“Persevering prayer”
“We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s argument and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:4-5 ncv
The King James Version says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2Cor. 10:4). Paul’s eighth weapon is “persevering prayer.”
The word, persevere means continue steadily in doing something hard; persist. The word, persist means continue firmly; refuse to stop; say again and again; maintain means keep on. Persevering emphasizes refusing to be discouraged by obstacles or difficulties, but continuing steadily with courage and patience. Example: Perseverance leads to success.
Paul shared that his suffering and persevering prayer came together (2 Cor. 11:23-30). As Paul was praying for his churches that he had planted, his heart was grieved with tears. During that time, the churches were going through rough times. Some of the people were trying to change the teachings of the gospel. Paul never gave up in continuing his prayer for others and for God to help him through all his suffering. Paul’s persevering prayer was mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds against Satan so he could spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul gave an example how to prepare us for the battle with the enemy. We may be familiar with Ephesians 6:10-18. This is part of persevering prayer. Paul’s example inspired us to understand the important part of suffering that comes with prayers. By using this weapon, “the persevering prayer,” against the enemy, we, the born-again believers will be able to see great things of God.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 11
“The Word of God”
“We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s argument and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:4-5 ncv
The King James Version says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2Cor. 10:4). Paul’s seventh weapon is “the Word of God.” Why is it important to know this weapon? Jesus said, “Take heed that no men deceive you” (Matt.24:4). Jesus exposed the sins of the Pharisees in the whole chapter of Matthew 23rd. Why? He wants us to identify the character of a deceiving person who does not follow the Word of God closely.
How do we protect ourselves against “many false prophets shall rise and deceive many” (Matt.25:11)? The only protection against being deceived is found in an enduring faith and love for Christ, in a commitment to the absolute authority of His Word, and in a thorough knowledge of that Word (Matthew 24:13).
How do we keep ourselves from being deceived from someone? 1Timothy 4:16, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”
The key answer is “continue in them.” Study the Word of God. Stay with God’s Word. Know the doctrine of Christ well enough that you would not be deceived by others. Our faith and love for Christ will keep us strong with Holy Spirit’s help along side with us. Study Matthew 23rd several times before we are able to identify the character of a person and not be easily deceived and not allow this to destroy our faith, and our union with Christ.
By using this weapon, “the Word of God,” against the enemy, we, the born-again believers will come forth victorious. That is, the presence of God’s Word and the kingdom of God inside of us will be powerfully manifested so that the world may know that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.
“We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s argument and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:4-5 ncv
The King James Version says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2Cor. 10:4). Paul’s seventh weapon is “the Word of God.” Why is it important to know this weapon? Jesus said, “Take heed that no men deceive you” (Matt.24:4). Jesus exposed the sins of the Pharisees in the whole chapter of Matthew 23rd. Why? He wants us to identify the character of a deceiving person who does not follow the Word of God closely.
How do we protect ourselves against “many false prophets shall rise and deceive many” (Matt.25:11)? The only protection against being deceived is found in an enduring faith and love for Christ, in a commitment to the absolute authority of His Word, and in a thorough knowledge of that Word (Matthew 24:13).
How do we keep ourselves from being deceived from someone? 1Timothy 4:16, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”
The key answer is “continue in them.” Study the Word of God. Stay with God’s Word. Know the doctrine of Christ well enough that you would not be deceived by others. Our faith and love for Christ will keep us strong with Holy Spirit’s help along side with us. Study Matthew 23rd several times before we are able to identify the character of a person and not be easily deceived and not allow this to destroy our faith, and our union with Christ.
By using this weapon, “the Word of God,” against the enemy, we, the born-again believers will come forth victorious. That is, the presence of God’s Word and the kingdom of God inside of us will be powerfully manifested so that the world may know that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 10
“Hope of Salvation”
“We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s argument and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:4-5 ncv
The King James Version says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2Cor. 10:4). Paul sixth weapon is “hope of salvation.” There’s a reason why Paul brought this up. In Paul’s times, there were some religious groups who argued that there is no resurrection of Christ. Today, we have some religious groups who argued that they do not believe in heaven and hell. Huh? Then what is hope for them?
