Category Archives: The Christian Walk

Tagged bible verses, Christianity, faith, giving, goodness of God, gratitude, merry heart, saying thanks, Thanksgiving

~ Walk Like You Were Sent ~

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Mustard Seed Grill | 1 Comment

Do you approach your day like you were sent? When you show up for work, are you ”just there,” another one of the crowd? Do you go to the grocery store to get what you need and get out as quick as you can? As a parent, do you see yourself as someone just trying to raise their kids the best they can? Or do approach life as if God sent you?

John 20:21 ~ Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as
my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Be aware that God wants to show up at your job, at the park, at school, and in the grocery store. Know that God has picked YOU to raise those children and that HE wants to show up BIG in you, wherever you are, whatever you are doing.

Walk through this life as if God has a purpose for you, because He does. Accept your identity as a sent one. Be aware of who you represent and be available to be used by the one who sent you. If you walked around with an awareness, that at any moment God could use you to heal the sick, give a word of knowledge, or perform a miracle, you would see it happen more often.

It is not about ability, it’s about availability

When you walk as one who is sent, you are always available to be used by God and you position yourself to see more of the demonstration of the Holy Spirit. You will experience more of the supernatural power of God. Being led by the Spirit becomes a way of life and your relationship with the Lord is enriched and perfected.

This is not about perfect performance, rather perfection of relationship. A relationship that allows Christ to live BIG in you, manifesting HIS life and faith through you. Galatians puts it all in perspective.

Galatians 2:20 ~ I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Notice it says “the faith OF the Son of God” not IN the Son of God. That is a HUGE difference!

Posted in The Christian Walk, The Fullness Of The Spirit

Tagged Christ, Christianity, God, God sent me, Jesus, sent by God

~ You Might Be A Legalist If …. ~

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Mustard Seed Grill | 1 Comment

Legalism is a system of thought where rules, expectations and regulations promise God’s love in return for human effort and obedience. Legalism is an attempt by man to justify God’s Love. Under the cloak of Christianity legalism offers salvation and God’s Love as a reward for performance. Legalism is a spiritually toxic virus, spread by religion, best treated by God’s unconditional and amazing grace.

If your heart is full of bitterness towards others and self-condemnation, could it
be that you have been going about living the Christian life all wrong? God desperately wants to set His people free from legalism. God loves legalists. He hates legalism.

Could you be a legalist and not even know it? Why do Christians fall prey to performance-based religion? Are you convinced that God is mad at you and the only way you can make him happy is by being a better person? Are you convinced that your obedience and performance has some bearing on your salvation? Are you tired of trying harder because it seems that trying harder is never good enough?

I purposely didn’t include any teaching on GRACE in this blog. That will come next. I think it important to first face the fact that WE ALL may be guilty of legalism to one degree or another.

SOOOO… If you have the guts, take the Legalist test and see how YOU do.

You might be a Legalist if:

1) God’s love for you depends on what you do.

2) Meeting the expectations of others, especially those in your congregation or in positions of authority, are paramount.

3) You believe that if you DON’T tithe, your other 90% will be cursed.

4) You try hard to obey God and it irritates you that others think they can get away with avoiding the same level of dedication and commitment.

5) You fall short because you don’t have enough faith, or because you haven’t prayed enough, or because you just need to be a better person.

6) God is predisposed to be angry with you because you are a sinner and He knows that YOU know you can do better.

7) Your sense of spiritual well-being is tied to a Christian leader and their opinion or membership in your church rather than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

8) You tell your children not to do something in church or around other Christian families that you allow in your home.

9) You believe that what people wear, hairstyles, piercings or tattoos, is a clear indication of that person’s spirituality and character.

10) After being around Christians for a while you feel drained because you are weary of putting up a false front.

11) When you happen to miss a service or activity of your church, even if it is a valid excuse, you feel guilty.

12) If your ability to receive a blessing from God, such as healing, depends on how you have been performing.

13) If you see Christ as more of a judge than a Savior.

14) If you believe God’s love for you depends on how much love you have shown Him.

15) If you know God’s law but not God Himself.

16) If you think you MUST take a Sabbath once a week.

So, how did you do? Did you find some of these comments describing you? Legalism has been a danger to the church from the very start. it is addressed in the New Testament repeatedly and the book of Galatians is written, almost entirely, to address this point.

We are all susceptible to legalism and we must ever guard ourselves from falling into this trap of wrong thinking.

God’s love is unconditional. Christ has redeemed us from every curse of the law. We are to live a life of the Spirit. laying down our lives daily and taking up God’s agenda, being an instrument of righteousness and an expression of His very person….Just like Jesus. This is the path to freedom from legalistic thinking.

Posted in Grace, The Christian Walk

Tagged Christian, Christianity, God, Grace, Legalism VS Grace, Thoughts

The Purpose Of Man ~ poem

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Mustard Seed Grill | 1 Comment

The purpose of a man is not his own choice,

he can’t find the answer on his own.

First he must listen to the still small voice

and allow his path to be shown.

No one can tell him ”this you must do,

and this is what you shall be”.

That only can come from the Lord above

as He opens his heart to see.

Mistakes will be made, wrong turns taken

and this is a part of the quest,

but if he remains with faith not shaken

he surely will see God’s best.

What is his purpose and why was he made

are questions that were not his own,

For that was a yearning placed deep in his heart

that the depth of Gods love would be known.

