…DELIVER US FROM EVIL

These words are a part of The Sermon on The Mount better known as The Lord’s Prayer. Most of us who can recite this prayer learned it from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV). Other translations say “deliver us from the evil one.” The point of the prayer is that the Lord God, whom is All Powerful, would take us away from that which is evil; the influence of evil and the actual involvement with evil.

For most of us, this word evil is a strong word and carries with it a scary meaning. Like the cartoons that emphasize the pretty person versus the sinister looking person or the super heroes whose continual assignment is to conquer the evil one and/or deliver the people from hurt, harm, or danger. Usually the evil person is portrayed as some very wicked villain or some monster like creature that intimidates and puts great fear into people. The evil one, in most of theses scenarios, is visibly discernable because of its hard, scary, or abnormal look and/or sound.

This word evil is not as deep and unattached to us as it has been

made to sound to us.

But this word evil is not as deep and unattached to us as it has been made to sound. Like the word, wicked. When we hear that word, it too, causes us to tremble in fear or picture some fairy tale witch like creature invading us or our homes. This perspective of evil or wicked is what causes many of us to categorize our wrongs. Of course, we are not evil or wicked when we do something wrong. In truth, we have all done wrong. As Christians especially, when we do wrong (sin), most of us know that in our heart of hearts, we do not consider ourselves evil or wicked. The truth about this word is that it simply means “that which is not like God.” That is the RStanley dictionary definition (smile). The word wicked and the word evil in the Bible, both mean that what is being done or said is against the way of God. It is opposite of what is godly. It is false verse Truth, right versus wrong, or good versus bad. When we talk specifically about what is right versus wrong, or good versus bad, sin, evil, wicked, or false versus truth, everyone has their own opinion. As followers of Jesus Christ, He becomes our standard for what is right versus wrong, evil, sin, wicked, or false versus truth, etc., instead of human opinion or demonic ways (Devil led or influenced). As followers of Jesus Christ, He becomes our standard for what is right versus wrong, what is evil, sin, wicked, or false versus truth, etc., instead of human opinion or demonic ways. So, back to my thought which is found in the Bible, Matthew 6:13 and Luke 11: 4 which reads, “…but deliver us from evil” (or the evil one meaning the Devil), is a prayer that we must look at more closely as we attempt to live lives pleasing to our Lord. If our aim is to please Him, if our aim is to be like Him, if our aim is to be witnesses of Him, then He must be our focus.

We must get our ministry from Him so we can recognize when we are engaging in evil or being influenced by evil. Our ministry from Him comes through seeking Him; reading His Word, hearing the preached word, praying (having conversation with Him), singing songs that praise and worship Him, and by having fellowship with people who proclaim Him. As we involve ourselves with God we must allow His Words (and His Spirit) to penetrate our hearts and minds so that we become more and more sensitive to Him. The more sensitive we are to Him, the less we will engage in or be influenced by evil (See John 10:4, 5).

Let me reiterate my thought in different words. Evil is not a big bad monster. Evil is not only the Mafia or a corrupt government or a robber, thief or a liar. All of these represent evil in action. However, evil is a way that is not like God and is in opposition to His Word. It is in the heart and starts with our thoughts moving to our attitudes then to our words and actions. It is not always some scary, monster like being, or some Hilter like person.

Evil is a way that is not like God and is in opposition to His Word. It is in the heart and starts with our thoughts moving to our attitudes then to our words and actions.

Unfortunately, being born into this imperfect world through an imperfect being causes us to have evil within us. (I don’t want to be too preachy, but take a look at these verses: Psalm 51:5, Jeremiah 17:9). This is why we need Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior. He made the way for us that we do not have to (because of our nature) live doing evil. The entrance of Him and His words into our hearts is what produces real change in us, causing us to focus on Him and His Way. If our goal/focus is to please ourselves rather than seeking to please God, we have begun a subtle track toward evil. Evil is a power that opposes God and His way of doing things, aka, righteousness.

And let the truth be told, all of us want to please ourselves or be pleased. Actually, God takes delight in the pleasure of His saints! The key is that God is the One who ordains the Way. He, who created man, knows what man is made of and what man requires for true pleasure. Evil wants to trick us into believing that pleasure will come through some man made way, material things, a person, power, position; essentially, through our own righteousness (aka, way of doing things) then we begin to focus on and pursue this.

In and of ourselves, we do not have the power to take ourselves away from evil or evil influences (naturally-in the world or spiritually-the devil and his cohorts). We need the power of God to deliver us from evil.!

We need the power of God to deliver us from evil!

