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King of the Jews

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew 2:1-2 KJV

In the East, at this time, there was a general expectation of a king – a Messiah – to be born in Judea who was to rule the whole world. The wisest men believed in this king and expected to see him. Somehow they knew that the star had something to do with Jesus birth and they followed it right to where He was. Daniel had predicted the Messiah’s coming and the crucifixion (or being “cut off”) to be 483 years after the Babylonian captivity and the Lord’s commandment to restore Jerusalem (Daniel 9:24-27) – seven days represents seven year – and that is just when He appeared and the prophecy fulfilled!

Jesus was born to rule. He rules in the hearts of every believer and will reign forever, over everything and everyone, after His second coming:

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:32-33 KJV

Jesus is the Son of the Most High (the Highest) – the Seed of David who would reign forever over a never ending kingdom!

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. 2 Samuel 7:16 KJV

The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. Psalms 132:11 KJV

And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.Isaiah 16:5 KJV

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

“Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” – given to Israel AND to Judah.

It was predicted that Christ would come from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Jesse, David, and Israel as a nation – a king born to rule, not only over them, but over the whole world.

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37 KJV

Jesus was born King of the Jews; He was the King of the Jews when He went to the cross and He is King of the Jews now and forever – not only the Jews, but King of all mankind – King of kings and Lord of lords! The Jews expected the messiah to be a military king, but he came to defeat a greater enemy – the enemy of your soul.

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5-6 KJV

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15 KJV

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5 KJV

For [Christ] must be King and reign until He has put all [His] enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy to be subdued and abolished is death. 27 For He [the Father] has put all things in subjection under His [Christ’s] feet. But when it says, All things are put in subjection [under Him], it is evident that He [Himself] is excepted Who does the subjecting of all things to Him. 28 However, when everything is subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also subject Himself to [the Father] Who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all [be everything to everyone, supreme, the indwelling and controlling factor of life]. 1 Corinthians 15:25-28 AMP

Jesus Christ will rule and reign as King until ALL things are under His feet.

Winning the Battles in Our Lives

Rodney Howard Browne shows us a sky

Rodney Howard Browne talks about how to win the battles in our lives. The battles of life regularly appear overpowering, leaving you with feelings of hopelessness and despair. It is reassuring at these times to read the account of David’s victory over Goliath to grasp that nothing is too large for God. David was a teen who already was soaked in the manners of the Lord because of many nights he invested closely looking for God while shepherding sheep. David’s ready, obedient servant’s angle positioned him for the victory that would catapult him into greatness : his pop wanted him to run an errand and take supplies to the battleground, and David obeyed. But, when David least anticipated it, God opened a monumental door for him.

Rodney Howard Browne points out to David’s story. Notice how David answered in one Samuel 17:45-47. He not only felt forced to battle for what he knew was right but was ardent. He seemed to make a positive religion confession in the face of frightening percentages, and he confirmed the right incentive. Eventually , David answered as we all should in our Goliath life struggles. He depended on the power of God and not on his very own strength. What’s the famous line that echoes from this story?

The battle is the Lord’s. Remember how it started. David had invested numerous hours in intimacy with the Lord. His inexhaustible religion and trust in the Lord came as the battle had long formerly been fought – on his knees.

Getting drunk with the Holy Spirit

Rodney Howard Browne explains how to fill your life with the Holy Spirit. 18 And don’t get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery ; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. Nineteen Talk out to each other in psalms and hymns and religious songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making tune with all your heart to the Lord, twenty at any time and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the daddy. Ephesians 5:18-20 To Be crammed with The Spirit you may Be Empty * Empty yourself of yourself. * Empty yourself of sin. * Things of the planet * Wants that are not of God * Deal with the things of the past ; cut them off Colossians 3:5 AMP – So kill ( deaden, deprive of power ) the malevolent desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin] : sexual vice, impurity, sensuous appetites, unholy wishes, and all gluttony and covetousness, for that is idolatry ( the deifying of self and other made things rather than God ).

* after you empty yourself you should deal with filling yourself up.

