When is Jesus coming back?

 Do the years spent in the Wilderness represent our Generation since Adam?  Does  the 40^th year represent the time frame of Jesus’s return (our promised land)? ( if it does, we can expect the Lord to gather us up before the year 2089. Being that 1952-2089 is the 40th year. read on….)

        Yes, I know no one can predict the Lord’s coming- but I know He is coming soon.  I was reading today and suddenly I had an explosion of thoughts and math equations as I was reading Deut. 12.

       So, I’ve been reading Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy and really enjoying it, however it’s taken me a while because I think and study and wonder and search out everything I don’t understand.  Moses is now reminding the people of all they’ve been through, all the Lord did and preparing them to enter the Holy Land. I’m reading, I’m reading and then I start to think- this whole wilderness stuff reminds me of our lives. Sure, we have a lot to be thankful for and I really don’t consider myself to be in the wilderness- However- I do have a hope for what lies ahead, just like the Israelites hoped for with Promised Land, we all hope for what lies ahead after this life. Don’t our bodies groan for that glorious day? Hasn’t the Lord told us of the new Heavens and Earth Prepared for us? We are traveling along in this world waiting to get there, right?

   Could the 40 years in the wilderness, in some way, represent the years on this earth- this generation? Let’ think 6 x 7 = 42, so if in the 7^th set of years they were in the promised land (that would be 42-49 years), then the 1^st – 6^th set of years were in the wilderness (0-40years). Then therefore, the 7^th set being their rest.

    Stay with me! In the Jewish Calendar it is the year 5772- then we are coming to the end of the 6^th day, being the last day actually begins at 6000 to 7000. Notice that Moses and the Israelites were also near the last hour of the 6^th set of years, or could we say end of the 6^th day, but not at the exact end, which would have been 42 years- they didn’t enter in at exactly the 40^th year – but near the end of the 40^th year. There was a short period of time before the 7^th ( or the 42^nd )started.

41 / 7 = 5.85714286

40 / 7 = 5.71428571   ( 1953-1954)

  If this year is 5772 (2012), assuming the 40th year theory, then we are 40% into the 40th year already, let’s assume they entered the promised land between 40%-60% of the year bc if it was later, it would probably be considered the 41st year (if your’re rounding)? if so then, at 60%  it would be in the next 29 years. 

  
     Anywho, based on calculations and if the time in the wilderness represents in any way the time of our generation on earth, then the beginning of the “40^th year” would be represented by the Jewish year 5714 or around the early 1950’s and since they entered in later in that year, (It’s interesting that Israel became a nation around that time) I figured it would be a number before the 41st year – if it were a representation of the 41^st year would be 5851. So I end this with : if the time in the wilderness represents our time in this generation and the same time we will be taken to the hope that has been promised us, it will be sometime in the “40^th” as it was with Israel, on the Jewish Calender it would be between 5714 and 5851, in our calendar that would be 1952- 2089-so sometime in this time frame. (+ or – 2-3 years)

        I’ve always thought, that we were in the last hours of the 6^th day, being the year 5772 and knowing that 1000 years is as a day to the Lord. So today I’m wondering something new about this.

    And you know what else! I was reading Mark 15 and wondering about the 6 hours the Lord was alive on the cross. He released his spirit in the last hour. Of course my mind wandered- why couldn’t he have died earlier? Why did he stay there for 6 hours? Why couldn’t he have released his spirit earlier, or couldn’t he just hold his breath and pass out and die? I just wonder if that last hour, the 6th hour, was for this 6th day we are living in? Did he stay there one more hour, one more minute, knowing it was for a generation yet unborn? For this last generation we are living in- this last hour we are living in? I wonder if He was there in that 6^th hour paying every bit of our sins— for you, for me and for those who had not yet even been born. He took the punishment we all deserved.  But why did He have to suffer for 6 hours? Was He there for each generation- all 6000 years of us- an hour for each 1000 years- so he endured the pain because of His love and His Father’s Love for us.

