When Jesus began His earthly ministry. He challenged the theology of the establishment. He didn’t challenge their belief in God…He challenged their system and WHY they believed what they believed. Many Christians don’t know why they believe much of what they do.  He came to fulfill the letter of the law with love. In fact, when accused of eating and keeping company with sinners, Jesus told them they need to reevaluate how they interpreted the scriptures…

Matthew 9:13 (NKJV)

¹³ But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’^[a] For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”^[b]

In Matthew Chapter 23 Jesus sharply rebukes the religious leaders for their blatant legalism, and forcing people to observe statutes not necessarily given by God.

Even today, there are some things that the church really frowns upon…drinking alcohol, smoking, getting high, and yes…gambling.

Most Christians will be quick to tell you that gambling is a sin, and I’m not necessarily saying that it’s not. In fact, let me make this disclaimer…

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THIS POST DOES NOT CONDONE OR JUSTIFY GAMBLING!

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We do, however, need to be able to have an intelligent, godly discussion about some of the more difficult subjects that aren’t specifically addressed in the bible and ask ourselves how much conjecture has gone into the conclusions we draw about those subjects…one of which is gambling.

Gambling is one of those subjects that when someone sincerely asks a question seeking the truth…sometimes one or all of the following occurs:

• We find it is not specifically addressed in the bible.
• We can try to reeeeaaaaaachhhh to make scriptures apply to the subject that may or may not do so to support our theology.
• We will say that certain scriptures apply a particular subject or behavior that we want to label as SIN, while saying the same scriptures don’t apply to a similar or identical subject or behavior that we want to justify.

Have you ever been asked a bible question, and when you couldn’t find that perfect scripture that you really wanted to use to address it…you picked one or more and ‘made them fit’?

This often discredits us when we’re attempting to either lead people to Christ or help them grow in their faith.

Remember, Jesus and later the apostles constantly challenged the religious establishment on what and why the believed.

So, that being said, I want to briefly and honestly address…

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Why is GAMBLING is considered to be a sin?

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I’m a minister, and I’m quite familiar with most of the scriptures that we use to support gambling as a sin, Here are just a few…

Luke 12:15 (NKJV)

¹⁵ And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness (greed),^[a] for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

This implies that all gambling is greed. (I’ve used this one)

1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

This implies that all gambling is rooted in the love of money and greed. (I’ve used this one too)

Psalm 1:1 (NKJV)

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

This is often used (yep, I’ve used this one too) to imply that all places where gambling takes place, such as casinos, are evil.

There are plenty of scholarly resources available if you want to investigate this further yourself (and I encourage you to do so), or you can do a simple google search.

So, what is gambling?

There are no good examples of gambling in the bible, however there are examples of people casting lots (dice) to make decisions. This is how the apostles chose a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:26). However, this was before the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is who we’re supposed to rely on for guidance.

So what is gambling?

Dictionary.com defines gambling as (1) the activity or practice of playing a game of chance for money or other stakes. (2) the act or practice of risking the loss of something important by taking a chance or acting recklessly.

But, the apostle Paul asserts in 1 Corinthians 6:12 that we are free to do many things, as long as we aren’t brought under the power of them. However, the context of this verse is in a discussion of sins that the bible DOES address directly…(fornication, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, sodomy, thievery, covetousness, getting drunk etc..)

However, even though getting drunk is a sin…drinking a glass of wine isn’t as pointed out in 1 Timothy 5:23 and in my article… ( PLEASE DON’T ‘TRIP’ OVER A GLASS OF WINE – ALL THINGS IN MODERATION…). Some things aren’t a sin unless we do them in excess, or if we let them have dominion over us. This is addressed well in Romans Chapter 14. We should avoid anything that we can’t control.

So, if someone gambles in moderation merely for enjoyment, and if there is some positive benefit (such as a lottery helping to fund roads or education) does that make it okay? Hmmmm?

Before you write me off, also consider this…According to the definition of gambling…

Is investing in a risky stock gambling? (Think of how many people lost everything when the economy crashed.

Is purchasing insurance that you may never use gambling? (Think of how many people don’t get their claims honored due to loopholes…or they never have a loss so never collect).

How about this…Is playing a game at a carnival or amusement park gambling? (What’s the difference in taking a chance to win a teddy bear and taking a chance to win money?)

I think you get my point.

Most people will give you excuses to explain how some risks aren’t gambling when they’re no different from betting on a horse with a history of winning. (Which I’ve never done).

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So, here’s my question for the saints, theologians, fellow ministers, and deep thinkers…

If a Christian is obedient and responsible in giving to God…

If they are generous in giving to the poor and those in need…

If they are responsible in paying their debts…

If the don’t neglect their family…

If they aren’t addicted…

If they aren’t obsessed…

Is it a sin for them to purchase a lottery ticket every now that then…or go to the casino and play a determined amount of money and then quit?

For those who say a casino is evil, most of our favorite restaurants have a bar…most grocers sell liquor, but Christians still go).

Again…I’m just trying to have an intelligent discussion about a topic that is often addressed, but sometimes mishandled.

And, I must be responsible enough to say that if anyone has a weakness for gambling, then it is most definitely a sin for them.

But the truth of the matter is…

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LIFE IS RISK MANAGEMENT…

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And, this is a conversation we must have if we want those who are lost to take us seriously, and not weaken our case for Christ by reaching trying to pick our sins.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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There are so many times in today’s society that those who claim to believe in God through Yeshua the Messiah try to justify their behavior or the behavior of someone they support even when it’s contrary to what the Lord said.

When we do this, we are expecting God to submit to our will rather than us submit to His.

