Attention All Bloggers-I Learned About Kudos!!!! LOL
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Jan 27, 2008 6:08 am
Mood: Learning, Slowly, But Surely!,
1084 Views
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I finally discovered what "kudos" are all about. I see them on my screen and they change from time to time, one day it's 238, and the next it could be 243, then sometimes, it drops, but until someone gave me one the other day, "just for fun", (thanks Sophie!) I didn't know what they were.
So, here, check it out!
What are Kudos?
Kudos are awards given by other members that recognize your positive contributions to the BigChurch community. If you post an interesting blog entry, or give some great advice in the advice line in the magazine, other members are likely to give you Kudos. Read more...
Note: The overall kudos score is a weighted average of the individual categories. Some categories are worth more than others (e.g., being active in blogs, groups, and chat rooms is weighted higher than simply having hot photos and videos).
So, now that you know, make sure to be checking yours, because I'm going to go around, giving kudos. If your blog really touches me one day, or I want to remind you I'm praying for you, or if I just want to encourage you, I'm going to give away kudos. Be looking for it, lol. 
And, I was thinking, how wonderful it would be if we all did that for each other. It's such a blessing and encouragement, when others acknowledge or admire our efforts and contributions.
Pay attention, kudos are coming!!!
Loving Father, give us a tangible revelation of your love for us, so that we may show that love to one another. Kudos to all of you, In Jesus Name!!!
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Working Out Your Spiritual Muscles
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Jan 27, 2008 4:25 am
Mood: Working Out,
514 Views
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Faith is our spiritual muscle and like our physical muscles, it must be exercised daily to grow stronger. The Bible says that EVERY believer is given a measure of faith. The difference in someone of strong faith and someone of little faith, is the amount of exercise spent in making it grow.
Faith is the essence of our Christian walk and God has called us to live by faith, it's impossible to please Him, without it.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
Faith's Definition
Now faith is the assurance, the confirmation, the title-deed, of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality--faith, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses. Hebrews 11:1 Amplified
Faith involves assurance and conviction. When your faith is solid, it stands under every situation and supports it with assurance. It is being convinced, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that God will take charge of the situation.
Faith always relates to something yet future. The word "hope" points to the future. We must see tomorrow in light of God's abilities, not our own. Faith will prepare us for the adventure instead of fear, because of our assurance that God can handle all things.
Faith has as its object in "things not seen". Faith is fixing our attention on what we cannot see. It is thinking broadly, beyond the realm of natural expectation or abilities.
Faith Exercises
1. Begin Every Day with a Faith Picture of what You See God Doing.
Begin to get a faith picture of what you see God doing in your life. As you meditate and pray about your day expect God to speak to your heart what He has in store for you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
2. Begin to Confess to One Another the Things You See God Doing and the Things He Has Already Done
2 Corinthians 4:13 But since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak….
Philemon 1:6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Romans 10:8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach).
Make your faith declarations! It builds and encourages others, as it does yourself. That's why I so enjoy reading the blogs, the witness and testimony of others reaffirms my faith.
3. Faith Comes By Looking For and Finding The Biblical Solution.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
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.
Learn to go to God’s Word and study it for the help that you need. It has ALL of the answers contained in it. The Bible is about people like you and me, who went through the same kind of conflicts that we go through. It is the Word of God that establishes our belief and faith. We can and must stand on the Word.
4. Your Faith Picture Must Be Put Into Action.
James 2:14-26 ....if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save Him?....Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.... faith without works is dead.... Do you see that faith working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
Neither faith nor works can stand alone. They are twins that cannot be separated!" (James 2:20) Our faith requires that we take action of some kind.
5. Expect Something To Happen
After you have firmly established a faith picture of what you desire when you pray, begin to expect and look for the manifestation of your faith. It takes a heart of anticipation and expectation for faith to be fully released.
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
In Conclusion
Many give their physical bodies regular workouts, but I believe that it's even more important to give our spiritual bodies regular workouts, because when the storms come, and uncertainty prevails, we need our faith to be strong.
If you will do a few repetitions of these 5 sets, every day, your faith muscles will grow stronger and stronger, so that when you need it the most, it will be ready and available to meet your every need.
OK, it's time for your spiritual workout!
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Christian Rights, What Do You Think?
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Jan 26, 2008 12:16 pm
Mood: Trusting In God,
541 Views
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Do we have a right to our rights?
I received this email and agree completely. What do you think?
I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game.
So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue.
Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others, better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.
If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.
If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.
And I wouldn't be offended.
It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome ..
