Be Prepared, Bible Study

Patience

I found this excellent quote “When you’re tempted to lose patience with someone, think how patient God has been with you all the time”.

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This is so true.  I have to pray for patience every day.  When we encounter things that annoy us, just ask the Lord to guide us to show Love, Joy, Peace, Compassion, Kindness, Gentleness & Humility towards everyone as referenced in scripture.  This can apply to pets as well.

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The Lord is working with me daily on this.  Today, while out walking Cody, a tiny dog came up to Cody and tried to bite him!  My reaction was “wait” but don’t hesitate to boot the little dog when it hurts Cody.   My prior reactions would have been just to kick the little thing across the street like a ball and ask questions later!

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I realize now that even animals can be influenced by sulfuric foul smelling creatures.  I know now that I need to pray over Cody for protection against these things.  I also need to ask for wisdom on how to talk to people that are “a few fries short of a happy meal”.  Sometimes a little humor in these situations is good 🙂

Some scriptures that tell us about patience:

James 1:19  My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger 

James 1:2-4     Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

Proverbs 16:32  Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s temper, than capturing a city.

Proverbs 19:11  A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

2 Corinthians 6:6   by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,

Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love,

Colossians 1:11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy

Colossians 3:12  Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

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56 thoughts on “Patience”

  1. Good quote, James. I’ve been on a patience building journey too, especially since taking on more of the home schooling with our daughters (5 and 8). They’re doing well but we do butt heads sometimes, esp. with the younger one.

    I know it’s also preparation for what’s ahead. The Lord already let my wife and I know that the people we will be ministering to may not be the most visionary and awake. One of the words we got was “stodgy.” 🙂

    God bless, brother.

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    1. Mike,
      That’s a great point about the potential people being ministered to.
      I always think of them as being like-minded, but now I’m seeing that must be WISHFUL thinking. The reality will be that much patience will be needed, I’m sure.

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  2. Great post, James. Truly that little dog zoomed suddenly and lunged at Cody’s mouth . . . It happened so quickly, there was not even time to respond. However, at least the owners (who should have kept their dog on a leash) . . . Stopped the dog and took her inside.

    Kinda of amazing how these little dogs seem to think Cody is a great target. Like you said, the sulfur dwellers can indeed influence animals, so prayers of safety and protection over ALL that pertains to us . . . Even our pets (yep, my fish “Preach” too . . LOL)

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  4. Reading the scriptures here. I gotta say, there are many within the body of Christ who lack in this area. Could this be why its so hard to fill the churches? Certainly!

    This sums up what’s missing…Colossians 3:12 Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, etc, etc, etc.

    I was hurt deeply by the church because these things are lacking and now I’m watching loved ones being hurt by the church. Hurt on the level of slander and its coming directly from leadership. That stuff trickles down and so what do we end up with? No doubt we can see the results.

    I had to forgive that hurt…its hard to walk into the House of God and realize its not a safe haven any longer.

    I’m researching the occult and I’m not surprised at my findings. It seems it’s no mistake the church is in the condition its in.

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    1. Thanks for sharing that Vicki. What you state, matches what Bette has shared with us. She said that the church is viewed as a black heart by the Lord. Just paraphrasing here. It has to do with how much corruption has entered into the foundations, which starts with the preachers/ministers. When they don’t preach the full gospel and deny the freedom of the Holy Spirit, they are setting up the masses for eternal damnation.

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      1. Amen, James, to everything she said. I have also heard Bette Stevens refer to the church’s heart as a BLACK HOLE. I’ve heard it both ways.

        I’ve also heard Bette refer to the churches as “night clubs.” I’m not sure of her exact meaning on that, but what comes to me is “clubs” that are in “darkness.”

        The fellowship that I attend is definitely an exception to that. Bette has noted that there are exceptions. It is not a “night club,” but a “LIGHT fill-up station.”

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  5. Much to that comment Vicki. I heard Russ Dizdar’s conference and it was so spot on! He mentioned how many churches (he specifically called out AOG) had ministers wives with basically, demonic spirits. We had our own experience with this too. I clearly got Jez spirit yet the body allowed her in leadership. A position to lead into worship and due to the prayer of those warriors, God honored and anointed the worship………….then after Holy Spirit began to move mightily, that spirit would take over the worship and be a one woman show. You could see rolled eyes in frustration etc.

