Living in Peace

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Tracy K

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To some the word ‘Peace’ is not much but a lovely word.  To others that have had to deal with horrible, fearful or unbearable distress, Peace is so much more than merely a pleasant thought.  When a person goes through something terrible in their life, they learn to appreciate things a whole lot more.  Sometimes God allows his children to go through trials and tribulations to make them the person he wants them to become.  Lets say a person full of pride might benefit from a little humility.  God might allow something to happen to bring us to our knees.   You might not like the thought of having to go through trials but the Bible say, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”(Romans 8:28).

Recently I heard a sermon about how Paul had to endure something in his life that he considered a thorn.  Three times he asked for that thorn to be removed, Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”   So Paul learned that sometimes it was a good thing to endure things in your life because it is then that the Lord works mightily through you.  Why?  Because he has strengthened you and by your tribulations.  Paul later said, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

When we abide in Christ and follow what he teaches us through his word, than the peace of God abides with us.  It is when we stray from God and follow after other things that we are separated from the peace of God.  Abide in Christ and allow him to lead you in your Christian walk and pray to him continually for guidance and strength.  Learn to depend on the Lord for your strength and when you go through a struggle in life, allow God to mold you into his image.

Related Scriptures:

Philippians 4:7,9-And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

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Christian- Jesus Christ Follower

Posted on July 4, 2015 by Tracy K

jesus2A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. The term “Christian” is also used adjectivally to describe anything associated with Christianity, or in a proverbial sense “all that is noble, and good, and Christ-like.” The word Christian was first used at Antioch.
Acts 11:25-26 says, “Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when they had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the Disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”  So we know a Christian is one who believes and accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and believes he is the son of God.

Romans 1:3-6 says, “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:  Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:”  Therefore if a man or woman or child is obedient unto Jesus Christ he/she receives grace and eternal life.

Christians as in the apostleship are followers of Christ, passionate adherent, strong supporters of the gospel of Christ. Christianity is the worlds largest religion with 2.4 billion adherents. Jesus Christ ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection are often referred to as “the gospel“ meaning “good news.” These professions of faith state that Jesus suffered, died, was buried, and was resurrected from the dead, and freely gives eternal life to those who believe in him, and trust in him for the remission of their sins.

Related Scriptures:

1 Peter 4:16-Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Revelations 1:5-And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Revelations 14:12-Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Jude 1:21-Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

1 John 1:7- But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1 Peter 1:2-5-Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

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Pray America- Comes Back to God

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Tracy K

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Please Join me this Independence Day to pray for America to come back to God. America once stood for things that were just and Godly.  Only a few short years ago, People could allow their kids to play outside without being kidnapped or injured by someone else.  I remember as a small child playing outside with my older sisters, enjoying the woods, the nature and sounds of birds singing or crickets chirping.  We didn’t have to worry about danger all around us or someone trying to harm us.

In the last few years I have seen America become something that is vile and unacceptable in the sight of God.  I do not write this to say that I am perfect by any means, but I do know that people influence other people.  That is to say people- children learn by others.  If a child hears his parents cursing- he grows up to think it is acceptable. Now some parents laugh when they hear their child curse for the first time- thinking it is cute.

Now what used to be a limited amount of channels on the television, with shows such as ‘Andy Griffin Show’, have included hundreds of channels showing all sorts of perverted things.  What used to be clean programs such as cartoons of ‘Bugs Bunny’ now include cartoons of homosexuality, adultery, etc….  Not forgetting the openly mature movies of sexual content, witchcraft and sorcery now playing on every theater in the nation.

At first a southern girl living in a respectable town of 1000 now lives in a town of tattoo parlors, beer joints, dancing clubs, gay pride parades and homosexual mayors.  A once respected nation that upheld the Constitution now defies the laws allowing things that are not unlawful to take place.  People used to know what was evil and stand against it.  People never dared to spread their vulgar ideas and beliefs on others, but now are trying to openly make others stand with them -and are succeeding.  People are saying don’t offend them but they don’t mind offending God.  They lie, steal, curse and use God’s name in vain.  They make idols and Satanic statues and place them in front of public government buildings. The truth is not being preached but sugar coated, so as not to lose members.

