Power In His Name

 

There is great power in the name of Jesus, I know this firsthand.

On more than one occasion- twice I think it was- when I was a teenager, I was in bed lying down on my stomach resting in the middle of entering sleep while something held me down in like a sleep paralysis.

Immediately, without a second thought and on instinct I silently called out the name of Jesus without verbally speaking.

Whatever it was that held a grip onto me instantly let me go- and that is no exaggeration!

I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, will act for you with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with whirlwind and storm and consuming fire.- Isaiah 29: 6

When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”- Luke 10: 17

 

 

Perfectly Imperfect

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. -Isaiah 42:10

The verse: The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. –1 Corinthians 10:13 has definitely been taken out of context and misused.

Many people apply the not allowing temptation to be more than you can stand with God not allowing us to endure burdens or circumstances that we are unable to bear which is not at all biblical. I have heard it said many times in life that the Lord will not bring upon us any load or struggle that we cannot carry or handle.

The harsh reality is we do go through unbearable situations that we are incapable of managing.

Why, of course, do some people experience mental breakdowns, and some people try to escape their problems through drugs and alcohol?

Aside from certain individuals having chemical imbalances as a reason for their psychological issues, and certain individuals hooked on narcotics after experimenting for recreational fun, it is mainly because some of them are overwhelmed and some of them are too stressed to deal with pressure and need a way to cope.

Others may take out their frustration with rage and violent outbursts of anger while some take a more tragic turn and commit suicide.

Let’s face it, life is and can be very tough.

Plenty of people may say only the strong survive, and yes, there are a lot of us out there who are strong but to what extent? None of us are invincible to pain or devastation if or when it may hit any one of us, and depending on what that circumstance may appear to be it could come along to crush you, turning your whole world upside down and, maybe even side to side.

You would not know what hit you.

The good news is we are and were never meant to suffer within our own strength. We cannot manage sufficiently alone totally on our own.

I am a very strong person, yet what I came to realize is that there was actually a supernatural strength residing in me. The kind of durability that allowed me to be unbothered and unaffected by things and situations that would ordinarily cause vexation or destruction to average worldly people.

I thought the attributes of my strong spirit all came from my unique nature. In all truth, it had come from God’s holy spirit that had dwelt within me from my youth.

Our stability is obtained through being in step with the Lord. He fights our battles and he genuinely does gives us a peace that is beyond our understanding.

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31

Begin, Intertwine, And End The Day With God

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, -1 Peter 2:2

Isn’t it wonderful to wake up with, to spend the entire day with, and to go to sleep with the protective, loving, and knowledgeable presence of the Lord right there within and beside us! 

The highlight of my morning, afternoon, and evening is looking forward to the moments of spending times of enrichment in God’s word. The reading and communication bring such certainty and fulfillment. 

When I am doing things around the house, out running an errand, or interacting with others I still acknowledge and talk with the Lord simultaneously. That is an advantage and privilege we all have anywhere at any time in any circumstance. 

I love the way God speaks to me through biblical literature and scripture. He is so kind, compassionate, and thoughtful in caring enough to reveal answers or solutions to my questions and concerns.  

Not only by the guidance of his holy spirit does he notify me of things, but during non-coincidental incidents as I come upon writings or displays that exactly pertain to my specific condition or situation. 

What a fantastic reward to have a solid, healthy relationship and fellowship with the Lord. 

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. -1 Peter 1:8-9

Put Your Trust In God And Not In Others

Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they? -Isaiah 2:22

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. -Psalms 118:8

For all time there have been people who put on airs, people who talk nice to your face then talk negatively behind your back. Or, smile and behave kindly when in your company yet actually feel and think differently about you to themself. 

I have always been a person who is upfront and far from a phony, one to speak the unhesitant truth to someone directly within their presence. There is also a time to incorporate diplomacy. We do not always have to be so blunt-those of us who are honest and straightforward- some things are better left unsaid depending on the situation or circumstance. 

However, it is wise to not continue on dealing with individuals who your inner spirit gives you specific warnings about and who you do not trust. 

