emotional records of those who have hurt us.
5. We must be willing to go to that person and make things right in person. We are not responsible for the response of others.
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
Special Note: Some people are best left alone if they are holding a grudge against you, and will not relent in their abusive behavior towards you. Just stay away. Forgive, forget, and pray for them at a distance. It is not necessary to stay in relationships that are toxic to prove you forgave them. Also, forgiveness does not mean self-martyrdom which means you continue to allow them to hurt you to prove you are good Christian. Even Jesus knew when to keep his distance from vindictive religious folks.
If you are in an abusive relationship or marriage please read:
When to Leave An Abusive Relationship If you find this article helpful or would like to donate to our ministry please do so on our home page by visiting our website:
Jaziz Gutierrez
Official Website: https://www.jazizgutierrez.com/
Facebook: School Of Impartation and Living
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYxASZLjwhGePvTG27ZRKAg
Thursday, May 9, 2013
10 Reasons You Are Free From Sin
In time of intimacy and worship I heard the Lord say. There are many of my people that are still in slavery. I thought, “there is?” Yes, the Lord continued “they are not walking in the freedom that I have already purchased for them.” I felt sad to hear this news. I thought about this and saw people whose hands were hanging down from the chains unable to be lifted in worship to Him. Their head was hanging down and their countenance was downcast. Why is that?
Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law...
This lack of revelation is causing people to feel as if they can't live for God because they genuinely think that they have no power over sin in their life. That is a lie! The devil always enters our lives through lies and deception. It is for this reason I believe that many people have given up and cast of the restraint of God's conviction in their lives. Some people have cast off restraint because they don't fear the Lord and others because they love their sin more than they love God. The bible says, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Matt. 6:24
Unfortunately, going down the highway of life without restraint is like getting on the highway without a seat belt. Little do they know that if they were to collide with the enemy's plan that they would become a casualty or become injured. When we cast off the restraint of God's laws and His conviction we are no longer protected. If you have ever been in an accident you know that wearing your seat belt can save your life.
Another example of restraint would be the story of my dog. We picked up a stray dog one day outside a thrift store. The young puppy was starving. My daughter had observed him eating cigarette butts because he was so hungry. This of course broke my heart and we lured him into the car with what little food we had on us. We have a fenced yard on ¾ acres outside of the city. We thought that this would be enough running room for him. In a matter of weeks he learned how to dig himself out of the yard. Time and time again we would have to fetch him from down the street. I must admit too that our dog was not only content with running away he also had some dominance issues. He thought he was a lot bigger in his mind than he was in his body. When I heard the dogs barking down the street I knew our dog “Porkchop” was going fence to fence teasing the other dogs. He probably was saying to them, “Hey look I’m out here and you’re in there.” Well one day his boasting came to an end when he got picked up and locked up at a local animal shelter. Now the animal shelter refused to release him to us without fining us $140.00. Ouch! My daughter started to cry and the attendants felt so bad that they made a deal with us, “We will license him, give him shots, neuter him and give him a new identity chip that will let others know he belongs to you for the same price.” We took the bargain.
In the same way God has rescued us and he bargained for our souls because we were locked up in our own personal prison. We were like "Pork Chop" running wild off the leash completely unaware or without the revelation that casting off restraint would one day lead to bondage. Jesus has set at liberty the captive! He paid the fine to keep us from being euthanized and He gave us a new identity. He gave us His identity. He circumcised our hearts and gave us new ones. Well thank God, that we don’t have to be like a dog who can get hit by a car because it got off the leash. God has given us the tools and keys to living free. He has revealed to us how we can end our struggle with sin through His Word.
Here are the scriptures that will keep you from Satan's lies and free from sin:
1. First of all, we must realize that we have been given a new nature. It is His nature. No matter what your family background, generational sin, addiction, or habit we take on the nature of Christ as he works from the inside out perfecting in us the spirit of holiness.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor. 5:17
2. The Holy Spirit now lives in us giving us the power to become His witnesses. We now have every good and perfect gift to impart grace to others. Not are only our chains broken we can break them in others.
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
3. The Grace of God has now given us the power to overcome sin and walk in our new nature. We are no longer slaves to sin. God has a made a way of escape out the prison cell of sin.
For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:23
4. The Word of God has been given to us so that we can renew our old thinking patterns and mindsets can be changed.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
5. The blood of Jesus was enough to cleanse us from every sin and deliver us out of darkness so we can walk in the light!
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Col 1:13-14
6. We know we are accountable to God and will one day appear before Him. This healthy knowledge called the fear of the Lord makes us clean. It causes us to put our seat belt on before we get on the highway of life.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Psalm 19:9
7. God himself purifies us by dealing with all areas of our being. We call that sanctification. Our job is to separate ourselves for His service and we call that consecration. If we do our part he will present us blameless at His coming.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
8. Most importantly, the love of God has been poured all over our heart. Now we can simply obey God out of love for Him.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. John 15:10
9. Our faith in the finished work of the cross is counted towards us as righteousness. Therefore, we can walk holy before God by faith.
