ALMIGHTY GOD AND HIS USE OF SORROW/GRIEF IN OUR LIVES - PART 5

I would sincerely encourage you to read blogs 1-4 concerning this topic, if you have not done so already.

These scriptures must not be taken lightly! Before we continue, let’s “unwrap” what is being declared in 2 Cor. 10:3-6.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when our obedience is fulfilled.”

First, what is the definition of “flesh”? The following definition is found in the American Dictionary of English Language – Noah Webster 1828. Note: I find scriptural definitions in this dictionary to be much more meaningful/ reliable than current “modern” dictionaries which tragically omit scriptural references! It would be most interesting to learn just when dictionaries began to omit Biblical references!

*  Flesh – “The body, as distinguished from the soul”, men in general; mankind.” As declared in Genesis 6:3 “My spirit shall not always strive with man forever for he is indeed flesh. . .”

* The carnal mind – “For those who live to according to the flesh set their minds on things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. A carnal mind is an enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors – not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.”  (Romans 8:5-14)

*  “Carnality – ‘The flesh lusts against the spirit.’” (Gal. 5:17)

*  “Corrupt nature – ‘Flesh and blood cannot    inherit the kingdom of God’” (1 Cor. 15:5) and “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” (2 Cor. 10:3-4)

* “Sin” and the scriptures are replete with the dangers of sin – for sure, a huge part and parcel of the corrupt nature and, definitely, a humongous cause of sorrow/grief! Is man’s behavior related to himself in the flesh? If so, obviously, he is not walking in the Spirit of the LORD! Thankfully, the LORD has provided His children with spiritual ways for dealing with sin in our lives, thankfully! Consider Psalm 32:5 which declares “I acknowledge my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.” The footnote referencing this verse notes that “Transgression means rebellion”. (New Spirit Filled Bible)

*  “Weapons/Warfare – Struggles with spiritual enemies”. Concerning spiritual warfare, I highly recommend a study of Ephesians 6:10-18 which discusses the putting on of the “Whole Armor of God”. May I strongly recommend a book which deals with daily readings concerning spiritual warfare: THE CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOUR by William Gurnall, a minister who wrote in the 1600s. (Moody Press).

Written in the publishers’ preface of Gurnall’s book was this “The stage whereon this war is fought is every man’s own soul. Here is no neuter in this war. The whole world is engaged in the quarrel, either for God against Satan, or for Satan against God.”

We are told by Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18, that we are to “put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”.  Always keeping in mind “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh and that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:3,4)

Please keep in mind that we are to “put on” the full armor and keep it on, 24/7! Warriors do not take their armor off during warfare! We saints are in warfare 24/7! Some saints believe they can take it off when they go to bed and put it on when they wake up! It has been declared that we are to “maintain a battle stance against this satanic structure” (Kingdom Dynamics – New Spirit-Filled Life Bible)

*  Strongholds – “Anything opposing God’s will” and resides where? In the mind!  How so, you ask?  As I have declared often, we are told in the scriptures that we are to “take every thought captive (my emphasis) to pulling down of strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:5) and “. . . casting down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought (again my emphasis) into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Cor. 4-6)

Do we have control over our thoughts where the warfare begins?  We had better, or we are in serious trouble!! This could be an entirely new way to “thinking” for many believers!!  Consider this. . .” who is the author of many of our thoughts. . . the “deceiver”– Satan himself.  It is crucial that we seek the “gift of discernment” as just who is talking to us in our minds! (Hebrews 4:12)

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

As Christians, we must seriously consider such choices as:

·             Constantly focusing on our sorrows and reaping the consequences AND REAPING THE CONSEQUENCES as mentioned in the definition above.

·             Focusing on the faith of God, not in God and His promises, by searching for the appropriate promises throughout the scriptures.

·             Please consider coming before the Holy Spirit who BATHES us with His perfect peace – Jehovah Shalom for the LORD is peace, and such a blessing!

·             "Bringing every thought captive to the pulling down of strongholds” as stated previously.

·             "Casting (flinging is the correct translation) all our cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

·             Choosing to walk not "According to the flesh, but according, to the Spirit ". (Romans 8:1)

·             Seeking out sincere Christians for comfort, support and wisdom. 