Now is the time to come back to God.  If there was ever a time in your life to pray, repent, seek the Heavenly Father and beg for his mercy and grace, now is the time to do so.  Now is the time to respect the house of God, to keep the Sabbath as holy, and to reverence the Almighty God.  2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Related Scriptures:

Leviticus 19:12- And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:28-Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:4-Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 19:11,12-Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.  And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:13,15-Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

Leviticus 19:18-Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.

Exodus 20:3-5-Thou shalt have no other gods before me.  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Exodus 20:7-Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Exodus 20-13-16-Thou shalt not kill.  Thou shalt not commit adultery.  Thou shalt not steal.  Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Leviticus 18:22-Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Romans 1:25-27- Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Romans 1:29-31- Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

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Open the Eyes of Those Blinded by Satan

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Tracy K

blindToday many people are blinded from the truth of salvation.  They are blinded by Satan (the devil) and it is up to the Christian believer to help those that are blinded by the deception.  If we do not tell the truth of Jesus Christ, than Satan’s snare will continue to take hold in someone’s life, and they will never see the truth.  What are we suppose to tell people about what God expects. We are to tell them about having repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  This means that a person should repent from all sins, turn from them and then cleave to the Lord Jesus Christ.

In case you don’t know, Satan is considered the god of this world because he is walking about seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).  2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”  The believer of Jesus Christ, should witness to others, share the gospel so that their family and friends can be saved.  Read more about Salvation here.

The prophet Isaiah said, “He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted.”  He was talking about the Devil blinding people so they could not see the truth.  In case you don’t believe you can be blinded, let me tell you, that Satan can confuse you so bad, that you don’t understand anything or able to see clearly things that God is trying to reveal to you.  I know this from my own personal experience.  Read my testimony here.

In Acts 26:18 Paul tells us what our ministry is.  We are ‘To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith.’

If you have not received the free gift of salvation from Jesus Christ, then you will not receive eternal life in Heaven.  You must repent from your sins, pray to the Lord and ask him into your life.  You must believe in God’s son, Jesus Christ.  He was born on this earth and then died on the cross, as a sacrifice for your sins.  Then, he arose the third day where he now resides with the Heavenly Father- God.  He hears your prayers and he intercedes for you, which means he makes pleas on your behalf.

Many of these topics are covered on this blog.

Related Scriptures:

Acts 4:10-12-Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Isaiah 42-6-8-I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;  To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.  I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

2 Peter 1:9-But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Psalm 146:8-The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous:

1 Peter 5:8-Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Revelation 3:17-Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

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Happy Fathers Day

Posted on June 21, 2015 by Tracy K

fatherWant to wish all of you Fathers a Happy Fathers Day!  Thank you for being there for your children and your family.  You were gifted from the Heavenly Father to perform such a great role.  Not only have you raised your children from birth but most Fathers have taught their children Godly values.  You have taught your children to honor God, to respect your elders, the importance of family, how to be the best person they can be.  Most of you have taught your children things such as how to tell time, how to tie their shoe, ride a bike, how it is better to give than receive.  So thank you to all the Fathers who have fulfilled the roles that God has given you, through his holy word.

Ephesians 6:4 says, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  Colossians 3:19-21 says, “Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.  Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.  Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”  A Godly man should love their wives, their children and bring their children up in the admonition of the Lord.

A special thank you to my Heavenly Father, God above.  A little poem to say thank you!

What has the Lord done for me
When I was blind and lost in my might,
he lifted me us and showed me the light.
When I was poor and had nothing to eat,
he gave me food and helped my defeat.
When I was scared and sore afraid,
he gave me comfort and came to my aid.
When I had nothing and was in need,
He gave me money and helped indeed.
When I was lonely and needed a friend,
he was there comforting me with his hand.
When I had a problem, conflict or strife,
he gave me the answer and helped my life.
There is no other that can be my God the more,
There is no other way to Heaven, Jesus is the only Door.
Multiple blessings he has poured out to me,
For he is a Father of mercy and kindness you see.
When I was in distress and could barely cope,
Jesus showed me that with him, there is hope.
I am meek and lowly and nothing to be desired,
but Gods unending love never tires.
When I was sick or needed a rest,
his strength and power helped the best.
What has the Lord done for me?
He reached out his hands and died for me.

