When GOD says "No".

One Command is that we are told to put on the full armor of GOD. Ephesians 6:11

Note: although this isn't the purpose of this post, but each piece of armor is JESUS! You put it (HIM) on by believing, and you are never told to take it off or that it falls off. Simply recognize HIM for every piece of the armor. Even on a per need basis.

Back to my main point:

God tells us to put on armor...

Have you ever told a child to put on his coat or hat before going out? Its a command but really its only for the good of the child (Mom and Dad don't really benefit by someone else wearing a hat).

Its the same as GOD's commands, they are all motivated by LOVE (which is only for your own good).

HE can not think or act otherwise HE is true to HIMSELF & it benefits you and us - because it is LOVE.

Since LOVE is always about the best interests for someone else (its never about me first).

When GOD commands or gives orders they are not for HIMSELF. They are all about you, or the greater good (the Church) HIS body.

At times we may give (as parents) certain demands or expectations on our children but they are either for their good or the good of the whole or entire family, which obviously includes them too.

GOD is just like that!

Now sometimes when you pray, you don't receive because you are praying or asking too low (too small). Like one of our kids wanting (requesting /praying) to Dad/Mom that they would like to munch on some potato chips.

Parents answer "no".

Why? The child doesn't know that the family is going out to eat and they are going to eat well having a great feast, but the child is asking to small, so the answer is no.

Keep in mind that everyone that talked with JESUS as HE walked about was all prayer.

It was all asking, talking, requesting - prayer!

When you ask a request in prayer, and you believe it's for the sake of LOVE and a legitimate request and you still get a 'no' (because the result didn't go as you suspected) then we quote from Norman Grubb who said "GOD'S "No's" are greater "yeses"!"

If you are asking too small and not getting then ask for larger! Or ask the LORD "what should I ask"? Looking for larger!

see 2 Kings 13:15-19 for one example, when they would've received way more but didn't.

Other times we ask too big and the answer out of love (its always out of love) is 'No' .

A parent wont allow something that will either destroy their child or hurt their sibling.

Either will GOD.

The answer is no.


In our family one brother may ask Mother (they ask some outrageous things sometimes but then again so do we, with GOD).

Son asks "Can I have all of my brothers _________ (insert item name). Candy, Cake, Toys, Baseball Cards

One of our sons once asked for his allowance and the allowance of his brother (because he reasoned he did more work).

My answer to them, "No".

The disciples and people asked JESUS some crazy things at times; like if they (James & John) could sit on JESUS left and right. See Mark 10:36-40

Huge request at the expense of everyone else - Answer 'NO'.

And many times we simply don't receive because we don't even bother to ask. "You have not because you ask not" see James 4:2-3

Lastly we need to learn when to ask and when to take.

Our authority as GOD's kids, is to take what HE already promised us. When my boys were younger, they asked us for everything. Now, as they get older, they know what they can take and usually what still needs asking for.

They don't ask, if they can have a drink or an apple or sit down and read a book. They often go into the kitchen and just take. They will often speak at school when other kids are tempting them to do or say something wrong. If they speak with confidence about what they know NOT to do, they don't come home and ask us first, they already know and speak.

I believe therefore I've spoken. 2 Corinthians 4:13

Many things we already know what GOD wants. And many things you already have, you just don't have the eyes to see it yet!

There is a time to ask GOD in prayer. There is another to use the authority HE has given you over evil.

I learned this lesson in a vision GOD gave me about 5 years ago.

Vision on authority and prayer

In my vision, I was in my home (my old house) and heard a sound by my front door.

When I went to check it out I saw a thief standing in my front doorway. In my hands I held 2 things.


In my right hand I had a loaded pistol. (Note: I don't own any guns this was a vision)
I had my title deed to my house (Note: they don't really give those things out like they used to)
Ok, so with loaded gun and title deed I was armed.

I pointed the gun to the thief and demanded that he leave!

He tried to speak and convince me (very well I might add) to give up the gun and title deed and hand them over to him instead!

And in my vision I was tempted to and felt pressure to give in to his crazy request.

Then my vision was over.

The LORD spoke: "the pistol was MY power and the title deed MY authority. You have both MY power and authority over the enemy".

I knew the devil was the thief.