Posted in Poetry, The Christian Walk

Tagged Christian poetry, Christianity, faith, mans purpose, poem, Thoughts

~ The Truth About The Sabbath ~

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Mustard Seed Grill | 16 Comments

Entering into rest is not about refraining from work one day a week. In fact we are not required to obey the law of the Sabbath any more than Jews are still required to make animal sacrifices. We have a better covenant with better promises and those laws have been completely fulfilled by the lord Jesus Christ. For us to fulfill the law we must enter into Christ and remain there.

Acts 17:28 ~ for in Him we live and move and have our being ….

Entering into the Lords rest is about walking IN Him, obeying His leading and direction. When you do this you cease from your own works and now your works and your burden are His. Making a choice to take up His agenda and His plans daily, instead of our own, is how we take up His burden and His easy yoke. This is the rest of God that we are to labour to enter into.

Hebrews 4:9-11 ~ ⁹ There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. ¹⁰For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. ¹¹ Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

Matthew 11:28-30 ~ ²⁸Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

This revelation is the key to God’s people walking in the power and demonstration of the Spirit. The Church can’t be trusted with true power until they learn to enter, and remain in this rest. We are redeemed from the law of the Sabbath, which is keeping one day holy. We now must enter that rest DAILY, with EVERY day being holy and dedicated to the Lord and the promises that are tied to honoring the Sabbath are ours to enjoy daily. Look at what is promised in Isaiah 58 .

Isaiah 58:13-14 ~ “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the Lord honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words, ¹⁴Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Don’t limit your experience with the rest of God to just one day a week. Observance of a weekly Sabbath was just a type and shadow of what we are to live out daily in Christ. Legalistic observance of Holy days, festivals and religious laws removes you from the grace that Christ provides. The apostle Paul labeled it as establishing your own righteousness.

Philippians 3:8-10 ~ ⁸Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; ¹⁰that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Our righteousness can only be found in Him, by accepting His completed work of redemption and laying down our life for Him.

You can enjoy that rest daily … and you should.

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Posted in The Christian Walk, The Law of the Sabbath

Tagged Christianity, faith, keeping the Sabbath, The law of the sabbath, which day is the sabbath

~ The Principle of Daily Manna ~

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Mustard Seed Grill | 4 Comments

~One night I was laying in bed thinking, “why have I felt so dry the last couple days?” I believe the Lord spoke to me and said “you didn’t gather the manna like you were told.”

~I had to stop and think about that for a minute. I didn’t remember God mentioning manna to me, not recently, NOT EVER. Then I remembered the children of Israel. While in the Wilderness of Sin, God rained down manna from heaven to sustain them every day, for FOURTY years. They were required to go out daily and gather this manna that fell in the form of little pieces the size of coriander seeds.

You could only gather as much as you could eat in one day. Any more and it would rot and produce worms. It was useless.

Exodus 16:4 ~ Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.

God provided food to sustain them in the natural and to test them. I believe this is a type of what He has done with us spiritually. Many places in the Word we are commanded to DAILY be in His Word. Joshua is my favorite.

Joshua 1:8 ~ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

I know what the Lord was saying to me. I had not kept His Word in front of my face and in my mouth for the last couple days.

A few days ago I was up early, and while walking around in the dark I stubbed my toe and tore my little toenail completely off. If that has ever happened to you, then you know the degree of pain that kind of injury can produce. Being in pain and limping around, I really didn’t feel like doing anything. Including reading and confessing the Word of God which is my normal routine. I read a little here and there but I did not speak His word which is where the real power is.

~ So after two days of the “mullygrubs” I realized that the reason I was feeling dry and empty was not my toe being sore, but my spirit being empty.

~When something happens that would tend to throw you out of your daily devotion with God … that is the time that you should really press in. Manna needs to be gathered and digested daily. You can’t get by on yesterdays or last weeks manna, you will starve your spirit and become weak and dry. Furthermore, you can’t consume a weeks supply and expect it to carry you for days without further exposure to His word.~

The bible is GOD TALKING TO US. His words are Spirit and they are Life. They are needed daily for our spiritual health and development. The Lord feeding the children of Israel with manna is a type of what we should be walking in today. We must put forth DAILY effort to ensure our spiritual health and growth. I love how Job says it:

Job 23:12 ~ I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

Look at the language, “… treasured the words of His mouth…” Every day should be a new treasure hunt. The value that you place on God’s Word is evident by the time you are willing to spend on it. One of the greatest investments you can make in this life is the attention that you give to His Word. We all need daily exposure and intake of the Word of God. Have you found your treasure today?

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Tagged Christ, Christian, Christianity, faith, God

~ Don’t Break Bread With A Jackass ~

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Mustard Seed Grill | 2 Comments

If you were raised in the country like myself, you may be familiar with this old saying. When I first heard it, I really didn’t know what it meant. I thought, “Why would anyone want to eat with a Jackass?” But then I realized, people do it all the time. The old saying simply means, don’t associate with fools, and don’t hang out with bad company.

I am not sure where this saying originated, but it is biblical. What we see and hear does have spiritual implications, and if we are hearing and seeing it constantly, being affected is inevitable whether it is good or bad.