And when we believe that God is All Powerful, when we seek Him, and receive His way by allowing it to become our way through our willingness, words and actions, day by day we will walk in deliverance from evil. That is, from all those ways that oppose Him, that are contrary to His Truth, that don’t look or sound like Him, or that are counterfeits of Him. Our intimate relationships will change for good and we will begin to take pleasure in pleasing God. Then in God we’ll find true satisfaction, contentment, and joy that evil ways can never give us.

So let's begin to include in a part of our daily prayer, first, remembering that our Lord is the All Powerful God, who knows us well, and who is able to do exceedingly above all that we can ask, think, or even imagine. Then, asking Him to deliver us from our individual evil allowing Him to show us evil that might be present with us in our thoughts, attitudes, words, or actions, at work, at home, at school, at church on the football field, or wherever we may find ourselves.

As we do this, yielding to His Way, we will begin to see that living our lives God's Way overshadows evil and that God is always at work on the behalf of them whose hearts are turned toward Him!

Living our lives God's Way overshadows evil.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION

When He (Jesus) had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." Luke 5:4 (NKJV)

Today is somewhat of a free flow blog. My daughter, her husband and my eight grandchildren are moving forward to fulfill God's assignment given to them. For many years we have discussed, considered, figured it wasn't God's time, discussed, considered and waited. Until now.

The Lord has given them the go ahead!

A year or so ago, Ruben and Vicki went to the DR, along with their pastor, Brad Weir of City Church International, their oldest son and youngest daughter, to scout out the territory. But, it wasn't time to move. Much prayer and waiting and doing what was the assignment at the time continued. (Ruben serves as an associate pastor at City Church International (www.citychurchintl.org) The Lord has put in their hearts to establish an orphanage for the many homeless children that that live in the DR. The land is rich and beautiful, however also rich with many villages so much poorer than our poorest poor in America. Parents are overwhelmed trying to feed and cloth their children. The average income is $3,600. 00 per year, however the majority of the people live below the average income, so providing the basics is a financial burden. Many of these villages do not have access to indoor water, some bathing in dirty streams that they use for cooking and drinking. The Lord has given Ruben a tremendous burden to serve the poor families of his country. In practical ways that are spiritual, as well as sharing the Word of God with them. many of the people tend to be religious, not fully understanding relationship with God. Others live out worldliness, increasing crime and drug traffic in the country. Ruben and Vicki have a burden to bring biblical instruction that will help people of the DR to develop a relationship with God and His Word. They will eventually establish a school for the children and a missions center where people and organizations can help the people through short-term missions trips. Thanks to many who have given financial support, Ruben and the family will travel to the DR this month on a short-term missions trip so that all of the children can make a connection with their future, and to visit village families, provide them some food, clothing, school supplies, etc. (that many people have donated), check out the land to determine where they will begin the work of ministry to children and families, locate potential housing (for their intended 2009 move), and to visit family that most of the children have only seen via Internet or photos.

We are all so very excited about this trust that the Lord has given them to reach The people of the DR for Him!

Hopefully, you too will be excited and engage with them in this mission through your prayers, donations and financial gifts, and maybe in the future through a short-term missions trip. Please let us know if you are interested in joining them through one or more of these ways that you can help. As you consider, please keep them in your prayer as they proceed into the deep waters of God's plans for their lives. Ruben can be reached at Email: ruben.d@citychurchintl.org

*Above picture is Dominguez family minus the youngest

TIME IS NOW TO MOVE FORWARD

Let this word speak to your heart. Receive what God wants to minister to you; because it is time now for the people who know God to fill the earth with His glory: "You have to move forward. You cannot allow the circumstances in your life or the people around you to have negative affect on what I called you to and in what I am doing through you. It is time for you to arise and move forward in maturity. If no one goes with you, if no one follows you, you must still go and do what I have called you to. Let go of your attempts to keep everyone around you happy or at peace.

Choose this day whom you will serve!

