Christian Living

12 And we ask you, brethren, to know those labouring among you, and leading you in the Lord, and admonishing you, 13 and to esteem them very abundantly in love, because of their work; be at peace among yourselves; 14 and we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the infirm, be patient unto all; 15 see no one evil for evil may render to any one, but always that which is good pursue ye, both to one another and to all; 16 always rejoice ye; 17 continually pray ye; 18 in every thing give thanks, for this [is] the will of God in Christ Jesus in regard to you. 19 The Spirit quench not; 20 prophesyings despise not; 21 all things prove; that which is good hold fast; 22 from all appearance of evil abstain ye;

Final Blessings

23 and the God of the peace Himself sanctify you wholly, and may your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved unblameably in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ; 24 stedfast is He who is calling you, who also will do [it].

25 Brethren, pray for us; 26 salute all the brethren in an holy kiss; 27 I charge you [by] the Lord, that the letter be read to all the holy brethren; 28 the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [is] with you! Amen. — 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 | Young's Literal Translation (YLT) Young’s Literal Translation of the Holy Bible is in the public domain. Cross References: Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 34:1; Proverbs 20:22; Isaiah 35:4; Daniel 6:10; Matthew 5:44; Mark 9:50; Luke 1:46; John 6:34; Acts 13:1; Romans 12:9; Romans 14:1; Romans 15:33; Romans 16:6; Romans 16:12; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 11:4; 1 Corinthians 14:29; Ephesians 4:30; Ephesians 5:20; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:4

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The spiritual gift of exhortation is often called the “gift of encouragement.” The Greek word for this gift is parakaleo. It means to call to one’s side to help, come alongside, beseech, exhort, to encourage and to strengthen.

¹¹ “Therefore, encourage one another and strengthen one another, as indeed you are doing.”

—1 Thessalonians 5:11

The primary means of exhortation is to remind the hearer of the powerful and amazing works of God in Christ, particularly in regard to the saving work of Jesus in the atonement. We see Paul commanding Titus to use this gift:

⁹ “In addition, he must hold firmly to the authentic message he has been taught, so that he may be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.”

—Titus 1:9

¹¹ “For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to the entire human race. ¹² It teaches us to reject godless ways and worldly desires, and in the present age to lead lives that are temperate, just, and godly, ¹³ while we await our blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. ¹⁴ He gave himself for us in order to deliver us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people as his own who are eager to do good. ¹⁵ These are the things you should expound. Exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”

—Titus 2:11-15

He also charges Timothy to:

² “preach the message; be persistent in doing so, whether in season or out of season; convince, reprove, and encourage, but with great patience and instruction.”

—2 Timothy 4:2

The Spirit of God gives this gift to people in the church to strengthen and encourage those who are wavering in their faith. Those with the gift of exhortation can uplift and motivate others as well as challenge and rebuke them in order to foster spiritual growth and action. The goal of the encourager is to see everyone in the church continually building up everyone else in the body of Christ and glorifying God.

⁸ “If it is a gift of exhortation, we should encourage....”

—Romans 12:8

²³ “When he arrived and perceived the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with resolute devotion, ²⁴ for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a large number of people were added to the Lord.”

—Acts 11:23-24

²¹ “After they had proclaimed the good news in that city and gained a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and then moved on to Iconium and Antioch. ²² They strengthened the disciples and encouraged them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships in order to enter the kingdom of God.”

—Acts 14:21-22

³² “Judas [Barsabbas] and Silas, who were themselves prophets, spoke at length to strengthen and encourage the brethren.”

—Acts 15:32

1 Peter 5:8 Be (sober), be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be (sober).5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be (sober), putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

I Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor (drunkards), nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:4:27 Neither give place to the devil.4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore (sober), and watch unto prayer.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

ASCENDING TO THE HIGHER GROUND

Higher Ground is the only place where 'Super-grow' soil exists for your spirit to grow (Mark 4: 20). It is the place where you are determined to fulfill the PURPOSE God placed you here for.  Blessings abound in that place......are you willing to go to Higher Ground?

ASCENDING TO THE HIGHER GROUND How do we find God's will for our life?

The answer is -- where His favor is, you will find His PURPOSE for your life.

"I have placed My beauty in the work of your hands, and I will establish it. My beauty is brought forth in your life when you discover and do the work I called you to do...but you must be absolutely convinced that what you are doing is what I called you to do. Uncertainty in your calling will create doubt (and in-effectiveness) in your service to Me. Trust that I will establish your work and the vision I have given you." (Habakkuk 2:2-3)

Some wonder why the implementation of their calling takes years. It is because He is fine-tuning your gifts and preparing your vineyard.

"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." -  (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

 He will be faithful to complete in you what He promised.

"But God is faithful.....for all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." - (2 Corinthians 1:18,20)

You also must be faithful to take those steps towards the goal even when you cannot see it in front of you (Hebrews 11:1). Take a great leap of faith -- one that will challenge your normal way of thinking.

Paul said, "I have given up everything, that I might obtain that for which I was called to do, that I fulfill the ministry (purpose) on my life..." - (Philippians 3:7-8)

We occasionally experience valleys and dry places (Psalm 23:4), but He leads us to victory and fruit (John 15:16).

Get on the path He called you to and stay faithful.  Even with reservation and doubt from others -- the vision He has given you will come to pass -- you must not quit -- It is His responsibility to bring it to pass.