Rodney Howard Browne teaches us to hunger and thirst for goodness. You have to be Parched * If you hunger and thirst after goodness you’ll be filled, if you draw nigh unto me. * Matthew fifty six AMP – Sanctified and lucky and content and spiritually wealthy ( in that state in which the born-again kid of God enjoys His favor and deliverance ) are people who hunger and thirst for goodness ( uprightness and right standing with God ), for they shall be totally satisfied! * James 4:8a AMP – come near to God and he is going to come close to you.

* As the deer panteth for the water. Psalms 42:1 AMP – As the hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so I puff and long for You, O God. You have to be Hungry * Non secular appetitedevelop it * How are you able to be stuffed with the Spirit when you’re full of everything else? * Religious fast food * Isaiah 55:1 ( Message Bible ) Hey there! All who are parched, come to the water! Are you penniless? Come anywaybuy and eat! Come, get your drinks, buy wine and milk.

Rodney Howard Browne explains that we shoule fill ourselves with only what is good. Buy without money everything’s free! Why do you spend your cash on preprocessed food, your gainfully acquired money on cotton candy? Hear me, listen well : Eat only the best ; fill yourself with only the best. Concentrate, come near now, listen punctiliously to my life-giving, life-nourishing words. You may Come Expecting To Be Filled * crammed with the New Wine * crammed with the Holy Spirit filled with God Himself * Ephesians 3:19 AMP – [That you may truly come] to understand [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far transcends mere information [without experience] ; that you could be filled [through all your being] unto all of the fullness of God [may have the wealthiest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body unconditionally filled and flooded with God Himself]! You may permit the Lord To Fill You * With joy shall ye draw forth water out of the wells of Deliverance . * Isaiah 12:3 AMP – So with joy will you draw water from the wells of deliverance. * we’ve all been made to drink unto one Spirit. * one Corinthians 12:13 AMP – For by [means of the private agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit. You have to Give Out so you Can Start the entire Process Again * Empty, parched & hungry, expectancy, permit God to fill you give out.

* But be ye being filled * Continually filled and emptied, filled and emptied * Ephesians 5:18 AMP – And don’t get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery ; but ever be filled and excited with the [Holy] Spirit. STAY HUNGRY & Parched .

Understanding the Power of the Spirit

Thus we also, since we are trapped by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside each weight, and the sin which so simply ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, two looking unto Jesus, the writer and finisher of our religion, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV In this teaching, Rodney Howard Browne describes the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ one. There’s a day coming when all we, who accept the Lord Jesus Christ, will all stand before Him at His Judgment Seat.

A. The Judgment Seat of Christ is for the follower, not for the sinner. B. Some folks are concerned only with getting their ticket to Heaven ; however, there’s more to Heaven than just getting there. C. Two Corinthians 5:9-10 AMP -, whether we are at home [on earth away from Him] or away from home [and with Him], we are constantly bold and try earnestly to be pleasing to Him. Ten For we must all appear and be disclosed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that every one may receive [his pay] according to what he’s done in the body, whether good or malevolent [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing]. D. The Judgment Seat of Christ isn’t a place of denunciation where your eternal destination heaven or hell is decided, but it is a place where you receive your pay according to what you have done, whether bad. E. Each man and lady will have to give an account for their lives here on the earth. Rodney Howard Browne shows us the way in which the Fire of God works in the life of a Christian two. The fire of God will try your works. A. One Corinthians 3:8-15 NKJV – Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and every one will receive his very own reward according to his very own work. Nine For we are God’s fellow employees ; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. Ten According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a smart master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let every one take heed how he builds on it. Eleven for no actual foundation can anybody lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Twelve Now if anybody builds on this foundation with gold, silver, dear stones, wood, hay, straw, thirteen each one’s work will become clear ; for the Day will declare it, because it’s going to be revealed by fire ; and the fire will test every one’s work, of what sort it is. Fourteen If anybody’s work which he has built on it endures, he’ll receive a reward. Fifteen If anybody’s work is burned, he’ll suffer loss ; but he himself will be saved, yet so as thru fire. B.

Jesus Christ – crucified and raised from the dead – is our foundation the sole foundation on which one can build.

