As for news, the Prayer Guideline for Intercessor was in the
Fresh Manna instead of this blog. So I hope you enjoy them.
I will see if there's some idea to add to this blog.
Have a good year of 2012.
Dorothy
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Friday, February 12, 2010
Weapons of our Warfare 12
“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.
“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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)