Friday, December 14, 2012

Jesus came to set you Free-2


Blessings means - good favor, victory, success productivity
Curses means - oppression, negative atmosphere, defeat, non productivity
How will you know if you are under curses?
There are mainly seven areas.
1 - Mental or emotional breakdown
2 - Repeated or chronic sickness, medically no diagnosis
3 - Repeated miscarriages, female related illness
4 - Marriage problems, separation etc.
5 - Financial insufficiency, jobless
6 - Accident prone
7 - Suicidal or unnatural deaths
You may ask -
- But why did these curses come upon me
- What did I do???
- Can someone tell me my mistakes???
Read Proverbs 26:2
"Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest."
Root cause of all curses is not obeying God's voice
1. Not obeying God's commands
Deuteronomy 28:15 
"However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you:"
2. Worshiping idol, false gods, or participating in occult practices
1 Samuel 15:23
"For rebellion is like the sin of divination,and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,he has rejected you as king.”
3. Not respecting your parents
Ephesians 6:1-3
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
4. Illicit or unnatural sex
5. Injustice to the weak
6. Trust in man
Jeremiah 17:5
"This is what the LORD says:“Cursed is the one who trusts in man,who draws strength from mere fleshand whose heart turns away from the LORD."
7. Failure to fulfill promises 
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.
8. Being stingy towards God 
Malachi 3:8-10
8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
9. Spoken words said by people in authority.
10. Self-imposed curses.
11. Curses from people representing satan.
12. Soulish prayers, utterances & gossip
13. Generational curses 
Exodus 20:1-6
1 And God spoke all these words:2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.3 “You shall have no other gods before[a] me.4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
The good news is Jesus has paid the price for you and me.
Galatians 3:13-14
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[a] 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
How to be free from curses? 
1. Put your trust in the word 
1 John 3:8
The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
2. Be obedient to God's word 
Deuteronomy 28:1-2
1 If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God:
3. Confess your and your parent's and forefather's sins. 
4. Forgive every person 
5. Renounce all contact with other gods. 
Deuteronomy 7:25-26
The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the LORD your God. 26 Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as vile and utterly detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.
6. Release yourself in the name of Jesus
Matthew 18:18 
“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
Now pray and be free as per Galations 3:13-15
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. 15 Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case.
Amen

