Ecclesiastes 10:16a Woe to thee, O land when thy king is a child
This past week the Holy Spirit ministered to me concerning how to pray for our newly elected president. First I was reminded of the instructions given to believers in 1 Timothy 2:1-3 which states, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.” Then I was directed to some examples in the scriptures of rulers and what they needed to be successful in their time of leadership. Finally, while doing my bible reading this week I came across the above scripture that made me think of our country and president, and to realize without divine intervention we are in a great deal of trouble.
King Solomon informs us in the above scripture that there will be problems when the person governing is immature, and unfortunately, this is what America is presently experiencing. It has been several weeks since Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 45th president of the United States, and since that time, our nation has been more divided than united. Many of his actions display the characteristics and attitude of a child. These are prayer issues, and I truly believe he is being used to make believers pray more.
The Holy Spirit took me to scriptures and reviewed with me the life of several kings in Israel to show me how to pray for President Trump. So, let me share what the Spirit showed me and then end this blog with how I am praying specifically for President Trump.
In1 King 3:9-12 Solomon had a dream where God appeared to him and asked him what He should give him. Solomon answered, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” Solomon’s request pleased the Lord, and He said to Solomon, “Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” Solomon’s request reflected that he had seriously listened to his father David who told him, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.”
Secondly, 1 Kings 12 reveals after the death of King Solomon, Rehoboam his son sought the council of two groups: the old men, and the young men who were his peers. He chose to follow the advice of the young men, and this unfortunate decision led to the dividing of the kingdom of Israel.
Finally, as found in 2 Kings 11- 12 Jehoash, the son of King Joram at age seven began to reign as a king in Judah. With the wise council and instructions from Jehoiada, the priest, the Bible says that Joram did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days that Jehoiada remained alive.
With these three events in my mind, besides praying for the safety and well-being of President Trump and his family, I am asking God to give him godly wisdom on how to be a leader of a nation, surround him with people of integrity who will impact his life, to help him receive wise council from his inner circle and those with whom he associates, and help him to implement the godly counsel that he receives. If you have not been praying for the president and been wondering how you should pray for him, I pray this blog has given you some direction.
Psalms 103: 2 -3 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Due to illnesses and the recent deaths of fellow believers, I am writing this blog on divine healing. I concur with John who stated in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” I too desire healthy living for the children of God; for God can get more praises, worship, and work out of you alive and well, rather than when you are sick or deceased.
Everyone needs to understand all healings come from God, and He allows us to be healed through various methods as seen in the scriptures. Today, some have received miraculous instantaneous healing; for others, it was a process. Some are healed using medication prescribed by a doctor, while others are healed by the laying on of hands by the elders. Some are healed through the gift of healings and others by standing on the Word. Whatever method may be employed our healing benefits have been provided for us the New Testament church through the tortuous sufferings and death of Jesus for the scripture states “But He was wounded for our transgression, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His striped we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Unfortunately, many have been deceived into thinking when you pray for healing and don’t see the manifestation of that healing that your next alternative is a doctor. Some believe that the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment will be able to restore them back to health, but this is incorrect. I worked in the medical profession for over 20 years, and I can say that doctors misdiagnose their patients frequently, and sadly, some of these diagnoses have led to death. When you go to the doctor, I highly recommend prayer be made that the doctor will be led by God to provide you with the right treatment plan.
In receiving and maintaining our healing, we must be wise in our health practices and mindful of the Word. God told Israel in Exodus 15:26, “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee,” and I believe our cooperation with the Word provides us with this benefit.
Lastly, some have died while they waited expectantly for a healing miracle. Death of a loved one is extremely painful and therefore we often attempt to keep our loved ones here when in reality their pain, suffering, and knowledge of where they are going motivates them to depart this life. Since God is in charge of life and death, we can confidently place them in His care, knowing He loved them best, and His healing for them is total and eternal.
2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
I was praying one morning this week, and I asked God to cleanse me of some issues that I was experiencing, and I heard in my spirit, “You have to cleanse yourself.” Then the above scripture came back to my mind. I also said,” Why can’t God do my cleansing?” and again I heard in my spirit, “For Him to do it, you would have to die if you want to live here on earth the cleansing is up to you.”
This experience made me go back and rehearse to myself some important facts I know and understand concerning warfare. The main thing is that God has given believers the power to cast out evil spirits (Mark 16:17) and to pull down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). He gave man dominion from the beginning, and He is not going to take over my responsibility (Genesis 1:26).
The word cleanse in the Greek means to purge or purify. Our English dictionaries define cleanse as ridding something unpleasant, unwanted, or defile. For me, this cleansing represents cutting some distractions off. It means that I cannot take pleasure in the sinful acts of others (Romans 1:31), and I must continually pray and ask God to help me to love what He loves and hate what He hates.
