Fasting has to be a personal decision. Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:16-23, some fast from television, social media, movies
Some would recommend only a Daniel type fast where he refrained from sweet breads, like cakes, pies, cookies, meats but had rich protiens, Pulse like black eyed peas, lintils, humus, vegetables. Daniel 1:12, Daniel 10:2-3,
2 Chronicles 20:5-30, 2 Chronicles 20:13, Jonah 3:5, Joel 2:15-18,
God values human life more than animal life, but animals must be treated with mercy and respect.
Please read the following Bible verses:
Matthew 6:26
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Luke 12:6
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."
So killing a pet is troublesome because it suggests that the animal has shown kindness to the owner.
Hi Donna, what you said about loving God, and sending his Son to be crucified for us, and that we are washed in the blood of his salvation is the basic essence of faith.
Throughout the gospels Jesus is praying to God the Father many times, when he teaches his disciples the Lord's prayer, Matthew 6:9 "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."
when he teaches his disciples the first and great commandment, Matthew 22:36-39 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
he also teaches his disciples how they should baptize as in Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
these are but a few examples of how we are taught to pray, the Godhead (Trinity) is explained clearly in 1 John 5:7
you have no reason to be confused, if someone teaches different they are not teaching what is written in the bible. After Jesus baptism when he was in the wilderness and tempted by the devil he didn't argue, but he did quote scripture, this is why it is so important to read our bible (KJV) on a daily basis, we need to put on the whole armor of God, as in Ephesians 6:11-18, a few years ago I started to read my bible on a daily basis, and now have an inner peace that I never had before. God bless
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
You might consider reading this: Matthew 18:21-22 Also the parable of the talents after that is also about forgiveness. The summary of this is: Matthew 6:14.
As a Christian following in the footsteps of Jesus our sins are covered by grace as long as we are choosing to follow Jesus. 70x7 basically means a LOT and nearly unlimited. If we're genuinely following Jesus we can have assurance of salvation. But messing up is one thing, but deliberately sinning is another. Hebrews 10:26.
Jesus throughout the Bible challenges everyone including believers to avoid sin. Over and over He said that. The problem is some assume that when they become a Christian you can stop what you're doing, because they believe they're already 'saved' and can commit unlimited sin and evil pleasure they desire and not worry about any consequences. Some even say its bad to do good, because you're putting in 'human effort'. Beware of lies aimed and distorting God's truth. I believe scriptures say the opposite: I believe when you become a Christian you START your journey towards Jesus and work towards developing your character to be more and more like Jesus and a key part of this is NOT SINNING! So, some believe they can and should put zero effort into this 0 of 10. But I believe we should put max effort into this: 10 of 10.
John 14:15,
2 Peter 1:5 says to be diligent. One translation says 'make every effort'
Luke 13:24 says to 'strive to enter through the narrow door'
2 Timothy 2:15 'do your best'
Luke 6:46 - don't call Jesus Lord and fail to do what He says
There are verses about entering God's rest, but I believe it means a spiritual rest and not physical where we're just sitting on the couch all day binge drinking and eating. The Bible says we'll be persecuted for our beliefs, that this is not our world, and we're to run the race as to receive the prize. All this suggests great effort in my opinion, but we're not saved from that effort, but by grace.
Please read these scriptures: John 7:1-53, Mark 2:1-28,
This discussion came up Holidays 2019, there was hatred towards not wearing masks in donut shop Southern California 80-90 degrees near beach. Teenager asked "wouldn't Jesus just be nice" then it hit me with fire inside my spirit. I replied "Jesus would be the first to bring alarm!" "If they were going to arrest people for getting too close, touching the sick, HE'd probably be first" I could envision HIM hugging & healing people & upsetting the "norm" as "enforcers" would say "HE isn't allowed to do that."
Luke 13:1-17, Luke 13:20-35, * Mark 3:1-6,9,10, *
Hypocrisy of crowds, sporting events, parades, but Jesus crowds? Mark 2:2, hypocrisy= John 19:31, Luke 4:14-44,
not wearing masks, HE'd probably be taking them off, elderly & children 1st. Would the creator of man, mankind, want them breathing carbondioxide, weaking their lungs, hiding HIS glory? 2 Corinthians, 1 John 1:1, seeking to save themselves? Luke 17:33, Matthew 16:35, Luke 8:35, John 12:25, Matthew 6:25
Luke 6:1-19,
John 9:1-7 can you imagine? criminal charges today?