Once you do make the decision to come the Higher Ground, don't make the mistake of acting like it's a strain or like you have to move a stubborn mountain everyday. See it as a parade and a celebration, and it will turn into one. Attacks will come from the enemy, but the time will come when you will rise up and conquer Goliath. The dogs always bark when the parade comes through town, so keep in mind the critics will always be there.

Seek to please only God who called you, then you will have the joyful conviction that you have done all you can do (2 Timothy 4:7). If others don't see or understand your vision, love them, be patient with them.  (John 12:26). Financial provision is always provided on Higher Ground. (Philippians 4:19)

WHEN YOU'RE ON HIGHER GROUND

There will be a heavenly knowing and constant thankfulness that you're in His will (Ephesians 5:20). You will refuse to allow the enemy to rob you of His joy, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in (1 Peter 4:13). Plus (because you have weathered storms and still remained faithful), He will open doors that were previously closed. The door of deep fellowship (John 14:23) will open, and the door of guidance will seem to ease open, and frustration will seldom be experienced. (Isaiah 26:3)

Victory over self will be easier, and a fresh sensitivity to the Holy Spirit will be recognized and walked in (Romans 8:14).  Blessings will seem to be all around you because, "When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be a peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)

On Higher Ground His love controls us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). On Higher Ground, we do not think so much about our own needs, knowing He will take care of them.

Rise up now and get started. That's not a mountain in front of you, it's Jesus waiting for you on Higher Ground.

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY:

Books of the Bible

Here is a detailed list of the 66 books of the Bible, divided by the Old and New Testaments, along with their divisions and categories:

**Old Testament:**

**Pentateuch (5 books):**

1. Genesis

2. Exodus

3. Leviticus

4. Numbers

5. Deuteronomy

**Historical Books (12 books):**

6. Joshua

7. Judges

8. Ruth

9. 1 Samuel

10. 2 Samuel

11. 1 Kings

12. 2 Kings

13. 1 Chronicles

14. 2 Chronicles

15. Ezra

16. Nehemiah

17. Esther

**Poetry/Wisdom Books (5 books):**

18. Job

19. Psalms

20. Proverbs

21. Ecclesiastes

22. Song of Solomon

**Major Prophets (5 books):**

23. Isaiah

24. Jeremiah

25. Lamentations

26. Ezekiel

27. Daniel

**Minor Prophets (12 books):**

28. Hosea

29. Joel

30. Amos

31. Obadiah

32. Jonah

33. Micah

34. Nahum

35. Habakkuk

36. Zephaniah

37. Haggai

38. Zechariah

39. Malachi

**New Testament:**

**Gospels (4 books):**

40. Matthew

41. Mark

42. Luke

43. John

**History (1 book):**

44. Acts

**Pauline Epistles (13 books):**

45. Romans

46. 1 Corinthians

47. 2 Corinthians

48. Galatians

49. Ephesians

50. Philippians

51. Colossians

52. 1 Thessalonians

53. 2 Thessalonians

54. 1 Timothy

55. 2 Timothy

56. Titus

57. Philemon

**General Epistles (8 books):**

58. Hebrews

59. James

60. 1 Peter

61. 2 Peter

62. 1 John

63. 2 John

64. 3 John

65. Jude

**Apocalyptic (1 book):**

66. Revelation

This list represents the traditional order and grouping of the books of the Bible in most Christian denominations.

These are the 66 books that make up the Bible.

Title: The Significance of Each Book of the Bible

Introduction:

The Bible is a collection of 66 books that together form the inspired Word of God. Each book has its own unique message, themes, and significance that contribute to the overall story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Let's explore the importance of each book of the Bible.

Lesson Points:

1. The Old Testament:

- Genesis: The book of beginnings, detailing creation, the fall, and the establishment of God's covenant with His people.

- Exodus: The story of the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

- Psalms: A collection of songs and prayers that express a range of human emotions and provide a guide for worship.

- Proverbs: Wisdom literature that offers practical advice for living a righteous and wise life.

- Isaiah: Prophecies about the coming Messiah and God's plan of salvation.

2. The New Testament:

- Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of the kingdom of God.

- Acts: Chronicles the early spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early church.

- Romans: Explains the doctrine of justification by faith and the implications of salvation through Christ.

- Corinthians: Addresses issues within the church and provides practical guidance for Christian living.

- Revelation: Offers apocalyptic visions of the end times, the victory of Christ, and the establishment of the new heaven and earth.

3. Themes and Messages:

- Each book of the Bible contributes to the overarching themes of God's love, redemption, forgiveness, and salvation for all humanity.

- Together, these books provide a complete narrative of God's work in the world and His plan for His people.

Application:

- Take time to explore and study each book of the Bible, seeking to understand its unique message and significance.

- Reflect on how the themes and stories in the Bible can impact your own life and faith journey.

- Consider how the teachings and examples in the Bible can shape your beliefs and actions as a follower of Christ.

Conclusion:

The books of the Bible are not just separate entities but are interconnected parts of the larger story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Each book has its own importance and contributes to the overall message of God's plan for salvation. May we approach the study of the Bible with reverence and openness to the wisdom and guidance it offers for our lives.