1 Corinthians 15:33 ~ Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Living in the communication age, we are constantly bombarded with various forms of media that are designed to shock, stimulate and influence you to think and feel certain ways. It is extremely effective, and mans carnal nature hungers for this kind of stimulation. The more it is stimulated, the more it wants. The lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh are never satisfied. (Proverbs 27:20)

Proverbs 13:20 ~ He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a
companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Certainly the company we keep matters. When I was first saved in 1988, I knew the Lord was leading me to separate from my old friends. However I did not obey those leadings and soon fell right back into my old destructive lifestyle. I had to learn the hard way. Later on, after I did separate myself from the “fools.” I took comfort in seeing examples of it in the Word. Samson was a great example of what NOT to do.

Judges 16:15-17 ~ ¹⁵ Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and have not told me where your great strength lies.” ¹⁶ And it came to pass, when she pestered him daily with her words and pressed him, so that his soul was vexed to death, ¹⁷ that he told her all his heart, and said to her, “No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaven, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.”

We are not supposed to be “like any other man,” we are called to be different. We should stand out. It should be easy for people to identify us at work or in the marketplace. We should be the ones that leave a conversation when it becomes inappropriate, take a stand for what is right, and refuse to take part in filthy conduct and things that are ungodly. If we don’t, we open ourselves up to torment and oppression. Not to mention bring a reproach on Christ.

Look at what happened to Lot:

2 Peter 2:6-8^{~ 6} and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; ⁷ and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked ⁸ (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)—

Lot CHOSE to dwell among the ungodly and it cost him big time. If it were not for Abraham, it would have cost him his life. We have a choice too, we always have a choice, remember that. If we are seeing and hearing filthy conduct and lawless deeds all the time, our soul will be vexed and we will be tormented. The more of it we allow, the less sensitive we will be to the Holy Spirit.

Don’t be afraid to be different and take a stand for Christ. Don’t break bread with Jackasses, you have a choice. Instead, choose to enjoy the bread of life.

John 6:35 ~ And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life.” He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Posted in Fellowship, The Christian Walk

Tagged Christ, Christianity, holiness, unequally yoked

If you Fail under Pressure your Strength is too Small.

Posted on April 12, 2012 by akcielo | 2 Comments

If you fail under pressure

your strength is

too small. Prov. 24:10

Be encouraged by His word.

Your strength is in the Lord!

Bible Verses to encourage you today~*

I Peter 5:7 - Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Psalms 46: 1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

Psalms 119:28 - My soul is weary with sorrow: strengthen me according to your word.

Isaiah 40:29 – He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.

II Timothy 1:7 - For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love,and self-control.

I Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalms 138:3 – In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.

Hebrews 13:6 - So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Romans 16:20 - And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Psalms 27:1 - Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahwehis the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

Ephesians 3:20 - Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Psalms 18:32-33 - The God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect? He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and sets me on my high places.

John 16:33 - I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.””

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that hope in the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall take wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 41:10 - Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed,for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

I Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

You are strong in THE LORD!

Posted in The Christian Walk, Wisdom

Tagged blessings, Christianity, encouragement, fail, faith, God, pressure, proverbs, Proverbs 24:10, small, strenght, Strenght in the Lord, struggle, verses, wisdom

Disarming Fear – Freedom from Fear

Posted on March 14, 2012 by akcielo | 2 Comments

Freedom from Fear (f.e.a.r.)

False Evidence Appearing Real

There is no fear in love; but perfect loves cast out fear: because fear has torment.

Faith and fear do not co-exist they cancel each other.

Both faith and fear are unshakable beliefs in an unseen future. Neither is merely emotional. But both are spiritual forces. The only difference between the two is that one believes that God will come through for you. The other believes He wont.

God says that He has not given you a spirit of fear, but, He has given you a spirit of love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.) They are your most powerful weapons in your battle for freedom as you deal with the emotions of fear, doubt, and worry. God’s love wins the battle for you!

God’s Power +Yourself discipline = a powerful force

Love drives out fear, but where do we find perfect Love? The only place where you can experience perfect Love is in an intimate relationship with your heavenly

That is something that should really make us stop and think. When fear creeps up inside of you, it should raise a red flag that you need to continue deepening your relationship with God.

So how do you begin controlling emotions of fear, doubt and worry? Your faith in the unyielding love of your heavenly Father is what removes fear from your mind regardless of your circumstances.

God has promised: “ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. The arte plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

5 Steps to Help You Win Your Battle Against Fear

1 Recognize the fearful thought as a threat. *2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

2 Think of God’s promises for that situation. There is a list of some verses to get you started at the end of this post. *Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

3Pray and tell God your concern. *Matthew 21:22 -And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

4Praise God for His promises, and faithfulness to keep each one of them too. *Psalm 50:23 He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me; and he who orders his way aright [who prepares the way that I may show him], to him I will demonstrate the salvation of God.

5 Refuse to worry about it anymore. If it comes to your mind again, confess that you have given it over to God in prayer and begin praising Him for hearing your prayers and that the prayers of the righteous avails much – *James 5:16

No matters how many times fear tries to return, continue to repeat step 5.

Eventually the devil will get the hint** . James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.I Corinthians 15:57

——–

Verses to keep you strong and encouraged

No special formula is needed to pray over your situation. As you read and discover treasures in God’s word, mark them, and pray them over you in faith. Use your own words if you want to, but do pray His truths. Pray believing and expecting the blessing and love of God to breathe faith and life over you and it will! —– For example – Psalm 23:4 You could say, confess or pray – Even when I walk through difficult or scary situations I will not dread or be in fear because God is with me. He protects me and guides me. I am safe.