This requires us to be “still and know the salvation (being set free) of the LORD who is with you. . .”  (2 Chron. 20:17) If we are not “still” in His presence, we will not experience His peace . . . for He is also our comforter as well. Consider Jesus as He was getting ready to ascend to the Father, the disciples were so much in “sorrow” that He declared "And I will pray to the Father and He will give you another Helper, (Holy Spirit) that He might abide with you forever." (John 14:16) Jesus was also addressing “some of His disciples” concerning His ascending to the Father "Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy." (John 16:20)

You must remember that this scripture is just one of many, many of His promises and He stands on His promises which do not return to Him void, and thus so must we stand on His promises!

Note that when the Sorrow/grief blogs have been completed, there will be a follow up blog concerning Spiritual Warfare.

To be continued in Blog 6.

Be abundantly blessed, O LORD God Almighty,

Be abundantly blessed    

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ALMIGHTY GOD AND HIS USE OF SORROW/GRIEF IN OUR LIVES - PART 3

As I awakened one morning, the Holy Spirit spoke to me saying “Take My hand, My precious child.” For in Psalm 85:8*, it is stated “I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly” (foolishness)

Tragically we, as His children, have such a tendency (propensity) all too often to go our own way - walking in the flesh (our own minds) as opposed to walking in the (Holy) Spirit! And in so doing, we separate ourselves from focusing on the LORD God Almighty thus, allowing ourselves to open the door for Satan to direct our paths for the moment/day/week, etc.  And therein the great possibility for sorrow/grief to hover over us in our utmost inner being.

We cannot begin to imagine the sorrow God experienced and experiences even now because people, even Christians grieve/quench Him. . . let’s consider what the scriptures declare concerning this.

We must keep in mind the sorrow that began early on as we read beginning in Isaiah 14:12-21 the story of how Satan, once an angel called Lucifer, “son of the morning or Light Bearer” surely grieved the LORD Who had to evict him and send him to earth.

In Gen., chapter 3, we see that it didn’t take Satan (the serpent) long to interfere in God’s plan for His creation to live a bountiful and glorified life on earth. Satan truly believed as he tempted Adam and Eve in the garden, that he had the upper hand at this point…little did he know what was and is ahead for him and his minions, because it is written that there will come a time when “the devil will be cast into lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever”. (Rev. 20:10)

In Gen. 3:16, we read where the LORD is talking to Eve, “To the woman He said: I will greatly multiply your sorrow….”  Another example where we create our own sorrow!

It is also written in Gen. 6:5,6 “And the LORD was sorry that

the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continuously. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.”

We read in Ephesians 4: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by Whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”  I would refer you to verses 25-32 relating as to all the ways we indeed grieve the Holy Spirit, and in 1 Thess. 5:18 it is also declared “Do not quench the (Holy) Spirit.”

Consider the 40 years the children of Israel spend in the “trial in the wilderness”. . .and the LORD lamented in of Psalm 95:10 “For 40 years I was grieved with that generation, .  .  .”

Questions which must be asked at this point are:

-        LORD, is there anything in the past or the present where I am grieving You in that I haven’t sought repentance?  I would ask You, Holy Spirit, to please reveal that which has grieved or quenched my LORD. 

-        LORD, what am I to learn from my sorrows?

-        Are there any unconfessed sins or even confessed sins that I am still wrestling with that are allowing sorrow into my life?

-        It is most crucial to keep mind God’s faithful provisions/promises as we read in 1 John 1:7-10; 2:1-2 for our dealing with any and all sin in our lives:

Ø  Vs. 7: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Ø  Vs. 8 “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” and

Ø  Vs. 9 is a powerful scripture for declaring immediately when a sin is committed “If (a HUGE little word) we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This is an appropriate time to share what was exclaimed in the powerful devotional STREAMS IN THE DESERT for January 18, concerning sorrows.  “Sorrows come to stretch out spaces in the heart for joy.” What an awesome thought! Please keep in mind that we have the choice of continuing to walk in the mind set of sorrow, which is in the flesh, or in the Spirit which is where we find our joy, always remembering as it has been said, “the Word of God transforms our minds”, thankfully! All this means is that we have choices of where we focus – the flesh (mind/emotions) or the Spirit!  It has been said that the “Battle begins in the mind”!

In addition, there is a constant battle between our feelings and God’s truths! The 64-dollar question then must be “which are we going to pay attention to – fleshly feelings or God’s truths?”

Tragically, too many believers are their own worst enemies in that they allow sorrow to reign in their very being. “How so, you ask?” We know through scriptures, that the LORD forgives our sins as stated above in 1 John 1:9 “IF we confess our sins”, but the huge question becomes “do we forgive our own sins?” Sadly, too many of us are in such bondage in our not forgiving ourselves in that we believe the lies of Satan who persistently deceives us into thinking we don’t deserve to forgive ourselves!!  It is imperative that we focus on the comforting scripture which declares “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, (Satan who is the spirit of error and the world) because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (Satan who is the spirit of error) 1 John 4:4.

