December 16, 2012

Of Paramount Importance  

Luke 11: 14 - 28

Luke

One day Jesus cast a demon out of a man who couldn't speak, and the man's voice returned to him.  The crowd was amazed, but some said, "No wonder he can cast out demons.  He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons!"  Trying to test Jesus, others asked for a miraculous sign from heaven to see if he was from God.

He knew their thoughts, so he said, "Any kingdom at war with itself is doomed.  A divided home is also doomed.  You say I am empowered by the prince of demons.  But if Satan is fighting against himself by empowering me to cast out his demons, how can his kingdom survive?  And if I am empowered by the prince of demons, what about your own followers?  They cast out demons, too, so they will judge you for what you have said.  But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.

For when Satan, who is completely armed, guards his palace, it is safe - until someone who is stronger attacks and over -powers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings.

"Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me.

"When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest.  But when it finds none, it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.'  So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept clean.  Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there.  And so that person is worse off than before."

As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, "God bless your mother - the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!"

He replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."   

***

Thoughts.....

Good morning!  Today is sunny and there is snow on the mountains surrounding Tucson.  The air is crisp and clean at 44 degrees.  I always feel like a cleansing takes place when it rains, and, when it snows, I feel a sense of calm, a peace that passes all understanding.  It's like coming home in your heart to God.  There is an assurance, an embrace, a newness, if you will. 

Today, as you read scripture and learn what Jesus is saying, may you feel God's presence through Jesus, may your eyes be brightly opened to new truths by the Holy Spirit, and may you feel that calm, that peace, that knowing.....with an assurance, an embrace, a newness of life.    

We've already learned while reading through Luke's historical documentation that Jesus heals.  He's at it again.  This time he's cast a demon out of a man who couldn't speak and the man's voice returned to him.  I don't know if all of you who read this will understand the significance or correlation of casting out demons and healing.  We've talked about this before, but there is some profound info here.....actually throughout the scripture today you will find a lot of profundity.  Do you realize, or have you realized, that EVERY illness, including death, is related to the release and removal of a demon or demons?  And that, as many learned in the early 70's, you've only to name it to claim it....and/or toss it out?  Doctors name it....we need to toss it out with the power of the Holy Spirit!!!! 

Remember in Luke 9 Jesus rebuked the evil spirit and the boy was healed of convulsions, and personal injury.  And in Luke 8, he raised the dead little girl.  In that instance, he only allowed those who believed, and her parents who wanted to believe, into the room with him and the little girl.  In this instance, the dead little girl couldn't believe for herself...she could not have desired healing for herself.  But Jesus believed for her...and raised her to life.  And the list goes on. 

Do you realize you've only to believe and receive Holy Spirit  to cast out demons and to be healed?  And heal others with the power of God, Jesus, Holy Spirit working through you?  Do you get that your illness and that of others' is a spiritual illness at it's core?  Yes, it may have clinical names given by doctors.  It may have clinical cures associated with it.  It may only in reality have remission or suppression.  Isn't that also what we see with demons, though?  In between the seizures of the boy, he was fine.  It was when the demon wanted to act out, that it was apparent there was a problem.  It didn't mean the demon wasn't in him, it meant the demon was remiss in his duties to create havoc or attempt to destroy, and was creating the body and spirit of the boy to be suppressed, repressed, depressed, oppressed.  Those are conditions that occur as a result of Satan in residence, or his assigns.  God has angels, Satan has demons. 

Think about this, if your immune system isn't functioning, it is said to be suppressed.  Or you are depressed.  Repressed, oppressed.  And there are drugs for everything....whether they cure you or make you worse (which is a topic unto itself).   Sometimes, like Paul learned, some things won't be healed by God.  God knew Paul.  Perhaps it was necessary to keep Paul humble, so he would not able to boast about self-healing, allowing Paul to stay true to God and keep focus off of himself.  On the other hand, maybe he was so comfortable in his illness and attention getting, he wasn't willing to let God do his work to rid him of that disease.  Sometimes, evil just prevails.  Sometimes we are just plain rebellious and eat what we want regardless of the harm it can cause.  PLEASE stay away from energy drinks.  They are just legal forms of speed taken from an over abundance of what in small amounts may be considered nutrition, in large amounts kills.  Especially kids.  There is enough caffeine in one can or bottle to nearly topple an elephant.  Stepping down from soap box now.

So the important thing to gather from this ONE sentence is that Jesus healed someone whose body had a deficit by merely casting out the spirit associated with the anomaly.  He may have said, "Spirit of muteness come out."  Name it....claim it....OUT!  