    It’s so sad, even with correction and a word through a seasoned warrior nothing changed and the very lady with the spirit was involved in deliverance ministry 😦 I didn’t understand why the person she was ‘beside’ helping with ministry could not see it………..sadly, I do now and pray this person had a wake up call so God could continue to use them in this area for this time we are in.

    Isn’t this where the correction totally got lost within our churches 😦

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    1. We need to keep all people in prayer, including the churches and their leaders. Time is running out for them to make the decision to fully turn to Jesus and no longer be consumed by the world. If the church in general keeps this up, they all will be hearing “I never knew you, depart from me”!

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    3. I have been witness to what you say Russ Dizdar is saying about demonic spirits in the church, Jez, spirits, etc. In my experience and now (sadly) my families experiences it consists mostly of the Pastors family and includes other leadership and also some deacons. It’s like a nightmare to see it unfold. As each person who is placed in a position to be part of the sin refuses they are targeted and attacked, slandered to the extent they sometimes question their relationship with God and themselves. Ultimately and rightfully so, they leave the church.

      The Lord showed me years ago the truth as I attended this place as a visitor. As time went on I kept hearing occult. Sadly, we were not believed. My family has watched their friends attacked and forced out, still they believed the lie that they were to stay….they believed the Lord wanted them to stay. All these years later its come to pass as my family now is the victims, the wrath of the spirits that reside there, the sin. The darkness here is incredible and the accusations are more so. It hits like a theft in the night, its swift and hard. The stories are sad!

      The good news, whats more incredible then any spirit of evil, …they know the truth now, they can repent and ask for forgiveness and they will be forgiven. The Lord will use this experience.

      We must pray for all these examples as we hear of them, for the church and for the followers who are blinded by satans wrath.

      Our Lord of Lords, King of Kings reigns, He holds the power over all! He dominates the Royal Office of all creation. Praises to His Holy Name, Jesus, the Messiah. Thank You Jesus, we love you and honor you now and forever more, Amen

      GOD IS IN CONTROL!
      Blessings,
      Vicki

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  6. John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

    I have a question regarding “fruit” in this scripture: Isn’t it two-fold? The fruit of those we minister to, share the Gospel etc. Isn’t this also referring to the fruit of the Spirit. Patience being one of them (paraphrasing patience)?

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    1. That would be referenced in: Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,

      To me this means acting like Christ “displaying his characteristics”.

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    2. Well, I believe it all starts with “the fruit OF THE SPIRIT.”
      We cannot produce fruit WITHOUT the Spirit. It is our welcoming, allowing, yielding to HIM that produces the fruit. We cannot do it on our own.

      “I am the Vine and you are the branches; without Me, YOU CAN DO NOTHING” (of any lasting value that will not be burned up in the end as wood, hay, and stubble without the anointing of the Holy Spirit).

      As to the fruit of the Spirit that is produced in others through our lives/ ministries: my opinion is that it is most likely a two-fold benefit when the Holy Spirit touches others through us and that in turn produces genuine fruit in them. After all, we are to be doing the work that Jesus did on the earth. He has equipped us to do so through the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. The question: Are we fully stepping into that calling. We are His Body on this earth.

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  7. COURAGE FROM JESUS
    I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

    Yesterday we read the testimony of Kefa Sampangi in Uganda when he was threatened with death by Idi Amin’s goon squad. The story continues:

    “Father in heaven,” I prayed, “you who have forgiven men in the past, forgive these men also. Do not let them perish in their sins but bring them into yourself.”

    It was a simple prayer, prayed in deep fear. But God looked beyond my fears and when I lifted my head, the men standing in front of me were not the same men who had followed me into the vestry. Something had changed in their faces.

    It was the tall one who spoke first. His voice was bold but there was no contempt in his words, “You have helped us,” he said, “and we will help you. We will speak to the rest of our company and they will leave you alone. Do not fear for your life. It is in our hands and you will be protected.”

    I was too astonished to reply. The tall one only motioned for the others to leave. He himself stepped to the doorway and then he turned to speak one last time. “I saw widows and orphans in your congregation,” he said. “I saw them singing and giving praise. Why are they happy when death is so near?”

    It was still difficult to speak but I answered him. “Because they are loved by God. He has given them life, and will give life to those they loved, because they died in Him.”