Example, I remember a few years ago Sara Huckabee Sanders, when questioned about the President’s so-called ‘strong words’ said, we elected him because he is strong and “when he is struck he strikes back”. This in direct conflict with Yeshua’s command to ‘turn the other cheek’. He didn’t say ‘unless you’re the President’.

So many times we feel justified in retaliating against an enemy. But, the Lord made it clear we are to bless them and look for opportunities to do good to them.

Yeshua gave some very clear commands in Luke Chapter 6 and they apply to everyone. Notice that the word UNLESS doesn’t follow any of these statements…

Luke 6:27-36 (NKJV)

²⁷ “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. ²⁹ To him who strikes you on the onecheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold yourtunic either. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. ³¹ And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

³² “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ³³ And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ³⁴ And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. ³⁵ But love your enemies, do good, and lend, ^[a]hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. ³⁶ Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

How many times do you try to put an ‘unless’ behind what God said?

BE BLESSTIFIED!

God is faithful! God is trustworthy! God is dependable…every day!

Lamentations 3:22-23  (NKJV)

²² Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
²³ They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

We can always trust and depend on Him! He will always remain true to His Word, His will, His promises and He will never leave or nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

 He is faithful to those of us who believe in Him, even when we aren’t…

2 Timothy 2:13  (NKJV)

¹³ If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.

He is even faithful to those who don’t believe in Him…

Romans 3:3-4  (NKJV)

³ For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? ⁴ Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

“That You may be justified in Your words,
And may overcome when You are judged.”^[a]

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Faithfulness is meant to be reciprocated, but we all know that doesn’t always happen. You can only be faithful, TRULY faithful to someone or something you TRULY love.

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Our faithfulness to God or one another isn’t perfect because our love for Him and one another isn’t perfect.

But, God’s is.

He was and is always faithful to Israel (Read Psalm 78).

Think for a moment of how faithful God is to you, even when you (like myself) have at times put foolishness before Him. When you have put other people before Him. When you have put things before Him. When you put the enemy before Him.

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But, what does God get out of His faithfulness to us? What’s in it for Him?

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Sometimes love…

Sometimes repentance…

Sometimes faithfulness in return…

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But, only sometimes.

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God’s faithfulness is a fulfillment of His love and commitment to us.

So, to answer the question, “What does our Omniscient, Omnipotent God get out of being faithful to us?” What’s in it for Him?” When we’re honest with ourselves…

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ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

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It’s just a perfect expression of His unfailing love…our example…our standard.

If you’re grateful for God’s faithfulness, why don’t you stop right now and tell Him thank you. If you can’t find the words, Psalm 115:1 will work just fine…

Psalm 115:1  (NKJV)

Our spiritual wars started ‘a long long time ago’…

Ephesians 6:12(NKJV)

¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

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MAY HIS FORCE BE IN YOU!

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GOD is the SOURCE! Psalm 121:2

JESUS CHRIST is theVOICE!  John 1:14

HOLY SPIRIT is the FORCE!  Acts 1:8, Romans 8:11

THREE AUTHORITIES – ONE GOD!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

Have you ever noticed how Paul interacted with the people of Athens? He encountered people who did not believe in the God of our salvation. He took advantage of the opportunity to teach them about Yeshua, Christ Jesus.

He didn’t do as many Christians do today, allow his passion to confront them in anger and spiritual arrogance. He didn’t tell them how stupid, silly and foolish they were to believe as they did. He didn’t try to bully them into believing.

Paul reached out to them in respect and love, acknowledging that they sincerely believed in something, and he wanted to present to them the only Living God…

Acts 17:22-30 (NKJV)

Addressing the Areopagus

²² Then Paul stood in the midst of the ]Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; ²³ for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: ²⁴ God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. ²⁵ Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. ²⁶ And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, ²⁷ so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; ²⁸ for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ ²⁹ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. ³⁰ Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

Of course there were some who mocked him, but others believed and wanted to hear more.

If Paul had approached them as many do today his message of salvation would not have been received by those who had a heart and mind to do so.

Do you know any spiritual bullies?

Have you ever encountered one?

Are you one?

We can’t force our faith on anyone.

We can’t allow our passion for Christ as an excuse to be self-righteous, spiritual bullies.

We must always reach out to others in love. Rather than convert sinners and those who believe in other ‘gods’ we will turn them off and confirm every negative impression they have of disciples of Christ.

Ask God each day for the anointing to share your faith and the wisdom to reach out in His Spirit of love.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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How much are you worth? Can you really quantify your value to…

Your family?

Your relationships?

Your church?

Your job?

God has created and gifted us all wonderfully and uniquely. No one else can be as good at being you than you!

Psalm 139:13-14 (NKJV)

¹³ For You formed my inward parts;
You ^[a]covered me in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I will praise You, for ^[b]I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.

It is our responsibility to recognize, nurture and perfect what God has placed inside of us. And to use it not only to sustain our lives, but to build God’s kingdom and make the world a better place.

Luke 12:48  (NKJV)

⁴⁸ But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

God has created us all with great value!

So much so, that no one should ever be able to pay us what we’re worth.

How much money do you make? What’s your salary? What’s your hourly wage?

Do you feel that’s ALL you’re worth? Do you feel that’s ALL you bring to the table?

We should all be irreplaceable. Not only in your job description but also in the intangibles. There should be a void any time we leave a workplace, relationship, church etc.

Your energy, positivity, love…your very presence should be missed. You should bring those things that can’t be trained or taught. Those things that go beyond experience, such as being the person everyone looks to in a crisis.

Even if they can replace YOU, they should never be able to replace WHAT YOU DO! Anytime you feel you aren’t bringing enough to the table…YOU AREN’T.

We are placed here to be God’s representatives in every environment and relationship we occupy. God blesses us to bring glory to Him through the anointing on our lives, the gifts He’s giving us and the seeds we sow.

