Walking in the Spirit – Four Gold Nuggets and The Presence of God

Brothers and Sisters in the Lord

Our Tuesday morning CBMC zoom sessions continue to be fruitful, fulfilling this passage: “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17 (If you would like to join us, please let me know; we meet from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)

Four gold nuggets from this past Tuesday morning:

We are to live in the presence of God, which will lead to the abundant life Jesus promised. (See the article below on this topic) This is in contrast to part-time Christians, who just dress up and go to church on Sunday. – PHIL

Our lives are like a train – the Word of God is the engine, the coal car is our faith, and the caboose is our feelings. Our feelings are the result of our faith, not the driver of it. The train will run with or without the caboose, but it would be useless to try to pull the train by feelings. And so it is in our Christian life. We are to put our faith in the Word of God, not our feelings. – JIM M.

I learned I could not change anyone around me. We have to release people to be who they are, and concentrate on our walk with God. Love them well, but don’t try to change them. (That’s God’s job) – CHET

My son is a U.S. marine – he is willing to lay down his life for our country; even the men and women in prison for their crimes. That is what God did for us – He sent His son Jesus to lay down His life for us to set us free, even though we deserve to be in prison for our sins. Can you imagine sacrificing your son or daughter for others, especially those in prison for their crimes? – ROLIN

Some great resources:

· Tim Keller sermons – https://podcast.gospelinlife.com

· The Bible Project – https://bibleproject.com

· The Power of the Blood Audiobook by Andrew Murray, available on Youtube

Have a great day in the Lord, and always watch for the divine appointments He has for you each day.

In His grip,

Mark

My Presence Should Be Desired More Than Anything Else In Your Life

Posted by 444 Prophecy News on September 22, 2018

Ginger Barbare

“My Presence should be desired more than anything else in your life. (Psalm 16:11) It is more precious than silver or gold. (Psalm 19:10) For when you seek to enter in to My Presence, you prepare your heart and mind for an encounter with Me. (Psalm 51:10) You search yourself deep within (2 Corinthian 13:5) to see if there is anything within you that could keep you from experiencing My Presence in your daily walk with Me. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Prepare yourself to experience My Presence. (Psalm 84:1-2, James 4:8) For it will empower you to go forth and shine My Light, (Matthew 5:14-16) the Light I have placed in you with a world filled with darkness and confusion,” saith the Lord. (Isaiah 60:2)

Once My Light begins to shine upon you it begins to transform you into a new image after Myself. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Old things pass away and behold all things are made new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) As you allow Me to change you, to mold you into what I created you to be (Romans 12:2) and shackles fall and chains are broken. (Psalm 107:4) Who I set free is free indeed. (John 8:36)

You shine with the Love of Christ [agape]. (Ephesians 3:19) Others see the change in your demeanor. When they look into your eyes, they see My Love for them shining back at them. You obey My commandments when you show others Love instead of hate, encouragement instead of discouragement, and compassion instead of judgment,” saith the Lord. (Mark 12:31)

“For I Am a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:29) Let My Fire purify your imperfections, sanctifying you for My Work and My Purpose. (Zechariah 13:9) For I work all things together for the good of those who love Me, to them who are the called according to My Purpose. (Romans 8:28) I have a plan and a purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11) and it can only be accomplished when you walk in obedience (Job 36:11) and submission to the prompting of My Spirit that lives within you. (James 4:7, John 16:13)

Let My Love pour through you. (1 John 4:7-10) Encourage the hurting. (Psalms 3:4) Pray for the afflicted. (Psalms 102:1) Minister unto all in word and in deed without expecting anything in return. (Colossians 3:17, Luke 6:35) Live your life as an example of My Love. (1 Peter 2:21) Don’t withhold My Love from anyone you encounter (Proverbs 3:27) for through your sharing My Love, lives will be transformed and souls will be saved. (Ephesians 4:15) For My Love breaks down the walls that people set up to protect themselves from being hurt,” saith the Lord.

“Experiencing My Presence is what changes you. (2 Corinthians 3:18) It is how I fill you with My Spirit so that you can share it with the world. (Romans 15:13) My Atonement on the cross for all sins displayed My Love for all people. (1 John 2:2) It is My Commandment that ye love your neighbor as yourself. (John 15:12) And above all things have fervent love among yourselves: for Love shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8) I didn’t say it would be easy, in fact, it will be one of the most difficult things you have ever done, but it will change the dynamics of how you react to your family, your church, your community, and this world. (John 13:35) It’s up to you to choose to Love like Me. (Luke 6:46) I will teach you how so you can teach others,” saith the Lord of Hosts. (Matthew 5:19)