VERSES

(Just a sample of the many verses on this topic found in the Bible.)

Psalm 23:4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

1 John 4:4Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

Isaiah 54:14 You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God’s will and order): you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you.

Psalm 91:10-11There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.

1 John 4:18 ^\There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection].

Psalm 18:2The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower.

Philippians 4:13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Philippians 4:6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

Luke 1:37For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Joshua 1:9Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

James 4:7 So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.

James 5:16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

***I am free and you can be free too!***

——-

Disarming Fear Before the Explosion Comes

http://wp.me/p1HtW9-fJ

Posted in Faith, Spiritual Warfare, The Christian Walk, Wisdom

Tagged 2 Timothy 1:7, 23, afraid, anxiety, distress, free from fear, freedom, help for my fear, I am in fear, Life, need help, no more fear, Proverbs 12:25, Psalms, terror, torment in my soul, what is fear?

STOP! DON’T BECOME DISTRESSED

Posted on February 25, 2012 by akcielo | 7 Comments

Guard your heart!

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down.

: DONT BECOME DISTRESSED

There is a process toward the place of distress.

It looks something like this.

(1) DISBELIEF in the PROMISES requiring faith – And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 **Other verses for encouragement -> Matthew 24:35 2 Corinthians 5:7, 1 John 5:4

(2) DISCOURAGED by the PROBLEMS opposing faith - I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 **Other verses for encouragement ->Proverbs 3:5-6, Galatians 6:9, James 4:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:13

(3) DISENGAGED from the PEOPLE and PLACE of faith – Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 **Other verses for encouragement ->Proverbs 27:17, Mark 3:25

(4) DISTRESSED as a PERSON without faith -*Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.Psalm 43:5, *May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 **Other verses for encouragement ->Psalm 18:2, , Ecclesiastes 4:10-12, Prov. 12:25

>>>>>KEEP BELIEVING GOD’S PROMISES<<<<

God is FAITHFUL TO FULFIL His promises.

ABOVE ALL ELSE guard your heart, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23

Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed,for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

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Posted in Patience, The Christian Walk, Victorious Living!, Wisdom

Tagged anxiety, Christianity, distress, faith, faith in God, God is faithful, Gurad your heart., proverbs

~ What Is Character? ~

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Mustard Seed Grill | Leave a comment

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. Excellence in character does not come from a singular act, but a habit. Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of masters. You are what you repeatedly do.

Character is who you are when no one else is looking. Character is what YOU know you are. Character is the sum total of all of your choices to this point in your life. The quality of your life is tied to the strength of your character.

Character is developed by thoughts, words, actions and habits and is defined by your consistent behavior. Character can easily be identified by ones behavior. It is hard to talk your way out of what you have behaved yourself into.

Watch your thoughts because they become words.

Watch your words because they become actions.

Watch your actions because they become habits.

Watch your habits because they become your character.

Watch your character because it shapes your destiny.

Truthfulness is the main element of character. ~~~ Jesus Christ is THE TRUTH. ~~~ The more truthful you are, the more like HIM you shall be.

Remember, there is no studying for a test of character, it is always a pop quiz.

Character poem

You must maintain your strength of character to make right choices in life,

For tests will come when you least expect it to tempt you to get into strife.

When difficulties arise and the choices get tough, decisions must be made on the spot.

You will surely see when it comes to character it is better to have it than not.

Strength of character is not just an item that can be purchased right off the shelf.

It comes from years of doing what is right and constantly dying to self.

Our example for character is the Lord Jesus Christ, our life should always model His

For you cannot study for a test of character, it will show up as a pop quiz.

Posted in discipleship, The Christian Walk

Tagged character, Christianity, Thoughts

*The Christmas Gift We All Want!

Posted on December 20, 2011 by akcielo | 5 Comments

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Faithfulness, Goodness, Gentleness Self-Control and -

God brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard. Share them~

Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

→ 5 Comments

Posted in Faith, Joy, Love, The Christian Walk

Tagged Christianity, Christmas, faith, fruits of the spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, giving, Love

Follow the Leader?

Posted on December 19, 2011 by akcielo | 2 Comments

Only if they are going the right way!

My child, if sinners try to lead you into sin,

turn your back on them and do not follow!

Proverbs 1:10

My child, if sinners try to lead you into sin,

turn your back on them and do not follow!

Proverbs 1:10

When tempted or invited to do what is wrong, there is always a powerful moment where you can choose not to go the wrong way, but if you miss it, it is ok to make a u-turn and move yourself away.

It is easier said than done, only when we try to do it in our own strength, but with God’s help and commitment on our part it can be done. With every good choice we make we will feel more and more confident in our daily walk. We can be strong with His strength!

In Christ we can do all things!