But what about the atheists? Is another argument.
What about them?
Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating; to pray before we go to sleep.
Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us.
And if that last sentence offends you, well .. just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time the majority rules! It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray; you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right . But by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back.
and we WILL WIN!
God bless us one and all ... especially those who denounce Him , God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all.
God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.
2008 will be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions ... and our Military come home from all the wars.
Keep looking up, God is there. Stand up and be counted, we are, in fact the majority. Don't be silent any longer!
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This Will Happen, If We Heed His Voice-Blessings!
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Jan 26, 2008 4:43 am
Mood: Heeding His Voice,
514 Views
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I was reading in the OT, in Deuteronomy, and I came across these scriptures. They jumped up off the page! They knocked my socks off! Read them and see what you think.
If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.
And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you heed the voice of the Lord your God.
Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field.
Blessed shall be the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your beasts and the increase of your cattle and the young of your flock.
Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading trough.
Blessed shall you be when you come in and blessed shall you be when you go out.
The Lord will cause your enemies, who rise up against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.
The Lord shall command blessings upon you in your storehouse and in all that you undertake. And He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you.
The Lord will establish you as a people, holy to Himself, as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways.
And all the people of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you.
And the Lord shall make you have a surplus of prosperity, through the fruit of your body, of your livestock, and of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.
The Lord shall open to you His good treasury, the heavens, to give you rain of your land in its season and to bless all the works of your hands; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
And the Lord shall make you the head and not the tail, and you shall be above and not beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day, and are watchful to serve them.
Deuteronomy 28:1-13
Wow! Those are some very powerful promises!
As soon as I was done reading this, the Holy Spirit impressed me that this was how it was, when the settlers came to America.
They heeded His voice and sought His face and kept His commandments. As a result, we came to prosper, our land was fruitful, our storehouses were blessed, enemies that rose against us were defeated, we loaned to many nations, and we were established as His people, who were holy.
But then, we allowed evil to take over, prayer was removed from the schools, His commandments were prohibited in public places, many sought to have God abolished from our great nation, and still do. Abortion became legal, homosexuality has increased, children have been left to their own demise for the lust of money, and the people no longer heed His voice.
Slowly, but surely, the hedge of God's protection has been dwindling, crime has become prevalent, and we are doomed to experience more terrorist attacks, in the future. The progression of decay is obvious, over the last 50 years.
But, there is hope! The Bible says that if we will get on our faces and repent, and turn from our evil, wicked ways, He will hear our cries, and heal our land.
Yes, blessings are ours if we heed His voice and follow His commandments. But, continue reading, in verses 14-35 to discover the terrible curses that will come upon us if we don't.
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We've Got People!
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Jan 25, 2008 3:53 am
Mood: Confident!,
549 Views
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There's a new commercial on tv for H & R Block, and being a tax preparer, and they, being my competition, it caught my attention.
Three guys in a sauna, two are sweating like a pig, one is dry as a bone. One of the sweating says, "I can't believe you're not sweating, especially now that it's tax time." The dry guy says, "I'm not sweating, I've got people," referring to the tax preparation company, to handle all of his tax needs, so he has no worries whatsoever!
That made me think,
Wow! We've Got People!!!
When the storms of life come, and we need an anchor, we've got people!
When we are weak and struggling, and need strength, we've got people!
When we are sick and broken, and need healing, we've got people!
When we are grieving and heartbroken, and need comfort, we've got people!
When we are lonely and need companionship, we've got people!
When we are anxious and worried, and need guidance, we've got people!
When we are full of turmoil, and in need of peace, we've got people!
When we are full of pain and despair, and need hope, we've got people!
Who's our people?
Our Loving Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit!
You can't find any better people than them! Do you ever wonder how the lost and unsaved, survive a single day in life, without having people?
Father, we thank you for Your awesome love, and for your Presence in our lives. Lord Jesus, we give you all the praise and all the glory, for every sacrifice you made, that we get to reap the benefits from, and Holy Spirit, we couldn't go for a day without Your guidance and conviction.
Thank God, we've got people!!
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How Did We Survive It All?
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Jan 25, 2008 3:05 am
Mood: Amazed,
544 Views
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TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As infants &children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because,
WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day.And we were OK.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms.......
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!
If YOU are one of them CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good .
While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave (and blessed) their parents were.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!
Consider this:
'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'
Wow, how much things change.
Can you believe any of us are still alive, after enduring all this?