Friday, November 2, 2012

Above All Guard Your Heart

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.If the first two fruits, love and Joy are not present in a person it will be hard to posses the third fruit.
Before I move further, I have some questions
Do you have peace in your life?
Do you have peace in your family?
Do you have peace with your parents?
Do you have peace with your children?
Do you have peace at your work?
Do you have peace with your boss?
How valuable peace in your life is?
What would you pay for it?
What would you do in order to bring peace in your life?
What did God do to bring peace in your life?
Say- Gave His son
What did His son do to bring peace in your life?
Say- Gave His life
Then what happened?
Read John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
He gave His peace and He left His peace with us and said do not let your hearts be in trouble
It means God is concerned about our lives.
When He gave us His Holy Spirit, He gave His fruit also.
God’s love is unconditional; it means He always loves us.
Joy is from the Lord.
Peace, that we are going to talk about will also be found where there is love and joy.
God is in the midst of a family and fruit of His Spirit will grow in the midst of people only
Would you like to see God’s fruits growing in the midst of you or not
If yes, then you must know that there is a cost for it
If you do not want to pay the price, how will you be called of Jesus?
Read John 17:16-18
They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
You are in the world but not of the world. Jesus works through your body in others lives. It means He is very close to you so you are likely to be like Him slowly
Are you transforming like Him or like the enemy?
Test yourself -
Search your heart-
1. Is God’s peace with you?
Read Romans 5:1-2
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
If God’s peace is not with you, you will be influenced by the world and your faith will waver then how can you receive from God? This is very dangerous because it allows Devil’s will not God’s will be done
Read James 1:6-8
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
2. Do you have peace in your life
Read Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
When you have tough time in your life where do you turn?
God is our father He will surely shape us so that we can have a better personality
You must know that God’s word gives us peace not the fear
3. Is there conflict between peace and pride?
Read Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus is talking about our every day’s burden. It may be related with family, with job, with health. These burdens we have to carry everyday.
Are you living a prideful life?
How many times has your pride put you in trouble?
If you, who are of the Lord will have the ways of the world, then don’t you think devil will hinder your progress?
4. Do you have peace even among stubborn people?
Read Romans 14:12-19
So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
God has called us for the reconciliation not for judging each other. He has called us to remain in His love, joy and peace.
Read Matthew 18:19
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
God does not want anyone of us to perish, that’s why He is asking to agree with each other. If we do not work in harmony the devil will win and destroy us.
If you love the world, then it is dangerous.
Some points to remember-
1. Jesus said His path is narrow but the world’s ways are wide
2. It seems we are living life but it leads to darkness
3. It brings disrespect and the devil seems to dominate
4. It breaks your inner peace
One Advice -
Read Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Guard your heart because the battle field is this world and its ways
Read Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
My last question
Who is holding your heart the world or Jesus?
If Jesus then you are not made for defeat
Read Proverbs 24:16
for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
Say- I am God’s righteous and His peace is with me
My Prayer-
Father in the name of Jesus,
I give you thanks for giving success in the lives of the people who trust in you.. I pray and thank that these people have faith in you and you provide them the peace. The best days are about to come in their lives. You have blessed them richly. God’s ways are peaceful this you have revealed through your spirit.
Amen

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Growing in Christ

Lesson 5 Growing in Christ
(Romans 6, 1 John 3, Ephesians 6)
   
Copr. 2012, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D.  All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society,  unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. If you normally receive this lesson by e-mail, but it is lost one week, you can find it by clicking on this link: http://www.GoBible.org. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study.