And that is priceless.

Now, are you being underpaid?

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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I try my best to refrain from using profanity, obscene or vulgar language because that’s what God told us to do…

Ephesians 4:29  (AMPC)

²⁹ Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.

But, even if you aren’t willing to admit it, people who make it a point not to ‘cuss’ THINK ‘cuss words’ in certain situations. Here are a few of mine…

1. WHEN I REPEATEDLY BUMP & PROBABLY BREAK MY BABY TOE!

I wonder if anyone else has crushed their baby toe on furniture or anything else as much as me? My toes think they are fingers sometimes, reaching out to make contact or grabbing everything in the room. When this happens, yes, cuss words run through my mind.

2. WHE DRIVING & I LET SOMEONE CROSS THE STREET WHILE JAYWALKING, OR IN A PARKING LOT & THEY TAKE THEIR TIME AS IF I OWE IT TO THEM!

This happens wayyyy to often these days. I’m in a parking lot or driving down the street, and I have the right of way. I see someone walking across my path, and even though I have the right-of-way, I kindly let them go by. But, instead of keeping a good pace or hurrying up, they take their time, face in phone. Then, they don’t even look up to say thanks. In my head are a plethora of ‘cuss words’.

3. WHEN SOMEONE PURPOSEFULLY WAITS TO MERGE IN TRAFFIC AT THE LAST MINUTE AFTER I’VE BEEN WAITING PATIENTLY & THEN LOOK AT ME TO LET THEM IN!

This is one of my pet peeves. Do these people think their time is really more valuable than everyone else’s? We are all in a hurry to get to our destinations. This is why truck drivers will sometimes block one lane of traffic to clear the way and get traffic flowing again. This provokes ‘cuss words’ in my head.

4. WHEN SOMEONE IS GOING BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT IN THE FAST LANE WITH NO ONE TO THE RIGHT OF THEM!

Please move over! Don’t you see all of these cars passing you when they finally get a chance? You have held up traffic for miles going below the speed limit in the fast lane. If I were a police officer, I would pull over these people just as much as speeders…”Cuss words in my mind”.

5. WHEN A GRAVEL TRUCK IS ON THE ROAD FILLED TOO HIGH WITHOUT A TARP!

Yes I see the sign on the back of your truck that says, ”STAY 100 FEET BACK”. Guess what! That doesn’t matter when a piece of gravel bounces off your truck at 60 mph! How about just putting a tarp on it! “Please God forgive me for my thoughts?”

This list is by no means exhaustive. This is why God’s grace and mercy are so valuable, because even though these words don’t come out of my mouth, it is sin to still think them.

What are some of the things that make you ‘cuss in your head’? Be sure and always to ask God to forgive you in the name of Yeshua the Messiah, (Jesus Christ) for your evil thoughts.

Philippians 4:8  (NKJV)

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

The older I get the more I realize that in so many ways, some of us never really grow up. This is especially proven every day in politics and on social media.

We all have our ‘immature’ moments.

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But, when you think about it, it’s not difficult to see how we all sometimes have trouble acting our age.

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Even though we have role models, some better than others, we can still have trouble progressively moving on to our next role in life.

One reason is that ‘Western’ culture not only values youth, but doesn’t value the blessing of getting older. Aging and maturing is looked upon with dread. People hate being told that they are acting like an ‘old man’ or an ‘old woman’.

However, I feel the main reason that people have trouble acting their age is simple…

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As you get older, you’ve never been that age before.

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Young adults have never been an adult before. Unless you were forced to ‘grow up’ through difficulties of life, we have all still been a ‘child’ for most our lives until we’re in our early 30’s.

As you approach middle age, you’ve never been 40 or 50 years old before.

As you become a ‘senior citizen’, you’ve never been 60 years old before.

And, many people who consider themselves ‘elderly’ will tell you that they don’t ‘feel’ as old as they are. Even with more aches and pains their minds don’t feel ‘old’.

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As you get older, that age never seems to be what you though it would be. You don’t suddenly feel older.

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That’s why so many middle-aged and older people get injured during physical activity because they still feel as though they can still be just as athletic as they used to be. They still feel they can work as hard. They still feel they can lift just as much, but sometimes our bodies will let us know that we must make some adjustments. This happened to me when I was 42 years old while playing flag football with several people in their teens, 20’s and 30’s. I was ‘hanging with them’ really well, but after a couple of hours, even though I still felt great, fatigue had set in and I completely ruptured my Achilles tendon.

I learned a valuable lesson. We aren’t always able to do what we feel like doing. Our bodies can remind us how old we really are. Yes, we can maintain a great quality of life through taking care of ourselves, but we still must be realistic.

As we get older, we must mature mentally, physically and most of all spiritually. But, let us learn to be patient with ourselves and one another through the transition.

Corinthians 13:11  (NKJV)

¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Consider this story…

There was son became estranged to his single father. The father worked many hours to take care of his son and daughter and was either unable or too tired to spend the time with them that he would have liked to. The son resented his father and felt the he was never there, but the daughter understood.

Both children went on to accomplish great things because of their father’s sacrifice.

The son would often give credit to everyone along the way who helped him but never his father. The daughter not only honored their father, but would often plead with her brother to be reconciled him. The father’s grandchildren also went on to accomplish great things. The grandfather would watch on television as his son and grandchildren were often recognized for all they did. Neither the son nor his children ever visited the father, but dad still had joy in his heart as he looked on all they had done.

One day the daughter told the dad she regretted how her brother treats him, and she wouldn’t give up until they were reconciled.

She also asked him how he had such peace. He told her that he appreciates her, and that he gets enough joy from her love for the both of them. He then said just because his son doesn’t acknowledge his sacrifice or love doesn’t take away the fact that everything he’s accomplished was because of him. It doesn’t take away the fact that his son or his son’s children all came from him.