This world is full of deceitful people, jealous, people, malicious people, shady people and more. There are so many people that we cannot trust and, I was never one to easily put my faith in just anyone. While, of course, we have a society where very trustworthy people exist, they are not too common to find compared to the majority.  

One source who we all can definitely trust and depend on is our father in heaven. He looks out for those of us when we are in danger and keeps us alert about people that are not good or suitable for us to associate with. The wonderful gift of discernment has consistently been a lifesaver to me all throughout my life. 

I do not care if it is a family member, a pastor or anyone in a position of authority or supposedly looked at in high regard the Lord will let us know who has our best interest and who does not and we should take heed to the distinct messages when we receive them. 

Never trust anyone over God. Listen to his word and communicate with him and seek further understanding for his steady guidance within all things. 

The Lord will not fail in coming through to protect, comfort and provide. He accurately interprets and deciphers our character, personality, and state of being when others are unable to. No one has the capacity to comprehend us and our affairs the way our father in heaven does. 

People may lie, pretend, judge, try to manipulate, disappoint, cause trouble, and a tun of other unsavory things but it is God who runs the show. He knows, sees and hears all.  

All that we need to do is to go to him for the truth, go to him for authenticity, go to him for fairness and justification, go to him for integrity, go to him for satisfaction and delight, go to him for peace, and for everything else that is bountiful in nobility. 

We are completely safe and secure in his mighty and powerful hands. Praise the Lord for keeping us close, favored, and extremely loved within his merciful arms. Amen! 

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me. -Psalms 31:14-15

Sweet Surrender!

This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. -Isaiah 48:17

Walking with God is wonderful. It is good to know that we can rely solely on the Lord to lead us through life without having to depend on ourselves. After all, this is how the plan was meant to be originally. God’s initial design is still in effect regardless of the self-sufficient and self-promoting way of our society.

Many people in this world have and support the mindset and behavior of doing things in their own fashion and within their own strength. However, none of us actually do anything completely by our own ability.

It is the Lord who enables us to breathe, think, walk, talk, eat and so on. We do not go about our daily living without him.

We need God.

Yes, some people do succeed and prosper apart from a surrendered relationship and fellowship with God (also remember that it is God who allows all things to be possible), but at what later cost? There will never be a long-term enrichment or fulfillment. There will never be a foundation built on solid rock. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Matthew 7:24-27

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. -John 15:5

By putting a full trust in the Lord to lay all our concerns before him we receive freedom. The liberty and privilege of living a more abundant life of peace, hope, and faith. We are secure to know that our life is protected in the hands of the father and not in the unreliable and deceitful hands of the world.

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. -Psalms 16:11

Virginity And Celibacy

But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another. So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust. -1 Corinthians 7:7-9

All throughout my teenage years into my early adulthood I was proud to be a virgin. There was nothing for me to be ashamed or embarrassed about. I am in my forties now and still am not sexually active, nor do I desire to be.

I never wanted a husband; I knew I never would get married ever since childhood. I always felt destined to be happily single and I am very content this way. God has different plans for everyone according to the way he designed and prepared our lives.

Within society things of a sexual nature have been heavily promoted and encouraged for many, many years. It has become the norm to have casual sexual relationships and encounters.

Those who do not engage in or refuse to partake in premarital sex would be considered old-fashioned, lame, unfashionable, abnormal- nothing especially attractive or exciting to the popular culture.

I didn’t care about the popular culture or what anyone concluded and was tired of certain people making a big deal in regard to my virginity, and tired of those who assumed I was waiting for or holding out until matrimony.

It was rare and unusual to be a virgin in the eyes of these people and they either found it hard to believe because they were caught up in their own temptation or found the circumstance refreshing because of the moral aspect.

With me, there was no lustful temptation or moral example that I sought to achieve. I was just being me, a part of the way God made me. He does things to show how powerfully and wonderfully he can work through us apart from the ways of the world and the flesh.

There are people who once indulged regularly or who had one or two sexual encounters outside of wedlock then eventually decided to become celibate until they found a marriage partner or to just devote themselves entirely to God.