+ HE actually gave commands to heal the sick, Matthew 10:8, Luke 10:9, Acts 4:28-30,
"The saddest thing about all the hate, meaness, is when this is over, people will remember how badly they were treated" "let's try to remember that & be kind"
Matthew 25:39
It's almost 2022. Those mandates have caused division, job loss, depression etc., yet what proof of any good?
To further answer your question: I have been in much prayer about it & I do not take lightly any scripture. I believe in USA we are a "Nation under GOD" being The People we are the ones with the Governing authority as per The Declaration of Independence, The US Constitution & all States Constitutions. The people putting forth "Mandates" know they have not authority to call them "laws" they are therefore those that "resist the power & Ordinances of GOD" & the Higher power is GOD.
I just noticed your question and would be happy to share my input based on what you shared.
If you are a Christian (Christ follower) and have genuinely asked God for forgiveness I believe you are completely forgiven and that you should also forgive yourself and release any burden you carry.
However, it my opinion that you should do what you can to right wrongs, but its usually not possible to completely make up for sins (wrongs) you have commited against people that hurt them. Even if someone stole from someone and secretly sent it back anonymously after a period of time, you still never know how much harm and problems and stress that may have caused that person. I believe in doing as best as you can and making things right to the best of your ability. And I believe the next best thing one can do is forgive others. It's possible some of the victims may have known or suspected it was you and it's possible some have forgiven you.
You probably know what it's like to be hurt, and I think the next best thing you can do is 'pay it forward' by forgiving anyone who has stolen or done wrong to you in some way, either in the past, present, or future. It would show great growth and maturity to do that. I will share the Bible references related to this that come to mind:
Matthew 18:21-35 the parable of the unforgiving servant.
Matthew 6:14, Matthew 7:2
It seems your questions are about forgiveness: of others forgiving you, you forgiving yourself, and you forgiving others. This is my opinion based on what you shared and I hope you find it useful. God bless...
How to be free from Oppression - In Reply - 3 years ago
What you're dealing with is demonic. Unbelievers don't know they've been taken hostage.
Believers know they've been snared. The Holy Spirit is the only one who can break the ties that bind us. We pray and ask for HELP to break the bonds and be freed. We do that by depending upon what Jesus did on the Cross to set us free. He paid in blood. Satan nor demons have AUTHORITY to cross that blood and take a Christian captive. Whom the Son sets free, is free Indeed.
Faith in Christ stands up and takes that authority back! Ephesians 6. The Helmet of Salvation. Start pleading the blood of Jesus when THE TEMPTER shows up. The more scripture you know__the more ammo you have to shoot back at the evil. Read about Jesus 40 day fast after his baptism. "IT IS WRITTEN_____ " you fill in that blank with a verse, like He did. It absolutely works. We're weak often because we fill our minds with television, novels and video games.
FILL UP ON JESUS.
Spirit of Bondage
Manifestations - Fears, Addictions (Drugs, Alcohol, Cigarettes, Food, Etcetera...), Fear of Death, Captivity to Satan, Servant of Corruption, Compulsive Sin, Bondage to Sin
Scriptures: ( Romans 6:16; 7:23; 8:15; 2 Peter 2:19; Hebrews 2:14-15; Luke 8:23; John 8:34; Acts 8:23; Proverbs 5:2; 2 Timothy 2:26)
Roots... "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21.
"By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 BIND: Spirit of Bondage
LOOSE: Liberty, Spirit of Adoption:
Spirit of God: Pure Spirit, Holiness, Commitment, Insatiable
Ever Increasing Hunger for the Holy Spirit.
You're going to feel silly, because demons are invisible. Eph.6
On YouTube, watch Charles Capps: Authority of the Believer. Take notes. When you get free, tell others how to be free.
Don't be anesthetized by television. Read more New Testament Bible.
Fear Not. Be Strong in the Power of Jesus. - In Reply - 3 years ago
Copy this down to re-use or take a screen shot
Mark, this is what you're dealing with. I've gone through this myself. No more despairing. You have to stand up against IT. And it thinks it can take you down. Just as Ezekiel had to do in chapter 37, SPEAK OUT: in Jesus Name and by the power of his authority, I come against YOU, spirit of heaviness; I BIND your evil plans against me and in the name of Jesus of Nazareth I reject you and cast you into outer darkness to wander, forever. I forbid your return. I am a blood bought child of the Most High God! I am covered in Jesus Blood. Let me go!!!