And as is written in Jer. 8:18, “I would comfort myself in sorrow.”  I could hear many of you declare “that is the most ridiculous comment I have ever heard”! Remember, it is scripture!  I challenge you to “think it through”!  We will deal with this in Blog 4.

Consider what is stated in 2 Cor. 10:3-6:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ . . . .”

Also, please keep in mind that I am not minimizing sorrow in the least, but again it is how we approach it either in the flesh or in the Spirit and that makes all the difference in our lives!

Blog 4 will contain strategies that we can use to assist us in

overcoming sorrows.  

Be glorified Almighty God, be glorified

* All scriptures are from the NEW SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE BIBLE (NKJV) Jack W. Hayford Executive Editor

ALMIGHTY GOD AND HIS USE OF SORROW/GRIEF IN OUR LIVES - PART 2

Hopefully, you remember the question I left you with in the SORROW Blog Part 1? “Could it be that Sorrow/Grief actually began when we were born?" How so, you might rightfully ask?

Let's consider what took place in the Garden of Eden in Genesis, Chapter 3 - "The Temptation and the Fall of Man"!

Hopefully, you are very much aware of what took place concerning Adam and Eve and their rebellion against God. God said to Eve in Genesis 3:16:

"I will greatly multiply your SORROW and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over you."

And we know how the deceiver has used the "rule over you" declaration to create rebellion is so many women, tragically!

Could we declare that we witness another powerful work of Satan? Then in verse 17, God said, "Because you heeded the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, you shall not eat of it" and God continues with the "thou shall nots" from this time forth! Then in verses 23-24, God sent them out of the garden! Thus the battle between good and evil begins with the concept of sorrow being injected into the lives of mankind and tragically, we believers suffer sorrow/grief and will continue to until the Lord returns because of Adam and Eve's disobedience - for God says what He means and means what He says!

We can well declare that sorrow/grief indeed steals our peace and our joy and consequently so keeps us from being still and hearing His still small voice declaring "this is the way, walk ye in it" (Isaiah 30:21). Question. . .is there anything whatsoever in your life, past/present or in the days to come, that is keeping you from hearing the Lover of your soul as He declares "this is the way, walk ye in it"?

This blog might not find you in sorrow/grief at this moment but consider that you could well be friends with someone who is going through sorrow/grief, and hopefully there would be wisdom in this blog that would assist you in ministering to them.

Please keep in mind that sorrow/grief can also be the consequence(s) of our disobedience concerning the ways of God. Again, consider Genesis 3, for as just stated, this is the very beginning of sorrow/grief not only for mankind, but also for the Triune God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit because of Adam and Eve's disobedience! And as we well know, the Father had to send His only son Jesus to the cross to set man free - those who will surrender their lives to become the sheep in the pasture of the Lord our Shepherd.

Some time ago, I was found myself in sorrow/grief and was sitting before the Lord and the Holy Spirt spoke to me "do you trust Me?", as related to that which I was dealing with, and then He said, "now you have an inkling of how I 'grieve' over My children."  And the thus the question becomes "Am I grieving my Lord God Almighty"?  I want to close with the encouraging scripture in James 1:2-7:

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let that man suppose that he will receive anything of the Lord." 

Thus, I encourage you to inquire of the Lord regarding His wisdom concerning the question "Am I grieving You, Lord, and if so, how am I grieving You"? (Biblical quotes are courtesy of the "New Spirit-Filled Life Bible", NKJV.) 

To be continued in Blog 3

Be glorified, O Lord, be glorified!

Where Is Your Focus When You First Wake Up In The Morning?

                                           
           

As the photo illustrates, I am taking a short “side rail” from Sorrow blog 2 in order to focus on extremely powerful strategies related to one’s “focus” or more simply put, what comes to my mind (first thoughts) as soon as I open my eyes in the morning? Am I going to walk in the flesh or in the Spirit of the Lord….we do have a choice! I truly felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to share such crucial thoughts with you concerning this incredible topic!