If one is a virgin or celibate in this day and age it is the correct way to go, the right lifestyle to live in honor to God and in honor of oneself. Our bodies are precious temples of the Lord and he desires us to be holy unto him.

The Lord has no condemnation toward those struggling with sexual sin or other sins and addictions that are harmful to the mind or body. Anyone can go to him for redemption if they are willing. He gives us all a choice on whether or not to follow the world/culture or to follow him.

There is nothing corny or cliche about virginity and celibacy outside of a marriage. It is the way life was meant to be, and the way that it should be according to God.

Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to abstain from sexual relations. -1 Corinthians 7:1

It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb -Revelation 14:4

The Best Worse Day Of Your Life

You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail. -Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever been rudely left at the altar, had an explosive argument just before the wedding that prevented the ceremony from taking place, or decided to say “I do not instead of I do” to the bride or groom in response to the minister who recited the agreement of the sacred vows in front of a gathering of invited guests?

Well, if so, consider the incident a blessing in disguise. All situations that do not go as planned or that may turn out as unfortunate events are sometimes actually put into occurrence to help and not to hurt.

There are distinct warnings, signs, or gut feelings that the holy spirit imparts to us that we may overlook, dismiss, or not take full notice of then either learn from or regret later on from our failure to heed insight.

Messages can even be spoken through another person in relation to one’s particular circumstance. We just have to be careful and test the information to make sure the advice and input is indeed a source from the spirit. Those who are like me, strong within the gift of discernment would know immediately or familiarly when truth and essence is being told or spoken. Any type of hint that is rooted in our experience and inner-knowing comes naturally by the ability to recognize where it is originating from.

There have been people who have known better about something yet went into a condition anyway. Many of us have did things against our better judgment. However, why enter into mishap, or error when it can be avoided, especially when alerted by divine intervention?

I know there are times when I look back on certain life wants that didn’t go well or as hoped for to later really appreciate that the circumstance saved me from an unpleasant or undesirable outcome. There were other preferable steps I was motioned toward that brought about greater encounters and expectations.

So, when God says no or not yet, it is because the request or situation is not meant or not ready to go into effect. God’s timing is different from ours he knows just when to deliver what is best. A “no” answer is often a surprise that leads to a greater event than you could never have imagined possible as a follow up, and suitable conclusion.

Thank our good Lord for the particular happenings that go wrong in order to show us in the direction of the things that will go right.

The LORD will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. -Psalms 138:8

The Light Of The Lord

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. -1 Peter 2:9

Isn’t it wonderful to shine in the light of the Lord?

The light of the Lord that shines upon one is distinct. There is nothing to compare it to, and nothing will compare to the radiance that it brings or gives.

When we bask in the glow of God’s divine love and teachings, we experience an exhilaration only his spirit can emit.

Self-control, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, kindness, forbearance, peace, joy and love is what makes the light shine bright when it reflects though us in representation of our Lord Jesus.

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

Refresh

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9

Begin the new year off right. Invite the Lord, God into your life. Then put and keep him first in everything you do.

Life will not be free of problems but the circumstances will be less complicated and they will run smooth while your heavenly father leads the way.

God knows what is best for us he knows what we need, he knows what to provide, and he knows what is ahead.

God is utterly in control of all our situations.

Have hope, keep the faith, and call on God daily all throughout the day by developing a close personal relationship with him.

Share any concerns you may have with the Lord. Consult with him on your ideas. Ask him for guidance, direction and instruction on how to comply with his will in your life.

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. -Psalms 55:22

Strong In God’s Spirit

There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him. -Luke 2:40

God is essential to our overall health and wellness. He genuinely does give us a peace and a joy in the midst of good or bad times- I can definitely attest to this fact. In my case, the difficulty and trouble did not affect or touch me at all during past situations.

I was content in what may have seemed like a misfortune or struggle to some and to those who were responsible for trying to sabotage my life back then.