Here's what I learned:

its my house, not the enemy. (this is my Fathers world).
the gun is loaded (HIS power is very real for the situation).
the title deed proves its my rightful place of authority, not the thief's.
the power of the thief (his doubts and lies are very convincing) to almost get me to put down my gun and hand it over with the title deed to him.
if the vision would have continued, I might have given in - it was that tempting.
the devil has no authority or power over GOD's kids (you and me). He's been defeated already at the cross. Colossians 2:14-16
Using our own family as an example we constantly see GOD heal us and give peace. We don't beg GOD to do it, as HE already told us to 'lay hands on the sick' or anoint with oil. If it persists, we can ask GOD to show us what we are missing or what else to do.

But we have to at times keep demanding the devil, or sickness or pain to leave.

It always does!

Because of JESUS we've have not had to take medications, or go to hospitals. From our kids getting nightmares and demonic attack (no more praise GOD) to pains and sickness, bumps, lumps and headaches to sprained (painful) hands, feet, legs. JESUS has healed all.

HE has filled teeth, taken pain away so many times. HE is Amazing LOVE.


We've seen cancer go, heart problems to good hearts, and answers to prayer for financial aid and victory over sins. What a champion!

I can't even begin to remember all the things HE has taught us and the many lives 100% changed by HIS GRACE - Amazing Grace!

HE is an ever present help in the time of trouble. Psalm 46:1 and we need HIM all the time!

pray without ceasing...1 Thessalonians 5:17

Remember HE is a GOD of faith, you must believe before your receive! Mark 11:24 and Matthew 21:22

Don't bother, if you wont believe HE hears and will answer specifically what you are praying for, as long as its motivation is LOVE. Isaiah 65:24

I will end with this story:

One of our best friends is a Christian Jew, (a complete Jew) and he said this:
(BTW: GOD healed him of cancer and his is in his 80's!)

"The Jews had no problem believing that JESUS would heal them, but for HIM to forgive sins, that was blasphemy. We Christians, on the other hand, have no problem believing HE forgives sins but not for healing!"

Satan continues to divide HIS word, and deprive the children.

But, HE loves to answer prayer! Rest in HIM, HE is holding on to you!

What the LORD just did for this little Greek waitress...

Ok, we know what the LORD showed me (about what 'Saved' means) through this grandmother Greek waitress but what HE did for her just last week blessed her immensely and me as well.

Read on...

A few weeks ago, I was visiting this same restaurant with our favourite Greek waitress, when she served us, I asked "How are you doing?"

She pointed to her neck and looking very sad, said that she had lost her cross necklace that she has had for over 30 years and never takes off!

She told us she never lost it before and it doesn't leave her neck - it was valuable, but more for sentimental reasons than its value as gold jewellery.

I told her that she should ask the LORD to show her where it is and that HE would reveal it to her.

Although she believes in JESUS she looked surprised by what I told her.

I reminded her that the Word says "You have not because you ask not." James 4:2
And told her a story about how I first learned that when my oldest son was about 5 or 6 years old and I had lost my drivers license.

I couldn't find my drivers license anywhere and never take it out of my wallet. I had my wallet but the only thing missing was the license? I looked everywhere, then asked the LORD to help me find it.

Note: 1 Isn't it funny we don't think to ask HIM first?
Note: 2 Also, when you ask you must believe - being desperate is helpful in prayer.
what I mean is don't make 'lip service' to GOD in prayer -either mean it or don't pray!

Anyway, I related this story to the waitress and told her that I couldn't find my license and prayed about it. The next day our oldest son, came to me and said he knew my license was under our stove.

Amazed I asked him how he knew it was there and he told me 'GOD told me'.
Because he was so convinced, I moved the stove (which is always a bit of a hassle) but low and behold it was there! Missing license!

Now, my son reminded me (because the LORD reminded him) that one day I was carrying my wallet and tripped in the kitchen, we have ceramic tile and the license popped out of my wallet and slid under the stove!

My son didn't see the license slid under the stove when it happened nor did I. GOD showed him. (if we saw it slid under the stove, we wouldn't need to pray about it).

Wow, through the 'mouths of babes' I thought.

Anyway I shared this story to our friendly waitress who had lost her cross/necklace.

She said "I have goose bumps, when you told me this story".

Of course she has met my family including my own 2 boys many times so she knew everyone in the story as I told it.

Well what happened?

Many days later I was back in the restaurant when she came up to me very excited.

"I have found my cross!" she practically shouted. And continued to tell me the place that she found it was not at home (where she thought it went missing) but near the garbage area at work on the floor in the restaurant.

JESUS got a little closer to her that day.

She told me when we were leaving that although she is now single - JESUS is her husband!

That is what GOD wants - enter HIS family, come to HIS table - enjoy HIS life!

Amen

How I learn what 'Saved' meant from a Greek restaurant waitress.