Introduction: Last week we learned the heart of the gospel: salvation is by free grace alone, there is nothing we can do to earn it. Our studies for this week and the next two are about how those who are saved should live. Have you ever been embarrassed by a member of your “group?” It might be your family, your church, your organization, or, perhaps, a Christian leader. Someone did something that brought shame. Since a battle rages between good and evil, and those saved by grace have chosen the side of good, shouldn’t we do everything we can to aid good, to repay love with love, and not harm the name of Jesus? 
Let’s plunge into our Bible and see what it teaches us about how those confident of their salvation should live!
I.    Death to Sin
A.    Read Romans 6:8.
How did we “die with Christ?”
(Read Romans 6:1-3. That is one of the amazing things about grace. The penalty for sin is death. The Bible says that when we are baptized, we participate in Jesus’ death on our behalf. Our debt is paid!)
A.    Read Romans 6:4-7.
What is our relationship with sin after baptism?
(Our old self died, therefore we have been “freed from sin.”)
1.    Does it feel that way?
(I struggle with sin. If you say you don’t struggle with sin, you likely struggle with honesty.)
1.    When Paul writes that we are “freed from sin,” how has our relationship to sin changed?
(I think he means we are freed from being forced to choose sin. Sin is no longer our involuntary master.)
I.    The Choice
A.    Read Romans 6:8-10.
Pay close attention here. If we died with Christ, does that mean in some supernatural way I have died to sin, even though it still seems to plague me?
A.    Read Romans 6:11.
If we died to sin in baptism, why is Paul asking us to “count yourself dead to sin?”
(I think Paul is making a common sense argument, not a supernatural argument. He says salvation was won for you by Jesus. In baptism you participated in Jesus’ death on your behalf. Now live like you are dead to sin.)
A.    Read Romans 6:12.
If something supernatural happened to me to kill my old sinful self, why is the Bible telling me not to let sin reign in my body?
(This shows living a holy life is a choice. Paul asks us to choose to reject sin.)
1.    Whose evil desires are we discussing?
(Sin in my “mortal body” has evil desires. This text brings great light. The post-baptism person, whose old self was crucified, has evil desires!  Now we are talking about something that accords with my experience in life.)
 1.    Notice a very important word, “reign.” What is Paul saying about the nature of sin in our life when he says, “do not let sin reign in your mortal body?”
What is he not saying about sin?(He is not saying “No molecule of sin can exist in your life.”  No, he says, “Don’t let sin be in charge of your life!” If you find yourself (a person certain of salvation) wrestling with sin, welcome to the journey to holiness!)
A.    Read Romans 6:13.
How should we contend with sin?
(Choices. Choose God, not sin. Use your body to do what pleases God, don’t use your body to do what is wicked.)
A.    Read Romans 6:14. Is the outcome in question?
(As long as you are saved by grace, you know sin cannot be your master.  You might wonder at times, but the outcome is clear. Paul says “Live like someone assured of salvation.” Notice again the concern is sin being your master, reigning over you, as opposed to the ordinary struggle with sin.)
A.    Read Romans 6:15.
Why does Paul add this question here?
(People say the same thing today that they said thousands of years ago, “If I’m saved by free grace, and there is nothing I can do to earn salvation, then I might as well sin!”  Or, if you are a critic of grace, you say, “Free grace means it doesn’t matter what you do!”)
A.    Read Romans 6:16-18.
Why does sin still matter to those confident of their salvation?
(We have made a choice. We have chosen God has our Master. God has freed us from the penalty for our sins. Therefore we need to be loving and loyal to our Commander.)
I.    The Big Picture
A.    Think about your favorite (or most troublesome) sin.  Got it in mind?
How does it impact others?
Does that impact on others reflect love or selfishness on your part? 
Do your actions advance or hinder the Kingdom of God?
1.    Do you spend much time thinking about how your sins (or contemplated sins) harm others?
A.    Read Ephesians 6:10-13.
What is the nature of the conflict over sin?
(It is God versus “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”)
1.    How are we a part of this conflict? (The counsel to put on “the full armor” sounds like we are warriors. We are soldiers.)
1.    What is the source of our power? (God.)
1.    Who is not the enemy? (Not other sinners.)
1.    What kind of fight is this? How can we fight Satan and demons?
A.    Skim Ephesians 6:14-18.
What do these articles of war have in common?
(With the exception of the sword, they are all purely defensive weapons.)
1.    What does this suggest about the nature of our battle?
(You are the battle ground! Your life is the battle ground.)
1.    If your life is the battle ground, does it make sense that how you act is important?
A.    Read 1 John 3:1-3.
How do children feel about normal, loving parents?
(They stand together as a family against the world.)
1.    What happens if someone attacks a member of your family?
(Your natural reaction is to defend the family member.)
A.    Read 1 John 3:4-5.
How does our understanding of the family guide our thoughts about sin?
(God is in a battle against sin. As part of His family we are part of this battle.  Jesus died to save us from sin. If we look at the “big picture,” rather than focusing on the temporary excitement of our sin issues, we will realize how important it is to take a stand against sin in our life.)
1.    How does this “family” analogy fit with the armor analogy in Ephesians 6?
(It fits perfectly. We are saved by grace, but we are in a fight to preserve the integrity of our “family” (God and fellow Christians). We avoid bringing shame on the family. We help other members of the family.)
A.    Re-read 1 John 3:4-7 and then read Romans 7:14-18.
How can you reconcile the apparent contradiction between John and Paul?
(I think Paul is arguing the “little picture,” meaning, “What does the sin in my life mean?” 
He answers, it means you are human.
John, on the other hand, is arguing the “big picture.”
If we are part of the “God family,” if our family is in a world-wide fight against evil, then we will want to avoid sin and evil in our life.  Lawyers have a phrase that illustrates John’s point,
“How can you ride with the cops and cheer for the robbers?”)
A.    Read 1 John 3:8-10, Romans 8:1-4 and Romans 8:9-11.
We see here that the apparent gap between John and Paul has narrowed. This is where the big picture and the little picture come into the same frame. How does this help us to better understand grace?
(We are saved by grace alone. The decision to accept Jesus is a decision to choose to live in accord with the Holy Spirit and not in accord with our sinful nature. Our goal must be holiness - and we must be serious about our goal.)
A.    Read Colossians 2:13-17. What does this suggest about the nature of sin?
(In our goal for holiness, we need to realize that sin focuses on our relationship to Jesus. This is an issue we will continue to explore.)
A.    Friend, do you care about the sin in your life?
Has salvation by grace alone made you sloppy when it comes to obeying God’s will?  Why not decide today to make holiness your goal?