The Bible talked a lot about the hope. Biblical hope is an assurance in the heart, a firm confidence about the future things because Biblical hope is based on God’s promises and revelation. Biblical hope is linked with a firm faith and a confident trust in God. So faith, trust and hope come together. I like one meaning that dictionary gave: person or thing that expectation centers in. So Christ is the center of our hope, the Biblical Hope.
Peter tells us, “Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have …” (I Peter 3:15b). I Peter 1:3 gave the answers: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which . . . hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” NCV is good: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In God’s great mercy he has caused us to be born again into a living hope, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Now we have hope for the blessings God has for his children” (I Peter 1:3,4a).
By using this weapon, “the hope of salvation in Christ and the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Tit.2:13) against the enemy, we, the born-again believers will come forth victorious. We the believers will be caught up from the earth to meet Him in the air (I Thes.4:13-18), and we shall see Him as He is and become like Him (Phil.3:20-21). We have hope of eternal life (Tit.1:2).
Song: “Looking for that Blessed Hope”
Looking for that blessed hope (that joyful hope),
Looking for that blessed hope (that glorious hope);
We know the hour is nearing, The hour of His appearing;
We’re looking for that blessed hope.
(Thoro Harris, Sing His Praise.)
“We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s argument and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:4-5 ncv
The King James Version says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2Cor. 10:4). Paul sixth weapon is “hope of salvation.” There’s a reason why Paul brought this up. In Paul’s times, there were some religious groups who argued that there is no resurrection of Christ. Today, we have some religious groups who argued that they do not believe in heaven and hell. Huh? Then what is hope for them?
The Bible talked a lot about the hope. Biblical hope is an assurance in the heart, a firm confidence about the future things because Biblical hope is based on God’s promises and revelation. Biblical hope is linked with a firm faith and a confident trust in God. So faith, trust and hope come together. I like one meaning that dictionary gave: person or thing that expectation centers in. So Christ is the center of our hope, the Biblical Hope.
Peter tells us, “Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have …” (I Peter 3:15b). I Peter 1:3 gave the answers: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which . . . hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” NCV is good: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In God’s great mercy he has caused us to be born again into a living hope, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Now we have hope for the blessings God has for his children” (I Peter 1:3,4a).
By using this weapon, “the hope of salvation in Christ and the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Tit.2:13) against the enemy, we, the born-again believers will come forth victorious. We the believers will be caught up from the earth to meet Him in the air (I Thes.4:13-18), and we shall see Him as He is and become like Him (Phil.3:20-21). We have hope of eternal life (Tit.1:2).
Song: “Looking for that Blessed Hope”
Looking for that blessed hope (that joyful hope),
Looking for that blessed hope (that glorious hope);
We know the hour is nearing, The hour of His appearing;
We’re looking for that blessed hope.
(Thoro Harris, Sing His Praise.)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 9
"Love"
“We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses.
Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s
strong places. We destroy people’s argument and every proud thing
that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every
thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:4-5 ncv
The King James Version says: “For the weapons of our warfare are
not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong
holds” (2Cor. 10:4). Paul’s fifth weapon is love. Christianity is all
about love one another. Without love, Christianity means nothing.
Paul talked about that love is the greatest gift (1 Cor. 13). His motto
was “Without love, I am nothing.”
What kind of weapon do I need to know about true love for God then?
What God asks of those who believe in Christ and receive His salvation
is our devoted love. Our devoted love to God is very important to Him
because this will influence us to love our neighbor, including our
enemies. Holy Spirit is the one who helps us keep our devoted love
to God and keep the love in our character because God is love.