    His question seemed strange to me, but he did not stay to explain. He only shook his head in perplexity and walked out the door. I stared at the open door of the vestry for several moments and then sat down on a nearby straw mat chair. My knees were no longer strong and I could feel my whole body tremble. I could not think clearly. Less than ten minutes before, I had considered myself a dead man. Even though I was surrounded by 7,000 people there was no human being to whom I could appeal. I could not ask the elders to pray, I could not appeal to the mercy of the Nubian killers. My mouth had frozen and I had no clever words to speak. In that moment, with death so near, it was not my sermon that gave me courage, or an idea from Scripture. It was Jesus Christ, the living Lord.[1]

    RESPONSE: Today I will walk in the power of the living Lord and not in my own strength or courage.

    PRAYER: Lord, help me realize that You are my sufficiency. Without You, I can do nothing.

    1. F. Kefa Sempangi, A Distant Grief, Glendale, CA: G/L Publications, 1979, pp.120-121.

    Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

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  8. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7(KJV)

    3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

    4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

    5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

    6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

    7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

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  9. Amen James. I’m struggling with patience b/c the Lord is delaying in confirming to my husband what He’s shown me – about some very important information that we need to act on quickly! I want to do it yesterday. But the Lord’s timing is perfect. Just like in the story of the woman who came to Jesus to heal her “severely demon-possessed daughter.” Matt. 15:21-28. He DELAYED in answering her, so that she would PRESS IN and draw closer to Him. So He does the same with us. It’s not easy, but may it be unto each of us according to HIS word.

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      1. Amen and thank you James! Thy will be done, Lord. He uses all things to work together for the GOOD for those who love God, and for those who are called according to His purposes. God bless you richly.

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    2. It’s interesting that in Bette Stevens’ latest video (posted above) that it is mentioned that they will be/are (not sure how it was stated) Chem-trailing PESTILENCE.

      The other video above (posted by Sonshine) is about PESTILENCE.

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    1. Thanks for sharing that information Sonshine. We need to hang on tight to the Lord every day, as things are going to unfold at an alarming rate. It’s important that we daily ask for forgiveness, praise and worship him and get into the word.

      Everyone — please consider a review of the entire chapter in Luke 21.

      Here’s a portion: (Luke 21:9-13)

      But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified, for these things must first come to pass. But the end is not at once.”
      10 Then said He unto them, “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,
      11 and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines and pestilences. And fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
      12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, and you will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake.
      13 And it shall turn to you to bear testimony.

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      1. A few things I want to give praise to our Lord for, goes with the scripture reference above and how this walk through shock, fear and learning, more and more to abide in Him and not me! He amazes me. Debra asked on the prior Tuesday call something to the effect if we had noticed Abba growing us. If we could look back and see a change over the last months. At that moment, I went blank. Later as I went through the days I noticed HUGE areas! He did it all!! I give Him all glory, praise and honor! Wow!!

        Last time I was staying at moms for an extended visit: I could not keep my mouth shut when I saw more and more unfolding so fast. I was so very frustrated with myself. I kept praying, Lord put a coal to my lips! (in all this I had also been praying to buy gold, revelation etc) I was wound like an over wound clock or toy that was just in fast/high gear. Very frustrated that I couldn’t get her to “keep extra things” and she didn’t want to hear about anything, yet she knows!

        This time on this visit/extended stay: My mouth is quiet, because my spirit is quiet and trusting Him more. I feel His peace and joy abiding more and more. It’s been crazy busy yet still time most days to spend my quiet time with Him and sing in the Spirit whether quietly or aloud.
        Yes,some things still strike a bit of fear when I see them yet, these are areas that are where the enemy has attacked often in my weaknesses, such as health and even then, I see where the Lords goodness is growing faith, love and peace. Baby steps and yet those baby steps have grown. Even baby steps takes the baby across the room. Some may be crawling, some may be standing, some may be steps again and some may fall down.
        He picks that baby up again quickly, hugs the baby and with practice, the baby is walking further each time, stronger and soon will be running with laughter just as a child does when he/she takes off too fast only to fall, Father picks him up again and the child is then reaching up to explore new things.

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      2. The three portions of Scripture that deal with end-times:
        Luke 21
        Mark 13
        Matthew 24 and 25 (also known as “The Olivet Discourse” because it was given on the Mount of Olives. Chapter 25 consists of Parables about the end times.