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Disappointments and Difficulties
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Jan 24, 2008 4:44 am
Mood: Overcoming!,
522 Views
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God's Word has provided us with the weapons necessary to overcome the negative things that happen to us. We DO NOT have to experience defeat.
I know this is a long post, but it contains over 15 scriptures, that when applied, will help us to have the victory. Please write them down, meditate upon them, and speak them out loud.
Many of life's situations really try our faith. We are all susceptible to disappointment, difficulty and heartache. Jesus has given us authority and power over all the issues of life.
John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
The problem is that we have an enemy who wants to exploit the areas in our lives that are causing us heartache, disappointment and difficulty. His objective is to make us weary and lose heart.
We know that he is out to kill, destroy and steal, he wants to wear God's precious saints out with discouragement in the mist of the various trials and hardships of life. His objective is to get as many saints as possible to lose heart and faith which will lead to apostasy. He wants to take as many down with him as he possibly can. The Bible tells us we are not to be ignorant of his devices.
2 Corinthians 2:11...lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Satan Feeds On Our Vulnerabilities.
Luke 4:13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.
We know that Satan feeds on our weaknesses and delights in exploiting our vulnerable points.
Are you about ready to drown in your sorrows because of the discouragement or disappointment? You must identify the area where you are vulnerable and use the shield of faith and the belt of truth against it. Satan is firing his fiery darts, so you better get your shield up to protect yourself.
Ephesians 6:13-16 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Applying The Shield Of Faith.
Now that we understand that we have a vicious and unrelenting enemy who is out to get us and to wear us down, what are some practical ways in which we can apply the shield of faith against him?
1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith.
Understand Where The Source of Your Faith Is At.
Hebrews 12:2 ...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...
The source of our faith is in Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith and will always be on our side no matter what. Many times in the midst of life's hardships the accuser of the brethren comes to us and tries to convince us that we are unworthy of God's help in our lives. This is a lie of the enemy to prevent us from receiving the help we really need. You've got to know that if God be for you, who can be against you.
Isaiah 43:1-2 But now, thus says the Lord..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Apply The Word Of Truth To Your Situation.
We not only have the shield of faith to protect us from Satan's fiery darts, but we also have the belt of truth and the sword of the Spirit to apply to our spiritual arsenal.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
We Must Find God's Purpose & Build Kingdom Character.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Our difficulties represent opportunities to build godly character in our lives. It IS NOT fun, but it IS necessary for our spiritual growth. The joy of the Lord is our strength, which counteracts Satan's tactic of wearing us down.
Romans 5:3-4 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Psalms 138: v 7-8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
We Must Find Contentment in the Adversity.
Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
When we are able to find contentment, the shield of faith not only causes the enemy to leave us alone, but it further releases God's hand of provision in the midst of the trial.
Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
These are some basic steps to overcoming life's disappointments and difficulties of which you will surely experience from time to time. If you allow God to work His purpose in your life by going to Him and His word during the time of difficulty you will find yourself in a place of contentment and as a result you will be the kind of overcomer God has destined you to be and you will have defeated Satan's attempt to wear you down.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.
If we were fighting a physical battle, we would expect to use every weapon at our disposal. When fighting spiritual battles, God's Word is our weapon. But, it won't get you the victory if you don't use it.
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My Body Parts........I Didn't Know.......
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Jan 23, 2008 9:05 am
Mood: Hmmmmmmm!,
523 Views
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A friend sent me this email about body parts, wow, I didn't know.
You really ought to know this. The human body is a machine that is full of wonder. This collection of human body facts will leave you wondering why in the heck we were designed the way we were, only God knows for sure.
-Scientists say the higher your I. Q., the more you dream.
-The largest cell in the human body is the female egg and the smallest is the male sperm.
-You use 200 muscles to take one step.
-The average woman is 5 inches shorter than the average man.
-Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three.
-A pair of human feet contains 250,000 sweat glands. (Why?)
-A full bladder is roughly the size of a soft ball. (Now I know why I can pee a quart)
-The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razor blades. (So, be careful in swallowing them)
-The human brain cell can hold 5 times as much information as the Encyclopedia Britannica. (So Eli and Ms P, you're OK)
-It takes the food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.
-The average human dream lasts 2-3 seconds.
-Men without hair on their chests are more likely to get cirrhosis of the liver than men with hair.
-At the moment of conception, you spent about half an hour as a single cell.
-There is about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet, which may result in an affliction nicknamed 'foot & toe-scum'.
-Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil.
-The enamel in your teeth is the hardest substance in your body.
-Your teeth start growing 6 months before you are born.
-When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate, and they do the same when you are looking at someone you hate. (How do you tell if you're loving or hating?)