Sermon for Third Sunday of Advent (12/17/23)

Primary Text | 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

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Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

          In Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians, we get noticeably short verses like “Rejoice always” “Pray without ceasing” “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Much could be said about such things. But this year we will focus on vss. 19-20: “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets.” God the Spirit, whom we call life-giver and Lord, is a person distinct from God the Father and God the Son. Though, of course, we believe they are yet just one God. Hence, the Trinity. (pause) If we did not have the Holy Spirit on our side, we would know nothing of Jesus Christ or God the Father. Therefore, without the Holy Spirit we would know nothing of Christmas or Easter or anything at all of God’s good and gracious heart. It is Jesus Christ who makes God’s good and gracious heart known to us. Therefore, it also matters if the Jesus we know is the actual Jesus or a counterfeit Jesus. But we would know nothing of this if the Holy Spirit did not shine the light of Christ into our heart.

So we must know what precisely the work of the Holy Spirit is. How does he do his work? And what does Paul mean when he warns us not to “quench” the Holy Spirit and why does he warn “Not to despise the words of prophets” as he does in 1 Thessalonians. The Spirit’s work is to make Christ known. Pay attention here because a lot of people misunderstand the Holy Spirit. He’s not a warm fuzzy feeling. Nor does his work commence once we do something to prepare for him. For example, he does not come about when we cross our legs looking inward to see if there’s something in there. Nor does waiting in silence with a clear mind get him to act. No, the Holy Spirit is given through the word. And when I say the word, yes we can talk about the written word as we have it in the Holy Scriptures. The Scriptures, in both Old and New Testaments, are the authority and norm for all Christian faith and life. Lest we think we can be a lone wolf Christian, privileged above what is written is the oral word. “Faith comes by hearing” is the principle active here. Meaning, the word spoken into our ears by somebody else. The word is an external thing. It is called a word because it is a preached thing. God the Holy Spirit is always pointing us away from ourselves and what we think and to the word that comes from beyond ourselves. This word is not a thought or a feeling, he is a person. Jesus Christ, the Lord. (pause) The word can be compared to a bonfire. You got the wood stacked together, the fuel to get it burning, and the flame to get it going. With it we enter into the joy of our Father. We feel its warmth because the Spirit has carried us out of the cold and to the bonfire of the word. When St. Paul warns us against quenching the Spirit or despising the words of prophets he means don’t take a big ol’ pale of water and douse out the bonfire so that it no longer can give its warmth by which we may have life. To quench the Spirit or to despise the prophets means to take a pale of water to the fire of the word. This refers to Third Commandment issues, like not to listen to sermons, not to regularly receive the Lord’s Supper, not to be baptized in the Triune name, not to hear the absolution—especially when otherwise one could. The Advent of  Christ in the preached word and sacraments are the logs the Holy Spirit uses to create and to strengthen our faith. The Spirit is quenched when we disregard his ways and when we demote the status of his instruments, the oral word and sacraments, making them something other than a divine institution.

The Large Catechism gives us several tips on this matter. In the section on the Creed it says, “Neither you nor I could ever know anything about Christ, or believe in him and receive him as Lord, unless these were offered to us and bestowed on our hearts through the preaching of the gospel by the Holy Spirit.” So notice, it is the Spirit who is the one doing the preaching. Not Logan. Not Jon. Not Beatrice, not Jack and Jill—even though you see that we are the ones flapping our lips. It continues, “The work is finished and completed; Christ has acquired and won the treasure for us by his sufferings, death, and resurrection. But if the work remained hidden so that no one knew of it, it would have been all in vain, all lost.” So yes, Christ has done it all, But it would do no good if we didn’t know something about Christ. So the catechism continues, “In order that this treasure might not remain buried but be put to use and enjoyed, God has caused the Word to be published and proclaimed, in which he had given the Holy Spirit to offer and apply to us this treasure, this redemption.” I like how it says God has caused the Word to be published and proclaimed. Notice the word is not a matter of one’s own private take or personal interpretation. Instead it is God going public and publishing the word himself. Again, you see, how necessary the word is and how the Holy Spirit is the one to apply the treasure to us—through the word the Spirit gives forgiveness to you, through the word the Spirit gives life to you, and redemption unto you. And finally, the Large Catechism says, “Therefore being made holy is nothing else than bringing us to the Lord Christ to receive this blessing, to which we could not have come by ourselves” (LC 2:38). And this is the key. We do not come to these treasures and blessings by ourselves. The Holy Spirit must come to us by the oral word and make known these treasures and blessings to us. And then they will do us some good. And then, the warmth of the fire cures us of our cold hands and toes. If someone did not carry you to where the bonfire was we would never see it or know its warmth. But as it is, you and I have been brought to the bonfire—where God’s warmth heals us from the sin that made our bodies dead cold—making you truly alive like never before.

In St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he gives a final blessing. He says, “May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And hear this: “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this” (1 Thess. 5:23-24). There we move from the law to gospel. The gospel is that God has called you to himself by the word. He has proclaimed and published this. Your sins are forgiven. That is a promise. By God’s very nature he cannot lie. Therefore we know that God is faithful to this word and to what he has spoken to you by somebody else. This promise remains for you all your life. The Spirit has made you and will keep you holy and you will therefore be blameless at the Advent, the Arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ. Not by your own effort, not by your own strength, but because God himself has done it all.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. - John 8:31-34 KJV

All too often, we forget that sin can enslave us. We know that addiction can enslave, but do we think of sin as a master? When we sin, we open the door to Satan who is more than happy to walk on in, tempting us and leading us astray, away from God and His Holy Word. And as Jesus Christ Himself warns us, we cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24)! We were created to follow and glorify and serve Him, not ourselves and this world.