I.    Next week: Victory Over Evil Forces.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Salvation: The Only Solution

Lesson 4 Salvation: The Only Solution (Genesis 4, Leviticus 1 & 6, Galatians 3, Romans 3)
Copr. 2012, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D.  All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society,  unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. If you normally receive this lesson by e-mail, but it is lost one week, you can find it by clicking on this link: . Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study.  Introduction: My wife recently attended a conference of clergy and church school teachers. Through the wizardry of modern technology, in one session the audience could give electronic feedback that was instantly computed and displayed on a screen at the front. The question posed to the audience was whether they were confident of their salvation.  The positive response was discouragingly low. 

If you have made a decision for Christ, but are uncertain of your salvation, you must get this “big picture” theology right. Join me in this important journey through the Bible to discover the true meaning of grace!
I.      Old Testament Grace
A.      Read Genesis 4:2-5.
Why is Abel’s offering more acceptable than Cain’s?
Is this occupation discrimination?
A.      Read Genesis 4:6-7.
What similar things did both sons do?
(They both labored in the field. They both chose their best (first fruits) for God. They both brought an offering to God.)
1.      What, then, is God talking about when he says that Cain must “do what is right?”
Cain and Able have done essentially the same thing! (It is not that one did work and the other did not. It is that one followed God’s instructions for an offering.)
1.      What is the purpose of this offering?
A.      Read Leviticus 1:1-2.
What is being discussed here? (Animal offerings - the same subject as in the Cain and Able story.)
A.      Read Leviticus 1:3-4.
What work was required under the Old Testament system to have a person made right with God?
(No work was required for the forgiveness of sin. Atonement came solely from having the animal die on behalf of the person. Note, however, that God is interested in property rights, and in Leviticus 6:1-7 requires stolen property to be returned with a 20% penalty. However, this reflects God’s concerns for property rights between individuals, the thief is not repaying God for his sin.)
1.      What does our short journey into Leviticus teach us about why Cain’s offering was unacceptable? (Read Genesis 3:2-4. The penalty for sin is death. The death of the animal brought atonement for sin. The “death” of an apple does not. Blood, not apple juice, makes atonement for sin.)
A.      Under the Old Testament system, could hard work ever bring a right relationship with God? (Ask Cain.  Cain’s arrogance and anger over being wrong on this point of truth caused him to kill his brother.)
A.      Have you previously considered that the Old Testament system for forgiveness of sins modeled grace?  Read Titus 1:1-3.
How long has God had His grace plan in effect? (It was promised “before the beginning of time!”  It makes perfect sense that the sanctuary system would serve as a model of grace.)
I.      The Cain Problem Today
A.      Whenever I teach about grace, I receive notes from readers protesting that we are “saved from our sins, not in our sins.”  What do you think this means? Does it mean that if we are sinful we cannot be saved? If so, who is free from sin?
And, what, exactly, is meant by “sin?”
A.      Read Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 5:14, Isaiah 64:6 and Romans 3:9-12.
Based on these texts, if we cannot be saved “in our sins,” who can be saved? (No one.)
A.      What is the problem facing those who believe, like Cain, that some work on their part will make them (their offering) acceptable to God?
(They are lost.  No one is righteous. If you think that your behavior saves you in any way, you are like Cain. Not only did Cain become angry with his brother, but he was rejected by God for failing to follow the only path to salvation.)
A.      Let’s get back to the introduction. If a Christian has given his heart to God, and he is uncertain of his salvation, what does that mean?