Obviously, this ties nicely with the “Sorrow” blog, which is still in progress, for if sorrow is the first thought that comes to mind as one awakens, his/her state of mind is indeed focused on sorrow, grief, anger, revenge, unforgiveness, lack of confidence, despair, unconfessed sin, and fear, etc. which can well set the stage for the day’s thinking and action, and could well end in a day of defeat/discouragement resulting in continued sorrow or the other negative thoughts/feelings. Keep in mind what is written in 2 Cor. 6:10,12 in the Messianic Jewish Family Bible – Tree of Life Version “as grieving yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing yet possessing everything” and “you are restricted in your own feelings.”

Thus, how do we overcome such negative and destructive thinking?  First and foremost, we as believers MUST begin the day focusing on our Triune God (the Father, Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit), biblical scriptural truths and Godly promises such as written in Psalm 34:4-6 “I sought the Lord, and He heard me….and saved him out of all his troubles”. The Lord God Almighty promises His children as written in Heb. 13:5,6 “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” May I challenge you to purchase a PROMISES book which lists God’s scriptural promises by subject…“Fear, despair, hopelessness, encouragement”, etc.

We are told in Philippians 4:6,7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made to known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

It is crucial that we seriously consider that “the battle begins in the mind” which means we are in spiritual warfare in our minds, and as the scripture declares, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for bringing down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:3-5) Thus it is imperative especially, that we not allow our minds to reminisce in the past. Always keep in mind that satan and his cohorts are always looking for open doors in our lives for the sole purpose of harassing/destroying God’s beloved…not only satan, but the world, our flesh, and the church! I must qualify the “church” as that which is the “under the control of men/women often described tragically as the dead church” as opposed to God’s Church where the Holy Spirit is most welcomed, and the Triune God is given full reign!

Always remember that the mind is NOT BORN AGAIN…. again, therein lies the battle…flesh against the Spirit of God!  Whom are you going to let win?

In closing, please keep in mind what James, the brother of Jesus declared in chapter 1:22-25 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”  Amen?   

And when you awaken each morning, begin with a positive declaration “This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps.118:24) Also a song.

                                        

          

ALMIGHTY GOD AND HIS USE OF "SORROW" IN OUR LIVES

SORROW -  "A DEEP DISTRESS/SADNESS OR REGRET; A CAUSE OF GRIEF"*

SADLY, SORROW/GRIEF IS A REALITY. THERE ISN'T A PERSON ALIVE WHO HAS NOT SUFFERED SORROW/GRIEF OF ONE DEGREE OR ANOTHER FROM TIME TO TIME. 

IS IT POSSIBLE THE TRIUNE GOD (GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT) IS ABLE TO USE SORROW/GRIEF IN OUR

LIVES FOR OUR WELL BEING - SPIRIT, SOUL, AND BODY ULTIMATELY LEADING US TO VICTORIOUS LIVING?   PLEASE KEEP IN MIND AS WE WALK THROUGH SUCH DIFFICULT/CHALLENGING TIMES, THE COMFORTING PRAISE SONG...."HE MAKES ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL IN HIS TIME, IN HIS TIME...."!  I ALSO ENCOURAGE YOU AS A START, TO CONSIDER THE POWERFUL SCRIPTURAL STRATEGIES IN 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-19...

              "REJOICE ALWAYS, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, IN EVERYTHING (ITALICS MINE) GIVE
               THANKS, FOR THIS (CORRECTLY TRANSLATED "THAT WHICH I AM GOING THRU") IS THE 
               WILL OF GOD FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS". DO NOT QUENCH THE SPIRIT."

ALWAYS REMEMBER, THERE ARE NO OOPS IN GOD'S KINGDOM, FOR HE ALLOWS, (NOT CAUSING) "THIS" IN OUR LIVES,  ".....ACCORDING TO THE GOOD PLEASURE OF HIS WILL" IN OUR LIVES (EPH. 1:5) AND THAT "NOTHING TOUCHES US THAT HASN'T TOUCHED HIM FIRST"! "BLESSED ASSURANCE, JESUS IS MINE...." AS THE HYMN DECLARES!

THUS, NO MATTER WHAT IS "SWIRLING AROUND OUR HEADS", HE HAS IT ALL UNDER CONTROL....THAT IS, IF WE LET HIM...AND JUST HOW CRUCIAL IS "LETTING HIM HAVE HIS WAY IN OUR LIVES" FOR HE WILL NEVER FORCE US, THUS OUR FREE WILL TOO OFTEN PLAYS AN INCREDIBLE GOOD OR BAD PLACE IN OUR LIVES!