If you read my other blog post, I mention the Greek word 'Sozo' σώζω means; delivered, saved, provided for, healed.

But what this Greek restaurant waitress shared with me, really put it into perspective.

Here's how it happened (a few years ago)...

My Dad and I frequent this restaurant by our offices and over time have gotten to know some of the staff, including this little grandmother Greek waitress that has worked in this restaurant for many years.

Being there so many times, and joking around with her, one day I asked her what the word 'sozo' means?

She thought for a moment, un-sure how to answer.

I said, it was a Greek word in the new testament and she nodded like she now knew what I was getting at.

She put her arms (don't forget we are in a restaurant) but she put her arms pretending she was holding a baby and said...

"This is what that word means, it means a mother nurturing her baby".

Then I knew it!

When GOD saves you, HE loves you like a mother with her baby.
Feeding, nurturing, providing, protecting, holding, singing, comforting, healing.

Are you believing the whole Gospel or just parts of it?

Is JESUS only fire insurance to you? or is HE your 'all in all'?

Afraid to let HIM hold you?
Don't know that HE is in you?
Living through you?

So afraid of LOVE...

Only Believe -

LORD open their eyes to see.

'HE will quiet you with his love,
HE will rejoice over you with singing.' Zephaniah 3:17

True Riches! How do you get it?

As much as we like our sports around here, we Love our GOD around here but there is much to be learned as the LORD by HIS SPIRIT teaches us on what we often call it the JESUS JOURNEY (actually that was the name the LORD, gave me a while ago).

But here is what I am getting at; (without mentioning names, because we are all guilty before GOD when we stand without HIS covering, 'Righteousness' by GRACE.)

A golf player admits to problems, a Halfpipe bronze medalist in the Olympics has to leave the Olympics because of some embarrassing photos.

Both well decorated in medals, worldly honor and sport victories but disgraced.

I am not going to talk about people doing bad things and point fingers (the devil does a good enough job beating everyone up) but rather point to JESUS.

Here is what JESUS said: "So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?" Luke 16:11

We are reminded, of Esau, who couldn't care less of his 'birth right' and exchanged GOD's glory for worthless bowl of soup. See Jeremiah 2:11 and Romans 1:25

Note: the Birth Right represented 'JESUS'!

Yes, you might be saying, but how does that compare with these sports guys and their troubles?

Its all of us, it effects everyone.

How can we enjoy and participate in 'True Riches' when we don't handle worldly things properly?

Note: This is a great scripture that those money hungry tithe teachers throw at us to get us to give more but they can't be further from the truth!

Its not about giving more. Its about what do you love more?
or what loves you more? or who loves you more?

True Riches what are they? The better question is 'who' are they?
Riches don't necessarily mean money in the bank but an abundant life is a life walking with JESUS experiencing HIS love, hearing HIS voice and walking in HIS power.

Actually HIS abundant life or Kingdom is one of being blessed in every way. Not without our battles, or tough times, but with our GOD constantly delivering us, healing us, keeping us and providing for us!

True Riches - is JESUS and when you have HIM - you have all things, they are all yours in HIM. 1 CORINTHIANS 3:21—23

If you are foolish with the worlds values or other peoples things, then your attitude is wrong and how do you expect with that attitude to partake of GODLY riches, like the Fruit of the SPIRIT and the Gifts of the SPIRIT?

You see what is high valued among men is detestable in GOD's eyes and if you can't handle what GOD calls detestable (worldly things) properly, then how can you handle what is of real value? Luke 16:15

GOD loves you so much and HE is weeping over the state and shortness that we live in as we put our ideas and faith in things that HE says not to.

Not because "He wants it that way". NO and again NO!

Its because HE has a broken heart (sad heart) to see HIS kids live without HIS help, Provision.

You want to know what is GOD's wrath?
It is a loving Dad or Mother seeing her 2 year old take an end of a spoon and try to shove it in the electrical plug on the wall. Mother screams and dives for her little one pushing their little hands away with some force, knocking the spoon on to the floor. The little one, startled, starts to cry and Mother picks up her 'babe' and they hold each other as Mother whispers her thanks to "GOD" for protecting her little one.

That's Mothers Wrath!

That is what GOD wrath is like.

Not wishing any perish but all come to the truth. John 3:16-17 also 1 Timothy 2:4 and 2 Peter 3:9

Repentance - Have you done it?

Acts 5:31
God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.

Repentance is often taught that it is something we must do.

The command is 'repent and be baptized'.

So, its something I must do...Right or Wrong?