Also, 2 Corinthians 7:1 states that filthiness can be found in our flesh and spirit. In a previous blog (HANDLING DEMONIC ENCOUNTERS – 3/29/14), I shared a list of demonic spirits that believers encounter and the numerous works of the flesh can be found in the scriptures from Acts through Revelation. I must war against these evil spirits and works in my life, so that I may be pleasing to God who will judge my actions and rend to me according to my deeds (Romans 2:1-11). I cannot be lazy or complacent for this is the enemy’s desire for my life, rather I must be sober and vigilant.
As I strive to do better in my spiritual walk with God this year, I pray you will also do the same. We are in this war together, and I declare with God’s continued direction and our submission to it, WE WILL WIN.
Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
There is an old song that says, “Only what you do for Christ will last.” No doubt the composer of this song dealt with people and came to realize that people often and conveniently forget the things that you do; however, God who is the most important one in our lives does not forget our labor. Paul, in the above scripture, sought to encourage the Jewish believers with this fact.
Also, Jesus shared this concept in a parable with his disciples in Matthew 25:31- 46. In this parable, He divided the nations of the world into two groups, like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep were blessed and rewarded because they were kind, generous, and helpful to those in need while the goats were cursed and condemned because they failed to minister to the needy.
So as we begin this New Year, I too encourage you to follow the words of my father’s favorite slogan, “Do all the good you can, to as many as you can, for as long as you can.” Let your charitable assistance be done willingly and lovingly because your actions and attitude are important. Don’t look for the acknowledgment or the praises of men because it may not happen but continue to help for as you do to the least you are doing to God.
On December 20, five days before Christmas I was in the supermarket viewing the Christmas candy, and halfway down the aisle, there was a change in the candy display. To my amazement, the second half of the aisle was filled with Valentine candy. The store owners did not give the consumers a chance to finish celebrating Christmas before they started selling the same candy in a different holiday wrapper. I just shook my head and walked away for I realized the store owners are only concerned about making money and we the consumers are not given a chance to enjoy and honor one event before we are thrust into the next one.
On this year Christmas Day happens to fall on a Sunday, and many people will be involved in family activities that will probably prevent them from attending a church service, and many will forget the real reason for the season. The reason was not to spend monies on candies and gifts. The reason was not to get together with family and friend, but the reason that is often forgotten was the good news of the birth of a Savior, which was Christ the Lord. It is important that we believers remember this in the midst of all that we do.
God sent His son Jesus to earth via a virgin birth to redeem mankind back to Him. This was necessary because of the rebellion of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden which caused men to lose their place of dominion. Through the ages, man was held captive to sin and continued in his disobedience to God’s instructions. The man had a problem, and Jesus was God’s solution.
Jesus spent thirty-three years on this earth with His last three years involved in ministry. He preached, He healed, He delivered, He taught, He mingled with everyone, and He was an example of servanthood for all. His assignment was accomplished with his birth, death, burial, and resurrection.
If Jesus did not come to earth, we would yet be lost but praise God for His love and plan of salvation. That is why we Christians, celebrate Christmas and in the midst of all our festivities I pray we remember to take time to thank God for the greatest gift, His son Jesus.
2 Corinthians 3:1-2 Are we starting to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some [false teachers], letters of recommendation to you or from you? [No!] 2 You are our letter [of recommendation], written in our hearts, recognized and read by everyone. (Amplified Bible)
Apparently, some false teachers had come to the church of Corinth with recommendations and others upon leaving Corinth had received recommendations; thus, in the above verses, Paul is addressing the believers concerning his need of no recommendation. Paul told the church they were his recommendation and the conversion that they experienced, and the change in their lifestyle was living proof of his authenticity.
Though we live in a different age then Paul, there are some things that remain the same. As people we watch, study, praise, copy and criticize the lives of people around us. With our modern technology and the many available media outlets that our world provides for us, we can take a seat and view the personal lives of others. Our lives have become an open book, and people are watching to see if we are living what we preach or that which we testify. Paul knew and understood this; therefore, he boldly declared not only his life but the life of the congregants of the church of Corinth are being read by men.
Your life and the fruit that you bear is a living epistle that people read. Your character and how you responded to situations are being noted by those you encounter. Negative behavior, complaining, unstableness, and acts of immaturity are influencing what people think about you. For some, the saying, “You are your own worst enemy” is true for their actions are giving the public ammunition to criticize and condemn them.
Today, with all of this in mind, my prayer for all of us is that we will display a maturity that will be pleasing to God and positively affect the lives of those that are reading us.
I have expressed my belief in previous blogs, and I am going to express it again today, “Jesus is coming back soon.” The signs of the time lead me to believe this fact.
On this week fire, all of a sudden swept through cities down south while people tried to escape to safety and as I watched the reporting of this event on the television, it reminded me of Sodom and Gomorrah. Also, it reminded me of the severity of the 21 plagues that is going to befall the earth during the tribulation, and there will be no escaping for the earth inhabitants.