Heaviness Scriptures: ( Isaiah 61:3; Luke 4:18; Nehemiah 2:2; Proverbs 15:13; Psalms 69:20; Proverbs 12:18; 15:3,13; 18:14; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 1:8-9; Isaiah 61:3; Mark 9; Luke 4:18; Proverbs 18:14; 26:22)
ITS ROOTS "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21.
By their fruits you will know all men, Matt 7:20.
According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18
Bind: Spirit of Heaviness
Loose: Comforter-Holy Spirit, Garment of Praise, Oil of Joy, John 15:26; Isaiah 61:3
I know people like their own tunes, but this works for me. Listen to: Kingdom in the Streets by DION. It's on YouTube. OR, "IN 3D". Listen sometimes to Spiritual Warfare Scriptures. Type that in on YouTube and they will build up your faith. Praise will get you out of that Valley of Dry Bonesstand up on your feet and shake your fist at Heaviness.
He has to leave. He cannot cross the bloodline of Jesus's Blood. Jesus was cool when satan was tempting Him. He just fired off some scriptures.
You're gonna slay this Giant! Praise will get you through. Just trust me on this.
Preserving Peace and Fellowship of these Comment Rooms - 3 years ago
This could be useful. "You (us) shall know the truth, and the truth sets us free." I'm thinking that: Not people, but spirits are on assignment in a room dedicated to Gods Word: the King James Bible.
So like last night I was about to go to bed, and the Holy Spirit said "contention".
If we read Psalms enough, we will see that King David occasionally was victim temporarily to sadness, anger at enemies, King Sauls relentless pursuit and many other issues. We work this stuff out by prayer and sometimes speaking the truth in the spirit of love, for the brethren.
Here is the origin of the spirit of contention. We need to recognize it's been busy in here for weeks. Lord, make me an instrument of Your Peace. Amen. Let's let the Spirit of Christ rule over our hearts.
Roots... "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21.
"By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18
BIND= Spirit of jealousy
LOOSE= Love of God, 1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 5:2
Testimony: as a kid I lived in a household divided some ways. Me and my Dad were placid and peaceful. He was full-blood Cajun. I was a negotiator. My sister, the silent one. The others were fighting lots. Dynamics awful to live in. But you learn skills that are useful later on.
Michael the Archangel and Satan (a fired Archangel) contended for the body of Moses. Michael said, "THE LORD REBUKE THEE." Satan let go.
We have to recognize it for what it is. Let's all pray for these Comment Rooms. Lift them up and ask the Lord to bless them; attract unbelieving seekers of salvation in Peace.
Hi Delores Keeping it simple if genuinely born again i.e. saved meaning confessed[ Romans 10:9+10 and believed i your heart] we will see you upstairs so to speak.
Judas betrayed Jesus for money, because he was a sinner. He had a choice, he made the wrong choice.
We are all born sinners, but we don't have to continue to sin, because sin is the wrong choice.
Romans 5:12
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
Once we hear the gospel of Jesus Christ we now have the same choice - as Judas, we can choose Jesus, or the world. The world consists of money, power, material things, and many ways to sin.
Matthew 6:24
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
I choose God, and hope and pray that you will do the same. Stay close to your bible.
Thank you Brother Carleton, now I understand what you are asking or saying.
Where do we as bearers of light start. We can not TRULY start anywhere until we ourselves know TRUTH.
Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him two fold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Mark 8:15 And he charged them saying, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and the leaven of Herod.
Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
Our churches send out men that have no spiritual knowledge and make converts like themselves, converts with no spiritual knowledge.
We as light bearers are to start with those God places in our path. If someone ask you for money give it to them, with no expectations. If they are hunger fed them, with no expectations, if they steal you coat give them also your cloak, with no expectations, if they physically abuse you lift not your hand, if they verbally abuse you lift not your voice.
People see more than they hear.
Doing these things on a day to day basis will cause them to ASK concerning your actions, now you can plant a SEED, and that may be all you ever do, but God will CAUSE that seed to be watered by someone else.
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the FULNESS OF TIMES (more than the lifespan we live) he might gather together IN ONE all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, IN HIM.
My two grandmothers were exact opposites of each other, one PREACHED heaven and hell to me on a daily basis, the other never said a word but live a visible life of Christ, guess who impacted my life the most.