Walking in the Spirit – Ten Gold Nuggets

“I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

Ten Gold Nuggets for Walking in the Spirit:

A witness is someone who attests to what they know.
We are to serve as witnesses to our Lord. (Which means we need to spend time in His Word TO GET TO KNOW HIM and His still, small voice, not just KNOW ABOUT HIM.)
We are either missionaries or a mission field.
We are to serve where we are called. (And if we do, we will experience the joy of the Lord.)
The safest place to be is in the center of God’s will.
We like to be on the mountain top. (But often we have to go through the valley to get there.)
It is not what we acquire, but what we share that is important.
Living for other people is the only life worth living.
We need to get involved in their lives and give them something that will last forever – the Word of God (not just give them money).
A lot are looking for a hand out, not a hand up. (But if we give them a hand out, they may be open to a hand up.)

Source: Little Rock Christian Business Men’s Committee Zoom Session, July 25, 2023

Lifeinthespirit.net

Spiritual Conversations

SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS

When Christ came, he fed and healed people’s bodies, cast out demons, taught, and had SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS. Barna Group research shows we all can become more intentional in our outreach and actually enjoy sharing Jesus with others when we do.

Christian researcher George Barna described eager conversationalists as people who:

EMBRACE THE GOSPEL. They have a clear understanding that salvation comes from belief in Jesus Christ alone.
APPLY SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES. They actively seek to grow their faith through prayer, the Bible, and regular worship.
GRASP THE CALLING. These individuals know that are part of the “priesthood of all believers”.
EXPECT SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS. This group is ready to participate in spiritual conversations.
RESPOND CONFIDENTLY. These individuals feel qualified to share their faith and are glad when they do.

Source: Lutheran Hour Ministries – lhm.org

Key Insights

TIME: This process may take weeks, or an hour or two with the person next to you on an airplane.
RELATIONSHIPS: It’s all about developing a relationship with that person. They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
COMPASSION is key; Jesus had compassion on people, so He reached out and ministered to them.
SURPRISE OR PLANNED: Spiritual conversations may happen unexpectedly, but they may be in fact divine appointments from the Lord.
A DIVINE APPOINTMENT may be lunch with a friend, talking with a plumber, or a brief conversation with the person asking for help at the street intersection.
DON’T WORRY: The Holy Spirit will give us the words to say. It’s about being ready to respond when the opportunity presents itself.
SLOW DOWN: When we relate to the people who come across our paths, it can be a totally different experience.
OPEN THE DOOR: Everyone has some religious experience, so we can relate to that experience. This can open the door to a spiritual conversation.
RELIGION HURT: Many people have had hurtful experiences with churches or other religions. We need to be aware of that, and minister to them with the love of Christ.

Everyone has a story, is broken, and needs our Lord. So let us reach out and engage them in spiritual conversations with the love and truth of Christ, for time is short, eternity is forever, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

To God be the glory

Lifeinthespirit.net

GUILT – OUR WORST ENEMY OR OUR BEST FRIEND

How to Get Rid of Guilt

“If you have guilt in your life, just get rid of it so you can get on with your life,” stated a vice president of a midwestern state university, giving a pep talk to faculty about life and careers. Although this high-ranking official recognized how detrimental guilt can be in our lives, she did not mention repentance as a way to get rid of it.

None of us like to feel guilty – the realization or belief that we have done something wrong, and the feeling that we will suffer consequences for our actions. And yet we will all experience guilt in our lives because of our fallen, sinful nature – our propensity to sin and our inability to keep the law perfectly. Thanks to Jesus, we can become free of guilt, but we must be able to distinguish between TRUE GUILT and FALSE GUILT.

We experience TRUE GUILT when we commit true sin, because the Holy Spirit convicts us of that sin – an offense against God and probably our fellow man. When we repent, we are forgiven, and restored to a right relationship with our Lord. Our Lord then wipes that sin off of the books, for He is merciful and loving:

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in mercy… He does not treat us as our sins deserve, nor punish us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:8-12

Of course there may be temporal consequences to our sin. If we rob a bank, even if we repent, we may go to prison. (Our governmental legal system is not as forgiving as our gracious Lord.)

We experience FALSE GUILT when we feel badly because someone – perhaps a loved one, a friend, our boss, or the culture, wants us to do something that is unnecessary or even wrong. Perhaps they claim you need to purchase a new car, a bigger house, a fancy vacation, etc. because your neighbors (the Joneses) have one, and that you are A BAD AND UNCARING PERSON if you do not comply with their wishes.

Another example of false guilt is the notion that white people should feel guilty of racism because four hundred years ago white people enslaved black people in this nation. Although we should try to make amends for past atrocities and injustices, we cannot be guilty of something we did not do.