Additionally, I read an article about Former President Jimmy Carter urging President Obama to give formal U.S. diplomatic recognition to a Palestinian state and to support the U. N. Security Council resolution that would set forth firm parameters for resolving the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians before his time in office end. This resolution would be considered legally binding, and the Trump administration would not be able to undo it. This article set an alarm ringing in my spirit for one of the major components in end-time events is what transpires in Israel.
According to dispensationalist, we are presently in the Dispensation of Grace, which is followed by the tribulation. During the tribulation the ministry focus appears to be on the Jewish nation who in the past rejected Jesus as there Lord and King (John 1:10-11) Also, the Antichrist who will rise to power during the tribulation will focus on Israel and he will offer a treatise to Israel which they will accept due to their continued conflict with Gentile nations. Please note if Israel was at peace with the Gentile nations, there would be no need for the treatise; thus, in the plan of God, they have unrest.
Our news generally focuses on events that concern our country; therefore, to enhance our awareness of the times, believers need to find outlets that will provide them with news concerning events in Israel. One such outlet which I subscribe to is http://www.gloryofzion.org/latest/Israel.php. (It is free, and they will send you a weekly update and prayer request for Israel.)
Finally, if you are interested in eschatology, I suggest you read my previous blogs which you can find in the archive. They are:
REVELATION SERIES (This was my first blog series, and I blogged through the entire book of Revelation January 2, 2012 – May 3, 2012)
THE DAY THE WORLD UNITES on September 18, 2012
UNDERSTANDING THE CONFLICT IN ISRAEL on November 17, 2012
A WORLDWIDE SOUND on May 2, 2013
ENDTIME FALLACIES on October 10, 2015
Many of us believe that we are busy people even if our busyness is in doing nothing. Some spend a lot of time working at their jobs, while others enjoy political, recreational and cultural activities; thus, they neglect the most important aspect of their life, and that is having a meaningful relationship with God.
All of these activities that we may deem profitable and productive may not be pleasing to God because it engages us in idolatry and provokes Him to jealousy. God’s first commandment to Israel which is found in Exodus 20:5 states, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” and lest they forget, he repeatedly told them He was jealous (Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 5:9; 6:15; Nahum 1:2).
From the beginning of time, God sought to have a connection with Mankind. He expected men to pledge his allegiance to Him and love Him as his creator; however, as seen in Genesis 3, Adam forsook the instructions of God and followed the suggestion of a serpent. Throughout the scriptures, He wooed men, showed him His loving kindness and mercy, and sent His son to earth to ransom fallen man and restore him to his rightful place of dominion. He did all of this for a relationship. He did all that He did for a man, so that the man would keep Him on his mind.
Ultimately each one of us will make the decision whether we will have a relationship with God or not. Oh, that we would come to know and understand the privilege and opportunity of a relationship with our Father. Oh that we would not replicate the actions of Israel as stated in Jeremiah 2: 13 “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” Oh, that we would desire to be filled with Him. Oh, that we would realize God is the answer to everything that we could need for as He told Moses in Exodus 3:14, “I AM THAT I AM.” Moreover, oh that we would understand that there are consequences when we fail to have a positive relationship with God (Deuteronomy 32:16-21).
I pray my words today will prompt you to examine your relationship with Him and question, “Is He on my mind,” and I conclude this blog with the words of this song, “Always remember Jesus, Jesus. Always remember Jesus, Jesus. Always keep Him on your mind.”
It has been less than two weeks since America had its election for the 45th president of the United States, and for some. the shock of who won, plus his newly picked Cabinet and administrative positions are causing much consternation in this country.
Going into the election, I felt both major candidates came with their negative issues; however, I felt one candidate was more amiable to the general public than the other. Truthfully, I must say for 24 hours after the election. I felt physically sick, and it was my knowledge that God is in charge that undergirded me from that time to the present. Also, I was comforted by a story of the disciples, religious leaders, and the public officials found in Acts 5; so, let me share it with you.
Jesus had commissioned his disciples before His ascension to preach, teach, and make disciples of all men, and they were following His instructions as seen in the book of Acts. In Acts 5, we see their actions made the high priest, Senate, and Jewish council of Pharisees and Sadducees furious, and they were determined to kill them. However, Gamaliel a well-known Pharisee council member cited events of the past to the council and made this suggestion to them, “Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God” (Acts 5:35, 38-39).
Gamaliel’s words still hold true today. I believe the next president is going to be a catalyst for some end time events happening in America, and I believe this is the plan of God. Therefore, I am praying for our country and its leadership as instructed in the scripture (1Timothy 2:1-2) because despite what we may feel or believe God’s will, will be done. So as my subject for this blog asks, “Where do we go from here?” My answer, “Go to the throne of God and pray for mercy, help and divine intervention for America.”
The Teacher's Pick 