HOW IS IT THAT THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY ALLOWS SORROW/GRIEF IN OUR LIVES AND THEN USES SORROW FOR OUR OWN GOOD?  HOW CAN SUCH A STATEMENT BE MADE, YOU ASK? I CAN HEAR READERS NOW EXCLAIMING "BUT...BUT....BUT... WHY WOULD A LOVING GOD ALLOW SUCH PAIN IN OUR LIVES....WHY?"

A CRUCIAL QUESTION UPON WHICH TO DWELL..."WHERE IN THE MIDST OF SORROW/GRIEF IN OUR LIVES IS OUR HOPE, COMFORT, PEACE, JOY AND VICTORY?" 
CONSIDER GALATIANS 5:22 "BUT THE FRUIT OF THE (HOLY) SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONG SUFFERING, KINDNESS,GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS,, SELF CONTROL." MAY I ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ AS WELL, VERSES 23-25.        

THIS COULD WELL BE THE TIME TO CONSIDER SORROWS/GRIEFS OF THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE, AND ASK, "WHERE AM I CONCERNING THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THOSE OF THE FUTURE?" 

THE SORROWS THAT ARE OF THE PAST, ARE JUST THAT, OF THE PAST - NO LONGER! HOWEVER, IF WE LINGER/FOCUS ON THOSE OF THE PAST, AND AS WELL,THE SORROWS/GRIEFS OF THE FUTURE, FOR WE ARE TOLD "TAKE NO THOUGHT FOR THE MORROW". (MATTHEW 6:34) LET ALONE FOCUS ON THE "WHAT IF" TRAP, FOR WE CERTAINLY WILL PAY A HEAVY PRICE IN THAT WE QUICKLY LOSE OUR ASSURANCE AND SOLACE OF FAITH, HOPE, PEACE, OUR JOY AND AS WELL, WE ARE UNABLE TO "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD." (PSALM 46:10) AND IN ADDITION, HEARING THAT STILL SMALL VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT "DECLARING "THIS IS THE WAY, WALK IN IT" AS THE SCRIPTURES TELL US (ISAIAH 30:21) ... INSTEAD, OUR "BATTER" INGREDIENTS OF WORRY, FRET, DISCOURAGEMENT, DREAD, AND DEPRESSION IN OUR LIVES MAKE UP THE PAST/PRESENT/FUTURE RECIPES IN OUR LIVES... THAT LEAVES US WITH SORROWS/GRIEFS OF THE PRESENT. 

CRITICAL QUESTION  - IS SORROW/GRIEF HOLDING YOU CAPTIVE AND TO WHAT EXTENT?

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES AS TO ACTIONS I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU  TO TAKE NOW, IF YOU ARE INDEED BEING HELD CAPTIVE BY SORROW/GRIEF AND WANT TO BE SET FREE FROM SUCH BONDAGES:

                 1.  THE BATTLE BEGINS IN THE MIND WHICH IS FLESH AND NOT BORN AGAIN, 
                          FOR WE READ IN  ROMANS 12:2 "AND NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, 
                          BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, (ITALICS MINE) THAT YOU                                      MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD". 
                          (THIS WILL BE DISCUSSED FURTHER IN THE NEXT SORROW/GRIEF BLOG.)

                     2.   APPROPRIATE FOCUS - "YOU WILL KEEP HIM  IN PERFECT PEACE,WHOSE MIND
                           IS STAYED ON YOU, BECAUSE HE TRUSTS IN YOU. TRUST IN THE LORD FOREVER,
                           FOR IN YAH, THE LORD, IS EVERLASTING STRENGTH".(ISAIAH 26:3,4)

                      3.  "AND BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF THE MIND..." (EPHESIANS 4:23)
             
                      4.  "LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU WHICH WAS IN CHRIST JESUS..." (PHILIPPIANS 2:5)

                      5.  "FOR THOUGH WE WALK IN THE FLESH, WE DO NOT WAR ACCORDING TO THE 
                            FLESH.  FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL BUT MIGHTY
                            IN GOD FOR PULLING DOWN STRONGHOLDS, CASTING DOWN ARGUMENTS
                            AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTS ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE 
                            OF GOD, BRINGING EVERY THOUGHT  (ITALICS MINE) INTO CAPTIVITY TO THE OBEDIENCE 
                            OF CHRIST." (2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-5...)