The bank robber doesn't start off robbing banks; he probably started by taking money from his parents or shoplifting from the local store. If he doesn't get caught and punished, the thievery can get bigger. If a liar doesn't get caught in the lie, the liar gets more proficient and lies about more important matters. The embezzler probably started by taking home office supplies. Small sins lead to bigger sins. Satan is happy to whisper in our ears that what we want, we should have and we shouldn't worry about how we get it. When we disobey the commandments and we don't get zapped by lightening, we can think, "So what's the big deal." This leads us to thinking we are free to live as we please without worrying about the consequences. We forget that sin has its own consequences and that the final judgment belongs to God.

When we tell the truth, we don't have to worry about remembering what we said because we told the truth. If we don't insult people or call them names, then we don't have to worry about retaliation. When we are kind, people are kind back. When we live conscious of the presence of God, we are free of fear. We know that we are doing our best to be ready to meet him whenever he calls us. We don't have to worry about the future, because we know that God is in control and whatever happens, we'll be fine. Why would anyone choose slavery to sin over freedom? you want us to be free. We know that He is always there to forgive us for our sins and we need Him and His grace to remain free in your love and mercy. May we be reminded of Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ, trusting in and being led by Him and His Holy Word and Spirit everyday and every moment of our lives.

Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven (John 3:5, 14:6), the only way to salvation (Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9) and He is resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26). As true and born-again Christians, we believe in Him and His Holy Word. We know though our mortal bodies should die, He will raise us up and into new and glorious bodies (The Rapture). We who are truly His and alive at His second coming will never die, and our bodies will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and so shall we ever be with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven forevermore (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is one of many promises given to us by God Himself. Let this promise of future resurrection give us hope and peace and encourage us always. Thank God for His strength and guidance when we are faced with sin and temptation. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Through Bible study and prayer, God reveals His wisdom and guides us to see opportunities to grow closer to Him and grow spiritually. He gives us direction to live our lives according to His Holy Word and will. We must make God top priority everyday! May we be motivated to spread God's Holy Word and Gospel Truth to all the Earth, knowing that it is the only hope of all those lost in their sins. Let us not hold out a false hope for men to be saved without the Gospel, but instead, strive to do our part to get the Gospel out to a lost and dying world.

Leaning on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit strengthens us and our knowledge and wisdom about God and His Gospel Truth, exposing these imposters. May God help us to seek and lean on Him daily to gain the strength, wisdom and spiritual discernment needed to expose Satan and his imposters who seek to destroy us and God's ultimate Truth. Everyday, we must remember to share Jesus Christ's Gospel Truth with the world and to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and from the eternal damnation of Hell. In all we say and do, may all praise, honor and glory always be given to Him and His Kingdom of Heaven.

With renewed minds, hearts and wills, let us serve Him humbly and faithfully out of pure love and grateful rejoicing. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us. Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful LORD, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

A Prayer for Help

Of David.

1 Lord, battle with those who battle with me. Fight against those who fight against me. 2 Pick up the shield and armor. Rise up and help me. 3 Lift up your spears, both large and small, against those who chase me. Tell me, “I will save you.”

4 Make those who want to kill me be ashamed and disgraced. Make those who plan to harm me turn back and run away. 5 Make them like chaff blown by the wind. Let the angel of the Lord chase them away. 6 Let their road be dark and slippery as the angel of the Lord chases them. 7 For no reason they spread out their net to trap me. For no reason they dug a pit for me. 8 So let ruin strike them suddenly. Let them be caught in their own nets. Let them fall into the pit and die. 9 Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be happy when he saves me. 10 Even my bones will say, “Lord, who is like you? You save the weak from the strong. You save the weak and poor from robbers.”

11 Men without mercy stand up to testify. They ask me things I do not know. 12 They repay me with evil for the good I have done. They make me very sad. 13 Yet when they were sick, I put on rough cloth to show my sadness. I showed my sorrow by going without food. But my prayers were not answered. 14 I acted as if they were my friends or brothers. I bowed in sadness as if I were crying for my mother. 15 But when I was in trouble, they gathered and laughed. They gathered to attack before I knew it. They insulted me without stopping. 16 They made fun of me and were cruel to me. They ground their teeth at me in anger.

17 Lord, how long will you watch this happen? Save my life from their attacks. Save me from these people who are like lions. 18 I will praise you in the great meeting. I will praise you among crowds of people. 19 Do not let my enemies laugh at me. They hate me for no reason. Do not let them make fun of me. They have no reason to hate me. 20 Their words are not friendly. They think up lies about peace-loving people. 21 They speak against me. They say, “Aha! We saw what you did!”

22 Lord, you have been watching. Do not keep quiet. Lord, do not leave me alone. 23 Wake up! Come and defend me! My God and Lord, fight for me! 24 Lord my God, defend me with your justice. Don’t let them laugh at me. 25 Don’t let them think, “Aha! We got what we wanted!” Don’t let them say, “We destroyed him.” 26 Let them be ashamed and embarrassed. They were happy when I hurt. Cover them with shame and disgrace. They thought they were better than I was. 27 May my friends sing and shout for joy. May they always say, “Praise the greatness of the Lord. He loves to see his servants do well.” 28 I will tell of your goodness. I will praise you every day. — Psalm 35 | International Children’s Bible (ICB) The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Cross References: Genesis 30:6; Exodus 3:7; Exodus 15:11; Exodus 23:1; 1 Samuel 24:15; Job 16:10; Job 21:18; Job 30:25; Psalm 3:8; Psalm 7:6; Psalm 9:5; Psalm 13:1; Psalm 22:13; Psalm 22:22; Psalm 38:12; Psalm 44:26; Psalm 55:21; Psalm 56:1; psalm 71:8; Psalm 73:18; Psalm 109:29; Psalm 147:11; Matthew 8:12; Matthew 10:13; Luke 1:47; John 10:32; John 15:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:3

12th November >> Mass Readings (USA)

Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A 

(Liturgical Colour: Green: A (1))

First Reading Wisdom 6:12–16 Wisdom is found by those who seek her.

Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire; whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate.

For taking thought of wisdom is the perfection of prudence, and whoever for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care; because she makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of her, and graciously appears to them in the ways, and meets them with all solicitude.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 63:2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8

R/ My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.

R/ My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify you.

R/ My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Thus will I bless you while I live; lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name. As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied, and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.

R/ My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

I will remember you upon my couch, and through the night-watches I will meditate on you: you are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.

R/ My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 God, through Jesus, will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, console one another with these words.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 24:42a, 44

Alleluia, alleluia. Stay awake and be ready! For you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 25:1–13 Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Q: Do we have to seek the Lord early in the morning (Psalm 63:1)?______________________________________

A: Psalm 63 communicates King David’s profound love for God. So deep was his desire for intimate fellowship with the Lord that, even in the desert, David longed for Him more than water:

“O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1, NKJV).

The phrase translated “early will I seek You” in the King James Version is rendered differently in most modern translations. For example: “Earnestly I seek you” (NIV, ESV), “I eagerly seek you” (CSB), and “I earnestly search for you” (NLT). In the original Hebrew, the concept of seeking in Psalm 63:1 refers to diligent, wholehearted searching that involves a strong desire focused on developing a relationship with the desired object. Seeking the Lord early in the morning may result from our eager, earnest longing for fellowship with God, but there is no biblical requirement for when we must pursue Him.

On another occasion, David declares, “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (1 Chronicles 16:11, ESV). Seeking the Lord in prayer is something believers ought to do at all times, continually, and without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17; see also Colossians 1:9–12). Epaphras prayed “always” and “earnestly” for the Colossians (Colossians 4:12). In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to show His disciples that “they should always pray and never give up” (verse 1).

Seeking the Lord in prayer is not about checking all the right boxes. Instead, it’s about developing a living, vibrant, spontaneous relationship with God our Father. Many Christians get too caught up in rules. They want to know, “When should I pray? Should I pray early in the morning or late at night? How often do I pray? Should I sit down or stand up? What words are appropriate to say?” Jesus put an end to all these concerns when He answered the Samaritan woman’s questions about worship: “The time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23–24, NLT).

Seeking the Lord is not a matter of when, where, and how. It is a matter of the heart. Any time is the right time to draw near to God in prayer (Acts 17:27; James 4:8). If we pray and seek the Lord sincerely, from the heart, He promises to hear us (1 John 5:14–15). His invitation is always open. Jesus welcomes us to come, release our heavy burdens, and find rest in His presence (Matthew 11:28).

Unlike some religions that stipulate prayer at certain times and in specific postures, the Bible does not mention such formal regulations. Asking the question, “Do we have to seek the Lord early in the morning?” is similar to asking, “Do I have to talk to my spouse or children early in the morning?” We seek the Lord out of our desire for intimate fellowship with Him, just as we speak to our loved ones as part of our natural, interpersonal relations among family members.

We can seek the Lord early in the morning (Psalm 5:3; Genesis 28:18–22; 1 Samuel 1:19; 2 Kings 6:15–17; Psalm 88:13; 92:1–2; Mark 1:35), late at night (Psalm 141:1–2; Genesis 24:63; 2 Chronicles 7:11–12; Ezra 9:5–15; Psalm 42:8; Matthew 14:23; Luke 6:12), and any time in between (Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10; Acts 3:1; 1 Timothy 5:5). The apostle Paul said he prayed “often” and “day and night” (Romans 1:9–10, NLT; see also 2 Timothy 1:3). “Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith,” wrote Paul to the believers in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:10, NLT).

Rather than viewing prayer as an obligation to fulfill, David reminds us in Psalm 63:1 to see our time in fellowship with the Lord as a profound privilege. Instead of asking, “Do I have to seek the Lord early in the morning?” we will begin to think, “Wow, I get to seek the Lord early in the morning!” or “I can’t wait to seek the Lord early in the morning!”

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/early-will-I-seek-you.html

Shield Yourself from the Powers of Darkness: How to Activate God’s Protection

The thief [satan] does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10 NKJV).

Jesus made it very clear in His statement recorded in John 10:10—satan is your enemy.

Jesus is your Savior. The enemy, the devil wants nothing more than to steal preservation from you. He does it by stealing, killing, and destroying. The life that Jesus promised is an abundant life walking in the anointing of preservation. We must take authority over the enemy and not allow his tactics, we must resist him and he will flee—resulting in preservation.

To resist the devil and his attempts to steal, kill, and destroy, we identify his tactics and know who is out to get us. The Bible (NKJV) reveals the enemy throughout the Scriptures, labeling him:

accuser (Revelation 12:10)          

adversary (Job 1)

antichrist (book of Revelation)

baal (Judges 2)

beast (book of Revelation)

beelzebub (Matthew 12:24)

Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15)

deceiver (book of Revelation)

demon (Matthew 8:31-33)

dragon (Revelation 12)

enemy (Matthew 13:39)

evildoer (Isaiah 1:4)

wicked one (1 John 5:19)

fallen angel/morning star (Isaiah 14:12-15)

lawless one (2 Thessalonians 2:8-9)

liar, father of lies (John 8:44)

lucifer (Isaiah 14:12)

murderer (John 8:44)

prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)

roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8)

satan (book of Job)

serpent (Genesis 3) thief, robber, destroyer (John 10:10)

wicked one (Matthew 13:19)

I believe that it saddens God when we blame Him for tragedies, calamities, sickness, or death that is actually caused by the devil. This is why in John 10:10, Jesus clearly distinguishes between the goodness of God and the evil of satan.