    Well, if you’ve read this far, thanks! and I hope you don’t have a headache. Remember!!!! I’m not saying when the Lord is coming back, I’m only saying…IF in any way the 40 years represents us then this time frame of 1952-2089 is our 40th year- our last year before the promised land.

     ^“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.  Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.” 2 Thes 1

Where did Jesus go when He died? Christos Anesti! Alethos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Indeed He has!

  Where did Jesus go when He died? I decided to gather some scripture to answer this question.  (I’m sure I’ll find more soon) Read and look over the verses. Scripture in no way contradicts itself.  The Word of God is all truth, living and powerful.  Below the verses, I have put together what I imagine happened on the day our Great God and Savior died for us.

So he went and preached to the spirits in prison—  those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God froma clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 3:19-21

Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority 1 Peter 3:20

 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Rev 1:18 

 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Eph 4: 9-10

 

 Sunday Morning: Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”JOhn 20:17

8 days lataer:  Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”John 20

 

 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,  and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 1 Peter 2:14-15

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40

     For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;  Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. 1Peter 3:18 -22

 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Act 2:27

 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. psalm 16:10

 I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth. Ez 31:16 (not sure about this verse, but it makes me think- this chapter in Ezekiel could have prophetic meaning as it speaks of Assyria- it’s the part that says, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth)

What do I think? Well of course, I wasn’t there, I can only study the scriptures we are given. However, in my mind, this is what I imagine….

   A great heavenly host of angels, the prophets, the forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the Archangel Gabriel surrounded the cross at that moment. They had watched as the Son of God was tried and beaten throughout the night, they watched as He carried the cross. When  He was nailed to the cross, the entire heavens stood silent. A great silence and stillness covered the heavens as tears slipped down their faces, their fury held back as they watched the Savior suffer in utter torment. Abraham watching his children spit and strike the Lord, the angels wanting desperately to rescue Him, and the prophets of old bowing their heads with broken hearts as they all watched the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the Lion of tribe of Judah and the King of kings descended from the line of King David, nailed to a cross. The savior of the world in deep abandonment, sorrow, pain and rejection. On the cross for 6 hours and after 3 hours of complete darkess, they heard the Lord cry out “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” and then another cry “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. It was done. He died and the earth quaked. The thick veil in the temple tore in two and the proclamation echoed out:

        “See, my servant will prosper; he will be highly exalted. But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man.  And he will startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in his presence. For they will see what they had not been told;  they will understand what they had not heard about. And because of his experience, my righteous servant has made it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he has borne all their sins.  I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. He has  opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. He has made the people holy by the blood He shed, He has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world.  With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever  so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. He mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. “

  As He released His spirit, He was taken up into the arms of the heavenly host who quickly gathered around Him, each wanted to comfort the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, the Messiah, the Holy One. They surrounded Him and held Him with great love, comforting Him. They comforted and strengthened Him as they brought Him into the Heavens into the Holy of Holies in the Presence of His Father.
    He, the Son Jesus, was given all authority in Heaven and Earth from God the Father. All Power was given to Him. He was strengthened and given the keys to Hades. He then went into the dark abyss with a mighty angelic force behind Him. Entering into the gates of Hell Proclaiming freedom every captive “ You have been set free! I have come to save You! Your Father in Heaven has sent for you!”  His voice like thunder echoing throughout for every man and woman to hear. Teaching and preaching to them the Good News. He walked through the gates of Hell and throughout the pit of Hell, making sure He spoke to everyone who had ever been created, gathering as many as He could. Demons surrounding Him silenced in His Power unable to speak and filled with weakness, trembling in His presence. The Savior, full of power and authority continued showing the captives His hands and feet, showing everyone what our Savior had done so they could be set free.  Many called out to Him, grabbing on to Him, following and believing, but yet others – in anger like the Pharisees, mocked Him and treated Him as the people of the world treated Him.  Just as the Pharisees knew He was God and choose to reject Him for their own pride, status and evil hearts, so some of the people in Hell also treated Him. 
    So the Lord Jesus took His captives to freedom as they He gathered them into the Heavens, out of the pit of torment and dread that was supposed to be eternal for each one of them. As they reached the Great Throne room before the Lord God Almighty, the Lord’s heart leaped for joy to see His children. He gave each one a Great Embrace as is they were the only child of the Father- telling them- “ My Child, I have always loved you with an everlating love. Since the days of Noah, I have never forgotten you. You have never left my mind. I am filled with Joy that you are here with me. I have a place prepared for you.”
    Jesus came back to earth to see and talk to His friends giving them instructions and proving that He is the Son of the Living God.
    With that He was taken up into the Heavens where He sits today at the right hand of God the Father. The heavens, the freed captives, and the angelic host filled the heavens with great Praises to the King of Kings and they have never stopped – even unto this day- I can still hear them sing praises to the new born king, Peace on earth, goodwill toward men, Christ was born in Bethlehem -the praises to Him ring forth forever and ever.
              Amen and Glory Hallelujah! Our King is Risen.