The father said,  “Would I love relationship and acknowledgment ? Of course! But, I have peace that I did right by the responsibility God gave me, if my son chooses not to give me love, honor or acknowledgment, is between him and God…I’m at peace.”

In the same way, Jesus shows His love to those who don’t appreciate His sacrifice, acknowledge Him, love Him or honor Him. He allows the sun to shine on the just and unjust. That’s why the bible says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!”(Psalm 107:2)

It’s our responsibility and should be our joy to tell the world how much we appreciate the Lord Jesus, and let the everyone know what He’s done for us and them. Just as the daughter made it her mission to make sure her brother was reconciled with their father, that’s what God expects us to do with His children who don’t acknowledge Him…

2 Corinthians 5:20

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”

It’s our responsibility to make sure Yeshua get’s joy for His sacrifice and let Him know how much we appreciate it.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

We all have people in our lives that no matter what we do, they just don’t like us. They may even hate us. These people have become to be widely recognized by the urban colloquialism, ‘HATERS’.

Sometimes it may seem that your ‘haters’ have the upper hand on you. Their lies, their conspiring, their backbiting, their ignoring you, their tactics are rewarded at the cost of your reputation, your relationships, your success, or your peace. Always remember that we were saved only because Jesus’ haters were allowed to temporarily have the upper hand. In fact, He let them think he had won because His eye was on the big picture…

Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

² looking unto Jesus, the ^[a]author and ^[b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Joseph of Genesis was strategically placed in position to save his family through haters…

His brothers…

Genesis 37:4 (NKJV)

⁴ But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.

Potiphar’s wife…

Genesis 39:11-15 (NKJV)

¹¹ But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, ¹² that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. ¹³ And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside, ¹⁴ that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, “See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to ^[a]mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. ¹⁵ And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside.”

The truth is that God uses our ‘haters’ to help fulfill our purpose. They are designed to enhance and strengthen our relationship with God, to mature us, and to position us to fulfill His purpose for our lives.

So, I want to give you some quick encouragement for whenever you’re dealing with the haters in your life. I want to remind you that they treat you like they do because they actually see value in you…even though they may act as though they don’t

HERE ARE 3 REASONS YOUR HATERS ACTUALLY SEE VALUE IN YOU

YOU DON’T WORK AGAINST PEOPLE WHO DON’T THREATEN YOU

Exodus Chapter 1 quickly reminds us of why Egypt subjugated the children of Israel after being granted refuge there…

Exodus 1:8-12 (NKJV)

⁸ Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. ⁹ And he said to his people, “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; ¹⁰ come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.” ¹¹ Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. ¹² But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel.

Many times your haters treat you as they do because they are threatened by the anointing on your life. They are threatened by your influence over people. They are threatened by your gifts and talents. They are threatened and annoyed at your level of peace. The demons inside of them are aggravated by God’s spirit living inside you…

Luke 9:42 (NKJV)

⁴² And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father.

Jesus was crucified by people who witnessed and were threatened by His miraculous power and anointing. The sad thing is that they could have been healed, delivered and saved by that power if they had the right attitude.

YOU DON’T IGNORE PEOPLE YOU IGNORE

Have you ever deliberately ignored someone as a child (or as an adult)? You put your hands over your ears and close your eyes saying, “Naaa Naaa Naaa Naaaa Naaaa, I can’t hear you!” Many times we can become frustrated because our ‘haters’, people of influence or those from whom we seek attention purposefully ignore us.

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Remember this, you can’t ignore someone you don’t notice. Ignoring someone is a deliberate action. Ignoring someone is not the same as not noticing them. Not noticing is innocent, while ignoring is deliberate.

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They next time you can clearly see someone is ignoring you, your gifts, your anointing rather than feeling annoyed…be flattered.

YOU DON’T USE PEOPLE YOU DON’T TRULY VALUE

Have you ever felt as though you were being used? Many times your haters feel they can benefit from what you have to offer, so they try to manipulate, conspire, coerce, or take advantage of you to their advantage. This is a subtle, but obvious affirmation that they do see value in you. If they though you had no value, they wouldn’t even give you a second thought after noticing or encountering you. But, once you notice what they’re doing, you can use it to your advantage. When people think you’re naïve and your aren’t, they’re actually the one’s being naïve. Remember, God can use your enemies to put you into position for your purpose. Check out this link for more on this…THE BLESSING IN WHEN SOMEONE IS TRYING TO ‘USE YOU’…

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So, be careful not to let the enemy to allow your ‘haters’ to provoke you outside of God’s character. They are actually a confirmation of the fact that you are His purpose driven child.

And, remember what our Lord and Savior, Yeshua, Christ Jesus said…
Matthew 5:44-48 (NKJV)
^{44 [a]}But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet your ^[b]brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the ^[c]tax collectors do so? ⁴⁸ Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

One of the most beautiful gifts from God is His gift of forgiveness. When we repent and confess our sins to Him, He will forgive of all our sins, even those we call great.

1 John 1:9  (NKJV)

⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

That’s good news for someone struggling with guilt. But, we must be very careful to not get it twisted. Many people have unintentionally taken Hebrews 8:12 and Micah 7:19 out of context and taught people the wrong thing.

Hebrews 8:12  (NKJV)

¹² For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins ^[a]and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Micah 7:18-19 (NKJV)

¹⁹ He will again have compassion on us,
And will subdue our iniquities.You will cast all ^[b]our sins
Into the depths of the sea.

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Many people have taught and teach that God FORGETS our sins, and that He can no longer remember what we did wrong.