In clear terms, Jesus states that the devil is responsible for killing, stealing, and destroying while expressing that He is the Source of abundant life. As we have discovered in the biblical references in this book, by calling upon the name of the Lord, we can experience blessings, healing, protection, rescue, and preservation. Remember, this is our covenant rights package and the free gift given upon salvation, also known as sozo. Asserting your sozo rights, which come as part of your salvation, establishes you as a favored child of God, who must be aware of the enemy’s attacks.

The enemy uses many things to lead people astray. The devil wants nothing more than for us to not know what Jesus paid for and what is legally ours in our covenant. If he can gain access in our lives and we open our hearts or lives to him, he gains access to steal the preservation of a blessed covenant life and all it entails. A good example would be with Judas, one of Jesus’s disciples. He had every benefit as the others, but opened the door of his heart to the devil and his life was cut short. The anointing that preserved his life while serving under Jesus was sadly shortened as he took his own life.

Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money (Luke 22:1-5 NIV).

Judas’s life was stolen from him by his own greed, affecting the anointing of preservation upon him. The enemy fears who we know, being Jesus, and what we know, being our covenant rights. He seeks to challenge both and look for an open door, seeking whom he may devour. Keep speaking the power of what Jesus provided, continue to boldly say, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. I am anointed,” and you invite the power of God’s Spirit into your life and activate the anointing of preservation. With this anointing present, you raise up a standard against the attacks of the devil, who will be restrained from laying his hands on you. Indeed, when you are anointed, you are shielded from the thief’s schemes.

But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken! (Isaiah 54:17 NLT)

By “no weapon,” it means absolutely none—not even the devil’s most insidious tactics will succeed against you. We must not only believe this but claim it, declaring it in faith boldly! In addition, your detractors will be rendered speechless. I believe it can also mean that we should be wise and avoid getting into heated arguments, particularly on social media.

Jesus willingly endured ridicule, taunts, and misunderstandings but always stayed in the Spirit of love and truth, preserving His life until He laid it down. As representatives of God on earth, we can also deflect the devil’s arrows and avoid getting into the flesh that opens us up for attacks from the enemy. Jesus specifically informed His disciples and us:

I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! (John 14:12-14 NLT)

If we want to see powerful results in our lives and concerning others, we must be like Jesus as Christians and believers in Him. Being a Christian means being Christlike and anointed. When we are saved, walking in the spirit, we become an anointed person, like Christ. We then are able to perform extraordinary works that bring honor to the Father, like Jesus did. We must be vigilant and able to recognize the enemy to avoid turning away from God’s Word and living a life that affects the anointing of preservation upon us.

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By His Spirit

A vital way to protect us from the onslaughts of the enemy is for Christians to establish and maintain a connection to the anointing of God on our lives. One way we do this is through His Word, but also in regular fellow- ship with other believers under the guidance of anointed leadership. It helps to bring the anointing of preservation against the schemes and deceptions of the enemy. This is because whenever two or more gather in God’s name, His presence is there with them (as demonstrated in Matthew 18:20, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Hebrews 10:25, Luke 8:4, among others). This presence comes because of our agreement, and God releases His spirit to go forth in power and demonstration. It is what the enemy fears as it exposes and destroys his assignments not in our ability, but by His Spirit.

So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6 NKJV).

When we try to do things in our own efforts or power, we will not succeed in overcoming the attacks of the enemy. Zechariah prophesies, essentially stating, “Take heed, you cannot succeed by mere human ability. Your victory comes not from your own power, nor strength, but through the Spirit.” To be able to combat the devil, we must possess an anointing—it’s that straightforward and miraculous. It is all about God and His Spirit. This was what caused Jesus to minister in such power and destroy the works of the devil, especially seeing many healed and touched by the anointing.

And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him (Acts 10:38 NLT).

The Holy Spirit is the ultimate Source of the anointing that preserves us. When His Spirit rests upon us, we become anointed for action demonstrated with His power. Jesus spent much of His time performing good deeds through the anointing of the Holy Spirit and healing those oppressed by the devil. It was the devil, not God, who was responsible for inflicting sickness and oppression upon people. Jesus was bold in His assignment to speak up and bold about His assignment to expose darkness and release an anointing to preserve the betterment of those He touched.

We as believers, especially leaders, need to do as Jesus did. He took a stand against evil by speaking up and distinguishing right from wrong. There is such a need for that today, especially in preserving the truth, maintaining a standard of righteousness and morals. Sadly, many people, even Christians, take a neutral approach or a cowardly approach to taking a stand against darkness and the things the enemy is trying to do, especially in our culture. Yet, we have an anointing to make a difference and to help pre- serve not only our lives but a generation.

This anointing is a power that does not come from our own selves but from the Holy Spirit, in His boldness. It is what is making a difference that we are seeing in this hour. Yet, there are always those who adopt the belief that “we should not confront darkness or the evils of our day” and especially they say, “avoid politics.”

As I mentioned from the start of this book, we can- not remain silent or inactive or we will greatly hinder the anointing released to preserve our generation. We must refuse to be silent as I believe we are being summoned by God to stand boldly, courageously, and without fear in His anointing that destroys the works of darkness.