Serving Me means being willing to allow others not to be pleased with you. It means dying to your need to be approved, accepted, and applauded by others. You must move forward! Get back into the swing. My anointing is upon you to do all that I have called you to and to fulfill my every plan and purpose for your life. I will handle the strife and contention that comes from your obedience to Me. I will smooth the crooked places. I will stand on your behalf and turn evil intentions to good for My Kingdom. Trust Me. Know that I Am with you, that I Am for you. Go forward. Do My will. Touch My people with Your gifts. Let Your confidence be in Me. Go forth, don't look back, no matter what go and do what I called you to." I asked the Lord, "tell me again, what am I supposed to do (for You)? His response, "I have already set you up. You are in place and in position to fulfill My plans. You know what to do. You know how. Time now to do it. I will bless you with the people who will help you to pursue all that I have put in your heart to do. But do not count on them, count on Me. Keep looking at Me, putting your hope and trust in Me. I will supply your every need. I am your Provider. Have I ever left you helpless? (selah-pause and think on this) Have I ever left you without a resource? (selah) I Am your Resource. Lock into Me for everything. This is the day that I have made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Go forward. Now is the time!" Isaiah 30: 18 Therefore, the Lord will wait that He may be gracious to you. And therefore He will be exalted and he will have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait on Him. (who put their trust in Him- Psalm 34:8) Note: Whatever you do, do it by faith operating in love knowing that God's grace is with you. Consider what this means if you are married, a minister or a caregiver. Love is always the answer. Love gives. (John 3:16). Always to give love is what God is calling His children to. Giving love will sometimes hurt you (dying to self); or it will hurt someone who requires tough love for the sake of their edification to come (refusing to sin for them). Love is not codependency. Love is according to God and His Word. Love and do. God will intervene for you.

TRUST IN THE LORD

I cannot believe that a month has gone by without a blog! Well, after the last blog, actually, at the time of the last blog, my family had to live out what I'd written about. That was, to be a godly example during times of illness. I learned that I had been walking around with pneumonia (I guess that is why it is called walking pneumonia-smile). One of my grand babies became very ill and a few other challenges with illness requiring us many interactions with doctors and other medical professionals.

I thank God for His grace that operated on our behalf and for those docs and other medical professionals that He used on our behalf! I believe that God received glory through our attitudes and behaviors (even when we had to apologize, repent and/or regroup) and the evil one's attempts to keep us from completing God's will were cancelled out.

Many folks were praying with and for us, and hopefully still are. "The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much!" Thanks so much to all of you who prayed for us!

My husband woke up my writing passion by assigning me the teaching/preaching responsibility this past Sunday. I taught/preached what the Lord was ministering to me. I'll only brief you.

If you'd like the notes from the message, please email me at christiantrngctr@aol.com and on the subject line put: Send Notes from 7/20/08.


TRUST IN THE LORD

with all your heart:

Proverbs 3 chapters 5 and 6 are well known verses:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)

It can easily become like a cliche', something that we say without full revelation, understanding, or compassion. As we take the time to prayerfully meditate upon the words of this passage, revelation and understanding will come that will cause the passage to actually become a part of your everyday life.

Trust, this is a word that all good relationships bank on, and that not so good relationships crave. To have a good relationship, trust is high priority.

Other words for trust are:

Rely on, depend on, lean on, believe in - to love (love and trust must work together for relationships to be healthy).

In order to trust, we must know something about the other person that gives us the sense that we can trust them. To trust in the Lord, means that we already have an understanding as to who He is, that is what “Lord” means, to even begin to decide to trust Him. What does the Bible mean when it uses the term Lord?

Lord means the One True God and speaks of God's unlimited power and authority. God, who revealed Himself as Jesus in the NT (read John chapter 1), is the Creator and made us in His image and likeness and knows our lives from the end to the beginning and is Present with us always (Emanuel, God with us) to help us live out this earthly existence according to His plans and purposes for our lives.

To trust with ALL of our heart indicates that we are to trust the Lord with all of who we are- with our whole being; with our mind, will, and emotions, with our inner man, with our life. Everything about us is to show that we trust in the Lord.

Recent scientific studies report that the heart functions as an intelligence center and communicates with the brain. The premise is that the heart has a belief system that is in communication with the brain. The belief system of the heart affects the bodies’ chemical makeup leading to a healthy being or destructive being.

When we read: Prov 4:23 , "Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life," in light of these scientific studies, we see that God, the Creator, knows all the details and functionality of the heart. If we do not keep our hearts, our lives and bodies are negatively affected (see Proverbs 3:8)

To capsulate, to trust the Lord with all of our heart, literally means to depend on, rely on, believe the Lord, the One True God who has unlimited power and authority, with all of who we are; for what we believe, or rather who we believe will show itself in our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual functioning.

Lastly, to trust the Lord with all of our heart means that we cannot lean on, that is trust in our human understanding. We must totally trust God’s Word to be the basis of our understanding. To acknowledge Him in all of our ways means that the Lord’s Presence in our lives, our real time relationship with Him, (which includes a desire to please Him/to do what He says), will be evident in all that we do, say, and involve ourselves in, to such a degree that He is actually directing our paths.

We do not have to figure out our next step if we trust the Lord with all our heart!