Are you sick?  Speak to the Holy Spirit to ask him for his help and protection, then speak to the Satanic spirit within to GET OUT!  You don't even have to yell....just speak....but speak!  Try it.  Let me know what happens.  Spirit of disbelief.... BEGONE!  If the spirits start talking back, get someone to pray with you to rebuke the spirits, but don't forget to pray a prayer of protection first.  You want to make sure that the negative Satanic spirit doesn't enter those around you.  I know, it can sound like a bad 'B' movie, but study to show yourself approved, and you'll see throughout that Jesus healed physical manifestations by rebuking. 

We need to rise up against Satan in the world and start helping God by teaching others this simple yet profound act. 

That sore throat bothering you?  Pray it out.  Gets worse?  Laugh at it and rebuke it out.  Cancer, MS, Diabetes....spirit of pancreatic attack, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, COME OUT....BEGONE!  Whatever it is called....rebuke it out.

As soon as you have rebuked a spirit out, ask Holy Spirit to immediately enter that area now left void by Satan's or the demon's leaving, so that Satan or his demons can never enter that area again.  Don't worry if you don't experience immediate relief.  Just press on....keep trying.  Sometimes healings aren't immediately manifested.  Sometimes you need to work on your unbelief.  Sometimes God is kicking our behind and we have what we have to bring us to our knees to get closer to him.   

Gee, that was all for one sentence.  I feel a day of hot cocoa may be needed....enjoy. 

Ok, so then the crowd was amazed.  Have you ever been to a healing seminar, or with a small army of believers where miracles occur, or a huge arena when an evangelist may be making their self available to Holy Spirit who is performing miracles of healing?  It's pretty amazing.  I can see why these folks would be amazed.    

Of the folks surrounding Jesus, some said Jesus got his power from Satan, the prince of demons.  As opposed to who we know Jesus is, the prince of peace.  Jesus knew their thoughts.  He was very clear to make them 'see the light' of their idiocy regarding their statement.  He said, "Any kingdom at war with itself is doomed.  A divided home is also doomed.  You say I am empowered by the prince of demons.  But if Satan is fighting against himself by empowering me to cast out his demons, how can his kingdom survive?  And if I am empowered by the prince of demons, what about your own followers?  They cast out demons, too, so they will judge you for what you have said."  Let's stop there for a moment to recap this statement Jesus has made. 

Any kingdom at war with itself is doomed.  Makes sense, right?  Why would Satan want his demons removed when he sent them to create havoc, not peace.....or healing?   Indeed, how CAN his kingdom survive if he kills all his assigns off, or removes them?  That makes as much sense as a corporate takeover intent on fast money followed by destruction with a write-off.  That kingdom cannot survive.  So Satan wouldn't be doing that or having anyone else do it for him either.

This is also a comment about the Protestants and the Catholics.  OR even any Christian churches speaking against the other.  NOT to suggest any of them are Satanic....hang on.  This is about war within.  There are a lot of manmade doctrines and dogmas that are not based on scripture, or for which there may be scripture that could have been taken out of context.  There are also those, who, through intense study with Holy Spirit, have learned so much and have a keen understanding, a supernatural knowing, if you will.  Keep in mind that everyone has an opinion.  Everyone as a result of life experience, can see things differently, also.

As an example, there are those that say Holy Spirit isn't 'alive and well'....functioning today.  They may say he is in them, but he can do no work in them or through them because those things only occurred 'then'.  And that anything that looks remotely like what he did then, must be from Satan.  Keeping with Jesus' thoughts....WHY would Satan want people healed if his whole agenda is to kill, steal and destroy?  And people speaking in foreign languages they have never heard and don't know....why would Satan want the Gospel preached in every language?  He wouldn't.  So those languages that people gain that are foreign (that even they don't know without the help of an interpreter sometimes) are from THE Holy Spirit....God Almighty....Jesus Christ....to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ far and wide.

I want to add, Holy Spirit never 'went' anywhere.  He's been alive and well since the beginning of time.  I find it rather naive of folks to believe that he only showed up the first time at Azusa Street, or that he was 'brought over' by someone from overseas (true that someone from overseas shared their experience with those at Azusa Street) which awakened Azusa Street for a ''first time' outpouring.  Holy Spirit has been alive and well....the world just wasn't listening.... understanding....fully receiving or accepting/acknowledging the Baptism he wanted to give.  I don't believe for a minute that NO ONE EVER had the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in all the years since Christ died or that he died off (nor did authority) when the Apostles died.  Until a remote prayer and then Azusa Street.  He would not work that way, God and Jesus don't work that way.  But ... big but .... as a result of technology....TV, radio, transportation, more folks living closer together and word of mouth being shared, the knowledge and understanding of Holy Spirit and his Baptism was able to spread like wildfire.  Ah....the wars within denominations, Christian churches, that separate us.  Satan is attempting to succeed in his mighty work.  But victory belongs to the LORD!