For what does the Scripture say?“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Romans 4:3
10. Don't worry, God will finish what he started in us!
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil.1:6
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith Heb. 12:22
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
Is the bible divinely inspired or is it idolatry? My answer to Michael Dowd.
Question: What are your thoughts on this? I am curious, in the bible does it say that it was divinely inspired?
Answer: Yes. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
How Powerful Is The Devil?
This question was submitted to me via Facebook and I did not change the wording. So here it is...
Q1. Just how powerful is the devil? I know the story of Job (I think) where God loves him so much that he allows the devil to ruin his life in a game to see if he would lose his faith. He doesn't. Aside from God's very questionable behavior, just how powerful is the devil?
A1. Not powerful but crafty. Here is why. Before Jesus went to the cross Adam and Eve had given all the authority they had been given by God to the Satan. When Jesus died he wiped out the judgment that the judge and jury had made against us. The bailiff (devil) now had no power to enforce the law and the keys to the prison cell were taken from him. Not only do we walk out of court completely declared innocent by the blood of Jesus but we get handed the keys to set others free. We also get handed a badge that restores the authority we have on the earth.
Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Colossians 2:14-15
Now Jesus did have to get back we what we lost through sin and disobedience in the garden. One of the things we lost in the garden was our authority. Here is the devil reminding Jesus of that.
And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.
Luke 4:6
In my study to answer this question I noticed that Jesus had declared gaining his authority back after he had overcome the same temptations that Adam and Eve had succumbed to in the garden in the wilderness. Here Jesus displays his authority over every devil.
Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” Luke 4:36
Jesus gave over this same kind of authority to us whenever we use His name. It is kind of like when the police say, "Stop LAPD." They are referencing whose authority they are acting in. We just say stop in the name of "Jesus"!
Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:17-19
Here is where Jesus give us the keys that were once held by Satan
And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Because Jesus wiped out the judgment of the law against us death and the grave also lost its power over us!
So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 1 Corinthians 15:54-56
Q2. Is he like God? Omnipotent, omnipresent and etc?
A2. No Satan is not like God at all. He is a fallen angel. Angels are not omnipotent, omnipresent or anything like that. Satan was a musical cherub (winged angel) created and appointed by God.
You were in Eden, the garden of God;
Every precious stone was your covering:
The sardius, topaz, and diamond,
Beryl, onyx, and jasper,
Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold.
The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes
Was prepared for you on the day you were created.
14 “You were the anointed cherub who covers;
I established you;
You were on the holy mountain of God;
You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.
15 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created,
Till iniquity was found in you. Ezekiel 28:13-15 Read 28:13-19
Satan fell from heaven because of pride and wanting to be exalted above God. He was brought down to hell. In the end people will gaze upon him and say, "Is this the thing that was causing so much trouble?" My version
“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
13 For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’
15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol,
To the lowest depths of the Pit.
16 “Those who see you will gaze at you,
And consider you, saying:
‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble,
Who shook kingdoms,
17 Who made the world as a wilderness
And destroyed its cities,
Who did not open the house of his prisoners?’ Isaiah 14:12-17
As you can see from the below scripture angels don't know everything. Not even when Jesus will return. Therefore, they are not all-knowing and that includes Satan.
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Matthew 24:36
The scripture declares that if the rulers of this age or the kingdom of darkness knew that crucifying Christ would be their demise they probably wouldn't have killed Him. This is also proof that the devil does not know everything.
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
Jesus was made higher than angels because He created them and given a place in heaven next to God.
In these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:2-4
The angels are to worship Jesus.Their purpose is to minister to us because we have become heirs of salvation through Jesus' sacrifice.
“Let all the angels of God worship Him.” And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire." Hebrews 1:6-7
Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14
Satan must obey! Jesus was able to defeat Him with God's Word! See how the angels came to minister to Jesus after the battle.
Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Matthew 4:10-11
Satan is not all-powerful. As you pointed out he had to ask God for permission to touch Job. There are other examples of this.
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. Luke 22:31
As you can see Satan had to ask permission to test Peter. We belong to Jesus the only way the devil can have access to our lives is if we give it to him just like Adam did.
If you find this article helpful or would like to donate to our ministry please do so on our home page by visiting our website:
Jaziz Gutierrez
http://www.JazizGutierrez.com
Facebook: School Of Impartation and Living
If you find this article helpful or would like to donate to our ministry please do so on our home page by visiting our website:
Jaziz Gutierrez
http://www.JazizGutierrez.com
Facebook: School Of Impartation and Living