HEALING IS THE CHILDREN'S BREAD

Healing is His Children's Bread. I know this. I suffered longer than the woman with the issue of blood. My blood count lingered around 6.9 on many occasions. The year I received a letter telling me I was no longer anemic I was speechless - God is GOOD. Now my blood count stays above average and better than most men - according to the doctor!!

They are just practicing physicians but they need us to remind them of who is really in control. So when we become ill and have to visit them and they tell us they don't see a way past our issues. Just smile and tell them it's not up to them and God is in control. Sooner or later when they have given up on their limited knowledge they'll see God's hand at work when we are healed. But remember, if we don't go see them how else will they know - A Candle hidden under the bed does no one any good.

So go, let them spin their wheels, keep the faith and let God get the glory!! It's what we do that blesses the world, not what we say. Jesus' actions is what has allowed us salvation. He constantly mingled with those of little or no faith and showed them how to stand on the word of God. Love conquers all - I'm learning more and more everyday.

Edna, your friendly neighborhood Realtor Century 21 Town & Country 175 Cady Centre Northville, MI 48167 Office 248-349-5600 Fax 248-349-5828 Office 734-455-5600 Cell 313-418-9826

This blog is a note from my cousin in Michigan. Since my intention was to write a blog of the same title (unbeknowst to her), I thought to just publish hers.

Just to add to it: God many times uses physicians to bring healing. He allows many of them to be used in His healing process, so we don't have to be afraid of them. We must continue to know Who is in control, keeping our faith in God and pray for the medical professionals. Those who are not His will come away perplexed as He uses them to help in the process and/or as He does it without them! All doctors are not bad, though many of us have had some not so good experiences. We, however must use godly wisdom, trusting God with our lives, not man. Second opinions are good. Working with the doctors, (who are the experts in their field), is good. Unless, you suspect otherwise, then seek the Lord for direction. How we behave through the process, if godly, brings more glory to God and opens the eyes of those who don't know Him, more than the miracle of healing. While things are tough and we behave in a godly manner, exhibiting belief in God, with His love flowing through us, others will be touched. And who knows who will come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior because of our lifestyle witness when under pressure? God will get the glory and we will please Him. On the other side of Eternity, we will receive a sure reward!

Note: Not going to the doctor, or not taking your children, when you should, is not faith and is not good. If we trust God with our lives and listen to Him, we will be okay, even through the tough times of sickness and infirmity.

He promises to never leave us and never to forsake us!

Believe what His Word says: HEALING IS THE CHILDREN"S BREAD!!!!

LIFT UP THE STANDARD FOR THE PEOPLE: Says the Lord

Go through,
Go through the gates!
Prepare the way for the people;
Build up,
Build up the highway!
Take out the stones,
Lift up the banner (or standard) for the peoples!
Isaiah 62:10

God has always had concern for the people. The reason that Salvation (Jesus) came to earth to dwell among men, to be crucified, buried and resurrected, was for the people! The Lord spoke this Word to me not so long ago. I have read it, meditated and listened to hear His voice speak further regarding it.

This is what He shared with me and for me to share with you. Especially, you who are leaders; those of you who have received a call from God to help others come into a walk with Him and/or to come to a closer more developed relationship with Him.

God wants the people to be able to fully and freely worship Him. It is up to those He called to minister to the people, to make the way for the people that they then can put their focus on Him. He wants the people to be led to Him, with no obstructions or distractions, with no heavy burdens or protocol that may detain them from giving Him the praise and adoration that they tend to give to ministers (human representatives) who only work for God.

The Lord is calling the people back to Himself!

I have sat on this Word, listening to hear more clearly, I have recently heard other representatives of God proclaim the same or very similar message. God is speaking more directly to those He called to minister to the people saying,

“You have the responsibility of helping My people see Me. You must show them My ways and the Way to Me. It is not about you or your ministry growth. It is about My people knowing Me and growing in My love! How will they know lest I send them a preacher? And if I send a preacher who will not lead them to Me, then what is the purpose of your call?

Is it not to sacrifice your very own life and lifestyle that others can know Me in truth? Is it not about you and your family living for Me as a witness for others to see Me? Is it not about My Word, My Son who died to set the captives free? And rose that they might live a free life in Me?

I will snatch all that you have gained and garnered if it keeps you from the purpose for which I have called you! You will never lack if you fulfill My will for your life/for why I called you! My will for you is not how much you can gain in worldly possessions or attention. My will is that you proclaim Me, not just by words, but with your life – how you live it, and that you bear Kingdom fruit!