(It means that Christian believes that his actions have in some way caused him to lose salvation. This is Cain thinking.  That belief, rather than sin in the life, poses the greatest danger to salvation. Cain’s works offering was unacceptable to God.)
1.      Does this mean that once a person is saved they are for all times saved?
(No! The issue is whether you choose to be an Abel, choose to be on God’s side, and to accept His method of salvation.  You can always turn away from God, you can break that connection with Him, and you can choose to live a life outside God’s will.)
I.      Assurance of Salvation Through Grace Alone
A.      Read Galatians 3:6-9. Who does Paul point to as our example of righteousness by faith? (Abraham, an Old Testament hero.)
A.      Read Galatians 3:10-14.
What is so dangerous about having the Cain attitude that our works determine our standing before God? (“All who rely on observing the law are under a curse.” Trying to keep the law is a no-win situation.)
A.      Read Romans 3:21-23.
When Paul says “there is no difference,” what difference is he talking about? (There is no difference between us sinners. We have all sinned. Some sin greatly, others sin less, but because we are all sinners, there is no difference in God’s eyes.)
A.      Read Romans 3:24-26.
What is the only path to salvation? (Grace! We are justified freely by grace.)
1.      If a person is uncertain of salvation, what would be the reason for that?
(They would be thinking about some imperfection in their life. Something they needed to work on.)  a.      What does the “no difference” statement say to this person concerned about still being “in sin?” (You have no “minor sin” in your life. As far as God is concerned, there is “no difference” between you and a serial killer! “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. If you fall short, you fall short whether it is by an inch or a hundred miles. Grace is a gift, it does not turn on your works.)
A.      Read Romans 3:27-30.
Paul says “no boasting.” Why?
(Because our works have nothing to do with grace.)
1.      What is the opposite of boasting?
(Feelings of inferiority or inadequacy.)
a.      If boasting is out, are feelings of inadequacy out?
(Yes! Praise God they are no more logical than boasting. A lack of confidence in our Lord’s grace, is no better than our boasting about our role in the Lord’s gift of grace.)
A.      Read Romans 4:4-5.
What is our obligation when it comes to grace?
(To trust God.)
1.      If we are uncertain of our salvation, are we trusting God?
(No. We are considering whether we have enough “credit” from our own works!)
I.      The Path to Holiness
A.      Read Romans 3:31.
What does a correct understanding of unmerited grace do to the law?
(It is not against the law. It upholds the law.)
A.      Read Galatians 5:13-18.
Once we have full and complete assurance of salvation by grace alone, how shall we live? (We are free!  We do not need to obey the law to continue in grace.  But Paul says “do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature.”)
1.      Why would it be unnatural for us to indulge the sinful nature?
(God died for my sins. He gave up His life for your sins. Sin has created a flood of pain and suffering for God and for humans. If God so greatly loved you, how can you fail to live a life of love towards others? The essence of the law is love.)
A.      Read again Galatians 5:16-18.
What is the key to living a life of love, a life pleasing to God?
(Live by the power of the Holy Spirit!)
A.      Read Galatians 5:19-25. Are we called to live a holy life? (Yes. Without doubt.)
1.      Does living a holy life, and refraining from living a sinful nature life, save us?
(No! We are still saved by grace alone. It is a gift.)
1.      Assured of our salvation, what is the goal of our life?
(To have the Holy Spirit crucify our sinful nature, with its “passions and desires.”)
A.      Dear friend, accept God’s free gift of salvation by grace alone with joy and confidence!  If you choose to confess sin, and accept Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf, you are saved. You need have no doubt of your salvation. On the other hand, if you believe your salvation turns on your right works, you are following Cain - and you are under a curse.  Will you, today, take the gift and not the curse?      
Next week: Growing in Christ.                                    