C. You can not earn deliverance with good works – you receive God’s grace and mercy by religion. Once Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you’re going to heaven, but it remains vital to do good works alongside right motives.

This is where you earn your heavenly rewards. D. Your works are classified as either gold, jewels and dear stones or wood, hay and stubble, dependent on what your motives have been. E. Your works will be tested as a foundation for recompense of rewards. They’ll go through fire. F. Two John one : eight Easy-to-Read Version – Be careful! Don’t lose the reward you have worked for. Be careful so you will receive all your reward. Rodney Howard Browne debates the judgment of God three. What is going to be judged? A. Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV – For the word of God is living and strong, and sharper than any two-edged blade, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Thirteen And there’s no creature concealed from His sight, but all things are exposed and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. B. Your thoughts and motives will be judged.

C. Matthew 12:36 AMP – But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for each idle ( inoperative, nonworking ) word they talk.

D. You’ll be judged for your idle, careless words. These are words that are not productive they produce no life gossip, grumbling and moaning, back-biting, judging, criticising, for example.

The Miracle of Provision

When some people wake up in the morning, they’re not expecting God’s provision. They’re expecting lack. They’re not expecting God’s favor; they’re expecting to be attacked by ten o’clock! I don’t live like that. I’m waking up looking for the blessing of heaven. I’m looking for the provision of the Lord. The Bible says the blessing of the Lord makes one rich and He adds no sorrow with it. (See Proverbs 10:22.)

God wants you to have abundant life — good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. (See Luke 6:38.) That’s what you are to expect. What are you expecting from tomorrow? Good things. What are you expecting from this week? Good things. I’m not believing for bad things. I’m believing for good things. I’m believing for the provision of the Lord.

Sometimes, however, we slip and find ourselves worrying about the Lord’s provision. This even happens to ministers. I remember a time when we were on the road, constantly, in crusades. I couldn’t take a week off and believe that God was going to meet the needs of our ministry during my time off. I had a battle with that, and the Lord really had to speak to me about it, “You mean I can’t meet the need if you take a holiday? Don’t you work for Me?”

I said, “Yes, Lord, I work for You.” He said, “Well, can’t you have a holiday on Me?” I really had to come to a point of trusting God that even if I wasn’t preaching, He still would provide for me. That’s hard for a minister.

He’s a Provider. His very presence, His very nature is that if He showed up at your house and there was no food, He would provide food. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (See John 14:6.) So when you’re sitting there and you’re saying to yourself, There is no way, you must realize that there is a way and His name is Jesus. He makes a way.

Somebody said, “I don’t know what to do, I’ve got a brick wall behind me and I’ve got a brick wall in front of me.” But Jesus will make a way. He’ll open the door. If there’s no door to open, He’ll blow a hole in the wall!

In John, chapter 2, we find that the very first miracle Jesus did was a miracle of provision. He provided for a need. Jesus, His mother Mary, and the disciples were at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. When the wine was all gone, Mary said to Jesus, “They, q have no more wine.” Then she said to the servants. “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

I believe that’s the key to the provision of the Lord: “Whatever He tells you to do, do it.”You may not know what to do, but the Word of the Lord will come to you — “Do this,” or “Do that,” and the door will open. God will make a way where there is no way; and the provision of the Lord will be there. What was the result of this miracle? It wasn’t just that the guests had something to drink that day. The purpose of Jesus’ miracle is revealed in John 2:11 (AMP):

This, the first of His signs (miracles, wonderworks), Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory [by it He displayed His greatness and His power openly], and His disciples believed in Him [adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him].

Because of His miracle of provision, His disciples believed in Him. When you have a need in your life and God, by His power, begins to supply your need, your whole life changes. Your trust in Him rises, so that you can believe Him for all kinds of things. “I saw Him do it last week,” you say, “so I know He’ll do it again today. I remember what He did ten years ago, so I know He’s gonna do it again.”