As my Grandpa taught me to say each Easter :“Christos Anesti” and we continue to reply “Aléthos Anesti “ Which is Greek for : “Christ is Risen!” And we reply “Indeed He Has! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!”

 
 This video below was one of my favorite songs in church. I couldn’t wait to hear it each Easter. I wanted to run up and down the pews of church singing and dancing this as I stood motionless with my class- but inside I was praising my King.  I think you’ll understand the excitement of the children as they sing “The King of Glory comes a nation rejoices! Open the Gates Before Him lift up your voices! Who is this King of Glory has shall I call Him? He is Emmanuel the Promises of Ages!(Ps 24)

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
    Why are you so far away when I groan for help
I am scorned and despised by all!
 Everyone who sees me mocks me.
    They sneer and shake their heads, saying,
“Is this the one who relies on the Lord?
    Then let the Lord save him!
If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him!”
My life is poured out like water,and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax,melting within me.
 My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.
    My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
    You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.
My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
    an evil gang closes in on me.
    They have pierced my hands and feet
I can count all my bones.
    My enemies stare at me and gloat.
 They divide my garments among themselves
    and throw dicefor my clothing
Ps 22

My disclaimer: I know there is A LOT of debate on wether Jesus did or did not go to hell, hades, abyss, spirits in prison(that’s another argument in itself) I have merely given you the verses to think about for yourself and my wonderings today.  “I don’t consider myself with things to great for me to grasp, but instead I have calmed and quited myself” Ps 131 🙂
                           Christ Has Risen, Indeed He Has !

The Fire of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Warfare (Part 1)

     In the heart of believers is a fire. This fire according to the bible is the fire of the Holy Spirit. This fire ranges in size accordingly. Some have large fires, some small that are easily put out and some have sparks that are forming, but the pressures of this world and the stress of things comes to stomp it out. I also saw that there are some who consider themselves Christian- having grown up in the church and even regular church attenders who had a deep darkness – completely black -in their heart and cut off from the Lord. They have been fooled by religious rituals unto salvation. 
    The darkness I saw in the heart terrified me. It was a deep darkness, like being lost and left alone in the deepest darkness. If we could only see the spiritual world surrounding us- I wonder if we would wake up?
 

     This darkness was ultimately created by the person’s sin, backsliding, turning from God… with gripping strongholds ( Spiritual Strongholds). And he thought he was saved, but didn’t realize the utter torment he was actually in.

   Jesus said. “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! ¹⁷ You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.  So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. Rev 3:15-18

Remember the parable of the seed Jesus told us….

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds.  As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them.  Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow.  But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died.  Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants.  Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!  Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

   “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 

The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. They hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The devil takes it away from their hearts and prevents them from believing and being saved.

The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 

The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. They hear God’s word, but all to quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, the desire for other things, and the riches and pleasures of this life.  The produce no fruit and they never grow to maturity.   

   The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” They heard and accepted God’s word. They represent honest, good hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it and patiently produce a huge harvest.(there is that word cling again! From Isaiah 41:10 see post on Clinging to the Lord- true meaning Isaiah 41:10 -the bible is like a big puzzle we put together- everything ties into another and the study never ends!)

 Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables? The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others

    The Seed is the Word of God- it is the hearing of the Gospel. So the faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 What do you do with the Word you hear? I remember when I read this years ago, it scared me. I knew that I was one of the one whose heart crowded out the Word of God with things from this world. I wanted life my way and I also wanted to be saved.  In my own mind I thought I was good, but when I read this scripture- I was truly convicted.  As the word says- “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb 4:12 
           I heard the Word and loved what I heard, but I wanted to go my own way. I didn’t think I knew how to change this. I know it takes a changed heart only the Lord can change. It takes a willing heart. It takes a heart willing to give up the worldly desires and passions the world tries to tempt us with. It’s determination to say no to the things of this world and a new determination and desire to please the Lord. It is sad that I had to hit absolute rock bottom to change. But I rejoice in that time and my trials. It broke me where I needed to be broken and changed my life. In trials we have two choices- we can become bitter and angry or we can give it to the Lord and trust Him.

        The Dark Empty blackest heart:  This person considered himself to be a practicing Christian, having grown up with rituals and practices for salvation, also attending church each Sunday. Yet demonic strongholds had him captive and although he heard the word, he listened and he tried, nothing changed. He couldn’t see the demon who had his hands wrapped around his neck.  This demonic chokehold around the neck was choking out the word.
           Let me explain further: This person heard the word of God , and I’m assuming this person wanted to change going to church each weekend, but as he heard the words and the words started to go down into his heart, the demonic hands wrapped around the neck gripped it so hard the word could not go into the heart. The heart stood unchanged, the man wrestled to no avail.     

 

The Heart with the Large fire : This was amazing to see, this person was humble at heart and did not know the large flame within. This person had been through years of difficult tests and trials, yet relied on the Lord through each one. As each trial passed, the flame increased more and more, and now at an older age in life, the flame overflowed out of the heart. I could see demonic attacks that would still come to this person- in the spirit world it looked like someone trying to blow out a campfire- maybe it would make a small dent, but the flame would come right back.  In the physical world it would be a person or situation that bothered or annoyed them, not knowing it was actually a fight with the spiritual realms- not flesh and blood as the scripture says:
     For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places Eph 6:22
   I was given understanding to know that our battles in the day are really spiritual battles. We think they are people or situations, but they are not. 
    To prove further: “we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;⁴And patience, experience; and experience, hope Romans 5:3-4, you see the trials and tests we overcome strengthen us. 
      In this heart I saw, I knew this person had faith and trust in the Lord and the trials endured through trust in the Lord had helped her now as trials still came. Although trials still came, the person stood unaffected by the storms. It reminds me of one of my favorite verses in Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. This verse tells us that those who trust in the Lord stand strong in their storms. If drought, extreme heat, or great storms topple over, the tree still stands tall and strong with it’s roots deeply secured along the river. It never worries and always keeps on producing fruit.

HEART IN THE FIRE- MADE IN HIS IMAGE

       I was reading the story of Moses and I thought it was really interesting that the Lord spoke to them from the heart of the fire. I wonder – if we are also made in his image spiritually. I saw that within us is a fire in the heart. It makes sense, but it never something I’ve considered or been taught. 

Deuteronomy 4:12  And the LORD spoke to you from the heart of the fire. You heard the sound of his words but didn’t see his form; there was only a voice.
Deuteronomy 4:15 “But be very careful! You did not see the LORD’s form on the day he spoke to you from the heart of the fire at Mount Sinai.
Deuteronomy 5:4At the mountain the LORD spoke to you face to face from the heart of the fire.
Deuteronomy 5:22“The LORD spoke these words to all of you assembled there at the foot of the mountain. He spoke with a loud voice from the heart of the fire, surrounded by clouds and deep darkness. This was all he said at that time, and he wrote his words on two stone tablets and gave them to me.
Deuteronomy 5:24They said, ‘Look, the LORD our God has shown us his glory and greatness, and we have heard his voice from the heart of the fire. Today we have seen that God can speak to us humans, and yet we live.
My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:18-20

Weeping and Gnashing of teeth
       There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth on that great and terrible day. I was thinking on this verse about a month or two ago and the Holy Spirit spoke clearly into my heart –  those who will be weeping and gnashing their teeth will be those who think they are saved, those who have been lied to from the pulpit and those who consider themselves Christian.  We cannot make our own rules and we cannot change the Laws and regulations of God to fit our lifestyle. We need to stop pretending and trying to impress people.