It's like saying, "Ok, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I'll invite you into my life, but I'll only listen to what I want to, when it's convenient, and I don't want any gifts you give, unless it's money, or a house, or similar, and, don't tell me how to get it for myself by being obedient to you and allowing you to work in and through my life for you to help others...or even to help myself, I just want that mighty miracle stuff to be bestowed upon me."  Oh....I guess that is the way most people listen....or don't.  Act....or don't.  Believe....or not fully.  Those are the folks who are dictating the doctrines and dogmas you and others are to live by.  The 'us' of life....you....not necessarily me this time, though.  Why not just accept God, Jesus and Holy Spirit into your life and let them work in and through you?  Why put up the stops and blocks?  Because of fear....and fear is of Satan to keep everyone from fully embracing and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Is anybody listening....can I get an Amen? 

The Christian kingdom is doomed....unless it is empowered by, fully embraces and receives the Holy Spirit, Father God, the Prince of Peace who is Jesus....Lord and Savior, Messiah....in their entirety. 

"A divided home is also doomed."  This speaks to the home that we provide to God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  The home in our hearts, our bodies, our minds.  We cannot have life both ways....a little of God, a little of Satan.  We war within ourselves daily....'should we or shouldn't we'.  If we knew scripture as well as God would like us to, and fully embraced and received the Trinity so to be fully empowered by them, we would not waver in our answers as to how to live life, worship, obey.... and therefore have an abundant life....with the Trinity.  It also speaks to the homes we have with families.  No further mention is needed here....I think you've gotten the point by now. 

The next line is, I feel, the most important, defining, eye-opening, spiritually enlightening, truth-filled, profound....most ignored.... statement for all of Christianity.  Jesus said, "But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you."  Guys....and gals....get this if you get nothing else....he WAS casting out demons by the power of God.  The Kingdom of God DID arrive....is here....among US....NOW....STILL!  Praise God...no....PRAISE GOD!!!!  Everybody is waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.  IT CAME!  He arrived, he lived .... the Kingdom of God is HERE.  It's not something we have to continue to wait for.  It's within us.  Jesus SAID!  He didn't imply, hint at, indicate that at a later time given a certain set of circumstances it might or he might.....he SAID.  Jesus SAID, "But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you."  HE WAS casting out demons by the power of God.  As world leaders, Satan isn't going to cast out himself and his assigns.  He wants to cast out God and God's assigns.  And God isn't casting out himself and his assigns.  He wants to cast out Satan and Satan's assigns.  There is NO OTHER WAY to clarify and confirm what JESUS said was true than by the examples he gave us. 

'John's two disciples found Jesus and said to him, "John the Baptist sent us to ask, 'Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?"  John knew the minute Jesus went to him who he was, so these guys were probably trying to convince themselves.  And Jesus knew that John knew.  But Jesus said, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard - the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.  And tell him, "God blesses those who are not offended by me."  Luke 7:20-23.  Satan doesn't preach the Good News....the Gospel....even in a foreign language.  But Holy Spirit, Jesus, God will. 

The Kingdom of God has arrived!  Praise God!

Jesus goes on to tell us that Satan CAN be overpowered because the victory is his....Jesus'.  He says, "For when Satan who is completely armed, guards his palace, it is safe - until someone who is stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons and carries of his belongings."  God, Jesus and Holy Spirit are those who are stronger.

THIS IS WHY, we are told by Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18 that we are to put on the WHOLE armor of God.  "Be strong with the Lord's mighty power.  Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.  For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.  [YES, they are even there!]  Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes for the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared.  In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.  Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere."

Then Jesus reminds us that anyone who isn't helping him opposes him, and anyone who isn't working with him is actually working against him.  Push pull.  Push pull.  Don't be a house divided, or at war within yourself.  Decide this day, whom you shall choose.....God or Satan.  Who will rule your life?  Who will you turn to in times of trouble?  Who do you want to spend eternity with?  Who do you want to walk with down the aisle of life....on the journey of a lifetime? 