People of the world are not capable of understanding the power and authority of the spirit. If you were to give your allegiance to the world, they would love and welcome you as one of their own. But because you won’t align yourself with the values of this world, they will hate you. I have chosen you and taken you out of the world to be mine. -John 15:19

I have been very spiritually inclined since my youth and am in tune with my spiritual gifts of wisdom and discernment.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. “See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and humiliated. Anyone who opposes you will die and come to nothing. You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing. -Isaiah 41:10-12

The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. -Psalms 121:7-8

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. -Isaiah 43:2

True Christian Behavior

But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.” 2 Timothy 2:19

But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. 1 John 3:8-10

The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 14:11-12

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When we become saved (a born again Christian) God’s holy spirit comes to literally dwell within us. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself -1 Corinthians 6:19

The spirit is our helper and comforter.

Not only does God endow us with supernatural abilities (spiritual gifts) he divinely enables us to become holy by gradually perfecting/changing us in Jesus Christ’s image.

We will never be flawless within our fleshly bodies in this fallen world and we will at times sin, however, our sin will be less and it won’t be constant or intentional.

During those periods we may suddenly or accidentally slip up, we acknowledge our error to God and receive his forgiveness. Always requesting in him that he aid us to improve.

No one sincere takes the Lord’s grace and mercy for granted, knowing that he blessed us within this way should encourage us to look forward with appreciation and motivation to cooperate.

The true Christian does not practice sin as a way of life. The way of life puts sin out of practice.

Anyone who claims to be living in the spirit yet does worldly things routinely is not a legitimate follower who surrendered to Christ. When embraced by the holy spirit, everything starts to change- desires, thoughts, personality and foundation. One’s entire manner of being has become refashioned. God’s essence brings a purity to the presence.

I knew a man years ago when I was a young child, I think I was around ten or eleven (around that time I had accepted Jesus). He was an associate of my family. He used to treat me funny until one day he came to my home and witnessed me reading my bible. I don’t know what his problem was, I was just a kid.

Anyway, this married man called himself a person of God and of the church but would come over to my house asking if he could use our VCR (this was back in the 1980’s) to watch porn tapes he had brought over. He also pinched one of my mother’s friends on her derriere at the staircase.

Now my point is also that he acted negative toward me for a while and I hadn’t done anything to him but it was alright for him to fulfill his lustful desires apart from his wife. Typical judgmental so called/false Christian behavior.

This is why so many professing Christians/followers of Christ leave a bad taste in other people’s mouths and bad impressions of what true Christians are and represent.

It used to be said that the worse kinds of people are the ones in the church. Whether some deserved that reputation or not depending on opinion the main focus of everything is to get it together with God because only he can make things right for everyone.

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My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. -1 John 2:1-6


Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13

For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. -Colossians 1:27-29

God Speaks

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. -1 Corinthians 13:11

I remember during my twenties I was very strong in prayer and talking to God, and getting feedback from the Lord.

Although he stays the same within his character situations do incline to change depending on our behavior, growth, trial, outlook, and so on. Many factors can play a role in our relationship with God.

I’ve noticed through various stages of my life from childhood to adulthood the different ways I’d feel the Lord’s presence and recognized his footprints making an impact.

He was always there but incorporated his provision in a wide range of demonstration according to how I progressed, and spiritually matured.

For example, when a baby is weaned off the bottle and can begin to eat solid food, they soon learn to balance drink with a cup and thoroughly chew with their teeth. The baby is starting to develop into a state where the parent doesn’t have to feed them as an infant need to be fed anymore.

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. -1 Peter 2:2-3

The child is becoming capable of feeding themself with the nurturing beforehand of the parent and the maturing of the body.

Eventually the child will walk on its own, talk, use the toilet on its own and then start school. So, the child will still need their parent’s guidance and supervision, however, the parent no longer has to carry the child in the way they did before.

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. -Colossians 2:7

Once we get to the levels where we need to be there are higher steps in experiencing the way God can and does work in our lives. He deals with us at our own pace he meets us where we’re at he knows if we are ready or not to move forward in certain areas and how we’ll be responsive.

Our experiences teach us, strengthen us, and enable us to deepen our relationship with the Lord if we allow our hearts to be directed through him.

Even when we don’t willingly desire to go through the bad times (and who does) he brings us out of our circumstances as better people. We then notice and hear his voice in an array of discerning ways.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -James 1:2-4

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. –Philippians 1:6