         But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.For many are called, but few are chosen. And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  and he shall say “Lord, Lord, open unto us” ; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. Matt 8:12, 22:13, 24:51Matt24:51Luke 13:13

Verses to think on:

As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. Prov 27:19

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” John 7:38(this relates more to spiritual stronghold post describing the heart)

Luke 21:34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,

Hebrews 1:7 Regarding the angels, he says, “He sends his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire.”— I think this is really interesting- we are the flames of fire He is describing

2 Timothy 1:6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.  (We can fan these flames within us! That means we can increase the flame in us in order to overcome any spiritual battles that come against us- remember we do not battle against flesh and blood but against…  principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. It is not as we perceive from our wordly view- the people that hurt us or situations at home and work are the workings of your enemy trying to put out the flame within you. In your trials rejoice- raise your hands, give him praise- put on the belt of truth, the shoes of peach and the breastplate of righteousness praise Him- fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you and stand spiritually strong.)

Jeremiah 2:13  “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!  This verse says a lot in the few words it speaks- can a cracked cistern hold water? Can the heart of those who turn and abandon the Lord hold the living water?    Be careful and above all guard you heart for out of it flow the issues of life.

 How can I enlarge the fire of the Holy Spirit in my heart? By enduring all your trials as you cling to the Lord -Raise your hands and Praise His name-know who your enemy is and know your weapons of warfare. Use scripture to lift you up if you are down. Fan into flames the fire of the Holy Spirit in you.

   There is more I want to share about the heart and the fire within us. I think this post is a bit too long at this point, so I’ll finish up during the week and share more of what the Lord showed me. (and I promise to draw better next time:) )

Peace to All! May God’s grace and Mercy be upon you. The Lord is soo Good! He answered three specific prayers I prayed unto Him this week! Surely the Lord is good and His Mercy endures forever! I am so happy happy that He hears me and answers our prayers. Glory to you O Lord!
Shalom my friends!

Prayer for our loved ones who are lost and struggling: Prayer- our weapon of warfare

The Gift of Teaching : Teach and lead others along God’s Path. (42 Biblical guidelines for teachers) Mark 6

Guidelines for Teachers of the Word

   Are a teacher of the Word? Are you a shepherd to your flock?  It doesn’t matter if you teach or preach to millions, a few friends, or our own children- these words are for everyone . I went through some scripture to find out what the Lord expects of those who teach. There is much more than what I wrote here- but could take me years to compile the list. 

Remember:   There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.  There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.  God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other….. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
      Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.  And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

42 Biblical Guidelines for teachers

1. Teach the Lord’s ways and the way of righteousness.

2. Prepare your heart with all determination to seek Him ( Ezra 7)

3. Prepare your heart to do this and not to give up or quit.

4. Teach with God’s wisdom, not your own

5. Don’t teach from doctrines or the commands of Men (Matt 15:9, Mk7:7)

6. Teach others to observe all the things Jesus commanded us (love, mercy, forgiveness, etc)

7. Teach and Preach the Word of the Lord.

8. Teach these things that concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence and boldness. Don’t let anyone stop you-(Acts 28:31)

9. Teach every man in all (God’s) wisdom, warning every man that we may present every man perfect in Christ.

10. Teach and lead others along God’s path as a loving shepherd lead His sheep.Mk 6:34

11. Teach them of things to come Mk 8:31

12. Don’t stop teaching about Jesus Christ- don’t give up

13. Be blameless, trustworthy, and of good behavior giving often to hospitality.1T3:2

14. Teach others to teach- teach faithful men to teach. Commit the truth to these faithful men

15. Teachers must be gentle, patient and do not allow the teaching of anything ungodly.

16. Let the Lord’s commands be your constant guide Ps 119:99

17. Study the Word of god with all determination Ezra 7:10

18. Obey the Lord and His Words.

19. Teach His doctrines and regulations to the people.

20. Don’t miss the point of your purpose.

21. Don’t spend your time in meaningless discussions.

22. Your purpose in teaching this good news is to have all believers be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith

23. Always check your pride. Psalms 131 always helps me with this. When the enemy throws wrong thoughts and false ideas in my head- I fix my thoughts and don’t let it enter (Phil 4:8) BUT if I’m caught off guard and some ungodly pride tries to come in- Psalm 131 is my weapon and my sword. It always destroys and smashes any hidden haughtiness or pride that might have snuck in. I try to recite it before every prayer- this psalm is supernatural for me. It calms me down and gets me quieted down in my heart and mind preparing me before I go to the Lord. It calms my mind when my thoughts are racing and I feel wound up. It brings a quiet peace over me. Ps 131 is my secret weapon.

 Lord, my heart is not proud my eyes are not haughty.
I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp.
Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,
like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.
Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD— now and always.
        One gift is not greater than the other. We are all part of one body.

24. Cling to your faith in Christ and keep your conscience clear. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit with the things you allow yourself to see, hear, say or go. Be careful! Don’t let your faith get shipwrecked 1 Tim 1:19

25. Be Prepared for opposition- A time is coming ( and I believe it is here) when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear

26. Don’t preach for man’s approval

27. Don’t teach for man’s approval. Fear God.

28. Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval

29. Work hard at telling others the good news.

30. Fully carry out the ministry the Lord has given you

31. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord

32. Keep a clear mind in every situation 2 tim 4:5

33. Endure Suffering

34. Stand up! Don’t quit! Your enemy wants to make you feel defeated and make you feel bound and held back- but you know you are NOT! You have the power of God living inside of you.

35. Stand up strong soldier for Christ – don’t get involved and tied up in the affairs of civilian life

36. Teach the Good News- that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David was raised from the dead.

37. Always be ready to share your faith

38. Know how to correctly explain the Word of Truth 2 Tim 2:11-13

39. Be kind to everyone (even difficult people)

40. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth, perhaps God will change their hearts. ( and remember: we do God’s work and He does the rest. Send out His Word, and He makes sure it does not come back void (Is 55) We pray for healing and He does the healing- Do what the Lord calls you to do and be confident in this :that He who began this good work in you will make sure it is carried on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6)

41. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Titus 2:7

42. Free those in captivity, set the prisoners free. Do the works Jesus showed us bringing all glory to God the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost. We must become less and less and He MUST BECOME MORE AND MORE.

Never give up! Run to Win! Dust yourself off and Keep on Keeping ON

      Be Strong in the Lord and the in the Power of His Might. The Lord wants you to be aware that your enemy the devil wants to destroy, discourage and make you feel defeated. You must remember the Power of God lives within you. You must continue on and be determined to never quit or give up!  Practice controlling your thoughts. If someone says something negative or mocks you- decide not to ponder on it. Practice Philippians 4:8 and Fix your thoughts, stay focused and stand strong.

     Remember what the great men of the bible went through like Jeremiah, Elijah, Isaiah – they certainly did not live an easy life.  I noticed that satan has certain targets, for example – Job- a goldly and innocent man, and Daniel- how the angel of Persia tried to interfere with Daniel’s prayers, and also Peter- Jesus told Peter that Satan had asked to sift him like wheat.

    Don’t find it a strange thing if you are not well liked, if you are mocked or hated. Never give up and Never quit!  Rejoice in your trials and tribulations  and count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

A challenge?
    And I venture this one thing more- if you are not suffering for the sake of the good news, enduring hardship, mocked, hated by the world or rejected in some way for your teaching or beliefs……. I wonder- is their something more the Lord has called you to do and you have not stepped out and obeyed?

If we don’t Love others we are just a bunch of noisemakers

 “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am both nothing.

“for the gracious hand of his God was on him for Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” Ezra 7:9-10

 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.  In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:6-8

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17

 Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Tim 4:13

2 John 1:9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

Acts 5:42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us….if it is teaching, then teach. Romans 12