Related scriptures:

Ephesians 1:3-Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Ephesians 6:2-Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise.

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Serving Christ with Humility

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Tracy K

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The Apostle Paul said that we are to ‘serve the Lord with all humility of mind’ (Acts 20:19).  He was telling us not to be lifting up in pride but to do everything for the Lord with humility. This allows us to do things for other people without worrying what others may say or think.  We are to serve Christ fully without wavering; without giving up, or giving in to our own selfish desires. Paul said that he didn’t cease to warn every one night and day with tears. Why did he dedicate the remainder of his life to serving Christ?  Because he knew the importance of a mans soul.  He knew that wolves in sheeps clothing would come in and deceive the believers of Christ.  He knew that Satan would work hard at trying to scatter the flock of God, by any means necessary.  Paul wanted to teach Christ disciples how important it was to continue in Gods ministry; sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. 

Some of the last words of Paul were, “ I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  He knew that some were weaker in the faith than others.  He knew that giving to others was much more better than taking from someone.  A person who humbles himself can freely give more of himself than someone who is boastful and lifted up in the pride of his riches.

A person who is sold out to the Lord Jesus will go that extra mile to win souls, help the weak, feed the poor and share the gospel to others.  May we all do whatever is necessary to be like Jesus.  May we all be willing to die for the sake of the gospel.  Paul said, “I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”  The Lord requires your whole-hearted service.  Serving God requires loyalty, love, adherence, devotion and unwavering obedience.  A prideful man is unable to completely devote his affection on the Lords service. He must humble himself before the Lord and allow the Lord to work fully in his life.

Related scriptures on humility:

1 Peter 5:5,6- Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

James 4:6,10-But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Colossians 3:12-Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

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Do You Know More Than God

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Tracy K

prideOf course most Christians would laugh at this thought, ‘Do you know more than God,’ but most don’t realize exactly what this implies.  I want you to consider some things first and then re-evaluate the thought again. Most people one time or another have faced things in their lives where they think they think they know the right path in their lives, but haven’t given God the ability to lead them.  Or consider a person who is head-strong and doesn’t want to listen to advice from others.  You might think that you know everything there is to know about your own life, and you don’t need advice from others.  Perhaps you are a little prideful to ask for help from others.  You might fear what they think about you, or you might think that you know more than them.

Consider this: What if God put someone in your life to teach you something and you are not willing to listen.   Would you consider that this is the same as you thinking that you know more than God?  You may say no but I say that this is the same as you standing up in pride and saying, “I know more and therefore I don’t need God’s advice.”  You might not utter the exact words but truly they are similar.

Many times we as Christians might go against things that God wants us to do, because we don’t listen to his advice.  We think that we have all the answers but God wants to show us that we don’t.  Sometimes he allows us to go through something in our life to get our attention.  Sometimes it is not a easy lesson to learn, but one that will tear away at you, until you open your eyes and see what God is trying to tell you.  Sometimes the lesson will not be quick.  Sometimes the lesson will take months and months until you have learned the lesson.

I am amazed at how blind a person can be without them realizing they are blind– Myself included. I recall the scripture in Revelation 3:27- “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”  See I recently was taught a lesson on pride.  It took me months to realize what God was trying to show me.  Pride is not a good thing in God’s eyes.  He wants us to come to him in humility.  1 John 2:16 says, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

My suggestion to you is if you are headstrong, proud, rich, a boaster or highly esteemed by your peers, then evaluate what God might be trying to teach you.  Be willing to listen to him and be willing to humble yourself before his presence.  Seek him in prayer and repent from all your sins, including the sin of pride.