        Good Scriptures to focus on above, J.C.!

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  13. Your Circumstances — May 26, 2016 06:00 am | Glynda Linkous

    The world around you is headed in a bad direction. Those around you call evil good and good evil. I have told you these things would happen. The end of all things is approaching and many difficult circumstances precede it.

    I desire you would stay in faith and continue to walk in My ways and obey My leading no matter what your circumstances.

    If you will do this, you will walk in peace through all that is to come.

    Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

    Psalm 91:1-3
    1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
    2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
    3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

    John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

    2 Samuel 22:3-4
    3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
    4 I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

    Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

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  14. A Watchman on the Wall — Posted: 27 May 2016 12:00 AM PDT

    “My truths you care not to hear. Your hearts grow cold and hard as more of the worldly ways crowd out My Word of Truth. When darkness comes will you seek more of Me or curse the darkness in open rebellion? Tell My people the time to get right before Me is now.

    When doubt arises and fears overtake your faith, allow My Holy Spirit to rise up in you allowing hope to rule and reign in your life. An abundance of grace, mercy and love awaits the fallen. For those who choose to seek My face there is regeneration and reconciliation. Darkness spreads its net, fear not.

    You will not stand if your hope is not based on My Word. If you have any other foundation, it will crumble and you will fall. Keep your heart and mind stayed on Me.”

    “Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.” I Chronicles 16:11
    “The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, Who seek after God.” Psalm 14:2

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  15. DEFEATING THE ENEMY’S ATTACKS
    You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

    Ung Sophal established eight house churches in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and the surrounding provinces. He and his wife lost their third and youngest child during the Pol Pot genocide. After many close calls, he was separated from his wife and children and sent to work in the fields. During these very difficult times, he still was able to lead sixty-five people to Jesus and even water baptize them. God miraculously spared his life on numerous occasions.

    When the Vietnamese invaded Cambodia in 1979, Ung Sophal was able to return to Phnom Penh. It was now a ghost town. With a handful of other Christians, he started a house church, which grew from five members to six hundred in eight months.

    That Christmas he invited some Christians to his home for a fellowship – including some Christian westerners working for aid organizations. Two weeks later he was arrested for this “illegal” activity and accused of holding a political meeting with CIA participation.

    He was interrogated for days and beaten severely. When the interrogation proved profitless, he was left in prison for five months chained hand and foot. He lost seventy-five pounds and was very sick but he heard the Lord instruct him to fast and be silent for three days.

    The authorities became alarmed at the end of his fast and took him to the hospital thinking he was dying. There he constantly heard the sounds of other people being tortured with electricity and being beaten and kicked. “Even without the beatings it was very hard,” he said, “I had a taste of hell, but God protected me.”

    Ung Sophal was successfully treated by a Cuban doctor who was also a Christian (God has his people everywhere). One night when the electricity went out because of a tropical storm, the doctor helped Ung escape. Later he fled with his wife and children to Thailand and spent ten years ministering to other Cambodian exiles – the last five years as a widower.

    In 1990, as restrictions against Christianity began to be eased in Cambodia, Ung made his first visit back to his homeland to encourage and teach the church. Word of his return spread quickly and three hundred people came to see him. He is eager for the task ahead. “I want to build my people,” he said. “God has a great work yet to do in Cambodia.”

    RESPONSE: Today I will stand strong in Jesus’ strength no matter what Satan throws at me or against me.

    PRAYER: Lord, thank You for encouraging testimonies of faithful people like Ung Sophal. Continue to grow Your Church in Cambodia, I pray.

    Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

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    1. I don’t yet have the gift of interpretation. Occasionally God will give me one but its not often and the way He says things to me are often very odd?
      Last week He said the Emperors new clothes. How odd I thought. I looked it up and then the meaning of the pride of the status of a wealthy, the appearances etc. But a child saw through it. I then went to King David dancing nude etc.
      That was to show the above and the depravity, the evil in the mind of “the emperors new clothes…….”

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    2. Thanks for sharing that information about “Hillsong” — they are not a group that I follow and I hope that whoever is reporting this is sharing the truth. We need discernment in all areas and we should pray for these people as well. If this is the truth — it shows Apostasy in Hollywood-Style format by this group — unless they repent, they will all be heading into the Lake Of Fire!