THE QUESTION MUST BE ADDRESSED - "HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY MIND IS INDEED
KEEPING ME IN BONDAGE, AND JUST WHO/WHAT IN MY MIND, IS KEEPING ME IN SUCH BONDAGE...THE WORLD, MY FLESH, SATAN OR THE CHURCH (THE SMALL C WHICH IS THE CHURCH UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF MAN, NOT THE TRIUNE GOD)?" THESE 4 POSSIBLE AGENTS WILL BE THE TOPIC OF ANOTHER BLOG. IN THE MEANTIME, IT IS CRUCIAL THAT YOU SEEK THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT AND INCLUDE IT AMONG THE OTHER GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT INTO ACTION, AS FOUND IN 1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-11.

IF THERE ARE THOSE OF YOU CHRISTIANS READING THIS BLOG WHO HAVE NEVER ASKED THE HOLY SPIRIT TO "FILL/BAPTIZE" YOU, PLEASE TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PRAY THE FOLLOWING: "GRACIOUS TRIUNE GOD, AS I READ IN MATTHEW 4:16,17 WHERE JESUS WAS BAPTIZED IN WATER BY JOHN THE BAPTIST AND BY THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ORDER FOR HIM TO BE EMPOWERED FOR BEGINNING HIS MINISTRY, I COME TO YOU NOW, HOLY SPIRIT AND ASK THAT YOU FILL/BAPTIZE ME WITH YOUR SPIRIT SO THAT I TOO WILL BE EMPOWERED TO BE THAT MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD THAT YOU SO DESIRE ALL YOUR SAINTS TO BE. I SO DESIRE TO BE "GIFTED" AS OFFERED IN 1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-11 AND IN ADDITION TO HAVE THE "FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT" IN GALATIANS 5:22-25 OPERATING IN MY LIFE.  I THANK YOU, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, THAT I AM WELCOME TO ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT INTO MY LIFE FROM THIS DAY FORTH! IT IS IN THAT NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES, JESUS THE CHRIST, THAT I BRING THIS PRAYER BEFORE YOU. AMEN AND AMEN."

IN ADDITION, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU SPEND TIME READING ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ACTION AS REVEALED IN THE BOOK OF ACTS WHICH WAS THE
BEGINNING OF THE TRIUNE GOD'S CHURCH WHICH TRAGICALLY DID NOT TAKE LONG TO BECOME MAN'S CHURCH BEING CONTAMINATED BY THE DESTROYER SATAN!

I WOULD STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR HIS WISDOM CONCERNING WHO/WHAT IS HOLDING YOU IN BONDAGE, FOR IT IS WRITTEN:

                          -  "IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM, LET HIM ASK OF GOD, WHO GIVES TO
                                     ALL LIBERALLY AND WITHOUT REPROACH, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO 
                                     HIM. (JAMES 1:5)
                                     " ....YET YOU HAVE NOT HAVE BECAUSE YOU DO NOT ASK." (JAMES 4:2)
                          -  "AND WHATEVER THINGS YOU ASK FOR IN PRAYER; BELIEVING, YOU
                                     WILL RECIEVE. (MATTHEW 21:22)
                               -    "SO I SAY UNTO YOU, ASK, AND IT WILL  BE GIVEN TO YOU, SEEK AND
                                     YOU WILL FIND, KNOCK AND IT WILL BE OPENED TO YOU." (LUKE 11:9)

"THE PURPOSE OF THIS BLOG IS TO REVEAL THE INCREDIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF THE FLESH - INDUCED (I.E. ALLOWING THE FLESH TO CONTROL OUR THINKING AND OUR ACTIONS) WHICH OFTEN ARE THE TORMENTING WORKS OF SATAN AND HIS MINIONS! -WE MUST ALWAYS FOCUS ON THE PROMISE OF THE LORD, "THERE IS ALWAYS FAITH/HOPE/COMFORT", THANKFULLY, AND THE WAY OUT, AS WE ARE PROMISED IN HEBREWS 13:5 "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU."  IT IS PROCLAIMED IN ROMANS 8 BELOW..IF WE KEEP OUR FOCUS UPON THE TRIUNE GOD...…

               ROMANS 8:34,37  "WHO (CHRIST) IS EVEN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, WHO MAKES
               INTERCESSION FOR US." VS. 37: "YET IN ALL THESE THINGS, WE ARE MORE THAN  
                                             CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM WHO LOVED US."