Sixteen Reasons to Praise God

Sing to the Lord, all the earth; show forth from day to day His salvation. 24 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all peoples. 25 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He also is to be [reverently] feared above all so-called gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are [lifeless] idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 27 Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary. 28 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, 29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and in holy array. 30 Tremble and reverently fear before Him, all the earth’s peoples; the world also shall be established, so it cannot be moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice; and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigns! 32 Let the sea roar, and all the things that fill it; let the fields rejoice, and all that is in them. 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out for joy before the Lord, for He comes to judge and govern the earth. 34 O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! 35 And say, Save us, O God of our salvation; gather us together and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in Your praise. 36 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, forever and ever! And all the people said Amen! and praised the Lord.

1 Chronicles 16:23-36 AMP

There are so many reasons to praise and bless the Lord. Here are just a few:

We praise Him because of His creation (1 Chron. 16:23;26).

Everything God does, He does perfectly and marvelously. We are His creation, along with the world and everything in it. We worship Him for He has done all things well, and we are grateful to be alive and living on this beautiful earth that He has made for us.

We praise Him for His salvation (1 Chron. 16:23;35).

When mankind sinned, God did not leave us in our sin, He sent Jesus to save us from sin, condemnation, and hell.

We praise Him for His glory (1 Chron. 16:24;28;29).

We acknowledge the glory of God and we praise Him for His glory. He is worthy of all worship, honor and praise.

Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. Psalms 148:13 KJV

We praise Him for His marvelous works among all nations (1 Chron. 16:24).

Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. Psalms 96:3 KJV

We praise Him for His greatness (1 Chron. 16:25)

For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. Psalms 96:4 KJV

We praise Him for His power.

Be exalted, Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power. Psalms 21:13 AMP

We praise Him for His great honor (1 Chron. 16:27).

Sing forth the honor and glory of His name; make His praise glorious! Psalms 66:2 AMP

My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day. Psalms 71:8 AMP

We praise Him for His strength and His joy (1 Chron. 16:27).

O my Strength, I will watch and give heed to You and sing praises; for God is my Defense (my Protector and High Tower). Psalms 59:9 AMP

But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning; for You have been to me a defense (a fortress and a high tower) and a refuge in the day of my distress. 17 Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love. Psalms 59:16-17 AMP

We praise Him for His name (1 Chron. 16:29).

Sing forth the honor and glory of His name; make His praise glorious! Psalms 66:2 AMP

We praise Him for His establishment of creation (1Chron. 16:30).

When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established. Psalms 8:3 AMP

We praise Him because He reigns (1 Chron. 16:31).

The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles and coastlands be glad! Psalms 97:1 AMP

The Lord reigns, let the peoples tremble [with reverential fear]! He sits [enthroned] above the cherubim, let the earth quake! Psalms 99:1 AMP

We praise Him for His coming righteous judgment (1 Chron. 16:32).

Say among the nations that the Lord reigns; the world also is established, so that it cannot be moved; He shall judge and rule the people righteously and with justice. Psalms 96:10 AMP

We praise Him for His presence (1 Chron. 16:33).

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalms 84:4 AMP

We praise Him for His goodness (1 Chron. 16:34).

Oh, that men would praise [and confess to] the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness and His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8 AMP

We praise Him for His eternal mercy (1 Chron. 16:34).

But as for me, I will enter Your house through the abundance of Your steadfast love and mercy; I will worship toward and at Your holy temple in reverent fear and awe of You. Psalms 5:7 AMP

We praise Him for His blessing (1 Chron. 16:35).

His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun [indeed, His name continues before the sun]. And men shall be blessed and bless themselves by Him; all nations shall call Him blessed! 18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone does wondrous things! 19 Blessed be His glorious name forever; let the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen! Psalms 72:17-19 AMP

On Being Born Again

Nicodemus was a Pharisee – a learned man of the law and a member of the Sanhedrin. Nevertheless, Jesus told him that the only way to enter the kingdom of God was to be born again.

Many people today are like Nicodemus. They’re religious. They’re moral. They compare themselves to others and feel pretty good. They reason, “Somehow this loving, gracious, wonderful God will make it possible for all of us to end up in heaven.” This is absolutely false. Jesus said, “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again'”(John 3:7)

Our sins separate us from God. Being good cannot close the gap because no matter how good we try to be, we all sin. It is our nature to be sinful, and we cannot change our nature.