Brother Earl, The thought that I wish to convey since we know that the Bread of Life which came from Heaven, can we as commanded teachers of the Gospel say to the hungry go and be fed (fulfilled) or should the teacher help turn the hungry to the ingredients by the needed recipe to be fed?
For the thought of an example lets say the hungry in a particular case may be a 14 year old boy in Haiti. What ingredients of the recipe might we supply to this youth or would we just say Jesus is the Bread of Life, You must know Him and go our own way?
What is the order in earth for the one who knows Jesus Christ to teach?
There is no way in the order of this earth meaning my flesh for me to end up with a finished product without preparation and following the instructions and the sweat of the brow.
Brother Carleton, I'm not quite understanding. We can not teach from heaven as we are out of order, we teach in earth where our daily walk remains in order.
You are correct God's word is the recipe, and all the ingredients are there, but the finished product want come until we leave this flesh.
We eat the bread and drink the water every day.
Are you saying there is no way of knowing what will take place when we leave this body of flesh.
I BELIEVE we can know and God wants us to know and has revealed it in his WORD.
Brother Earl, God bless our conversation. You would agree that God has provided a recipe to know Him. The finished knowledge of the recipe will not be fully known until the work of the recipe is completed in the order of the instructions and ingredients provided. Jesus says he is the Bread of Life, we can be ingredients to His work but our order is important. To teach the Gospel for fullness of Truth it cannot be taught just know the Bread of Life, while it is true, it is not in order. I know you make liberty for this order to come to pass and all will be well. It might not work that way. An important ingredient may be left aside or some other mode of preparation. By revelation we may see past the mixing bowl, usually it is for our own saving grace so that we ourselves remain in order, so that as you describe, we will know the fullness of Christ in due time. We cannot teach from heaven as we are out of order, we teach in earth where our daily walk remains in order.
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Brother Earl, If today, a lamb rests by the still water from it's labors (burdens) is it not in the chosen fast? What would hinder this continuing fast of Jesus's little lambs?
I enjoyed your post and thoughts so much today, that I wanted to highlight some of the contents again, and comment on them.
You stated: "The date came and went. We'll do better to evangelize folks and quit using date setting to motivate us. We should believe and do what the Bible says. Beware of false teaching, date setting. False prophets."
I agree with your encouraging words above, and to me, this verse brings it home:
Matthew 6:34
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Also, your wise observance of the Mega Church preaching a strange kind of doctrine below:
"There is even a video of a mega Church in America; the preacher said: the Ten Commandments are not needed anymore! All we have to do is obey loving one another?"
Agree, and Jesus cautioned several times that prior to His Second Coming to watch out for false prophets/teachers:
Matthew 24:11
"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."
You state: "Folks our only defense is to know what the Bible really teaches. Matthew 5, Jesus reaffirms Old Testament laws still in force. And the 2 new Commandments Jesus gave."
Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.
Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness ( 1 John 1:9).
Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you ( Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4).
Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14,15.
Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature ( Romans 12:1,2).
Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others ( Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13).
Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart ( Hebrews 11:6).
Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit ( Galatians 5:16,17).
If you're married with kids, you'll still need to care for them. Attend to your duties, then excuse yourself back to your "closet".
I fast from food and ALL MEDIA. The idea is fast from food, AND feast on the Word of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to shield you from interruptions, like phone calls, people who drop in unannounced or uninvited.
Have on hand, bouillon, fruit juice, lots of water. Jesus hungered after his fast. (he drank water.)
If you are diabetic or on serious meds, check your blood sugar if you feel bad. Dehydration will stop a fast.
Read the Gospels. Spend time in praise and worship. You can do this at work with headphones on. Whatever you do; no long faces. Bathe and dress normal.
Write Eph. 6 on a piece of paper and keep it before you. Don't tell anyone you're on fast. Just your husband. Satan will try to make you mad, feel unspiritual. Jesus used SCRIPTURE to counter attack satans attacks.
It's good to read aloud. We have gates: ears, eyes, mouth, a heart of joy. The Word goes in through all gates.
Isaiah 58:1-14, Daniel 1:5-20, Daniel 10:2-4, Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 4:1-2, Exodus 34:28, Judges 13:1-5,7,14,
I hope these scriptures give you some insight on a few perspectives, examples related.
I have heard many fast by not eating meat or sweets, mostly vegetables. Some turn off T.V., radio or other habits. Some have done all liquid only, such as broths, juices etc. Most people won't recommend a total fast, but some will do a 3 day no food or liquid fast.