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According to Strong’s Concordance, ‘REMEMBER’ here means: (through the idea of fixture in the mind or of mental grasp); to bear in mind, i.e. recollect; by implication, to reward or punish:–be mindful, remember, come (have) in remembrance.

Notice that part of that definition states, “to reward or punish”.

Bearing that in mind, and also knowing that our all-powerful, all-knowing cannot ‘forget’ anything, we can conclude that when God ‘doesn’t remember’ our sins means that He doesn’t bring them back up against to condemn us or hold against us as long as we have truly repented.

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God is too powerful to simply, ‘forget’

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Think about how many times in the Old Testament God reminded Israel of sins He had forgiven after they had backslidden. For more on this subject, read…YES, EVEN GOD SOMETIMES BROUGHT UP THE PAST AFTER HE FORGAVE…

He reminded them of what they had done. You can’t remind someone of something that you don’t remember.

Also think about the fact that even when we truly forgive one another it doesn’t mean we don’t remember what they did…we just don’t hold it against them anymore. Now, if we don’t forget, are we more powerful than God?

Yes, God casts our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19), but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t remember where He cast them. The beautiful thing is that if we truly repent, He will NEVER let those particular sins ‘rise’ to hold them against us ever again.

All of us are far from perfect. We all have habits and behaviors that are harmful. Some of these habits clearly affect others, while others only affect us…or do they?

Let me explain with a quick fictional example loosely based on reality…

There is a man named Bob whose doctor diagnosed him with high blood pressure when he was in his twenties and was advised to watch his diet. Bob was not over weight and did not have any apparent symptoms, so he continued to eat and drink what he wanted. Bob had one sibling, a brother named Steve, who was married with a family. Both of their parents had already passed away, his father had a heart attack and mother had a stroke.

Through the years, Steve constantly pleaded with his brother to watch his diet and exercise, reminding him what happened to their parents, but Bob would respond, “I’m fine! Chill out bro!” Steve would offer to work out with his brother, but Bob would say, “Man, you can have that!” I do curls when I lift my fork and beer bottle!”

Well, Bob eventually had a severe stroke that required him to live in a nursing home at the age of 46 years old. He could not take care of himself. He had to be fed, bathed…completely taken care of. It was very difficult to understand what Bob was saying because the stroke affected his ability to speak. He had no wife or children, but Steve would come and visit him regularly. These visits were difficult because Steve would have to constantly wipe drool from his brothers’ mouth, and would have to call the nurse to clean him when he could smell that Bob had ‘used the bathroom’ in his diaper. Sometimes Steve would have to leave to room to hide his tears. He would regularly take time away from his family to visit his brother, including on holidays. Before the stroke, Bob would always come and visit with his brother, but now that was impossible.

I think it’s easy to see that Bob’s bad eating habits with his medical condition did not only affect him as he thought. Steve’s love for his brother compelled him to be there for him and see him if a condition that was hurtful to him.

This is true for all bad habits that we claim only affect us when we have those who really care about us.

Smoking…

Drug abuse…

Squandering money…

Neglecting, misusing or abusing our bodies…

Just to name a few.

Many of our bad habits forces those of us who love us to take care of us, support us, sustain us, visit us, or see us as we live out the consequences of our bad behavior.

Remember, this verse works both ways…

1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV)

⁸ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

We also take care of our families by taking care of ourselves!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Sometimes as soon as your feet hit the floor it seems that trouble is waiting for you. It may carry over from the day before, or you can wake up in a great mood and helplessly see everything around you spiraling downward.

You feel helpless. As much as you struggle to get a handle on things, they slip right through your fingers.

Sometimes its even after you prayed for peace, for direction, for protection…for God to bless your day.

How could He allow such calamity when you just asked Him for peace.

Think about this. It’s easy to have peace in a peaceful situation, But, how can you know that God has given you true peace unless you see that you can maintain it when surrounded by trouble.

Sometimes God allows trouble to show you He answered your prayer for peace. To prove to you that your peace is established in Him, and not what’s going on around you…

John 14:27 (NKJV)

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

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So I encourage you, that when your day starts off ‘bad’…TRUST GOD through it…

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1. Tell God that you love Him and you trust Him. The devil wants to manipulate the situation to make you doubt God. He wants to interrupt your prayer life and fellowship with God. He wants you to think God doesn’t hear you or care. There is power in telling God, in the face of the devil, that you love Him and trust Him.
2. Get out your bible, bible app, or whatever you use and turn to Psalms. Feed yourself with a book full of encouragement in adversity. Read several and meditate on them all day. Notice how the Psalms that begin in trouble always end in praise and trusting God.
3. Don’t let the trouble provoke you to step outside of God’s character. Don’t curse. Don’t blame. Don’t backslide. Don’t damage your testimony.
4. Find a way to give God glory in the situation. Sometimes it’s speaking peace into others who are troubled. Sometimes it’s allowing them to see your resolve in crisis.
5. Maintain God’s purpose. Sometimes trouble can lead you to give up or say who cares. Even a momentary lapse in your calling or purpose can cause catastrophic damage. Remember, that God promised through the Apostle Paul that ALL things work TOGETHER for the GOOD of those who LOVE Him and are CALLED according to HIS purpose.

Sorry if you were expecting some magic prayer or exercise to suddenly turn things around. We have to many people of spiritual influence doing that now.  That’s not how God works. In fact, that only turns your faith into superstition. God is developing us to conform into the image of His Son…and who’s day started out worse than Jesus’ did a little over 2000 years ago when He went to the cross for us.

Remember this…

Psalm 34:19 (NKJV)

¹⁹ Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

 

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

 

I think we all want to be valued as a person. In our families…In our relationships…In our professional life…In our spiritual life…We all want to be valued.