The great self-deception is thinking: I can perform well enough to be acceptable to God. The only way to be acceptable to God is to be born from above, by an act of God. Then the soul and spirit are radically changed forever. We experience a regeneration, a giving of divine life to our spirit. We become a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You may be performing well. You may be serving God, reading the Bible, giving, and praying. But has there been a radical change in your soul – a time when you came into a personal relationship with God? Do you have a new nature through the work of the Holy Spirit? If you cannot answer yes to these questions, you need to be born again.

CONTINUE TO LIVE IN HIM

Living for Christ

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:6-8 NIV

As we received Christ Jesus as Lord – you need to continue to live in Him! How did you receive Him? Was it by your works or by your effort? NO! If you really received Jesus – not a church, not a denomination, not a religion – but Jesus – then you received Him by FAITH in His GRACE! If you did not receive Him by faith then you did not receive Him at all!

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:21-24 NIV

We are justified freely by His grace. When we first receive Jesus and we fall in love with Him – we are excited, we are full of wonder and joy, we love to be in His presence, we are hungry for His word, we talk about Him all the time and we tell everyone we meet how wonderful He is. We must continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in our faith as we were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. The only way we are going to maintain a fruitful relationship with the Lord and retain the joy of our salvation is by filling up on the word of God and by spending time in His presence.

The more time we spend with Him, the more rooted we become. The deeper and firmer the root – the stronger the tree! As we fill up with the Word – we are built up and strengthened in our faith. The most awesome thing we experience when we first receive Jesus is FREEDOM! We receive freedom from sin and freedom from religion and tradition. We feel the bondage of sin and the world leaving us and we experience the freedom of forgiveness and acceptance. We lay down our heavy burden and we pick up His light one.

For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Galatians 2:19-21 NIV

Christ died to deliver us from sin and the curse of the law. We receive Jesus by faith – not by keeping the law. Colossians 2:8 says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

There are people who feel that it is their duty to bring you back into the bondage that Jesus saved you out of. You are saved by faith and you must live the rest of your life by faith (Hebrews 10:38). Don’t shrink back from your faith because it is the only way to please God. God is not pleased by your works, which are without faith. Only those things that are motivated and carried out by faith are pleasing to Him.

If we rely on hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ – then we will lose the life and freedom that Jesus paid for so dearly. Man’s wisdom and tradition may sound right and make sense to our minds because it appeals to our intellect, however it is foolishness to God. The religion and tradition of man relies on the efforts of man – long lists of do’s and don’ts – but God tells us to trust Him and not our own effort or ability. Man’s religion and tradition gives us rules and regulations – some of which are most unpleasant and extreme.

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.Colossians 2:20-23 NIV

There are people who fast — just to punish themselves — not to open their spiritual ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to them. They also mutilate their bodies and inflict pain on themselves, but it does not help to bring their sensual desires under control. This does not please or impress God – neither does He reward us for it. It is nothing but false humility. False humility is when we abase ourselves in order to EARN God’s favor. Our OWN righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) and is unacceptable to God, but the righteousness God bestows, allows us to come boldly into His throne room any time we choose. We live by faith in God and only the Spirit of God can help us to control and eliminate ungodly, fleshly desires. Jesus died to make us free – let us honor Him and continue to LIVE free!

When We Are Lonely

Most likely, you know exactly how it feels to be lonely. We have all been in that situation at one time or another. It may be a matter of feeling rejected by someone, or it could be the sense of loss brought on by a substantial geographical distance between you and a loved one. Or, it may even be that you have honestly never felt a deep, abiding intimacy with someone else. Loneliness strikes us in many forms.

Despite the reason, loneliness seems to settle into our lives like a thick fog; no matter where we turn, everything seems dark, gray, and terribly empty. And yet, although we sense it “out there,” loneliness is actually an internal problem. Sometimes, it seems inescapable because it is so firmly rooted in our own hearts.