I personally recommend you seek GOD fully before you do any fast. If you feel led by the HOLY SPIRIT to fast HE will help you. It is a very personal thing & if you don't feel personally led, I recommend you wait. Matthew 23:1-4,
There are moments to humble yourself, seek GOD's face in a powerful way, to teach yourself submission, break stronghold habits, difficult choices, impossible situations, etc. Trust the LORD to lead you, sustain you & keep you.
More scriptures to consider. Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:16-29,
Some would recommend only a Daniel type fast where he refrained from sweet breads, like cakes, pies, cookies, meats but had rich protiens, Pulse like black eyed peas, lintils, humus, vegetables. Daniel 1:12, Daniel 10:2-3,
2 Chronicles 20:5-30, 2 Chronicles 20:13, Jonah 3:5, Joel 2:15-18,
Hopefully these are helpful
2 Chronicles 20:1-4, Ezra 8:21-22, Esther 3: , Esther 4:1,3,7,8,11,14,16, Isaiah 58:6-14, Jeremiah 36:7-10, Joel 1:12-15, Joel 2:15,
Jonah 3:3-6,
Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Mark 2:18-20, Luke 5:33-35,
Please read the following Bible verses:
Matthew 6:26
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Luke 12:6
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."
So killing a pet is troublesome because it suggests that the animal has shown kindness to the owner.
Throughout the gospels Jesus is praying to God the Father many times, when he teaches his disciples the Lord's prayer, Matthew 6:9 "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."
when he teaches his disciples the first and great commandment, Matthew 22:36-39 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
he also teaches his disciples how they should baptize as in Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
these are but a few examples of how we are taught to pray, the Godhead (Trinity) is explained clearly in 1 John 5:7
you have no reason to be confused, if someone teaches different they are not teaching what is written in the bible. After Jesus baptism when he was in the wilderness and tempted by the devil he didn't argue, but he did quote scripture, this is why it is so important to read our bible (KJV) on a daily basis, we need to put on the whole armor of God, as in Ephesians 6:11-18, a few years ago I started to read my bible on a daily basis, and now have an inner peace that I never had before. God bless
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
You might consider reading this: Matthew 18:21-22 Also the parable of the talents after that is also about forgiveness. The summary of this is: Matthew 6:14.
As a Christian following in the footsteps of Jesus our sins are covered by grace as long as we are choosing to follow Jesus. 70x7 basically means a LOT and nearly unlimited. If we're genuinely following Jesus we can have assurance of salvation. But messing up is one thing, but deliberately sinning is another. Hebrews 10:26.
Jesus throughout the Bible challenges everyone including believers to avoid sin. Over and over He said that. The problem is some assume that when they become a Christian you can stop what you're doing, because they believe they're already 'saved' and can commit unlimited sin and evil pleasure they desire and not worry about any consequences. Some even say its bad to do good, because you're putting in 'human effort'. Beware of lies aimed and distorting God's truth. I believe scriptures say the opposite: I believe when you become a Christian you START your journey towards Jesus and work towards developing your character to be more and more like Jesus and a key part of this is NOT SINNING! So, some believe they can and should put zero effort into this 0 of 10. But I believe we should put max effort into this: 10 of 10.
John 14:15,
2 Peter 1:5 says to be diligent. One translation says 'make every effort'
Luke 13:24 says to 'strive to enter through the narrow door'
2 Timothy 2:15 'do your best'
Luke 6:46 - don't call Jesus Lord and fail to do what He says
There are verses about entering God's rest, but I believe it means a spiritual rest and not physical where we're just sitting on the couch all day binge drinking and eating. The Bible says we'll be persecuted for our beliefs, that this is not our world, and we're to run the race as to receive the prize. All this suggests great effort in my opinion, but we're not saved from that effort, but by grace.
God bless...
This discussion came up Holidays 2019, there was hatred towards not wearing masks in donut shop Southern California 80-90 degrees near beach. Teenager asked "wouldn't Jesus just be nice" then it hit me with fire inside my spirit. I replied "Jesus would be the first to bring alarm!" "If they were going to arrest people for getting too close, touching the sick, HE'd probably be first" I could envision HIM hugging & healing people & upsetting the "norm" as "enforcers" would say "HE isn't allowed to do that."