We make room for what and who brings value to our lives. No one, and I mean no one avoids anyone who brings value to their lives. And, the greatest value is in the intangible things that money can’t buy. I like to call them intangible tangibles. You can’t see them, but they are so real.

But, I’m not going to talk about the typical intagibles that commonly first come to mind…you know love, joy etc. etc.

I’m talking about 3 intangibles that when you possess these abilities, people will always value you. And they all spring from a spiritual gift…exhortation!

Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV)

⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; ⁷ or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; ⁸ he who EXHORTS, in EXHORTATION; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

A good strong exhortation encourages and strengthens.

People with these attributes can even tend to be ‘used’, but no one uses anyone that they don’t value.

You will always be valued if you can ENCOURAGE, INSPIRE AND ENTERTAIN…

ENCOURAGE…

Everyone needs encouragement. The fact is, that not only do we need encouragement when we are down, but we also need encouragement when we are up. Think of the people in your life who are encouraging to you. Most of the time it’s the same person or people with whom you seek out to share both your good and bad news. It’s the one with whom you want to share your good days, and the one you know you can depend on to help you want to go on during your bad days. Now think of the people who you can depend on to discourage you. Who do you value more in your life?

INSPIRE…

Who inspires you? What inspires you? Who makes you want to be a better person? Who makes you want to pursue your purpose? Who makes you want to accomplish the impossible? Is it a family member? Is it a former teacher?  Is it a great leader? Is it someone that you have seen endure incredible odds? Is it someone who came from what we call ‘nothing’ to achieve greatness? That’s why we love heroes because they inspire us. Inspiration is so powerful that even evil people are inspired by other evil people. When you inspire people, they will want to be around you on their best day and worst day.

ENTERTAIN…

Even though we aren’t all entertained in the same way, everyone loves to be entertained. In this harsh world, we all need temporary breaks from reality to refresh ourselves.  Everyone loves being around someone who entertains them. It may be someone who always has an interesting story. It may be a gifted musician, singer, poet, artist or author. It may be someone who is very engaging to talk to…it may be someone who always makes us laugh and smile. I believe that comedy is an aspect of the gift of exhortation…what’s more encouraging than a good laugh? (Read this…ARE YOU A MINISTER OF LAUGHTER?

Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV)

²² A merry heart does good, like medicine,^[a]
But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Think about how David found favor with Saul because he was a skilled musician…

1 Samuel 16:23 (NKJV)

²³ And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.

Everyone love being around someone who makes them laugh. Someone who makes them feel better. Nothing lifts one out of despair like a well-timed laugh. If you have the ability to entertain…sing, dance, speak, act, are you athletic…whatever makes the heart feel lighter…whatever helps us escape from reality, you will be valued.

These gifts are to be used to be a blessing to one another and bring glory to the God of our salvation.

So, how has God blessed you to encourage, inspire or entertain? Know your gifts because that’s where others will find your value.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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• 

Marriage is much sweeter with FLOWERS 🌺 and FRUIT 🍌!

Sex isn’t only for ‘procreation’, but it’s also for Godly ‘recreation’ within the boundaries of Godly marriage between a man and a woman. Unfortunately, from fornication, to adultery, to homosexuality, to pornography to cybersex…the enemy tries to provoke us to pervert God’s gift. However, God’s wisdom is interwoven into the ‘oneness’ of Godly intimacy.

Here are 11 of my BE BLESSTIFIED! articles about Godly sex, from a fresh “HEY, I NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT IT LIKE THAT BEFORE” perspective…

1. GODLY MARRIAGE: WHAT IF THE ‘BIG O’ WAS TOO BIG (Adult but Holy)…

2. GODLY MARRIAGE: HOW SEX IS SUBMISSION AND HONOR PERFECTED (Graphic but Holy)…

3. ONLY ‘GODLY SEX’ IS GOOD SEX…

4. Godly Marriage: THE BLESSING IN WHEN YOU’RE NOT ‘IN THE MOOD’ AT THE SAME TIME…

5. THE BIBLE SAYS THAT BOOBS AREN’T JUST FOR THE BABIES…

6. HOME ALONE: THE BIBLE SAYS DON’T HOLD OUT ON YOUR SPOUSE!

7. FOR THOSE WHO SAY JESUS NEVER ADDRESSED HOMOSEXUALITY…

8. WHY IT’S STILL A SIN EVEN IF YOU WERE, “BORN THAT WAY”…

9. WHEN GOD EXPECTS US TO FORGIVE ADULTERY (CHEATING ON GOD)…

10. THE BIBLE SAYS THAT BOOBS AREN’T JUST FOR THE BABIES…

11. FINALLY HOME ALONE: THE BIBLE SAYS DON’T HOLD OUT ON YOUR SPOUSE!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

It’s interesting how we sometimes try to manipulate blessings out of God.

Sometimes intentionally.

Sometimes intentionally.

Think about it. When we…

Make promises in our prayers…

Fast, but with our own selfish, personal agenda…

Isaiah 58:3 (NKJV) 

‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen?

Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’

“In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure…”

Give only so we can be blessed…

Go to church as if God owes us something for going…

Serve to be seen or only to be rewarded for our service.

Even when we do all of the ‘spiritual’ things God told us to do.

God knows our hearts…

He knows the true motivation of why we do what we do…

James 4:3 (NKJV)

 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 

This may not be you, and if not…great.

But, if it is remember that we can’t trick or manipulate God into blessing us.

And, the beautiful thing is that we don’t have to.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

• 

We have wayyyyyyyyyyy too many ‘cussing’ Christians!

Our words are so powerful. Their ability to influence and shape our world is confirmed in the word of God.