Saturday, October 20, 2012

God's everlasting covenant is with you

2 Samuel 23:5

 “If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,
  arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation
  and grant me my every desire.

Saturday, August 4, 2012


“I, the Lord, refuse to accept
    anyone who is proud.
Only those who live by faith
    are acceptable to me.Habakkuk 2:4(CEV)


Success is state of mind


It is your attitude which determines your thinking. If you have an attitude of achieving success in your life, you will discipline your mind and body. That is the beginning to be an over comer
In Revelation 12:11, it says they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimonies
Who is this Lamb?
Read John 1:29, …….”Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”
Say- My sin penalty has been paid
Say – I am an over-comer
Sometime back, I read a story which talked about a poor old man who became rich. During that time cars were invented and only very rich people could afford it. To show his wealth the old man purchased a car for himself and a nice suit with hat. Every morning he would go out in his car greet people and come back without blowing his horn even once though the streets were crowded.
Do you want to know why?
Because he had two horses pulling his car the whole day
Do you want to know why were horses pulling his car?
Because he never knew how to drive the car
Most of the time we are also like him, who have God given potential of not two horses but of hundreds of horses in us, but we do not know how to operate in the realm of blessing
Say – I have potential
Say – I will operate in the realm of blessing
I am taking you bit further it will open your eyes to recognize your worth and the ability God has given you as a child of God
Read Luke 16:19-26,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
Notice few things here
1. The story teller is no one but Jesus, and He will sit on the judgment seat and judge us in the day of judgment
2. A judge has every authority to forgive or to punish, Jesus came to forgive you
3. Ask Him and He will forgive you all your sins
4. The rich-man was not right before God but was well focused in his goals that is why he gained success in this world but he missed his eternity in heaven
5. It means rich-man was sinning
6. Lazarus the beggar had all the potential to have everything on this earth as well in heaven but he missed the prosperity on the earth due to his ignorance
Read Hosea 4:6, it says “My people are destroyed from the lack of knowledge”
7. It means Lazarus was lazy and ignorant of all what God had already given to him
8. He was sick and not able to work, that’s why he was relying on the food which was thrown from rich-man’s house
9. He was unaware of his healing
But see the end result of these two men’s life, one who lived richly reached to eternal torment and the beggar in the heaven
Say – I will not be destroyed
Say – I have knowledge
Many a times as a youth I have questioned God
“Why do you allow the bad men to flourish?” The same way as Jeremiah cried unto The Lord
Jeremiah 12:1
You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
As I began to grow in Lord I understood 3 principles, which helped me to know, why it happens?
1. I learned as per Genesis 3:17, ……”Cursed is the ground because of you, through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life” Every man has to work hard to get prosperity
2. I learned as per Deuteronomy 8:17 and18, “….. my power and the strength of my hands have produce this wealth for me But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth,…”
3. I learned that one can become prosperous when he gets the inheritance from his father
To make it easier I will say one can be prosperous
1. Through his hard work
2. Through hard work and favor of God
3. Through transfer of the property from father to son etc.
4. Through cheating also
I will ask you, “Which one is the best prosperity?”
Through hard work and favor of God!! Right!
Say – I work hard every day
Say – I have favor of God
Today I am here to encourage all of you and tell you whatever may be your situation but there is always hope in Christ, come out of your situation and tap into your God given ability and allow His Holy Spirit to operate in your life to make it successful in every area of your life
God wants us to be knowledgeable
God wants us to be prosperous
God wants us to be in heaven not in hell
God wants us to be sin free
God wants us to be healed
Stand at your feet and talk to Him
Ask Him to forgive you and release His favor upon you
Amen