Why is this weapon of God’s love in us so important? Jesus had
predicted that “love of many will become cold” because iniquity
will get worse (Matthew 24:12). What would cause this? “Many false
prophets will come and cause many people to believe lies. There will
be more and more evil in the world, so most people will stop showing
their love for each other” (Matt.24:11-12 ncv). This may be
discouraging, but wait, Jesus has more.
Jesus also said that there will be people who will keep their faith
until the end and we will be saved (Matt.24:13). That is, the presence
of God’s love will be powerfully manifested in our character. By using
this weapon against the enemy, we, the born-again believers will come
forth victorious.
“We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses.
Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s
strong places. We destroy people’s argument and every proud thing
that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every
thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:4-5 ncv
The King James Version says: “For the weapons of our warfare are
not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong
holds” (2Cor. 10:4). Paul’s fifth weapon is love. Christianity is all
about love one another. Without love, Christianity means nothing.
Paul talked about that love is the greatest gift (1 Cor. 13). His motto
was “Without love, I am nothing.”
What kind of weapon do I need to know about true love for God then?
What God asks of those who believe in Christ and receive His salvation
is our devoted love. Our devoted love to God is very important to Him
because this will influence us to love our neighbor, including our
enemies. Holy Spirit is the one who helps us keep our devoted love
to God and keep the love in our character because God is love.
Why is this weapon of God’s love in us so important? Jesus had
predicted that “love of many will become cold” because iniquity
will get worse (Matthew 24:12). What would cause this? “Many false
prophets will come and cause many people to believe lies. There will
be more and more evil in the world, so most people will stop showing
their love for each other” (Matt.24:11-12 ncv). This may be
discouraging, but wait, Jesus has more.
Jesus also said that there will be people who will keep their faith
until the end and we will be saved (Matt.24:13). That is, the presence
of God’s love will be powerfully manifested in our character. By using
this weapon against the enemy, we, the born-again believers will come
forth victorious.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 8
"Faith"
“We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing
that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We
capture every thought and make it give up and obey
Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4c-5 NCV
The Scripture says: “For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal ...” Paul’s fourth weapon is “faith.”
The best example I could think of was a story of
Martin Luther. Martin was studying the Scripture
about putting your faith in Jesus Christ alone for
salvation. He struggled to grasp this deep meaning.
Why? Because his church taught him that you have to
‘work’ to earn grace and faith in God.
As a child, my mother and I went to church where
they had shown a movie of Martin Luther’s life story.
What impressed me the most was Martin’s knee climbed
up the stairs, step by steps until it bleed. It was
then God spoke to him, “The just shall live by faith”
(Romans 1:17b). This verse ‘hit’ Martin and he finally
understood that grace and faith is not being earned by
his labor or work. Martin discovered the church’s error
and there were arguments among the leaders. So finally,
Martin Luther left this church and started his own
organization which was called, “Lutheran Church” based
on the faith in Jesus Christ alone.
By using this weapon, “The just (Christians) shall live
by faith” against the enemy, and we, the born-again
believers will come forth victorious.
“We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing
that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We
capture every thought and make it give up and obey
Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4c-5 NCV
The Scripture says: “For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal ...” Paul’s fourth weapon is “faith.”
The best example I could think of was a story of
Martin Luther. Martin was studying the Scripture
about putting your faith in Jesus Christ alone for
salvation. He struggled to grasp this deep meaning.
Why? Because his church taught him that you have to
‘work’ to earn grace and faith in God.
As a child, my mother and I went to church where
they had shown a movie of Martin Luther’s life story.
What impressed me the most was Martin’s knee climbed
up the stairs, step by steps until it bleed. It was
then God spoke to him, “The just shall live by faith”
(Romans 1:17b). This verse ‘hit’ Martin and he finally
understood that grace and faith is not being earned by
his labor or work. Martin discovered the church’s error
and there were arguments among the leaders. So finally,
Martin Luther left this church and started his own
organization which was called, “Lutheran Church” based
on the faith in Jesus Christ alone.