Jesus further warns us telling us, "When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert searching for rest.  But when it finds none, it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.'  So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept clean.  Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter into the person and live there.  And so that person is worse off than before."  Be wary as a fox.  Watch out.  You never know when or where they will strike.  But they will.  It seems he cannot emphasize enough about the actions of Satan and his assigns, the demons.  For these reasons, pray earnestly and refer to the aforementioned way to pray....make sure that once you have rebuked Satan and or his demons out, that you invite Holy Spirit immediately into those areas of your life, body, mind, spirit, soul now left void by Satan's leaving so there is less opportunity for him to jump back in.  But, as noted, Jesus shared that the house can be thoroughly swept clean.  Don't leave yourself empty, fill yourself with everything God has to give you....Jesus....Holy Spirit.....all the gifts and fruits he wants to give you and PUT ON YOUR ARMOR! 

Coming to a close....[sure....now I hear the 'amen'....laugh].  As Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, "God bless your mother - the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!"  Jesus replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."  "PUT IT INTO PRACTICE."  Big words....big shoes.  Have you a big heart to invite him in?  And then LISTEN and OBEY?  Do what he tells you to do to have an abundant life....and help others do the same? 

The Kingdom of God has arrived!  Has it arrived within you?  Will you 'put it into practice'?  Will you go forth WITH Holy Spirit to rebuke evil spirits and do as Jesus has done and more......help the blind see, the lame walk, cure the lepers, help the deaf hear, raise the dead to life....and preach the Good News to the poor?  Or will you be one who is offended by him and the workings of the Holy Spirit?  Choose this day whom you will serve....God....or Satan.  Remember, if you aren't for and with God, you are working against him.  You can't have life both ways and expect to get into heaven.  Or have an abundant life.  "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice." 

Mary Did you Know*

Mary did you know that your baby boy

Would one day walk on water

Mary did you know that your baby boy

Would save our sons and daughters

Did you know that you baby boy

Has come to make you new

This child that you deliver will soon deliver you....

Mary did you know that your baby boy

Will give sight to the blind man

Mary did you know that your baby boy

Would calm a storm with his hand

Did you know that your baby boy 

has walked where angels trod

and when you kiss your little baby

you've kissed the face of God

Oh Mary did you know....

The blind will see, the deaf will hear

The dead will live again

The lame will leap the dumb will speak

the praises of the lamb oh....

Mary did you know that your baby boy 

Is Lord of all creation

Mary did you know that your baby boy

Will one day rule the nations

Did you know that your baby boy

Was heaven's perfect lamb

And the sleeping child you're holding

Is the great I Am

Oh Mary  

***

As we reach the end of the year, we get closer to the time when we worship His Majesty by sharing in the joy of the anniversary of the birth of his Son, Jesus Christ.  There is no better time than now to let God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit know how grateful you are for them being there for you, Jesus being born, all he's done for you and will do, and being fed the Word of God.

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May your Christmas be merry and bright!

 *** 

Let Us Pray

Dear Heavenly Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, please forgive me for not being fully open to receive all you have to give me of your life, your love.  I open myself up to you now, fully and completely, so that you can tell me what you need for me to know, how to live my life, what the journey will be with you, where I am to go, how I will share you with the world, and defeat Satan and his demons.  I believe, you, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit are alive and well and have been using me to help others and you want to continue.  I am so willing to be there for and with you....and so grateful for your trust and love.  The Kingdom of God has arrived....within me!  Praise you Father/God, Messiah/Lord, Teacher/Comforter!  I bow down to you and I worship you, and I give you thanks and praise!  Help me to remember to praise you the next time I stub my toe or find my finger in my dog's mouth.  I am excited for the newness of the journey.  I'm on your side.  Remove from me anything that is not of you.....throw Satan and his demons as far away from me as the east is from the west.  MORE.  Send them back to hell for good!  Let me not provide a home for you that is divided.  Don't let others who are divided come into my life....please send solid Christians who are going to walk the walk, talk the talk....life their faith....to surround me.  I am like a parched desert, Lord.  And yet, I am learning there are so many Christians with divided homes.  Help me be strong for you, as I speak out for you.....give me YOUR strength.  Thank you.  Raise me to new heights of understanding, so that I may raise you to new heights of glory.  May your name be praised for ever and ever.  Thank you.  I love you.  Amen.   

*** 

 Visit our NEW rooms in The Family Room! 

And watch for more....

Lord,LordJesJeJeJJjEJJJ     JJThe LORD is king!  Let the nations tremble!  T***

More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

*** 

Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!   

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If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us, or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

***

  Our Current Cause

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart.  

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you! 

BesidesBesid   

 ***

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  ***

    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

***

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* Mary Did You Know from the Praise Hymn soundtracks.  Mark Lowry/Buddy Green c 1991 Word Music/a div. of Word, Inc/Rufus Music/ASCAP/ARR/UBP

I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided. 

***

  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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