Related article on pride: https://godlywitnesses.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/pride-goeth-before-a-fall/

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An Inheritance Reserved For You

Posted on May 30, 2015 by Tracy K

inheritance

As I was studying my Bible this week, I kept coming to the same text of scriptures.  At first I didn’t know what the Lord was trying to show me so I asked him for guidance.  As I turned the pages in God’s word, I came to more scriptures relating to the same topic.  Now I finally understood what the Lord was showing me.  Ezekiel 46:16 talks about an inheritance given to his people.  Ezekiel was transported in a vision to the future temple of God.  Around the temple is land that will be given out to God’s people for an inheritance.

Then he showed me other scriptures related to an inheritance such as in Psalm 37.  But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace (verse 11).  The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever (verse 18).  The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever (verse 29). Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”  Isaiah 58:14 says, “Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”  Colossians 1:12 says, “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:“

So if God wants to give his saints and sons an inheritance, I would think we should give thanks to him.  He is our Heavenly Father and he deserves all our honor and praise.  We do not have to worry about our inheritance because it is reserved in Heaven for us.  1 Peter 1:4,5 says, “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

To be able to receive an inheritance of the Lord, you must be a son of God or a born again believer.  This simply means to repent from your sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Ask him to be your Lord and Savior.  2 Corinthians 6:1,18 says, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

Related Scriptures:

1 John 3:1,2- Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

John 1:12- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 3:36- He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Galatians 4:4-6-But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

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A Soldier for Christ

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Tracy K

soliderofchristAs the Memorial Day passed, I thought about how we as Christians are in God’s army.  We are to be solders for Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Like other soldiers, we will have to endure some things in this life that may come against us.  Our adversary doesn’t want us to do the service of the Lord, and often throws things at us to try to discourage us.  Lately I have had one thing after another come my way. As I sit here at my desk, I realize that it is not what we endure but our focus should be on our service for Jesus Christ.  If we look to ourselves we become vain and try to glory in ourselves. We must always remember that we have a service to live for others and quit worrying about ourselves.  We should do everything to the glory of God, because he is the one who gives us our abundant grace.  Satan wants to take our victory from us, but no one can pluck us out of God’s hands.  We are redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus out of every nation (Revelation 5:9).

Paul teaches a lot about persecutions, trials and hardships that come, but he said we will have an eternal home in Heaven that we can look forward to. Sometimes when you go through a trial in your life, it helps to know that you are not alone.  Jesus Christ suffered on this earth; persecuted, whipped, crucified and killed.  Then he was raised up from death the third day, which God promises that he will raise us up into glory too.  2 Corinthians 5:8 says, “….to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.”  Paul suffered many things such as he was whipped, snake bitten, ship-wrecked, almost drowned, but he endured.  He said that though our outward man perish, our inward man is renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Paul said we may be persecuted by not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed; perplexed but not in despair; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body (2 Corinthians 4:9-10). 2 Corinthians 5:1 says, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”  If we suffer in this life we should rejoice, because we are partakers of Christ’s sufferings.  1 Peter 4:13 says, “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

Related Scriptures:

1 John 1:7-But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Revelation 1:5-And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

Isaiah 54:17-No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

James 5:11-Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

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Refining Us into His Image

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Tracy K

firetest

Satan didn’t want me to release this post and tried to work against me publishing it so trust me, it needs to be said.  Please carefully read the following post!

I will be completely honest with you for I feel that you need to know this.  Over the past few months I have gone through an emotional roller coaster.  I thought I was at the top of the mountain and there was nothing that could bring me down.  I thought I was the closest to God that I could get and I wasn’t going to let anything get in the way.  That is when I was brought to my lowest; a time that I do not ever want to relive.  A time that I was emotionally broken into; let me explain.  I thought that nothing would ever get in the way of my Christian walk; I thought I had the faith of a mustard seed.  Today I still do not fully understand the trial that I went through but I know it was for a reason.  It was for me to be molded into God’s image; and in order for that to be accomplished I had to learn to overcome trials, temptations and deception of the Devil.