Proverbs 11:9 (NKJV)

⁹ The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor,
But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)

15 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 16:24 (NKJV)

²⁴ Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Mark 11:23 NKJV
For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 

And, just as much as they have the power to influence, our words also reveal what’s inside of us…

Matthew 12:34 (NKJV)

³⁴ Brood^[a] of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

It’s even with our words that we acknowledge and accept God’s gift of salvation…

Romans 10:10 (NKJV)

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

So, God holds those who believe in Him through His Son and our Savior Yeshua (Jesus Christ) accountable for each and everyone of our words…

His expectations of us are very high…

Matthew 12:36  (NKJV)

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

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That’s why it’s catastrophic when Christians curse, cuss, insult, use vulgar, profane or unclean language!

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Too many times, you can’t tell the difference in those in the Body of Christ and those who aren’t by how they talk.

Too many times, Christians choose to express their emotions through words that are displeasing to God.

Too many times, Christians use insults when they disagree.

Too many times, Disciples of Christ allow coaches and those in authority to ‘curse’ their children.

I’ve seen too many of our leaders curse in public and those who call themselves Christians cheer, celebrate and find reasons to justify it.

Too many times people who claim to represent God equate cursing to ‘strong words’ or assertiveness.

What does God consider unclean words?

James 3:10  (NKJV)

¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

What does God consider ‘cursing’?

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KJV Dictionary Definition: damn

damn

DAMN, v.t.

1. To sentence to eternal torments in a future state; to punish in hell.

2. To condemn; to decide to be wrong or worthy of punishment; to censure; to reprobate.

He that doubteth is damned if he eat. Rom xiv

3. To condemn; to explode; to decide to be bad, mean, or displeasing, be hissing or any mark of disapprobation; as, to damn a play, or a mean author.

4. A word used in profaneness; a term of execration.

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Our words can either bless or curse. Our words can either encourage or discourage. Our words can either breathe life into a room…or suck it out!

Words can totally destroy or testimony and credibility as a Christian.

When you curse someone, it isn’t ‘harmless’.

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YOU ARE RELEASING SOMETHING…

YOU ARE GIVING SOMETHING…

When you say, “God bless you!”…You’re giving a BLESSING!

When you say, “Damn you!” or “I’ll be damned!”, or even “Go to hell!”…YOU’RE GIVING A CURSE!

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God never expects Christians to give a damn!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

So many times the bible is explicit, clear and ‘preaches & teaches itself’. We sometimes mess up by twisting and perverting it to fit our desired agendas, beliefs, denominations and personal theologies.

When it comes to sin, many Christians ‘cherry-pick’ through the bible selecting the sins that bother them the most while making excuses for, justifying or totally ignoring those which they have decided aren’t as bad.

There are several sins that anger God just as much as homosexuality that are quite frankly ‘practiced’ by many people who call themselves believers in God through Jesus Christ (Yeshua the Messiah).

The Apostle Paul does an excellent job of after calling out the sin of homosexuality, providing a list of sins that are equal abominations that qualify us all for the wrath of God. That’s why His grace and mercy are so valuable.

Read the verses below from Romans Chapters 1 & 2, and notice the sins that are listed after Paul addresses homosexuality. Think about which of those sins you are personally guilty of.

Notice it’s our attitude about these sins…

Whether or not we commit them…

Condone them…

And, judge those who struggle with sins different than those that we do…

Notice how those attitudes and behaviors are what qualify us as worthy of God’s wrath.

Romans 1:24-2:5 (NKJV)

²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

²⁶ For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their ^[a]women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. ²⁷ Likewise also the ^[b]men, leaving the natural use of the ^[c]woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

²⁸ And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; ²⁹ being filled with all unrighteousness, ^[d]sexual immorality, wickedness, ^[e]covetousness, ^[f]maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, ³⁰ backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ^31 [g]undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, ^[h]unforgiving, unmerciful; ³² who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

God’s Righteous Judgment

2 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. ² But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. ³ And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? ⁴ Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? ⁵ But in accordance with your hardness and your ^[i]impenitent heart you are ^[j]treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

Did you notice sins such as strife, deceit, backbiting, pride, boasting, disobedient to parents, unloving, unforgiving and unmerciful. Many of those sins are characteristic of many people who claim to be believers.

Pride and boasting have become accepted sins in today’s society, even in the church.

Now is a good time to repent of our ‘sins of choice’ and thank God for His goodness, forbearance, longsuffering, abundant grace, and mercy.

FOR THOSE WHO SAY JESUS NEVER ADDRESSED HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE BIBLE…

HOW PRIDE HAS BECOME THE ACCEPTED ABOMINATION…

7 REASONS THAT PRIDE MAY BE THE DEADLIEST SIN…

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

The devil is real, and an adversary that we can’t ignore. However, God has given us the power to resist him though our Lord and Savior, Yeshua, Jesus Christ.

We learn much about the devil when we read about his encounter with Job. I’m not going to tell the story of Job, but I want to call out some insights that can help us deal with and claim the power that God has given us over the enemy…

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV)

¹¹ lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices

Revelation 20:10(NKJV)

¹⁰ The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where^[a] the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

THE DEVIL IS NOT OMNIPOTENT

The devil DOES NOT have all power, and the power that he does have, is only what God ALLOWS him for a season. When God pointed out one of his most devoted children, Job, the devil complained that he COULD NOT touch him because he enjoyed God’s protection and favor…

Job 1:10  (NKJV)

¹⁰ Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

…The enemy COULD NOT touch Job or his family unless God allowed him access to them.

God allowed temporary access to Job for a purpose, but did not allow the enemy to take his life….