Do Something

I believe more than ever now is the time for Christians to act, or evil will prevail. In addition to prayer, we must stand up and declare our faith in Jesus as Lord. The more we expose the darkness and speak truth concerning the many lies of the devil, an anointing is released to bring preservation. The devil loses his strongholds and righteousness prevails.

It’s critical that we understand and recognize the tactics of the devil. Lawlessness, lies, and deceptions are how he is trying to steal, kill, and destroy today.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 NIV).

In my conviction, had Jesus been present on earth today, He wouldn’t be silent as some are, especially His preachers. I strongly believe if He was operating in His ministry during the years 2020-2022 as we saw many lies and attempts of the enemy to destroy the innocent and even our nation, He would have made the statement, “I came to do good and heal those oppressed by the devil, which is what I shall continue doing today. You will not close down My church, nor My ministry. You won’t censor Me—and for the record, I will be performing good and healing tomorrow, the day after, and the next day as well.” This would have been His message, and it should be ours as well—today and every day.

We are powerfully anointed by His Spirit to go about doing good and destroying the works of the devil. We are key to releasing the anointing of preservation that makes a difference in our lives. This is how our families, cities, regions, and nations will be gloriously changed and preserved. It is when we work with the Holy Spirit as His anointed vessels.

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen (Mark 16:20 KJV).

Anointed Words

As already explained, we usually associate the concept of the anointing solely with the laying on of hands or the transmission of physical mantles, as with Elijah and Elisha. However, in Matthew 8:5-13, we can see that Jesus was able to heal the centurion’s servant by speaking the word only. This denotes that we, too, can unleash the power of the anointing through our words.

This is why I can’t stress the importance of continuing to declare, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, I am anointed,” to bring God’s anointing into your life. We need to adopt the same faith standard and understanding of the centurion in the Bible that knew the power of words to make a difference. It not only healed his servant but preserved his life!

And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed (Matthew 8:7-8 KJV).

I promise you, if you make a continued habit of saying and believing this truth, you will certainly see the benefits. Just think how much the enemy is fearing your words about the revelation concerning the anointing of preservation!

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Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

1 Peter 3:4 But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.

1 Timothy 2:2 For kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Amos 5:13 Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time, for it is an evil time.

Ecclesiastes 3:7 A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 30:15 For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling.

Job 6:24 Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray.

Lamentations 3:26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Luke 5:16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Proverbs 10:8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

Proverbs 11:12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

Proverbs 13:3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Psalm 35:20 For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit.

Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Psalm 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

[source]

RECOGNIZING TRAVAIL AND BIRTH

Isaiah 66:9 says, "Shall I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the Lord. 'Or shall I who gives delivery shut the womb?' says your God."

Isaiah 46:11 says, "Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, be assured I will do it."

Whatever has been birthed in you, was spoken to you, either through the Word of God or through a prophetic word or from God speaking it to you Himself...whatever it was, God promises us that if He spoke it, He will bring it to pass.

God does not bring you to the moment of birth and not deliver – He is not a man that He should lie.

The very fact that you are fighting for it, travailing for it, is the undeniable truth that it already exists. It is not something you are trying to create or speak into existence, it already exists. Just as a baby already exists in a mother's womb.

Isaiah 66:7 -  "Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child."

To travail means be in anguish, be pained, bear, bring forth, to wait anxiously, to be distressed.

To be brought forth means the day of birth and it means to declare one's birth.

Isaiah 66:12 -  "For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream."

We are promised delivery of the very thing God has placed inside us – we are promised it will come to a time of fruition.  For God says, "I will extend peace like a river!" Peace is defined as completeness, soundness, safety, soundness (in body), quiet, tranquility, contentment, -- nothing broken or missing in your life. This is what comes at the destined time of delivery.

God has a great purpose for your life. He has not made you promises that He can't bring to pass – if He said it, He will bring it to pass. There is a reward for the spiritual "baby" that you have been carrying – the reward is the delivery. And again, the very fact that you are carrying it declares that it is a completed work, something that already exists! It is already done! It is already complete! It is already yours!

Psalm 127:3 says, "The fruit of the womb is your reward!"

Your reward is real. It is not something you are hoping for or saying "maybe someday." No! It is already done!

Psalm 29:9 tells us that the voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth. This is true for us as well. Sometimes God gives us a specific Scripture that has brought us through a season. He gives us a Scripture to stand on until we see the birth of what we are praying for.

Psalm 27:13 -  "I would have lost heart, if I had not believed I would see the goodness of God in the land of the living."

We WILL see the goodness of God in the land of the living – we will – that goodness already exists and it is coming to delivery. The Lord has come and His reward is with Him. Don't let go of the promise – lay hold of all He said is yours!

1 Thessalonians 5:24 - "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass."

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Bible Verses About Self-Control

1. Titus 1:8- But hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled. 

2. Philippians 4:8-9- Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. 

3. 1 Peter 5:8- Be sober minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 

4. Galatians 5:13- For you were called to be free brothers and sisters, only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 

5. Titus 2:2- Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. 

6. Matthew 6:33- But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these will be provided for you. 

7. 1 Corinthians 6:18- Flee sexual immorality! Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body. 

8. Titus 2:6- In the same way, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 

9. Ephesians 5:18- They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. 

10. 1 Timothy 4:7- But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather train yourself in godliness. 

11. 1 John 2:16- For everything in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions is not from the Father, but is from the world. 