By using this weapon, “The just (Christians) shall live
by faith” against the enemy, and we, the born-again
believers will come forth victorious.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 7
"Proclamation of the Gospel"
“We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing that raises
itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and
make it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4c-5 NCV
The Scripture says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal...”
Paul’s third weapon is a ‘proclamation of the gospel.’ Why was it
important to know our weapon of the gospel? Galatians 1:7 tells us
that “There are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel
of Christ.” So Paul wanted the Galatians to beware of and react
against any disturbance in the “true gospel” that was being preached.
What was the trouble and pervert the gospel? The false teaching was
about God granted the acceptance on the basis of their obedience to
a set of rules especially circumcision and dietary laws. In short,
obedience to the law was needed, apart from faith in Jesus. This
false teaching brought disturbance of the truth and Paul told
Galatians to react strongly against it. Paul said that anyone
preaching a gospel that is not based on grace through faith in
Christ alone should be accursed (Gal. 1:8-9).
So it is important to study the Scriptures faithfully so we can
detect the false teaching and proclaim the truth of God’s wonderful
salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. By using this weapon against
the enemy, we, the born-again believers will come forth victorious.
Reference Scripture: Galatians 3:11
“We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing that raises
itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and
make it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4c-5 NCV
The Scripture says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal...”
Paul’s third weapon is a ‘proclamation of the gospel.’ Why was it
important to know our weapon of the gospel? Galatians 1:7 tells us
that “There are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel
of Christ.” So Paul wanted the Galatians to beware of and react
against any disturbance in the “true gospel” that was being preached.
What was the trouble and pervert the gospel? The false teaching was
about God granted the acceptance on the basis of their obedience to
a set of rules especially circumcision and dietary laws. In short,
obedience to the law was needed, apart from faith in Jesus. This
false teaching brought disturbance of the truth and Paul told
Galatians to react strongly against it. Paul said that anyone
preaching a gospel that is not based on grace through faith in
Christ alone should be accursed (Gal. 1:8-9).
So it is important to study the Scriptures faithfully so we can
detect the false teaching and proclaim the truth of God’s wonderful
salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. By using this weapon against
the enemy, we, the born-again believers will come forth victorious.
Reference Scripture: Galatians 3:11
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 6
“A Life of Righteousness”
“We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing that
raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture
every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:4c-5 NCV
This subject “a life of righteousness” interests me to
continue to study God’s Word. What is the proud thing
that raises itself against the knowledge of God? One
example of Jesus confronted the proud religious leaders.
I remembered from the movie, “The Gospel of John.”
Christ had confronted the religious leaders who claimed
the rights to change some of the laws or God’s Word to
suit their needs. Jesus argued against them and said,
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
for ye DEVOUR WIDOWS’ HOUSES …” (Matthew 23:14b kjv).
One of Pharisees’ laws allowed them to take away
things or houses from the widows. The widows did not
have any protection when they lose a husband if he
made a loan that could not be paid. The widows would
have to go to the judge to get their rights of
protection (Luke 18:3).
Many false religious leaders could twist the Word
of God to suit their needs or reasons (Matthew 24:11).
A person could lose “a life of righteousness” when
there is no fear of God before their eyes
(Romans 3:18 kjv). This is a weapon that the
enemy uses “having no respect for God’s Word.”
By holding on to this spiritual weapon, “our life
of righteousness in Christ” against the enemy, we,
the born again believers will come forth victorious.
Jesus said, “You that hold on to the end,
you will be saved” (Matt. 24:13).
“We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing that
raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture
every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:4c-5 NCV
This subject “a life of righteousness” interests me to
continue to study God’s Word. What is the proud thing
that raises itself against the knowledge of God? One
example of Jesus confronted the proud religious leaders.
I remembered from the movie, “The Gospel of John.”
Christ had confronted the religious leaders who claimed
the rights to change some of the laws or God’s Word to
suit their needs. Jesus argued against them and said,
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
for ye DEVOUR WIDOWS’ HOUSES …” (Matthew 23:14b kjv).