Job 1:12 (NKJV)

¹² And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

The same holds true in our lives, the enemy has no power over our lives that hasn’t been allowed by God. He will allow temporary access for a purpose, but when we remain faithful, we are guaranteed power over the enemy…

The devil doesn’t even have power or authority over Hell, but he will share everlasting punishment and separation from God with all those who follow him. God will eventually strip the enemy of all power at the appointed time…

Revelation 20:10(NKJV)

¹⁰ The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where^[a] the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

THE DEVIL IS NOT OMNIPRESENT

The devil CANNOT be everywhere at the same time. Only God is omnipresent…

1 Kings 8:27 (NKJV)

²⁷ “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!

The enemy is a spiritual being with limitations. Even he responded when asked by God from where was he coming (for our benefit because God already knew)…

Job 1:7 (NKJV)

 ⁷ And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

You can’t physically go somewhere that you already are. God doesn’t have to go anywhere, because He is already there.

The devil has agents, those fallen angels that were cast out of heaven with him (demons) to assist him in interacting with our lives.

Only the Spirit of God is everywhere at the same time.

THE DEVIL IS NOT OMNISCIENT

 The devil does not know everything. The devil does not have all knowledge, but only that that God allows.

He doesn’t not know EVERYTHING about your life. He knows your family’s history…he knows your history…he observes your strengths and weaknesses and tries to manipulate both you and them. And most importantly…

He doesn’t know your future. The enemy did not know if Job could resist that terrible trial. One of the reasons that God allowed it is because He already knew and want to prove to Satan and leave an example for us of Job’s faithfulness.

He doesn’t even know when his end will be, that’s why he relentlessly goes to and fro seeking who he may devour…trying to steal, kill and destroy.

Go back and read the account of Job. Look closely at the fact that through it all, the enemy was still subject not only to God, but to Job’s faithfulness.

Be encouraged, we have power over the enemy if we remain aware of his limitations, how he works and most of all, remain faithful to God.

James 4:7 (NKJV)

⁷ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

BE BLESSIFIED!

Even those who don’t believe in God have heard of it. The mark of the beast. The ‘mark’ that many will submit to showing that they have rejected Christ and accepted the antichrist.

Revelation 13:16 (KJV)

¹⁶ And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark IN their right hand, or IN their foreheads:

The purpose of this quick post isn’t to discuss whether or not the church will still be on earth when it takes place. But, what will it actually be. This could be a long post, but I’m going to keep it short so you can digest it…and pray about it.

There are those who talk about a chip being implanted, a bar code that will be required for buying, selling and living everyday life. There are others who speak of a literal mark or tattoo on the hand and forehead. How many warnings have you heard in sermons or seen posted on social media or in sermon?

I say neither. That’s too simple. That’s too literal. Check out this verse…

Jeremiah 31:33 (NKJV)

³³ But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Notice that God says, “I will put My law IN their minds, and write it ON their hearts.”

If you take an x-ray, will you find actual words written on your brain or heart? Of course not.

When God places something in your mind, it affects your thinking. When He places something in your heart, it affects what’s most important to you.

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It’s the same with Revelation 13:16…

“In their right hand…” In the way you do things.

“In their foreheads…” The way you think.

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John told us that the spirit of the antichrist was already here way back then…

1 John 4:3 (NKJV)

³ and every spirit that does not confess that^[a] Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

The spirit of the antichrist has been at work for years affecting how Christians ‘do things’ and ‘think’. Convincing us to compromise when it comes to our Lord and Savior Yeshua, Jesus Christ.

Here’s a quick example…think about Easter. What does the name ‘Easter’ have to do with Jesus? Nothing. What do bunnies and eggs have to do with celebrating His resurrection? Nothing. But, you can’t convince well-meaning Christians to celebrate without calling it Easter because it has been to deeply ingrained in the way they ‘do things’ and the way they ‘think’. Why not celebrate His resurrection without calling it by a pagan goddess’ name?

Think of all the ways that the enemy is convincing the people of God to compromise.

Think of how the thinking of this world is changing to accept what God has forbidden.

It’s not what you accept on your skin…it’s what you accept within.

Think about it.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

 

Simone Biles’s decision to withdraw from Olympic competition to protect her mental health was met with varied responses.

One can’t help but notice how many people who call themselves Christians were highly critical and down-right MEAN in their reaction.

Simone didn’t meet their expectations…

They feel Simone let her team and country down…

They feel she wasn’t tough enough.

Some of the same people who criticize her for ‘folding under pressure’ watch the world from their smart device or television while never stepping outside the safety of their own daily routines. Many of her critics are much older, yet they haven’t reached her level of accomplishment. And, many claim to be loving, kind-hearted, compassionate disciples of Christ.

We who call ourselves believers need to be careful as to how we define ‘TOUGH’.

If many Christians are honest with themselves, based on how they react to things that happen today…

Many Christians would have called Jesus a failure!

It has been speculated by many that one of the reasons Judas betrayed Jesus is because he didn’t meet his expectations of a deliverer.

Think of the behavior and accomplishments that so many people today consider to be STRENGTH and SUCCESS relative to the behavior that God says is evidence of His Spirit…

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ^23 [a]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

James 3:17 (NKJV)

¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Matthew 5:39 (NKJV)

³⁹ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

Unfortunately, too many Christians today consider the above mentioned Godly attributes to be weakness.

Just as they say Simone Biles isn’t being tough enough…

Just as Judas turned on our Savior because he didn’t meet the expectations of a Messiah…

How many Christians, if they were living around 2,000 years ago would have concluded that Jesus…

Was a failure…

Let His followers down…

Wasn’t being tough enough…

Wasn’t what He claimed to be…

Our visceral reactions prove what is inside of us.

To be clear, I’m not judging you as a Christian. Examine your reactions. Examine yourself. Judge yourself.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)

⁵ Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you ^[a]are disqualified.

We prove where we would have stood in history by how we react today.

BE BLESSTIFIED!