Fruit that says that the captives have been set free. Fruit that causes outsiders to recognize their need for Me. Get out of the circuits and the cliques; stop using all the clichés; it is time for My people to take Me and My Word more seriously and to move into a new way of being! To repent, (turn from…) and learn of Me that they, too, will bear fruit that represents Me!” (5/14/08)

Personally, I trust that the Holy Spirit will speak more clearly to you, that you will know specifically what this means for you, and that you will do whatever He says.

Lastly, another Word, also, He gave to me. Not just for me, but for you reading this, too:

Take heed to yourself
And to the doctrine.
Continue in them, for in so doing this,
you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
I Timothy 4:6

Many are called, but few are chosen. Those called indicate that they are chosen by what they do with the call God has given them. Will you do what God says to you or will you get caught up in this temporary life letting it lead you? I am still in a listening mode but as I write, am in the doing mode. With fear and trembling, doing what He has told me to do; fulfilling this assignment and moving forward to grow in representing Him in exactly the ways that He intends.

JEALOUSY… ANOTHER SIDE TO LOVE

Over the past few years, we have had the unfortunate opportunity of hearing and/or viewing sound bites of different people speaking. Sound bites are used to have others hear only a portion of what another person may be saying. These sound bites can be used to portray something negative about what the person has said, or positive. It all depends on the perspective or intention of the person presenting the sound bite.

If we do not research the sound bite, we will accept what was said as the end all commentary by that person. However, often when we do engage in further investigation of the sound bite, we learn that there was more to what the person said and that what they said did not come near to the understanding or surmise that we walked away with.

This happens, I find, with preaching the Gospel. Many of us church grown people hear and have heard statements about God, His Word or how we are supposed to be, for so long, that we accept them at face value. What I mean, is that we tend not to research what has been said or read. We develop our own conclusion about what was said or heard, which is often based upon someone else’s slant or our own life experiences and/or family and environmental background.

Many times these conclusions are false. Some walk away with thoughts about God and/or Christianity that are more negative than positive. But, dare not say this aloud to anyone else, especially a fellow Christian. What happens though is that our attitude, behavior and sometimes lifestyle show that we have a conflict with what and Who we say we believe.

You may still pray, continue as a churchgoer and doing the “Christian thing,” however carry with you bitterness and resentments toward God because you think that He has given you a hard Way to follow. Or, that what you have heard or read is just really so wrong of God that you are afraid to fully trust Him. Others walk away altogether, concluding that they will not serve a God who is so humanly negative.

This has happened with the following verse (sound bite) that we so often hear, but do we really understand?

One of the Ten Commandments:
(also found in Deut 5:1-22)
And God spoke all these words, saying:
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt,
out of the house of bondage.
"You shall have no other gods before Me.
Exodus 20: 1-3 NKJV
And
Exodus 20:5-6
…you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.
For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children
to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
but showing mercy to thousands,
to those who love Me and keep My commandments. NKJV

If we do not further investigate, we can leave these verses thinking that God has the human way of jealousy whose outcome is usually negative. The bigger problem that I see with the potential conclusions regarding these verses, is this:

If we do not see God as the One and Only God and
the CREATOR of everything or
if we do not believe that the Bible is True (a literal believing)
than we can only relate to God as being like a human being

and mainly because the unspiritual cannot understand spiritual matters (matters pertaining to the True and Living God). It is our belief (our heart of faith) in God that opens our eyes, hearts, minds, wills, and ears to greater understanding and revelation of God and His Word. We receive the power of the Holy Spirit that allows us to understand.

God being jealous is because He created us and everything else, so knows what is best for us and what will and will not work for us. What is good for us bringing us benefit and what is not good for us bringing destruction (our adversary’s goal is to kill, steal, and destroy, as many people as he can in order to keep them from serving Almighty God; and he will do so by using us against ourselves if he can).

God’s jealousy is actually another side of His awesome love for us.

God gives us every opportunity to know Him which we do not often realize. Knowing Him leads us to understanding His loving concern and care for us. People, and especially some of those who are supposed to represent our God (parents, preachers, teachers, etc.), or at least lead us to seeing Him in a good way, at times, act out the negative. These negative acting out incidences cause many of us to think that God is like that, too.

(And please, don’t misunderstand me, I don’t say this to demean anyone because we all have done negative things…sinned and fallen short. What I am referring to is a consistent lifestyle of negative, even though sometimes done in ignorance of what is God’s way of doing things.)

However, if you make a decision to further investigate God and His Word, with even an ounce of faith, He will reveal Himself to you allowing you to have a personal experience with Him. You will never walk away! And you will never again settle for a “sound bite!” You will develop a hunger and thirst for Him, for His way of doing things and a love for Him that motivates your life. You will also receive a new perspective, a good and positive one; a perspective that will fill you with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! (Romans 14:17)