Guilt Can Become Our Worst Enemy When:

FALSE GUILT – We feel pressure from others to do certain things that are unnecessary or wrong, but do not have the discernment and courage to reject it because it is false and often a manipulation. So we give in to their wishes, or resist and live a life of guilt, condemned by their (Godless) value system.
TRUE GUILT – We experience true guilt, but are unwilling to repent to get rid of the sin in our lives (which would eliminate the guilt).

Guilt Can Become Our Best Friend When:

We know the difference between true guilt and false guilt and just dismiss false guilt, for it is fake, and a reflection on our loved one, friend, boss, or culture.
We realize true guilt is like a flashing warning sign that we are about to step off the narrow path that leads to Heaven, onto the wide path that leads to the Lake of Fire. So we repent, make things right, and get back on the narrow path. If we ignore the warning signs, or can’t distinguish between true guilt and false guilt, we will be on the wrong path, headed for perdition.

Not sure if what you are experiencing is true or false guilt? Hold it up to our Lord:

“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Given how our culture has become increasingly post-Christian, pressures will increase on Christians to conform to a godless culture. Therefore, it is critical that we spend time with our Lord each day so that we will be discerning and able to cope with true and false guilt.

Everyone we meet has to deal with guilt, and are doing so with varying degrees of success. So let us help them with their struggle to discern and dismiss false guilt, and repent of true guilt, so they may be free from the shackles of sin and experience the joy and love of our Lord.

To God be the glory

Lifeinthespirit.net

Two Quarts Low

“I checked your oil, and you are two quarts low.” Those of us who are chronologically blessed (are older), remember taking our cars to service stations where when we pull up to the gas pump, a service attendant would come out, and we tell him (usually a him): “fill ‘er up and check the oil”. This was before self-service gas stations. The attendant would then wash our windshield, fill up our gas tank, and check our oil, antifreeze, and tires, all without expecting a tip. And we all knew that if our car was two quarts of oil low, this was serious. It needed the oil level to be filled, as the engine was getting dangerously low on oil. No oil and the engine freezes up and we are stuck on the highway.

There is even a story about oil in the New Testament. It is a parable told by Jesus and is known the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins:

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Matthew 25:1-13

This parable has obvious implications for all of us – when Jesus comes (or when our time is up on earth and it is time to stand before the Lord in heaven), we better be SPIRITUALLY READY – spiritually clean by repenting of our sins, forgiving others, and walking with our Lord on a daily basis. If we are not, if we are like the Laodiceans described in Revelation 3, who are comfortable in the world and enjoying its pleasures, but LUKEWARM toward Christ – our heavenly bridegroom, then He will vomit us out of His mouth. He will have no part of us, and we will have no part in Him. And the door to eternity in heaven will be closed to us.

There is another dimension of this parable that relates to us. What is the oil that we are to have in our lamps? The oil would be the peace, joy, and love of God that dwells within us. But we can only get that oil by spending time with our Lord in His Word, repenting of our sins, forgiving others, and seeking His will for our lives, which includes meeting the divine appointments He has for us each day.

We need to go to the Holy Spirit and say: “Fill ‘er up and check the oil”. And when we are filled with the oil (the anointing) of the Holy Spirit, we need to light it on fire, so we can be on fire for the Lord, like the apostles after Pentecost, or Moses when he came down off the mountain.

If we don’t take time to spend with our Lord each day, our lamps might be full of worldly stuff, but they will not shine with the light of Christ, and we will have nothing supernatural – the peace, love, and joy of the Lord – to share with others. And then when we are called upon to share this light with others, we will be unable to do so. We will have failed to respond to His calling on our lives.

None of us know when our Lord is coming back for us, nor do we know when our time is up here on earth. But we do know that He is coming, and that one day our time here is up. So let us fill our lamps with oil from the Holy Spirit and share the light of Christ with all who come across our path, for time is short, eternity is forever, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

To God be the glory

I Met a Homeless Guy and He Changed My Life

I never knew any homeless people in the small town in which I was raised. There were poor people, but they all had some kind of home, however small or decrepit. But one day I met a homeless guy, and as I got to know him, he changed my life, and how I look at homeless people today.

Every person we meet has a story, and his story is truly extraordinary. His life is a testimony to how the power of God can work through one human life, even when all the cards seemed to be stacked against him. His life expressed many paradoxes. Conceived out of wedlock and raised in a backwater small town, he never had any formal education, yet seemed very articulate and well spoken.

Although he was poor and never seemed to own anything more than the clothes on his back, he behaved as if he was the richest man in the world. Women were attracted to him, although he did not marry. He never had any kids, although he loved children, and they loved him. He did have a bunch of guys that he hung around with.