Posted in Being Led By The Spirit, The Christian Walk, Wisdom

Tagged Christianity, faith, leaders. follow. peer pressure, proverbs, temptations, wisdom.Proverbs 1:10

Let The Children Come

Posted on December 16, 2011 by akcielo | 3 Comments

God loves children. He does not discriminate against children. He does ask us parents, to train them. Do not underestimate your children’s faith. They can hear from God too. They can walk a victorious life in God’s love and grace just like adults. do

May your children grow up to be your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

Mark 10:13-16 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Matthew 18:4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Proverbs 15:20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” Luke 9:37

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Posted in Favor, Love, The Christian Walk, Victorious Living!, Wisdom

Tagged children bible verses, family, let the children come, Matthew 19:14, parents, Proverbs 22:6

Building Faith in your Children’s Heart ~Confessions for Children to Speak~

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Mustard Seed Grill | Leave a comment

For those of you who know me, you know that speaking the Word of God is a HUGE deal with me. The reason it is so important, and I put so much emphasis on it, is because I know the impact it has had on my life. I have also seen the difference it makes in people’s lives when they get a hold on biblical confession.

There is a scripture that I confess over my children that has inspired me to put together some confessions for children to speak. The passage that inspired me is this:

God said that this is His covenant with me: His Spirit that is upon me and His words which He has put in my mouth, will not depart out of my mouth, nor out of the mouth of my seed, nor out of the mouth of my seed’s seed ~ Isaiah 59:21 ~

It occurred to me that for the Word to NOT depart out of my seed’s mouth, it must first be in there. So I have put these confessions together for children to speak and memorize.

This will help kids learn God’s Word. As they confess what God says about them, their confidence will grow. By realizing who they are in Christ, they will be able to stand against all the tricks of the enemy that plague our young generation today.

These simplified paraphrases of God’s Word can make a lasting positive impression that will help your children be victorious in this life. ENJOY!

SAY THIS ~ God is the strength of my life. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Psalm 27:1 – Philippians 4:13)

SAY THIS ~ I am taught of the Lord and great peace belongs to me. (Isaiah 54:13)

SAY THIS ~ I thank God because He always causes me to triumph in Christ Jesus. I am a winner! (2 Corinthians 2:14)

SAY THIS ~ I love others because Jesus first loved me. (Ephesians 5:2)

SAY THIS ~ I guard my mouth and my tongue and I keep my soul from trouble. (Proverbs 21:23)

SAY THIS ~ I will fear no evil for you are with me Lord, your Word and your Spirit comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

SAY THIS ~ I trust in the Lord with all my heart and I do not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge Him, and He directs my path. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

SAY THIS ~ I will always respect and obey my parents so I will have a good long life. (Exodus 20:12)

SAY THIS ~ Thank you Lord, for angels that watch over me. Any weapon the devil throws at me will not work. (Isaiah 54:17 – Psalm 91:11-12)

SAY THIS ~ Thank you Lord, that you never leave me alone or give up on me. (Hebrews 13:5)

SAY THIS ~ The sword of the spirit is the Word of God. When I say what god says about me, it brings me life and makes me strong. (Psalm 119:130 – Ephesians 6:17)

SAY THIS ~ I think on the things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. If there is any virtue or praise, I think on these things. I am a doer of the word of God and the peace of God is with me. (Philippians 4:8-9)

SAY THIS ~ I love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and I love my neighbor as myself. (Mark 12:30-31)

SAY THIS ~ Because the love of God is in my heart, I am patient and kind. I do not envy or brag and I am not proud. I do not dishonor others, I am not selfish, I am not easily angered and I forgive when someone does me wrong. I do not like evil but I rejoice in the truth. I believe the best of every person. I always protect, trust, hope and persevere. I never fail. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Posted in Faith Confessions by Topic, The Christian Walk

Tagged Bible verses to pray over children, children faith conffessions, Christanity, Daily confessions, faith, for children, scriptures for children

The Centurion’s Faith

Posted on November 29, 2011 by akcielo | Leave a comment

Accounts in the bible are more than just stories. We read and even wonder in awe about the great deeds they showcase. One of these stories for me was the centurion, whose faith got his servant healed. (Luke 7:1-10 ttp://www.biblegateway.com/pass age/?search=Luke%207:1-10&version=NIV ).

A few words brought this story home to me. The centurion’s faith not only got his servant healed, but also had Jesus admire and reference it as the greatest He had ever seen.~> Why is this account in the Bible? Is is here to bring shame on me or Jesus’ followers for not having such faith? No, I believe one of the main things Jesus wanted to showcase here was not how great this man’s faith was or to compare ours to it, but to show how simple and powerful faith is.

So when he heard about

Jesus…

Bingo!

He heard about Jesus- faith came.

He heard about Jesus! The centurion acted on what he heard because he believed, expected something good to happen and it did. Faith comes by hearing… If my faith walk does not display what I hope for, it most likely has a lot to do with what I am hearing. I know faith comes by hearing.

*The question is-

Am I hearing about Jesus?

I need to spend more time hearing about Jesus because it will have a great impact on my faith, what I say, do and get to accomplish for Him.

Posted in The Christian Walk

Tagged acting oin faith, Christianity, faith, faith comes by hearing, Healing, hearing, hearing the word, honor, Jesus, Love, Luke 7:1-10, servant, The Centurion

The Mark of a Proverbs Man

Posted on November 26, 2011 by akcielo | 2 Comments

The Mark of a Proverbs Man

***Does not wisdom call out?* *Proverbs 8:1***

We need the wisdom of Proverbs in our homes!