Loneliness is a serious problem. God does not desire that His children be isolated and alone. In fact, the first thing in all of Creation that God deemed “not good” was Adam’s “aloneness.” (Genesis 2:18)

Sometimes our friends may disappear for a while, and we end up feeling alone. However, there is one relationship that we can count on, above all others, as lasting, pure, and true: that is, of course, our relationship with Jesus Christ. Scripture assures us that He will never leave us, and in Him, we will never be alone. (Hebrews 13:5)

Jesus desires to be your closest companion, and He has made it possible for this relationship to last an eternity. Thank God today for His Son, your Friend forever.

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  • Let brotherly love continue .
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  • Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares .
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  • Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them ; and them which suffer adversity , as being yourselves also in the body.
  • 4.
  • Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge .
  • 5.
  • Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have : for he hath said , I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
  • 6.
  • So that we may boldly say , The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
  • 7.
  • Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow , considering the end of their conversation.
  • 8.
  • Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
  • 9.
  • Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein .
  • 10.
  • We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
  • 11.
  • For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
  • 12.
  • Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
  • 13.
  • Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
  • 14.
  • For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come .
  • 15.
  • By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is , the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
  • 16.
  • But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased .
  • 17.
  • Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves : for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief : for that is unprofitable for you.
  • 18.
  • Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
  • 19.
  • But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
  • 20.
  • Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
  • 21.
  • Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
  • 22.
  • And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
  • 23.
  • Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty ; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
  • 24.
  • Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
  • 25.
  • Grace be with you all. Amen . [Written to the Hebrews from Italy, by Timothy.]

How to pray that gets results

Ephesians 6:18 AMP
Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

Luke 18:1
NKJV: Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
AMP: Also [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not to turn coward (faint, lose heart, and give up).

  1. Rodney Howard Browne shows us that prayer is communication with your Heavenly Father.
  2. Prayer changes things—prayer changes people.
  3. If you want results when you pray, you must follow the rules.
    • There are different kinds of prayer in the Bible. You cannot pray the same prayer for every situation.
    • With different kinds of prayer, there are different rules just as different sports have different rules even though they are all sports.
  4. Prayer of consecration.
    • Some people say, “If it be Thy will” every time they pray, but this not the only way to pray.
    • This is a prayer of consecration. Even Jesus only prayed that once—in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:42)
    • When it comes to getting something from God, we do not pray, “If it be thy will.” We already have God’s promise in His Word.
  5. Rodney Howard Browne shows us God’s will.
    • We need to realize that it is God’s will that all our needs—spiritual; physical; material—be met.
    • Isaiah 1:19 AMP – If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.
    • 3 John 2 NKJV – Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
  6. Rodney Howard Browne discusses the Prayer of petition.
    • When you pray—when you ask God for anything— you must pray in faith and expectation.
    • Mark 11:24 NKJV – Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
    • Mark 11:24 AMP – For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]. You can only pray this prayer for yourself.
  7. Praise and answered prayer.
    • There is a time to ask and a time to praise and worship God.
    • When Jehoshaphat and Judah were faced with several nations—a great multitude—coming to fight with them, they chose to praise and worship God and He delivered them.
    • 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 NKJV – And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.” 22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.
    • Paul and Silas were beaten and chained up, but when they began to praise and worship God, they were delivered.
    • Acts 16:25-26 NKJV – But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
    • Tell God what you want and then just worship Him and thank Him.
  8. Don’t worry.
    • Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
    • Be anxious for nothing means: do not worry about anything.
    • 1 Peter 5:6-7 AMP – Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, 7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
    • Cast ALL your cares—not just some of them—on Him.
    • When you believe God’s Word and refuse to worry, some people think that there is something wrong with you.
    • Casting your cares does not mean that you ignore your situation; it means you give it to the Lord—you put it in His hands.
    • Psalms 37:5 AMP – Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.
    • When you cast your cares on the Lord and commit your ways to Him, you demonstrate trust and faith in Him to bring it to pass.
    • Many people do not get their prayers answered, because they won’t stop worrying and won’t cast their cares on the Lord.
  9. United prayer.
    • If we, as the Church; as the Body of Christ, join our hearts, faith and voices together to pray and ask God for anything, we will see God do mighty things.
    • Acts 4:23-24a NKJV – And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord…
    • Acts 4:29-30 NKJV – Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.
    • Prayer that is prayed in agreement—in one accord—is answered prayer.
    • Matthew 18:19 NKJV – Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.