Luke 13:1-17, Luke 13:20-35, * Mark 3:1-6,9,10, *
Hypocrisy of crowds, sporting events, parades, but Jesus crowds? Mark 2:2, hypocrisy= John 19:31, Luke 4:14-44,
not wearing masks, HE'd probably be taking them off, elderly & children 1st. Would the creator of man, mankind, want them breathing carbondioxide, weaking their lungs, hiding HIS glory? 2 Corinthians, 1 John 1:1, seeking to save themselves? Luke 17:33, Matthew 16:35, Luke 8:35, John 12:25, Matthew 6:25
Luke 6:1-19,
John 9:1-7 can you imagine? criminal charges today?
+ HE actually gave commands to heal the sick, Matthew 10:8, Luke 10:9, Acts 4:28-30,
"The saddest thing about all the hate, meaness, is when this is over, people will remember how badly they were treated" "let's try to remember that & be kind"
Matthew 25:39
It's almost 2022. Those mandates have caused division, job loss, depression etc., yet what proof of any good?
To further answer your question: I have been in much prayer about it & I do not take lightly any scripture. I believe in USA we are a "Nation under GOD" being The People we are the ones with the Governing authority as per The Declaration of Independence, The US Constitution & all States Constitutions. The people putting forth "Mandates" know they have not authority to call them "laws" they are therefore those that "resist the power & Ordinances of GOD" & the Higher power is GOD.
Hopefully these are helpful.
I just noticed your question and would be happy to share my input based on what you shared.
If you are a Christian (Christ follower) and have genuinely asked God for forgiveness I believe you are completely forgiven and that you should also forgive yourself and release any burden you carry.
However, it my opinion that you should do what you can to right wrongs, but its usually not possible to completely make up for sins (wrongs) you have commited against people that hurt them. Even if someone stole from someone and secretly sent it back anonymously after a period of time, you still never know how much harm and problems and stress that may have caused that person. I believe in doing as best as you can and making things right to the best of your ability. And I believe the next best thing one can do is forgive others. It's possible some of the victims may have known or suspected it was you and it's possible some have forgiven you.
You probably know what it's like to be hurt, and I think the next best thing you can do is 'pay it forward' by forgiving anyone who has stolen or done wrong to you in some way, either in the past, present, or future. It would show great growth and maturity to do that. I will share the Bible references related to this that come to mind:
Matthew 18:21-35 the parable of the unforgiving servant.
Matthew 6:14, Matthew 7:2
It seems your questions are about forgiveness: of others forgiving you, you forgiving yourself, and you forgiving others. This is my opinion based on what you shared and I hope you find it useful. God bless...
Believers know they've been snared. The Holy Spirit is the only one who can break the ties that bind us. We pray and ask for HELP to break the bonds and be freed. We do that by depending upon what Jesus did on the Cross to set us free. He paid in blood. Satan nor demons have AUTHORITY to cross that blood and take a Christian captive. Whom the Son sets free, is free Indeed.
Faith in Christ stands up and takes that authority back! Ephesians 6. The Helmet of Salvation. Start pleading the blood of Jesus when THE TEMPTER shows up. The more scripture you know__the more ammo you have to shoot back at the evil. Read about Jesus 40 day fast after his baptism. "IT IS WRITTEN_____ " you fill in that blank with a verse, like He did. It absolutely works. We're weak often because we fill our minds with television, novels and video games.
FILL UP ON JESUS.
Spirit of Bondage
Manifestations - Fears, Addictions (Drugs, Alcohol, Cigarettes, Food, Etcetera...), Fear of Death, Captivity to Satan, Servant of Corruption, Compulsive Sin, Bondage to Sin
Scriptures: ( Romans 6:16; 7:23; 8:15; 2 Peter 2:19; Hebrews 2:14-15; Luke 8:23; John 8:34; Acts 8:23; Proverbs 5:2; 2 Timothy 2:26)
Roots... "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21.
"By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 BIND: Spirit of Bondage
LOOSE: Liberty, Spirit of Adoption:
Spirit of God: Pure Spirit, Holiness, Commitment, Insatiable
Ever Increasing Hunger for the Holy Spirit.
You're going to feel silly, because demons are invisible. Eph.6
On YouTube, watch Charles Capps: Authority of the Believer. Take notes. When you get free, tell others how to be free.
Don't be anesthetized by television. Read more New Testament Bible.