One of Pharisees’ laws allowed them to take away
things or houses from the widows. The widows did not
have any protection when they lose a husband if he
made a loan that could not be paid. The widows would
have to go to the judge to get their rights of
protection (Luke 18:3).
Many false religious leaders could twist the Word
of God to suit their needs or reasons (Matthew 24:11).
A person could lose “a life of righteousness” when
there is no fear of God before their eyes
(Romans 3:18 kjv). This is a weapon that the
enemy uses “having no respect for God’s Word.”
By holding on to this spiritual weapon, “our life
of righteousness in Christ” against the enemy, we,
the born again believers will come forth victorious.
Jesus said, “You that hold on to the end,
you will be saved” (Matt. 24:13).
Friday, February 5, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 5
“A Life of Righteousness”
“We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing
that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We
capture every thought and make it give up and obey
Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4c-5 New Century Version.
The Scripture says: “For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal.” Paul listed some of these weapons.
The second weapon is “a life of righteousness.” Paul
talked a lot about righteousness in the book of Romans.
Paul gave an example of Abraham: “Abraham believed God,
and God accepted Abraham’s faith, and that faith made
him right with God” (Rom. 4:3b).
“When people work, their pay is not given as a gift,
but as something earned. But people cannot do any work
that will make them right with God. So they must trust
in (God), who makes even evil people right in (God’s)
sight. Then God accepts their faith, and that makes
them right with HIM” (Rom. 4:4-5).
“God makes people right with HIMSELF through their faith
in Jesus Christ. This is true for all who believe in
Christ, because all the people are the same” (Rom. 3:22).
When we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts, we are clothed
in Christ’s righteousness so we are ‘in the right standing
with God.’
Now, Paul talked about is “a life of righteousness.” This
is a big subject so I will give one thing that is important.
The world will know where we stand when we put our trust in
Christ’s righteousness, not ours. By using this weapon
“a life of righteousness” against the enemy, the church
(born again believers) will come forth victorious.
(New Century Version translations were used).
“We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing
that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We
capture every thought and make it give up and obey
Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4c-5 New Century Version.
The Scripture says: “For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal.” Paul listed some of these weapons.
The second weapon is “a life of righteousness.” Paul
talked a lot about righteousness in the book of Romans.
Paul gave an example of Abraham: “Abraham believed God,
and God accepted Abraham’s faith, and that faith made
him right with God” (Rom. 4:3b).
“When people work, their pay is not given as a gift,
but as something earned. But people cannot do any work
that will make them right with God. So they must trust
in (God), who makes even evil people right in (God’s)
sight. Then God accepts their faith, and that makes
them right with HIM” (Rom. 4:4-5).
“God makes people right with HIMSELF through their faith
in Jesus Christ. This is true for all who believe in
Christ, because all the people are the same” (Rom. 3:22).
When we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts, we are clothed
in Christ’s righteousness so we are ‘in the right standing
with God.’
Now, Paul talked about is “a life of righteousness.” This
is a big subject so I will give one thing that is important.
The world will know where we stand when we put our trust in
Christ’s righteousness, not ours. By using this weapon
“a life of righteousness” against the enemy, the church
(born again believers) will come forth victorious.
(New Century Version translations were used).
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 4
"Commitment to the Truth"
“We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing that
raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture
every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:4c-5 NCV
The Scripture says: “For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal.” Paul listed some of these weapons.
One was commitment to the truth. The word “commitment”
means hand over to be kept safe. The Corinthian Christians
were in danger of being deceived by false preachers and
accepting a distorted gospel (2 Cor. 11:4). Distorted gospel
means “another Jesus or another spirit or another gospel.”
So they did not keep “The Truth?” Paul encouraged the
Corinthians to stay in one Gospel Truth which was the same
Jesus that died on the Cross. The same Jesus rose from the
dead. The same Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father.
The same Jesus Christ is coming again. That, my friend is the
Gospel Truth!