Being around him, I felt more alive than I have ever felt before, because he had an extraordinary presence, and I felt like I was somehow experiencing eternity. Even though I just met him, he seemed to know me at the very depths of my soul. He brought a peace and joy to those around him that was just profound, and attracted people from far and wide. There were even reports of his feeding thousands of people, and performing healings and deliverance from demonic spirits.

He radiated an absolute strength underneath the surface, and showed tremendous love and compassion to those around him. He also castigated the religious leaders of the day for their hypocrisy, corruption, and enslavement of the people with their false religious traditions.

Other than helping his stepfather, he never held a real job, Then in his early thirties, his life finally began to gel. When the wine was running low at a wedding feast in Cana, his mother persuaded him to intervene. That’s when Jesus – you guessed it – performed His first miracle.

He turned water into wine, launching His three-year career on earth that culminated in his crucifixion and resurrection. And all who received Him as Savior and Lord became set free from the bondage of sin and the power of death, our ultimate enemies. We can now encounter Jesus through His Word, which will delight us, terrify us, instruct us, and shape us.

Jesus, the Son of God, changed history forever (that’s why it is called HISTORY – HIS STORY). So the next time you meet a homeless person, just remember that he (or she) has a story. Ask him about his story, and you can tell him yours, and His Story. You might change his life, and he might change yours.

To God be the Glory

Mansions of the Lord –

A Memorial Day Observance

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The hymn “Mansions of the Lord” expresses of our deep appreciation and respect to them and to all who have served our country in our military. The hymn:

“To fallen soldiers let us sing, where no rockets fly nor bullets wing; our broken brothers let us bring to the mansions of the Lord.

No more bleeding, no more fight, no prayers pleading through the night; just divine embrace, eternal light in the mansions of the Lord.

Where no mothers cry and no children weep, we will stand and guard through the angels sleep; all through the ages safely keep, the mansions of the Lord.”

The 2002 movie “We Were Soldiers” and the 2004 funeral of President Ronald Reagan featured this hymn. It was based on the Gospel of John, Chapter 14:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3

You can see the Mansions of the Lord hymn performed by the West Point Band and West Point Glee Club in an extraordinary performance by clicking here. (Youtube: “Mansions of the Lord” from We Were Soldiers | West Point Band and West Point Glee Club)

To God be the glory

Lifeinthespirit.net

Incredible Short Video and the Story of the RMS Titanic

Sometimes the most profound/compelling messages are communicated without words. A great example is the Youtube video developed by a Navy veteran: “This is Not a Drill”, which speaks about our nation and the war that is coming to our shores. “It took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes,” states author Glynda Lomax after reviewing this short video.

While that video speaks about our nation, “Icy Waters – the Story of the RMS Titanic” speaks about the tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic and how it relates to our lives on a personal basis. You won’t want to miss it.

Icy Waters – the Story of the RMS Titanic Download

Life in the Spirit blog is for the remnant Bride of Christ and all who seek The Truth. As in all things, question everything, test it against His Word, and take it to the Lord for confirmation. We were created to live at this time and be a witness to our Lord to all who He brings across our path. So let us be bold, be strong, be courageous, and walk with our Lord.

Have a blessed day, and always remember Who is really in charge.

Mark

Mark Peterson, Ph.D.

Mene, Mene PART III – How to Prepare

Our nation – the U.S. – is on the cusp of an extraordinary change – an economic crash that may also be the largest wealth transfer in the history of the world. The Word of God admonishes us to understand the times we are in (Matthew 16:1-4), and to be good stewards of the resources in our care.

This series addresses the coming crash of the U.S. dollar. PART I, “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin – America, You Have Been Weighed in the Balances and Found Wanting”, featured messages from several watchmen and women that absent major repentance of our people, our economy will crash. Mene, Mene PART II described the Crash of the U.S. Dollar and how this is most likely to come about, as the BRICS nations plus many more nations stop using the U.S. dollar for international financial transactions. This PART III of this series will explore the implications of this for our lives and how we can best prepare.

Mene Mene PART III Download

Life in the Spirit blog is for the remnant Bride of Christ and all who seek The Truth. As in all things, question everything, test it against His Word, and take it to the Lord for confirmation. We were created to live at this time and be a witness to our Lord to all who He brings across our path. So let us be bold, be strong, be courageous, and walk with our Lord.

Have a blessed day, and always remember Who is really in charge.

Mark

Mark Peterson, Ph.D.

P.S. One aspect of preparation deals with finances. To gain a glimpse of the impact of the crash of a currency, take a look at this article, which just came out a few days ago.