-Your thumb is the same length of your nose.
At this very moment I know full well you are putting this last fact to the test... now remove your thumb from your nose and tell the friends you think might be interested in comparing their thumbs to their noses as well.
Just some interesting facts I thought you should know, why? I don't know. 
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Got Strongholds?
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Jan 23, 2008 4:51 am
Mood: Victory in Jesus!,
499 Views
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What is a stronghold?
A stronghold is any area of your life, the devil has a foothold or a grip. It could be fear, unforgiveness, pride, anger, depression, or any number of things.
Too many of us have allowed the devil to have a foothold in our lives. We have let him have free reign to harass, oppress and bring us into bondages that God desires us to walk in a freedom to.
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
The Apostle Paul's Definition of a Stronghold.
The apostle Paul defines strongholds as speculations or lofty things raised up against the knowledge of God. It is any type of thinking that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, thereby giving the devil a secure place of influence in an individual's thought-life.
2 Corinthians 10:5 ...casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...
Common Strongholds Many Deal With.
Just because we are Christians does not exempt us from having strongholds that must be dealt with. There are still many strongholds within us. I have listed a few strongholds that are common to most Christians.
Fear, resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, apathy, unbelief, depression, anxiety, lukewarmness, sinful thoughts, lust, pride, greed, drugs, alcohol, or pornography
Sometimes, it is difficult to discern the areas of oppression in our lives. As a man thinks, so is he. Therefore, before any deliverance can truly be accomplished, we must honestly recognize and confess our need. The first step in pulling down strongholds, is acknowledging the stronghold exists.
Faith Principles For Pulling Down Strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 gives us two important things that help us to tear down strong holds. The first one is bringing our thoughts into conformity with Christ's and the second one is obedience to His Word.
2 Corinthians10:4-5...the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..
We Bring Our Thoughts Into Captivity To Christ's.
We must learn to look objectively at any thoughts or attitudes that fail to conform to the likeness and teachings of Jesus. Those thoughts must be captured and wrong attitudes crucified.
The only one who has the right to shape our lives is Jesus Christ. We must determine to allow nothing and no one to shape us, not even our personal experiences unless they are consistent with the promises of God. eg. if you were not healed, a stronghold of unbelief could set in, but if you bring your thoughts into conformity with God's thoughts, the stronghold will break and faith will come forth. If we have a problem with a brother or sister and forgiveness is not enacted, bitterness and resentment will settle in.
Obedience Brings Us Into the Stronghold Of Christ's Likeness.
The Father's goal in breaking the strongholds in our lives is much more than simply seeing our burdens or the devil taken off our backs. The specific purpose toward which God steers the working of all things in our lives, is our conformity. "..to the image of His Son."
Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
The way to realize God's ultimate victory is to reach toward His ultimate goal, which is our complete transformation into the likeness of Christ. We must recognize that it is not you that the devil is afraid of, it is Christ in You!
Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips. It is consummated by the nature of Jesus in our hearts. If you are troubled by fear, resentment, depression, sinful thoughts, apathy, lukewarmness or whatever, submit those areas to God, repenting of your unbelief and then yield yourself to Christ's faith within you. Are you troubled by lust and shame? Present those areas of sin to God, repenting of your old nature, drawing upon the forgiveness of Christ and HIs purity of heart.
James 4: v7-Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
It is better to develop godly virtues than to spend our day praying against the devil ....it is the joy of the Lord that defeats depression ...it is living a life of faith that destroys unbelief ...it is aggressive love that casts out fear. Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips. It is consummated by the nature of Jesus in our heart.
Building A Stronghold Of Christlikeness Involves A Struggle.
The process of getting free of worldly and fleshly strongholds involves a season of inner conflict and turmoil. This is a good sign, signifying the desire of your will to be free. We should expect a time where we must exercise our authority in Christ as we "resist" the devil. He is not going to give up the strongholds he has established, easily.
1 Peter 5:9-Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
As you continue to yield yourself to Christ, He will remove Satan's armor from your mind. He will show you what you need to bring down. You will see that the weapons of your warfare are mighty, to the pulling down of strongholds!
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We're the High Temp in the Nation Today!!!
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Jan 22, 2008 2:47 pm
Mood: Ready to jump in the pool,
568 Views
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Ft Myers, Florida was the high temperature in the nation today!!
It was 80 degrees!
My a/c was running all day!
Anybody wanna trade?
I'd much rather have the snow!
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To link to this blog (racefan4) use [blog racefan4] in your messages.
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