I asked Tony, my husband to share with me “what commitment to
the truth” really meant to him. His responded: Be faithful in
reading God’s Word. Try to find the meaning of the word you do
not understand. Read a few translations to compare and understand
what the verse meant. (Really commitment means a little bit more
work to study. Commitment was like make up your mind to study the
Truth, God’s Word) Study the Word... Try to understand the Word...
Practice by doing what the Word says...
By using this weapon “commitment to the Truth” against the enemy,
the church (born again believers) will come forth victorious. Paul
tells us to make sure that the Truth, God’s Word stays intact, not
twisting any way that was already written in His Word. The word
intact means with no part missing; untouched, and whole. So we are
encouraged to remember Jesus’ Word, “I am the way, the truth, and
the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
“We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing that
raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture
every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:4c-5 NCV
The Scripture says: “For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal.” Paul listed some of these weapons.
One was commitment to the truth. The word “commitment”
means hand over to be kept safe. The Corinthian Christians
were in danger of being deceived by false preachers and
accepting a distorted gospel (2 Cor. 11:4). Distorted gospel
means “another Jesus or another spirit or another gospel.”
So they did not keep “The Truth?” Paul encouraged the
Corinthians to stay in one Gospel Truth which was the same
Jesus that died on the Cross. The same Jesus rose from the
dead. The same Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father.
The same Jesus Christ is coming again. That, my friend is the
Gospel Truth!
I asked Tony, my husband to share with me “what commitment to
the truth” really meant to him. His responded: Be faithful in
reading God’s Word. Try to find the meaning of the word you do
not understand. Read a few translations to compare and understand
what the verse meant. (Really commitment means a little bit more
work to study. Commitment was like make up your mind to study the
Truth, God’s Word) Study the Word... Try to understand the Word...
Practice by doing what the Word says...
By using this weapon “commitment to the Truth” against the enemy,
the church (born again believers) will come forth victorious. Paul
tells us to make sure that the Truth, God’s Word stays intact, not
twisting any way that was already written in His Word. The word
intact means with no part missing; untouched, and whole. So we are
encouraged to remember Jesus’ Word, “I am the way, the truth, and
the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 3
"Our Thought VS God's Thought"
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience
of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5 KJV.
Our warfare is casting down the imaginations that are
not God’s ways. We need to be aware that God knows every
thought and that nothing is hidden from Him. We will give
an answer to God for our thoughts as well as for our words
and our deeds. Just like my testimony from ‘Weapons of our
Warfare Part 2’ of how God had corrected my wrong thinking
about the famous person I had judged. Even when my thought
was hidden from my husband, yet God read me. What was even
more amazing, the perfect timing when God wants to correct
me. God had me to get up so early in the morning and to turn
on TV at the right time. God had me to watch the program that
had given me the opportunity to see how wrong I was to judge
the man God had dearly loved.
This famous person said that he had asked God to be with him
as ‘his father’ because all his life he did not have a good
father. So God became his father and the people have said
that they could feel God’s presence in him. So when God sees
my thought of wrong judgment, it is like God had turned His
face toward me and woke me up to watch that program. God made
sure that I know about this man that He had cared so much about.
This really touched my heart to what kind of God that protects
this man from my judgment. Even to take the time with me to make
sure I know what I was doing was absolutely wrong.
Now, I believe God wants to talk to you about some things you
need to be aware of. Through this experience, something inside
of me, gain more respect to God is like the scripture that says,
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
May the Lord bless you as you study His Word.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience
of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5 KJV.
Our warfare is casting down the imaginations that are
not God’s ways. We need to be aware that God knows every
thought and that nothing is hidden from Him. We will give
an answer to God for our thoughts as well as for our words
and our deeds. Just like my testimony from ‘Weapons of our
Warfare Part 2’ of how God had corrected my wrong thinking
about the famous person I had judged. Even when my thought
was hidden from my husband, yet God read me. What was even
more amazing, the perfect timing when God wants to correct
me. God had me to get up so early in the morning and to turn
on TV at the right time. God had me to watch the program that
had given me the opportunity to see how wrong I was to judge
the man God had dearly loved.