** Luke 11:24-26 garnish means Bible and Faith
Mark, this is what you're dealing with. I've gone through this myself. No more despairing. You have to stand up against IT. And it thinks it can take you down. Just as Ezekiel had to do in chapter 37, SPEAK OUT: in Jesus Name and by the power of his authority, I come against YOU, spirit of heaviness; I BIND your evil plans against me and in the name of Jesus of Nazareth I reject you and cast you into outer darkness to wander, forever. I forbid your return. I am a blood bought child of the Most High God! I am covered in Jesus Blood. Let me go!!!
it's personality
Spirit of Heaviness [a demon]
Manifestations - Excessive Mourning, Sorrow-Grief, Insomnia, Self- Pity, Rejection, Broken-Heart, Despair-Dejection-Hopelessness, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Inner Hurts that won't heal.
Study The Enemy of Tour Soul:
Heaviness Scriptures: ( Isaiah 61:3; Luke 4:18; Nehemiah 2:2; Proverbs 15:13; Psalms 69:20; Proverbs 12:18; 15:3,13; 18:14; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 1:8-9; Isaiah 61:3; Mark 9; Luke 4:18; Proverbs 18:14; 26:22)
ITS ROOTS "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21.
By their fruits you will know all men, Matt 7:20.
According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18
Bind: Spirit of Heaviness
Loose: Comforter-Holy Spirit, Garment of Praise, Oil of Joy, John 15:26; Isaiah 61:3
I know people like their own tunes, but this works for me. Listen to: Kingdom in the Streets by DION. It's on YouTube. OR, "IN 3D". Listen sometimes to Spiritual Warfare Scriptures. Type that in on YouTube and they will build up your faith. Praise will get you out of that Valley of Dry Bonesstand up on your feet and shake your fist at Heaviness.
He has to leave. He cannot cross the bloodline of Jesus's Blood. Jesus was cool when satan was tempting Him. He just fired off some scriptures.
You're gonna slay this Giant! Praise will get you through. Just trust me on this.
Mishael
So like last night I was about to go to bed, and the Holy Spirit said "contention".
If we read Psalms enough, we will see that King David occasionally was victim temporarily to sadness, anger at enemies, King Sauls relentless pursuit and many other issues. We work this stuff out by prayer and sometimes speaking the truth in the spirit of love, for the brethren.
Here is the origin of the spirit of contention. We need to recognize it's been busy in here for weeks. Lord, make me an instrument of Your Peace. Amen. Let's let the Spirit of Christ rule over our hearts.
Spirit of Jealousy: Manifestations:
Revenge-Spite, Anger-Rage, Jealousy, Hatred, Cruelty, Strife, Contention, Competition, Envy, Cause Divisions Scriptures; murder
( Genesis 4:4-6; 37:3,4,8; Proverbs 6:34; 10:12; 13:10; 14:16-17,29-30; 22:24-25; 27:4; 29:22-23; Numbers 5:14,30; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Song of Solomon 8:6; Galatians 5:19)
Roots... "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21.
"By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18
BIND= Spirit of jealousy
LOOSE= Love of God, 1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 5:2
Testimony: as a kid I lived in a household divided some ways. Me and my Dad were placid and peaceful. He was full-blood Cajun. I was a negotiator. My sister, the silent one. The others were fighting lots. Dynamics awful to live in. But you learn skills that are useful later on.
Michael the Archangel and Satan (a fired Archangel) contended for the body of Moses. Michael said, "THE LORD REBUKE THEE." Satan let go.
We have to recognize it for what it is. Let's all pray for these Comment Rooms. Lift them up and ask the Lord to bless them; attract unbelieving seekers of salvation in Peace.
I have understood in wisdom & splendor Solomon was famous, 1 Kings 4:1,21,22,23,24,25,26,27, 1 Kings 4:29-34
However 1 Kings 11:4,
Matthew 6:5-6
We are all born sinners, but we don't have to continue to sin, because sin is the wrong choice.
Romans 5:12
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
Once we hear the gospel of Jesus Christ we now have the same choice - as Judas, we can choose Jesus, or the world. The world consists of money, power, material things, and many ways to sin.
Matthew 6:24
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
I choose God, and hope and pray that you will do the same. Stay close to your bible.
God Bless.
Where do we as bearers of light start. We can not TRULY start anywhere until we ourselves know TRUTH.
Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him two fold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Mark 8:15 And he charged them saying, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and the leaven of Herod.
Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
Our churches send out men that have no spiritual knowledge and make converts like themselves, converts with no spiritual knowledge.