The source of many problems in our world today is the lack of men of character and integrity. The lack of Godly men leaves a mark that does not produce life. Sadly, godly living is no longer pursued by men or taught to children in many homes. Because of this, we have a society where right is wrong and wrong is right and many are caught in the middle not knowing which way to go. We need the wisdom of Proverbs in our homes! Wisdom for every member of the family as a unit and as part of the body of Christ in this world. We need more than a few good men. We need an army of Mighty MEN to lead the way for the next generation.We need the mark of a Proverbs Man. The mark of a man that makes a difference. Blessed Men that Fear God and Lead Responsible lives leave The Mark of a Proverbs Man where ever they go. With godly wisdom they train their children in godly living, just as their children will teach the next generation. Father-Friend-Son- Mentor-Brother-Husband– You are called to be A Proverbs Man!

Responsible

***Able to answer for one’s conduct and obligations :* *trustworthy.***

Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul

Proverbs 13:24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death

Proverbs 19:14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD

Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace.

Blessed

Highly favored or fortunate.

Proverbs 3:13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding.

Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.

Proverbs 3:33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

Lead

***Providing direction or* *guidance.***

Proverbs 20:7 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.

Proverbs 23:24 The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.

Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Fears God

Fearing God means having such a reverence for Him that it has a great impact on the way we live our lives. The fear of God is respecting Him, obeying Him, submitting to His discipline, and worshipping Him in awe.

http://huayni.wordpress.com/2011/07/19/dont-fear-the-fear-of-the-lord/

Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Proverbs 14:26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

Proverbs 12:2 A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a crafty man.

Proverbs 8:35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***Blessed* Men that Fear God and Lead Responsible *lives***

leave The Mark of a Proverbs Man.

With godly wisdom they train their children in godly

living, just as their children will teach the next generation for the glory of God.

Posted in discipleship, The Christian Walk, Victorious Living!

Tagged Bible scriptures for men, bible verses for men, blessed, Christianity, father's day verses, guidance, lead, mighty man, proverbs 13:24, proverbs 3:13, proverbs man, the value of wisdom, wisdom

You are a Sluggard if…

Posted on November 21, 2011 by akcielo | 1 Comment

What is a Sluggard?

Sluggard is defined by the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary as an habitually lazy person. *A few synonyms for sluggard are lazybones, deadbeat, do-nothing, drone, idler, lay about, loafer, lotus-eater, slouch, slug, slugabed, and couch potato.

Do you know anybody that fits this description? Shhhh! Don’t tell!

If you are not wise with your time you will find out how quick time flies. Observe the tiny ants and learn. Be a person with initiative, be a self-starter, and don’t waste time.

Start, finish, and do things right because time flies when you are not wise.

———————————————————————————————-

Proverbs 6:6-11

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise!–Which, having no chief, overseer, or ruler, Provides her food in the summer and gathers her supplies in the harvest. How long will you sleep, O sluggard?

When will you arise out of your sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to lie down and sleep–So will your poverty come like a robber or one who travels [with slowly but surely approaching steps] and your want like an armed man [making you helpless].

Warnings for Sluggards or Lazy Peeps !!!!!

The Book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom concerning laziness and warnings to the lazy person. (Sorry but no easy links for these verses. This time you will have to actually use your Bible. )

A lazy peep hates work.~ Proverbs 21:25

A lazy peep loves sleep.~ Proverbs26:14

A lazy peep gives excuses.~ Proverbs 26:13

A lazy peep wastes time and energy.~ Proverbs 18:9

A lazy peep believes he is wise.~ Proverbs 26:16

The Book of Proverbs also tells us the end in store for the lazy peep:

A lazy peep becomes a servant or debtor. ~Proverbs 12:24

A lazy peep’s future is bleak.~ Proverbs 20:4

A lazy peep will come to poverty.~ Proverbs 13:4

———————————————————————————————–

Ants are good team players, each doing their part always working together for the benefit of all.

You are wise as an ant if…

you understand your gifts and work within your specific abilities.

-you don’t need to have an overseer pushing you each day to get your tasks done.

-you can work with others.

-you are single focused when needed.

-you can help and share with others.

-you take rest seriously.

-you understand and respect timing.

-you are self motivated.

-you are creative.

-you are not lazy!

Go to the ant consider her ways, learn, and be wise!!

Proverbs 16:20 Proverbs 15:22

Posted in The Christian Walk, Victorious Living!, Wisdom

Tagged ants, Christianity, consider the ant, couch potato, diligent, lazy, proverbs, Proverbs 6:6, sluggard, time management

So you fell flat on your face- Ahh!

Posted on November 19, 2011 by akcielo | 2 Comments

There is no need to throw your hands up in the air when things don’t go as planned. Resist the temptation to embrace frustration or to have a meltdown. There is no need to hide from the world to disconnect, and there is no need for you to try to find someone to blame for the failure. Frustration is the everyday bread to those who give up and that is not you!

So you fell flat

on your face… Oh no!

What to do?

Just get back up! Go back to the drawing board and do things God’s way. He is more than able to help and lead you to success if you follow His lead! He will make your path strait. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

There is one thing to keep in mind. We do need people in our world to speak truth and to council us as we prepare to make big decisions. We don’t know it all. If you ask God, He will lead you to these people so that you have all the insight you need. Even though you make your own decisions, remember as well that you can’t ignore God’s council and expect things to go right. A one-man band is only good for entertainment…

P.L.A.N.S.

P- Pray for direction.

L– Listen to counsel.

A- Always let God have the final word.

N- No need to rush. God’s timing is the right one.