This famous person said that he had asked God to be with him
as ‘his father’ because all his life he did not have a good
father. So God became his father and the people have said
that they could feel God’s presence in him. So when God sees
my thought of wrong judgment, it is like God had turned His
face toward me and woke me up to watch that program. God made
sure that I know about this man that He had cared so much about.
This really touched my heart to what kind of God that protects
this man from my judgment. Even to take the time with me to make
sure I know what I was doing was absolutely wrong.
Now, I believe God wants to talk to you about some things you
need to be aware of. Through this experience, something inside
of me, gain more respect to God is like the scripture that says,
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
May the Lord bless you as you study His Word.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 2
"Our Mind, a Battleground"
“And every proud thing that raises itself against the
knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it
give up and obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NCV
King James Bible quoted: “Casting down imaginations,
and every high thing that exalteth itself against the
knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5
Our warfare is against spiritual forces of wickedness
so what are the worldly weapons we should be aware of?
Our mind is a battleground. All kinds of things come to
our thoughts. What should we really do then? God’s Word
from 2 Cor. 10:5 tells us to put down any imaginations
in the thought that goes against God’s Words. If we want
to capture every thought into captivity to Christ, begin
with the Word of God that will show us the way of life.
One afternoon I watched a TBN program. There was one
famous preacher that I didn’t like. One Saturday early
morning I woke up alert around 2:30 am and felt an urge
to turn on TBN which I normally do not watch TV in an
early morning. I tune in the program and the director
introduced the same famous person that I didn’t like.
During the interview, the director was asking him several
questions briefly about his life. What makes him so special
that people could feel God’s Presence in this man. Through
the interview, I got to know him better and I was shocked
to learn where he came from and how he identified himself.
It was then I realized that the Holy Spirit had wanted to
help me with my wrong ‘imagination’ about this man. Holy
Spirit got me to watch the TBN and He was able to correct
me. I realized I hurt God by wrongly judging this man I
didn’t even know who he was. I felt ashamed and I asked
God for forgiveness. He helped me put my wrong thought
into captivity of dislike into obedience of Christ and
God encouraged me to bless this man instead of judging
him. My friend, ‘watch what you are thinking.’
“And every proud thing that raises itself against the
knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it
give up and obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NCV
King James Bible quoted: “Casting down imaginations,
and every high thing that exalteth itself against the
knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5
Our warfare is against spiritual forces of wickedness
so what are the worldly weapons we should be aware of?
Our mind is a battleground. All kinds of things come to
our thoughts. What should we really do then? God’s Word
from 2 Cor. 10:5 tells us to put down any imaginations
in the thought that goes against God’s Words. If we want
to capture every thought into captivity to Christ, begin
with the Word of God that will show us the way of life.
One afternoon I watched a TBN program. There was one
famous preacher that I didn’t like. One Saturday early
morning I woke up alert around 2:30 am and felt an urge
to turn on TBN which I normally do not watch TV in an
early morning. I tune in the program and the director
introduced the same famous person that I didn’t like.
During the interview, the director was asking him several
questions briefly about his life. What makes him so special
that people could feel God’s Presence in this man. Through
the interview, I got to know him better and I was shocked
to learn where he came from and how he identified himself.
It was then I realized that the Holy Spirit had wanted to
help me with my wrong ‘imagination’ about this man. Holy
Spirit got me to watch the TBN and He was able to correct
me. I realized I hurt God by wrongly judging this man I
didn’t even know who he was. I felt ashamed and I asked
God for forgiveness. He helped me put my wrong thought
into captivity of dislike into obedience of Christ and
God encouraged me to bless this man instead of judging
him. My friend, ‘watch what you are thinking.’