We as light bearers are to start with those God places in our path. If someone ask you for money give it to them, with no expectations. If they are hunger fed them, with no expectations, if they steal you coat give them also your cloak, with no expectations, if they physically abuse you lift not your hand, if they verbally abuse you lift not your voice.
People see more than they hear.
Doing these things on a day to day basis will cause them to ASK concerning your actions, now you can plant a SEED, and that may be all you ever do, but God will CAUSE that seed to be watered by someone else.
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the FULNESS OF TIMES (more than the lifespan we live) he might gather together IN ONE all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, IN HIM.
My two grandmothers were exact opposites of each other, one PREACHED heaven and hell to me on a daily basis, the other never said a word but live a visible life of Christ, guess who impacted my life the most.
For the thought of an example lets say the hungry in a particular case may be a 14 year old boy in Haiti. What ingredients of the recipe might we supply to this youth or would we just say Jesus is the Bread of Life, You must know Him and go our own way?
What is the order in earth for the one who knows Jesus Christ to teach?
There is no way in the order of this earth meaning my flesh for me to end up with a finished product without preparation and following the instructions and the sweat of the brow.
In meditation...
You are correct God's word is the recipe, and all the ingredients are there, but the finished product want come until we leave this flesh.
We eat the bread and drink the water every day.
Are you saying there is no way of knowing what will take place when we leave this body of flesh.
I BELIEVE we can know and God wants us to know and has revealed it in his WORD.
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Brother Earl, If today, a lamb rests by the still water from it's labors (burdens) is it not in the chosen fast? What would hinder this continuing fast of Jesus's little lambs?
I enjoyed your post and thoughts so much today, that I wanted to highlight some of the contents again, and comment on them.
You stated: "The date came and went. We'll do better to evangelize folks and quit using date setting to motivate us. We should believe and do what the Bible says. Beware of false teaching, date setting. False prophets."
I agree with your encouraging words above, and to me, this verse brings it home:
Matthew 6:34
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Also, your wise observance of the Mega Church preaching a strange kind of doctrine below:
"There is even a video of a mega Church in America; the preacher said: the Ten Commandments are not needed anymore! All we have to do is obey loving one another?"
Agree, and Jesus cautioned several times that prior to His Second Coming to watch out for false prophets/teachers:
Matthew 24:11
"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."
You state: "Folks our only defense is to know what the Bible really teaches. Matthew 5, Jesus reaffirms Old Testament laws still in force. And the 2 new Commandments Jesus gave."
Amen. God Bless.
Study Isaiah 58, you will find the way God wants you to fast very different from the way man says you are to fast.
Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness ( 1 John 1:9).
Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you ( Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4).
Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14,15.
Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature ( Romans 12:1,2).
Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others ( Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13).
Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart ( Hebrews 11:6).
Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit ( Galatians 5:16,17).
If you're married with kids, you'll still need to care for them. Attend to your duties, then excuse yourself back to your "closet".
I fast from food and ALL MEDIA. The idea is fast from food, AND feast on the Word of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to shield you from interruptions, like phone calls, people who drop in unannounced or uninvited.
Have on hand, bouillon, fruit juice, lots of water. Jesus hungered after his fast. (he drank water.)
If you are diabetic or on serious meds, check your blood sugar if you feel bad. Dehydration will stop a fast.
Read the Gospels. Spend time in praise and worship. You can do this at work with headphones on. Whatever you do; no long faces. Bathe and dress normal.
Write Eph. 6 on a piece of paper and keep it before you. Don't tell anyone you're on fast. Just your husband. Satan will try to make you mad, feel unspiritual. Jesus used SCRIPTURE to counter attack satans attacks.
It's good to read aloud. We have gates: ears, eyes, mouth, a heart of joy. The Word goes in through all gates.
I hope these scriptures give you some insight on a few perspectives, examples related.
I have heard many fast by not eating meat or sweets, mostly vegetables. Some turn off T.V., radio or other habits. Some have done all liquid only, such as broths, juices etc. Most people won't recommend a total fast, but some will do a 3 day no food or liquid fast.
I personally recommend you seek GOD fully before you do any fast. If you feel led by the HOLY SPIRIT to fast HE will help you. It is a very personal thing & if you don't feel personally led, I recommend you wait. Matthew 23:1-4,
There are moments to humble yourself, seek GOD's face in a powerful way, to teach yourself submission, break stronghold habits, difficult choices, impossible situations, etc. Trust the LORD to lead you, sustain you & keep you.
More scriptures to consider. Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:16-29,