                OBVIOUSLY, THERE ARE VARYING DEGREES OF SORROW/GRIEF:

                                               TEMPORARY OR LONG LASTING  

IT IS THE LONG LASTING SORROW WE MUST CONFRONT, FOR SURELY THE LORD WILL GIVE US GRACE TO WITHSTAND THE TEMPORARY SORROW - NOT THAT HE DOESN'T GIVE US GRACE AT ALL TIMES! HOWEVER, LONG LASTING SORROWS/GRIEFS ARE SO MUCH MORE COMPLICATED AND SO DESTRUCTIVE, BUT THANKFULLY, WE ARE OVER COMERS AS PROMISED IN ROMANS 8:38 AND ELSEWHERE IN THE SCRIPTURES. HOWEVER, WE DO HAVE THE CHOICE TO CARRY THE HEAVY BURDENS OF OUR SORROWS/GRIEFS AND REAP THE CONSEQUENCES! AGAIN, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING PROMISES CONCERNING THE ABOVE STATEMENT....

                        "CAST YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD, AND HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU; HE 
                          SHALL NEVER PERMIT THE RIGHTEOUS TO BE MOVED" ( PS. 55:22)

                              "COME UNTO ME, ALL YOU WHO LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND
                               I WILL GIVE YOU REST. TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN FROM ME,
                               FOR I AM GENTLE AND LOWLY IN HEART, AND YOU WILL FIND REST
                               FOR YOUR SOULS. FOR MY YOKE IS EASY AND MY BURDEN IS LIGHT."                                                                                                            (MATTHEW 11: 28-30)

 I WILL CONCLUDE THIS BLOG WITH THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

"COULD IT BE THAT SORROW/GRIEF ACTUALLY BEGAN WHEN WE WERE BORN?"   HOW SO, YOU MIGHT WELL ASK......?

                                                        TO BE CONTINUED........

                                          BE GLORIFIED, O LORD, BE GLORIFIED

DISCLOSURE - THE REASON ALL CAPS ARE USED IS BECAUSE IT ENHANCES THE ABILITY TO READ THE BLOG WITHOUT STRAIN.

SCRIPTURES IN THIS BLOG ARE FROM THE NEW SPIRIT-FILLED BIBLE NKJV - JACK HAYFORD, EDITOR

* MERRIAM WEBSTER DESK DICTIONARY

                                  

                                  ....

SEVEN COMMANDS REVEALED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT ENABLING CHRISTIANS TO WALK IN PEACE

ON APRIL 24, 2018, WHILE MY WIFE AND I WERE SITTING QUITELY IN WORSHIP, THE HOLY SPIRIT, AS HE OFTEN DOES AND SUCH A BLESSING, SHARED 7 COMMANDS (NOT SUGGESTIONS) THAT IF WE WOULD FOLLOW ON A DAILY BASIS WOULD ENABLE US TO WALK IN HIS PEACE AT ALL TIMES!  THERE IS A CONDITION, HOWEVER, AS THERE ARE IN GOD'S COMMANDS, AND THAT IS THE "HUGE LITTLE" WORD IF! FOR EXAMPLE, IN JOHN 15:7 (WOULD YOU BELIEVE, NUMERAL 7 AGAIN) "IF YOU WILL ABIDE IN ME, AND MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU, YOU WILL ASK WHAT YOU DESIRE, AND IT SHALL BE DONE FOR YOU."

NOTICE THERE ARE 7 COMMANDS....AND WHAT DOES THE NUMERAL 7 SIGNIFY IN SCRIPTURE?  COMPLETION! CONSIDER GENESIS 2:2 "AND ON THE SEVENTH DAY GOD ENDED (COMPLETED) HIS WORK WHICH HE HAD DONE, AND HE RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL THE WORK WHICH HE HAD DONE."
  THIS IS AN OPPORTUNE TIME TO TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND EXAMINE THE "CONFUSION" CONCEPT OF WORK! SOME OF YOU MIGHT DECLARE...."BUT THESE ARE WORKS" WHICH WE HAVE BEEN TAUGHT ARE NO NOs!! THANKFULLY HOWEVER, THESE ARE CRUCIAL WORKS, TO BE SURE. LET'S VISIT THIS CRITICAL AND TO SOME A MOST CONFUSING TOPIC....I ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ WHAT IS WRITTEN IN JAMES 2:14-26 CONCERNING "WORKS". VERSE 14 IS THE BEGINNING OF THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKS:  "WHAT DOES IT PROFIT, MY BRETHERN, IF SOMEONE SAYS HE HAS FAITH BUT DOES NOT HAVE WORKS? CAN FAITH SAVE HIM?" ALSO IN JOHN 4:34 (JESUS TALKING) "....MY FOOD IS DO THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME, AND TO FINISH HIS WORK".  IN JOHN 9:4, AGAIN JESUS SPEAKING: "I MUST WORK THE WORKS OF HIM WHO SENT ME WHILE IT IS DAY; THE NIGHT IS COMING WHEN NO ONE CAN WORK." 
AND "THE MIRACULOUS ACOMMOMPLISHMENTS AND DEEDS OF JESUS ARE WORKS OF GOD IMPLYING POWER AND MIGHT" (NEW SPIRIT FILLED NKJV WORD WEALTH 9:4)  WORKS OF THE SPIRIT!

LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF "WORKS" - GALATIONS 2:16: "KNOWING THAT A MAN IS NOT JUSTIFIED BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, BUT BY THE FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST...FOR BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, NO FLESH SHALL BE JUSTIFIED." PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THE WORKS OF THE LAW (OLD TESTAMENT) HAVE BEEN SUPERCEDED BY THE COVENENT OF GRACE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, THANKFULLY!
ONE LAST COMMENT IS FOUND IN "TRUTH IN ACTION - (GALATIONS 3:1-11) AGAIN IN THE NEW SPIRIT FILLED NKJV BIBLE: "UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS JUST AS IMPOSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THROUGH W0RKS (ITALICS BY THE AUTHOR) AS IT WAS TO EARN IT IN THE FIRST PLACE."

TO SUMMARIZE WORKS (OT) AND WORKS(NT)...IF A CHILD OF GOD IS PERFORMING WORKS IN THE FLESH THINKING HE IS EARNING "BROWNIE POINTS" IN GOD'S EYES, HE/SHE IS IN SERIOUS ERROR/DANGER.  HOWEVER, IF HE/SHE IS PERFORMING WORKS ACCORDING TO GOD'S DIRECTIONS AS JESUS DID, HE/SHE IS FOUND IN GOD'S EYES AS OBEDIENT.."FOR THE SON OF MAN WILL COME IN THE GLORY OF HIS FATHER WITH HIS ANGELS, AND THEN HE WILL REWARD EACH ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS." (MATT. 16:27) FLESH WORKS OR SPIRIT WORKS!

NOW TO THE PROPHETIC WORD THE HOLY SPIRIT SHARED WITH US CONCERNING EXPERIENCING GOD'S PEACE ON A DAILY BASIS:

1. "SURRENDER YOUR EARTHLY CARES TO ME

2. WORSHIP ME KNOWING THAT I CARE FOR YOU

3. EXALT MY NAME

4. RECOGNIZE MY POWER

5. RECEIVE MY LOVE

6. FOCUS ON ME, NOT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES, ALLOWING ME TO TAKE CARE OF CIRCUMSTANCES AND

7. REST IN MY PRESENCE AND IN MY CARE KNOWING THAT YOU ARE LOVED."

IF THERE ARE ANY OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT BEEN INTRODUCED TO THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO IS PART OF THE TRIUNE GOD (THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT, KNOWN AS THE TRIUNE GOD - ELOHIM), MAY I ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ MATTHEW 3:13-17; 4:1-11, THE BOOK OF ACTS, AND 1 CORINTHIANS 13,14. IN ORDER FOR A BELIEVER TO BE EMPOWERED TO TRULY FUNCTION IN THE FULLNESS OF THE GIFTS/FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, HE/SHE MUST BE BAPTIZED "IN THE HOLY SPIRIT" AS JESUS WAS IN MATT. 3:16! KEEP IN MIND FOR "AS HE WAS, SO MUST WE BE"! OTHERWISE IF A BELIEVER HAS NOT BEEN BAPTIZED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, HE/SHE IS NOT EMPOWERED TO FULLY FUNCTION AS A CHILD OF THE LIVING GOD.  TAKE PETER FOR EXAMPLE IN ACTS 2:1-21.  I HAVE HEARD SO MANY BELIEVERS TRAGICALLY DECLARE, "WELL, IF THE LORD GOD WANTS ME TO BE FILLED (BAPTIZED) IN/WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, HE WILL HAVE TO DO IT! SORRY SAINTS, THAT IS NOT WHAT THE SCRIPTURES DECLARE, AS WITH OUR BEING BORN AGAIN...WE MUST ASK TO BE BORN AGAIN AS IN JOHN 3:16 TO BEGIN WITH. THUS WE MUST ASK TO BE FILLED/BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLYSPIRIT!  FOR AS THE SCRIPTURE DECLARES...."WE HAVE NOT BECAUSE WE ASK NOT."JAMES 4:2

                                       BE GLORIFIED ALMIGHT GOD, BE GLORIFIED