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    3. I went back over those clips and am getting a huge check in my spirit. Abba forgive me if I posted in error:(

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      1. We need to be aware of these things Sonshine. We can all take them to the Lord for a check via Holy Spirit for the truth. This group may have fallen by way of greed and power — happens to many church leaders and other leaders.

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  17. The difference being the heart of the emperor vs Kind Davids heart. Those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in Truth.

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  18. Receive — May 27, 2016 06:00 am | Glynda Linkous

    As more of Me fills your thoughts and atmosphere, less of the evil in the world can affect you.

    My children, you have the power to change the atmosphere around you if you will only use what I have given you. Do not accept an atmosphere of evil and negativity. I have given you joy and peace.

    Receive My gifts.

    Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

    Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

    Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

    Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

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    1. I know. I like to do that with older secular songs sometimes. I make them into Christian Songs—- like “I’ll Be Loving You Always.” I think of God singing to us, etc.

      In fact, it’s hard not to think of songs in that way now!

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    1. That was a great movie with many practical tips.
      But one could sense this Darwinian survival of the fittest mentality all over it.
      Like referring to religion and faith as mechanisms!

      Just wanted people to be aware before watching.

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  22. Powerful dream on z3! I can see why the not sleeping or eating, and praying in the spirit. Waves of this keep getting stronger over the past years..we are not of this world……….the more we see loved ones and all those we come into contact with daily fall into worry over financial gain, playing with toys, talking of things that are simply not relevant to the Kingdom, the stronger the grief grows, yet the stronger the faith grows to stand. The stronger the determination grows to press on, pray and be oh……..so aware of the enemy’s tactics to deter.

    Father, help each of us press on, press in and be counted worthy. Help us grow in Your truth and reach those who are asleep and under the influence of the evil one, the god of this world. Fresh Fire and no shrinking back, Your love flowing through us as never before. Use these conduits made of flesh to show Your Glory in this last hour. Lord, there are so many, we ask you lift the blinders as we share Your love, Your redemptive power, Your “way” and help us walk in the fullness You have called us to. I pray we heed every whisper of Holy Spirit and speak when we should, keep quiet when we should. Thank You for Your love, Your grace, Your mercy, Your strength, Your power to finish the race, in Jesus name. Thank You for Your peace and joy in the midst of the trials, the rejections, the mocking. We give YOU all glory, honor and praise for who You are and what You are doing in this last hour.

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  24. STRATEGIC LEVEL SPIRITUAL WARFARE

    Then he [angel] continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Daniel 10:12-13

    There is considerable interest and teaching today about “territorial spirits,” that is, spiritual warfare waged against high-ranking principalities and powers assigned to a locale. The Scripture passage here indicates that a particular evil spirit was assigned to Daniel’s human government or territory. But what we lack biblically is any example of or injunction to engage these spirits directly or by name. Daniel only prayed to his God, who sovereignly directs angels to war against the territorial rulers. The Apostle Paul taught that demonic emissaries who attack the church and hinder its mission can be overcome only through reliance on the power of God.

    That same power of God is much needed in the world today. For example, witchcraft is being used as a strategic weapon by traditional Indian authorities in western Colombia in an attempt to weaken and even stamp out the faith of indigenous Christians. Sorcerers or witchdoctors, called te walas by the indigenous peoples, have started sending messengers to sit in the back during church services, rather than going directly themselves. When the pastors invite listeners to receive Christ, these messengers say, “No, we have just come to listen.” But while Christians are praying, the te walas sprinkle the cursed waters around the church.

    If their incantations bring no results, the te walas themselves come to the church, surrounding it with occult rites to cause the believers to lose their desire to pray and read the Bible. In some recent night-time visits by these traditional “healers,” the witchdoctors made pacts with animal blood as well as sprinkled their cursed waters on the church.

    A seventeen-year-old girl in one church was induced to participate in these practices, despite having Christian parents. She actually made a pact of witchcraft, her pastor said, to give over one of her relatives to Satan. Discouraged, her parents cannot understand how this could happen in their home, where she learned to know and love God. Church leaders and the pastor have united with this family to intercede for urgently for this young girl’s deliverance. The pastor admitted that he feared that more such cases are happening that have yet to be discovered. They need our prayers.

    RESPONSE: Today I’ll not underestimate the power of God to defeat all that Satan throws against me.

    PRAYER: Lord, may Your mighty power overcome the evil united against Your church in Colombia.

    Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

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