Satan came at me at full force invading my thoughts, dreams and even giving me visions.  His deception was so strong that I thought my dreams and visions were all from the Lord.  Remember, I thought I was at my highest with God.  I thought nothing could creep in between my walk with the Lord.  The closer I drew to the Lord, the more Satan tried to snare me.  Deep down I was tormented beyond belief.  His deception was so strong and I thought Satan was trying to invade my blessings from God, and he was, but it was not quite like it seemed.  The more I prayed and sought the Lord, the more Satan threw dart after dart at me.  I was conflicted in my Christian walk.  I wanted to serve the Lord with all of my heart and soul, but was deceived by the very one that I tried my hardest to stay away from.

Month after month, I sought the Lord for answers.  I attended church on a regular basis, which wasn’t different from before, but I strove to seek the Lord harder.  I prayed more and more, reading my Bible more and more, and wondered why I wasn’t receiving the answers that I needed.  The church I went to taught the truth but deep down there was something missing.  After some services I would go home crying because I became more and more afflicted.  One time I thought the Lord was telling me to do this, and another time I thought the Lord was telling me to do the opposite.  I know that Satan was the one fighting hard against me.  I didn’t know what to do or what to believe, so I sought the Lord throughout the day.  I was in so much turmoil that I thought that I would never find the truth.  I cried daily for answers. The very people that I thought were my friends mocked me and went against me on some many different levels, instead of trying to help me.

One day I came down with Pneumonia and became very sick.  I couldn’t breathe and couldn’t understand why I was so sick.  The Lord was trying to get my attention, but I felt so conflicted that I didn’t know what to do.  At night I would get down on my knees and begged the Lord to show me the correct path to take.  Finally I heard a scripture and I went to seek it out.  As I read it, It was talking about going before the church and getting anointed with oil.  So the next Sunday morning I went before the church and was anointed by oil.  A few days later the Pneumonia that I had for over two months, suddenly went away.

I knew God heard my prayer for healing but still didn’t fully understand what was going on with my dreams and feeling tormented.  So I continued asking the Lord for guidance and I believe he was guiding me the whole time, but I wasn’t able to hear him clearly because Satan was working his deception in my mind. So after another month or so, I started to see through the lies of the Devil.  My eyes began to open and I began to see more clearly.  1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

It took me to go through that refining period in my life to see more clearly the snares the Devil lays out.  1 Peter 1:7 says, “ That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”  Trials and temptations don’t come to me only, but to the whole world.  People are blinded from the truth and it is up to the Christian believer to help those that are blinded by the deception.  If we do not tell the truth of Jesus Christ, than Satan’s snare will continue to take hold in someone’s life and continue more and more.

Don’t ever think you are above temptation or Satan’s snare, because that is when he will work his illusion and you can become entangled.  It is when you are at your highest point or closest to God, that Satan creeps in to break that fellowship with the believer.  James 1:3,4 says, “ Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”  Zechariah 13:9 says, “And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.”

We need to keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus at all times and don’t let Satan snare you and overcome you, because he will if you allow it.  Keep seeking the Lord continually in your life especially in these last days.  Jesus is our only answer.  That is what I held to despite everything that came against me.  I knew that my only hope was in Jesus Christ.  It wasn’t works that I had done but through the grace of the Lord.  His mercy is everlasting; and he will forgive any sin that you have ever done, but you must repent from your sins.  You must believe on Jesus and ask for his forgiveness.   He is standing there with his arms outstretched, waiting for you to come back to him.  Don’t delay!

One more thing I want to say is if you notice a brother or sister in Christ being deceived, I urge you to help them in any way you can.  Be there for them and don’t talk about them, because God could be working something out in there lives.  Satan hasn’t let up trying to hurt me, but I know that my happiness is with the Lord.  No matter what Satan tries to hurl at me, the Lord will pick me up, and help me to overcome.  He said he will never leave me or forsake me.  Pray for others, especially if you have a brother or sister that needs some encouragement or doesn’t believe in the Lord Jesus.  Trust me prayer works!

Related Scriptures: Micah 7:7,8- Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.  Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.

1 John 4:4- Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

2 Thessalonians 1:4,5- So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:  Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer.

Malachi 3:3- And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lordan offering in righteousness.

Ephesians 6:13-18 – Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

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