12. Psalm 141:3- Lord, set up a guard for my mouth, keep watch at the door of my lips. 

13. 1 Thessalonians 5:22- Stay away from every kind of evil. 

14. Hebrews 4:15- Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 

15. Romans 8:13- Because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 

16. Galatians 5:16-17- I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the flesh, these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.

17. 2 John 1:8- Watch yourselves so you don’t lose what we have worked for, but that you may receive a full reward. 

18. Ecclesiastes 7:9- Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools. 

19. Romans 13:14- But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t make plans to gratify the desires of the flesh. 

20. 1 Corinthians 6:10- No thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. 

21. Proverbs 20:1- Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler, whoever goes astray because of them is not wise. 

22. Romans 8:5-6- For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on things of the Spirit. Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 

23. Proverbs 21:23- The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble. 

24. Proverbs 25:28- A person who does not control his temper is like a city whose wall is broken down. 

25. 2 Timothy 1:7- For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and sound judgement. 

26. Proverbs 16:32- Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city. 

27. 1 Corinthians 7:5- Do not deprive one another except when you agree for a time, to devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, otherwise, Satan my tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 

28.1 Corinthians 10:13- No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful, He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way out so that you may be able to bear it. 

29. Galatians 5:21-23- Envy, drunkenness', carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things, as I warned you before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The law is not against such things. 

30. 2 Peter 1:5-7- For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 

31. 1 Corinthians 6:12- Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. 

32. Romans 12:1-2- Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. 

33. James 1:29-21- My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 

34. 1 Timothy 3:2-3- An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. 

35. 1 Thessalonians 5:6- So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled. 

36. 2 Timothy 1-5- But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people. 

37. Titus 2:11-12- For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and wordily lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age. 

38. Proverbs 12:16- A fool’s displeasure is known at once, but whoever ignores an insult is sensible. 

39. Romans 12:1- Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true worship. 

40. Proverbs 13:3- The one who guards his mouth protects his life, the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. 

41. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25- Don’t you know that runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. 

42. Proverbs 29:11- A fool gives full vent of his anger, but a wise person holds it in check. 

43. Job 31:1- I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I look at a young woman?

44. Proverbs 4:27- Don’t turn to the right or the left, keep your feet away from evil. 

45. Proverbs 18:21- Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.          

2 Peter goes on in more detail about these false teachers and false prophets. One of the main characteristics about them is their view on money and wealth. And the fact that, in Jude’s words, they run in the way of Balaam’s error and the sons of Korah’s rebellion. You won’t have to dig too deep to discover that there was money involved for a prophetic word with Balaam. I was pretty shocked to see how easy it was to find this out, yet how boldly people do this in so many churches these days. Many have been warned, yet they keep right on doing it. Just a study in 2nd Peter and Jude will get someone’s attention really fast, but they have no love of the truth. According to 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, it is the love of the truth that would save those who are being deceived by the lie that is coming on the whole world. To love the truth will lead one pray for God to reveal it to them even if it’s not what they want it to be. The love of the truth will still want the truth even if they know it may prove them wrong.

You will hear it more and more as the end draws closer and closer of how the Bible is not enough, and how it’s got errors - and you will even hear of people adding to it. I couldn’t see how it could be possible 10 years ago even - but now it’s just right in our faces. The ones who are not grounded in the written word of God are falling for anything and everything. And we have all of the warnings and prophecies right there in print and all we had to do is read it and study it and we would not fall for any of it. The devil does not even have to be sneaky when there is no foundation there to protect them. Especially when people get to thinking they are too “spiritual” to be deceived - that they are “above deception” - because as soon as they reach that point they have already swung the door wide open and invited it in.

“Direct those people to the law and to the testimony! If their teachings are not in accord with this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20

“Peter testifies to the God-given origin of Scripture and affirms that all the prophecy contained in God's Word originated from God, not from humans. This assures us that God's message is infallible (i.e., incapable of mistakes or failure, never wrong, completely true and effective in its teachings) and inerrant. (i.e., free from error, falsehood or deceit).

Infallibility and inerrancy cannot be separated, for the inerrancy (i.e., incapable of any error) of Scripture is the result of the infallibility (i.e., incapable of mistakes or being wrong) of God himself and his own Word. (2 Sam. 23:2; Jer. 1:7-9; 1 Cor. 14:37)

Peter affirms here about the God-given origin and authority of the prophecy recorded in Scripture is true about all things in his written Word: “men spoke and wrote from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." Believers must maintain a strong uncompromising view of Holy Scripture as inspired (i.e., given directly by God through Holy Spirit-led people of his choosing) and authoritative (i.e., completely reliable, backed by solid evidence and established authority). There are several reasons for this. (1) It is the only way to be loyal and true to what Jesus Christ, the apostles (i.e., those he personally authorized to deliver his original message) and the Bible itself teach about Scripture. Psalm 119 is a really good place to start.” (M.Hendrickson)

The Holy Spirit repeatedly warns that there will be many false teachers within the churches. These warnings against destructive beliefs and teachings among God's people began with Jesus (see Matt. 24:11, and were continued by the Holy Spirit through Paul in 2 Thess. 2:7, 1 Tim. 4:1, 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 1 Peter 1:1-22). Also John (1 John 2:18; 4:1; 2 John 7-11), and Jude (Jude 3-4, 12, 18). Once you start digging you will find even more. But the best thing to do is study - first praying for not only “truth” but for a “love of the truth” and pray for understanding, insight and revelation.