No, its a gift. That HE might give (gift) repentance. Its a gift (like everything else GOD gives us). All we do is choose it, or accept it!

Here is the Greek word for repentance "metanoeó"
meta is the first part and it means "with or after"
noeó is the second part and it means "consider, or understand"

Or, after understand.
We get the idea of re-thinking our position and turning around.

Problem, its a gift - nothing we do!

Malcolm Smith uses a great word picture of the act of repentance and I will try to capture what he says to you.

Picture the great story of the lost sheep. Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7

Ok, you are that sheep (so am I) as the scripture says 'all we like sheep have gone astray' Isaiah 53:6

So, we are sheep but not only that we are, you are, a lost and missing sheep. Now, sheep dont run away (like a dog or cat) they aren't like that, but they meander. They see what seems like better grass just a little bit 'over there' and slowly make there way to it.

They don't know, but they are leaving the best grass (because the Shepherd, knows the best watering areas and grassy fields) but the sheep are not willfully leaving the Shepherd but slowly by small wrong choices drifting further away.

But this loving Shepherd knows HIS sheep and realizes that one is missing (thats you) and risks everything to go look for you. Leaving the others behind safely in the pen looking for the one that is in danger, although not perhaps realizing the extent of the danger. Here is the sheep, alone, afraid, confused, in the dark and crying for help, crying for love.

Are you like that sheep - not knowing what went wrong, or what is wrong, but you know its dark, and its not supposed to be like it is.

JESUS the Great Shepherd is looking for you.

Here is what happens next (its repentance in action). The Shepherd with great joy finds HIS missing one and doesn't scold it, but picks it up and as Shepherds do, wraps it around HIS neck (so that their legs are hung over the shoulders of the Shepherd). The Shepherd doesn't say 'Sheep, go home, now that I've found you!'

NO!

He so identifies with the fearful, lonely sheep HE carries him around his neck.

Speaks to the sheep ever so softly - they are closely connected, in fact the Shepherd is bound to the sheep as HE carries him.

Is the sheep with the Shepherd - Yes!
Is the Shepherd with the sheep - Yes!

The sheep doesn't know what happened, nor is it smart enough to turn and go home when it was lost. It doesn't have to - the Shepherd knows!

When the Shepherd picks up and carries the little lost lamb, HE Repents!
Remember its a gift right!
He turns around and carries the lost lamb home!

Does the lamb turn around and head for home - Yes!
How?
By letting the Shepherd, who knows the way, who knows whats best, who loves and is willing to risk HIS life for this one, repents and turns around and goes home!

Are you trying to repent?

Or are you letting go, and letting HIM direct you and carry you into HIS arms,
into the FATHER and into HIS kingdom itself.

The Kingdom of LOVE, The Kingdom of Power.

Stop running little lamb and let the Good Shepherd carry you home! John 10:11

Simple Words

Just a refresher on a few biblical words and what they mean.

Faith in the greek πίστις translated pistis means 'Assurance' but it comes from the word peithó which means 'to put your confidence' or 'put your trust' in.

A child excersizes faith in Mother, knowing what she is like and what Mother already has said and done in the past. A child knowing Mother loves them, has confidence (Faith) (Trust In) what Mother said she is going to do.

Obey in the greek ὑπακούω translated hupakouó means 'Listen or Hear'

Sometimes when our kids do the wrong thing, we may say "You aren't listening!" In short, you are not being obedient. Paul makes a very unique statement in Romans 6:13-18 that its your choice (you are free not to) use your various body parts (members) to listen to the voice of what they call you to do (sin) which results in failure.

Everything has a voice and is calling you. JESUS is calling you, but so is temptation and its our choice not to listen (obey) the wrong voice but listen (obey) what GOD is saying to us at this very moment.

Sin in the greek ἁμαρτία translated hamartia means 'Failure'

The word Save or Saved is שַׁע
in hebrew and translated as yasha means to 'deliver or avenge'

In the greek Save or Saved is σώζω in greek and translated as sozo means 'to heal, restore, make well, deliver'.

Here is the word 'Saved' in OT and NT.

Psalm 44

⁵Through You we will push back our adversaries;
Through Your name we will trample down those who rise up against us.
⁶For I will not trust in my bow,
Nor will my sword save me.
⁷But You have saved us from our adversaries,
And You have put to shame those who hate us.