S. Success should always be measured by God’s
standards and not men’s standards.

–>Wisdom from Proverbs

Proverbs 16:3 Proverbs 4:26

Proverbs 3:6 Proverbs 11:14

Proverbs 16:9 Proverbs 4:18

I drew the acronym for the word PLANS from these verses. It is not meant to be your ABCs of life, but more as key components that should be part of your decision making process.

Tagged Christianity, faith, frustrations, never give up, plans, proverbs, temptations

“Common sense is not so common.”

Posted on November 5, 2011 by akcielo | 5 Comments

Make hay while the sun shines – that’s smart; go fishing during harvest- that’s stupid. Proverbs. 10:5

Even with a funny twist from the Message Bible, it is still a great truth! Everything we do should be done in wisdom. Sometimes wisdom is spelled common sense.

Common sense => sound practical judgment- an internal sense, consists of what people… in common would agree on: that which they “sense” as their common natural understanding -sound judgment- good reasoning -ability to make sensible decisions.

If any lack wisdom, PROVERBS is a great place to start. Just ASK! God will open all the truths of this book for you to understand and follow.
~~~~~~

Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:9-11

→ 5 Comments

Posted in The Christian Walk, Wisdom

Tagged Christianity, common sense, fishing, harvest, lazy, Message Bible, Proverbs 2:9, the value of wisdom, undestanding

~Scriptural Illiteracy~

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Mustard Seed Grill | Leave a comment

Illiteracy is a huge hinderance on human development, likewise scriptural illiteracy hinders spiritual development. Many Christians are suffering from scriptural illiteracy. They attempt to live a Christian life based on books written about the bible, what people say on Christian radio and TV programs, pastors and friends advice, and posts on Facebook or blogs just like this one. All of these thing have some value but they are only supplements to the real thing: THE BIBLE. We cannot live on supplements alone.

We must be intimately familiar with Gods Word. This is the foundation that we build our lives on. Without this foundation we are incapable of weathering the really tough storms in life. Building a Godly life on the sands of scriptural illiteracy is impossible.

Don’t be deceived into thinking that you can live the Christian life and fulfill Gods purpose without the YOU reading YOUR bible. Realize that the bible is God speaking to you.

A man told me once: “You must have daily exposure to, and intake of Gods Word.” and you know what? He was Right.

Proverbs 4:20-22 ~ ²⁰My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. ²¹Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; ²²For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.

Posted in The Christian Walk

Tagged Christianity, God, illiteracy. scritural illiteracy, Jesus Christ, read the bible, Religion and Spirituality, the importance of Gods word

~ Are You A Bobblehead Christian? ~

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Mustard Seed Grill | Leave a comment

So … What is a bobble head Christian? Oh you know a few! The ones with the
head so filled with knowledge about the things of God, the power of God, the
fullness of the Spirit. They know what the word says about virtually any
subject you bring up … yet they have no fruit of it in their life. The have
not walked ANY of it out. Their head is swelled with knowledge yet their
spiritual feet are small and underdeveloped from not walking in what they know. Big ole head .. Itty bitty feet. BOBBLE HEAD! (Work with me here, I am trying to paint a picture)

Learning is important, knowledge is important, but what is MORE important is
that we believe what we have learned enough to step out and walk in it. Not
just cram our noggins so full of knowledge that our head grows so big we become
unbalanced.

When our heads are puffed up with knowledge and we try to take a step on
those tiny atrophied feet … we fall. Then we realize that we are immobilized
by our lopsided development. Some of us are just going to have to step out at
the risk of falling on our face just to get our WALK developed.

We live in the information age. Google any subject you want and you will
find countless “experts” on any given topic. Folks in general don’t know the difference between true revelation and mere head knowledge. when YOU experience God unveiling a truth to YOU personally, THAT is TRUE revelation. Getting true revelation for yourself will empower you to walk in it. We must not confine the demonstration of the Holy Spirit to mere intellect. That is RESISTING the Holy Spirit. We must submit ourselves to Jesus command.

Matthew 10:8 ~ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

God wants to show up BIG right where we are! We need to be willing to let the Spirit lead us, even into situations that we don’t understand and trust Him to back our play. Have the courage to step out and actually DO what you believe to be true.

Posted in The Christian Walk, The Fullness Of The Spirit

Tagged Bobblehead, Christian, Christianity, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Religion and Spirituality, true revelation

~ God said: “You Are A Dirt Bag?” ~

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Mustard Seed Grill | Leave a comment

YEP! That’s what He said.

First let me explain what “dirt bag” is in this context. As you may know, you are a spirit being, with a mind and soul, and you exist on this earth in a body, your “earth suit” so to speak. Your earth suit is made up of basic elements that are found in dirt. (Remember, God created Adam from the dust of the ground so this should make sense.)

Your skin, the largest organ of your body, is the “bag” that all of this “dirt” is contained in. That being clear, let me share an important revelation that can help you in your walk with God.

Years ago I remember struggling with this one particular sin that I just COULD NOT seem to overcome. I was praying and asking forgiveness for the umpteenth time and being disgusted with myself I said “LORD, I am such a DIRT BAG!” The Lord spoke back to me very strong and said: “Yes Jack, you ARE a dirt bag. As a man thinks in his heart, so he is.”

I was shocked!
All I could think about was that the Lord called me a “dirt bag” and then gave
me scripture to back it up by quoting Proverbs 23:7 ! I was like … Lord!? … for
real!?