Monday, February 1, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 1
"Weapons, What are they?"
“We do live in the world, but we do not fight in
the same way the world fights. We fight with weapons
that are different from those the world uses. Our
weapons have power from God that can destroy the
enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments
and every proud thing that raises itself against the
knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make
it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NCV
King James Bible quoted; “For the weapons of our
warfare are not carnal ...” Paul was talking about
spiritual weapons that we need to have for our
spiritual warfare against the carnal or worldly
warfare.
The new year of 2010 will be the year of learning
to trust God with our new weapons. God is our weapon.
The Bible, God’s Word is our weapon. Jesus is our
weapon. His blood is our weapon. Holy Spirit is
our weapon, speaking in new languages. Our
testimony for Christ is our weapon. God help
us to stand with Him in the year of 2010.
Happy New Year!
Dorothy
“We do live in the world, but we do not fight in
the same way the world fights. We fight with weapons
that are different from those the world uses. Our
weapons have power from God that can destroy the
enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments
and every proud thing that raises itself against the
knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make
it give up and obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NCV
King James Bible quoted; “For the weapons of our
warfare are not carnal ...” Paul was talking about
spiritual weapons that we need to have for our
spiritual warfare against the carnal or worldly
warfare.
The new year of 2010 will be the year of learning
to trust God with our new weapons. God is our weapon.
The Bible, God’s Word is our weapon. Jesus is our
weapon. His blood is our weapon. Holy Spirit is
our weapon, speaking in new languages. Our
testimony for Christ is our weapon. God help
us to stand with Him in the year of 2010.
Happy New Year!
Dorothy
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
It is still January 2010!
My testimony for the year of 2009 has been
an interesting year for Tony and me! What
have we been doing? The pictures tell of
places we have gone to except for Tony, he
went to Deaf Men Retreat April 2009. He rode
in a big church van with deaf men from
Bloomington, Illinois to Monticello, Wisc.
During the year of 2009, we volunteer
to help the Deaf Pastor two times a month,
Tony and me. The highlight of the year was
learning to use the laptop power point and
it was awesome tool to use.
I am still working at Taco Bell part time and
it is a good discipline time for me especially
when I turned 67 last January 3rd, 2010. I
was amazed that God has allowed us to live
that long. God has work for Tony and me to
do. We have classic VHS sermons during the
years of 1990-2001 and we are converting
them into dvd.
As for me, I still do the Fresh Manna studies
from time to time and this year was a new project
Bread Box. It started with a friend of mine who
need something short and able to memorize them
into her heart. I find this interesting because
I had always look at the Bread Promise card and
just ponder the verse, but did not go that far to
do like I had done. I really enjoy them and bless
Holy Spirit who is always there to help. I would
appreciate your prayer to continue this as much
as I could. May God bless your year of 2010!
My testimony for the year of 2009 has been
an interesting year for Tony and me! What
have we been doing? The pictures tell of
places we have gone to except for Tony, he
went to Deaf Men Retreat April 2009. He rode
in a big church van with deaf men from
Bloomington, Illinois to Monticello, Wisc.
During the year of 2009, we volunteer
to help the Deaf Pastor two times a month,
Tony and me. The highlight of the year was
learning to use the laptop power point and
it was awesome tool to use.
I am still working at Taco Bell part time and
it is a good discipline time for me especially
when I turned 67 last January 3rd, 2010. I
was amazed that God has allowed us to live
that long. God has work for Tony and me to
do. We have classic VHS sermons during the
years of 1990-2001 and we are converting
them into dvd.
As for me, I still do the Fresh Manna studies
from time to time and this year was a new project
Bread Box. It started with a friend of mine who
need something short and able to memorize them
into her heart. I find this interesting because
I had always look at the Bread Promise card and
just ponder the verse, but did not go that far to
do like I had done. I really enjoy them and bless
Holy Spirit who is always there to help. I would
appreciate your prayer to continue this as much
as I could. May God bless your year of 2010!
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