Who are our enemies now? Other nations? Is this our fight? Ephesians, 6:12

I think our enemies are GOD's enemies. Our enemies (GOD's and mine) are:

The World not the people in the world. 1 John 2:15-17

Religious Institutions not the people trapped in these institutions. Matthew 23:1-4

Sickness, Disease, Demonized not those who are victims of them. Luke 13:16 & Acts 10:38

Death not those that die. 1 Corinthians 15:26

Also Luke 9:56 ...for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to
save them.

Here is why the more I give up - I gain.

If you add anything to JESUS it becomes sin.

When we don't see JESUS alone as our 'all in all' then we are adding to HIM. There is nothing that can be added to complete perfection. HE is complete and everything is made for HIM and is IN HIM.

see John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16

Ok, now some of you know we have 2 boys.

Here is my question, are they our boys because of what they do?
Or, do they lose their standing as our sons because they've done something wrong?

No! They are simply our sons and we love them.
In fact we already loved them the moment they were born, and prayed over them when they were inside Mom (before they were born).

We loved them first! Sound familiar?

Let me explain...

(don't make your own judgements, read on and ask the HOLY SPIRIT
to reveal JESUS to you)

We are not trying to make enemies here but trying to show you the freedom you already have in JESUS! Galatians 5

Ok, here it is:

If its...
JESUS plus my bible reading - sin (which means failure)
JESUS plus church attendance - sin
JESUS plus my tithe or giving - sin
JESUS plus my own good works - sin (I am not like other people out there) see Luke 18:14
JESUS plus my prayer time - sin
JESUS plus my bible degree - sin

Here is the Divine Formula:
JESUS plus anything = failure
JESUS alone = success

Because if its not LOVE its sin!
If its not done for the good of (others and JESUS) its sin.

Here's the deal...
When you receive HIS love and realize its nothing to do with you
and only HIS love that keeps coming to you then...

You will have fellowship and not have to.
You will give and bless others not have to.
You will pray not have to.
You will witness effectively not have to.
You will do good not have to.

What made the difference?

You stopped everything you were doing and put your attention to JESUS alone.

We stopped tithing and GOD has blessed us to give as HE directs.
We stopped going and doing church and GOD has given us sweet fellowship with other believers and seeing the power of GOD.
We stopped trying to read the bible everyday and now can't put the book down.
We stopped praying (because its what we are supposed to do, doesn't the bible say to pray without ceasing ...pray without stopping?) 1 Thessalonians 5:17
What a joy to be continually talking with and about the ONE you love who is in LOVE with me.

Here is the key:

The bible talks about, over and over again about Law and GRACE.

Moses gave you the law but GRACE and TRUTH came through JESUS! John 1:17

The law means something fixed - it cannot be changed or broken. Everything that GOD says is law, since it is unchangeable and cannot be broken.

There are laws of the SPIRIT of LIFE and the law of FAITH but more on those later. There are also physical lessor laws GOD has created in nature but we are not discussing that here either.

But the law the bible talks about (over and over again) is the levitical law, meaning you must keep it or die!
We sort of sum them up into 10 commandments. But the purpose of the law is simply show you GOD's requirement and mans in-ability to keep it.

JESUS said that "Don't think I came to destroy the law but to fulfill it" Matthew 5:17
(HE is the only one who can)

Why?

Because HE is the only real 'Christian' (if I can put it that way). You can't, by your own efforts, keep or get to HIS standard - impossible! Every religion, cult, self help, church denomination tries to keep there own interpretation of the law (rules and requirements) and if you keep these you are in 'good standing' or upright. But its a lie! You are not good - but evil and have cut yourself off of GRACE trying to live that frustrated, angry, sin heaped, cursed life.

Because JESUS isn't good enough for you, you need HIM plus something more...

I beg you, challenge you, dare you to ask GOD to prove it and try HIS way.
Which is JESUS only.

When you read 'law' in the bible change the word to 'self effort' and you will see the meaning more clearly because that is what the bible warns you not to do! Live your life by your own effort.

What was JESUS big fight all the time because it wasn't with the freaks, bikers, outlaws, gangsters, thieves, prostitutes or outcasts - but it was to the good people, the church going, the sabbath keepers, the law abiding.

Why?

Only the sick need a physician - if you are good, then you obviously aren't looking for help.
Mark 2:17

But for us, that know we are nothing (in me dwells no good thing Romans 7:18) and know that our good deeds are filthy rags (don't even get me started on our bad deeds, if our good deeds are already filthy). Isaiah 64:4-9

Then we are poor, wretched, dumb, blind and naked on our own. Revelation 3:17


Galatians 2:21

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Trying to do it on your own - puts you in a place where you set aside GRACE and CHRIST's death has no effect for you.

As we say around here "hurry up and die already".