It was at that moment that it seemed like He downloaded this huge revelation into my “hard drive” about how we see ourselves. What you are mindful of has tremendous impact on our spiritual growth and our ability to walk in the spirit. Today I saw how it impacts our ability to minister to the needs of others. Romans 8 holds the key to understanding this.

Lets break it down.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

You see, it is not enough to just “be saved” (in Christ Jesus) but you must be “after the Spirit.” Notice the capital S in Spirit? We must be ever conscious of the Holy Spirit and His agenda.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. ³For what the law could not do, in that
it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: ⁴That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

There are two laws mentioned here; the law of the Spirit of life in Christ and the law of sin and death. We are FREE from the second law because God CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH.

When the devil is successful in getting you into self-condemnation and thinking of yourself as a “Dirt Bag,” you are in essence saying: “What God did was not enough, I have to condemn sin myself.” This can be as simple as you just focusing on the carnal, fallen nature most of the time instead of being mindful of spiritual things. This renders you helpless and powerless. (Which is the devils goal if he can’t kill you.)

⁵For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. ⁶For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

We understand that actively pursuing sin brings death, but did you know that condemnation does the same thing? Condemnation IS “minding the things of the flesh.” We can’t be effective at helping others with death working in us.

⁷Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. ⁸So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Having the “Dirt Bag” (carnal) mindset is enmity against God. You cannot please Him. It reminds me of another scripture.
Hebrews 11:6 ~ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

It takes faith to break free of the “Dirt Bag” mindset.

⁹But ye are not in the flesh, but in the
Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Do we really get it? That we are NOT in the flesh? Just because we live in a flesh and bone “earth suit” and walk around in a fallen world does not mean we can’t be spiritual. Obviously I did not get that when the Lord spoke this to me.

Condemnation quenches the Spirit and puts the focus inward instead of upward and outward. It renders the Christian powerless, ineffective and no threat to the devil.

We MUST walk in power. That power is for OTHER PEOPLE. It is not for you. It is not for you to execute your own agenda or for you to market it so you can be financially secure. It is not to play with or for you to draw attention to yourself. The devil tries to keep you from walking in this power by substituting it with an
opposite power, the power of condemnation. He tries to get you focused on the
“DIRT BAG” so much that it is all you can see. Instead of being mindful of
spiritual things that can help others, you become only mindful of you, and you
can’t even help yourself.

DON’T BE A DIRT BAG! (CARNAL) BE SPIRITUAL!

1Corinthians 2:15 ~ But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Posted in Being Led By The Spirit, The Christian Walk

Tagged Christ, Christian, Christianity, condemnation, dirt bag, faith, God, how to be free from condemnation, no more condemnation, Religion and Spirituality, set free from condemnation

~ What Is Your Testimony? ~

Posted on October 15, 2011 by Mustard Seed Grill | 1 Comment

Revelation 12:11 ~ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

How do we overcome? Part of the way we overcome is by our testimony. This is not just limited to the story of how you came to a relationship with Jesus Christ, in fact it is more about what you are TESTIFYING on a DAILY BASIS.

Do you testify about your illness and how you never have enough, or are you “calling those things that be not as though they were.” (Like God does … like Abraham did, Romans 4:17 ) and declaring the promises of God in the face of your adversity?

Search this site and find the biblical confessions that address your concerns. They are all organized and printable for your convenience. Begin speaking the promises of God every day and TESTIFY of what God is saying about you.

Things are WON in the spirit realm before you see them in the natural realm. Use the Sword of the Spirit and FIGHT for what is rightfully yours! WIN IT IN THE SPIRIT, THEN EXPECT IT IN THE NATURAL!

Tagged confession, faith, faith confession, overcome by the word of your testimony, sermon notes on the power of your testimony, sermon on your testimony, testifying, testimony, the power of your words, the spirit of faith, word of faith, words, your testimony

~ Is Jesus An Invalid? ~

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Mustard Seed Grill | 1 Comment

While praying in the spirit this morning some things came out while I was giving thanks for various things. I was thanking the Lord for the body of Christ when this phrase came out: “I thank you Lord for the body of Christ that makes you complete on this earth.”

That was a new thought to me, however it makes perfect sense. He is the head. We are the body. Without a body we are incomplete. As I thought on this and asked the Lord what He was trying to show me, I thought of a person that was an “invalid,” with no use of his limbs. Paralyzed. Then I thought of the word “invalid”. NOT VALID!

Then I realized that this is a picture of the worldwide body of Christ. Without power. Not valid in the worlds eyes. The body does not have the power to carry the Head to a lost and dying world.

We MUST become the body of Christ that we were designed to be. We MUST walk in the power and demonstration of the Spirit. We MUST STOP thinking and acting independent of the Head.

If I want a drink of water, My head tells my hand to pick up the water bottle and put it to my mouth. If Jesus (the head) wants to heal someone and he tells you (the hand) to go and minister to that person and raise them up by His power … and you don’t do it … You have just made Him an invalid, and to the world, you have just made Christianity “NOT VALID.”

Jesus is very clear on what He wants us to do:

Matthew 10:8 ~ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Do you really have the guts to walk that out? Do you have the faith to take Him at his word and believe that He will back you up? I am not pointing fingers, I am asking myself. You ask yourself.

JC.