A FEW GOOD MEN

Billy Graham died: Time for a new generation to rise in spirit and truth -- with boldness and compassion as this man of God had! 2 Chronicles 29 King Hezekiah was only 25 years old when he brought forth a revival -- King Josiah in 2 Kings 22 was only 8 years old -- Right now there are pure young hearts God is planning to use as on behalf of this generation as many cry out as with Isaiah! Isaiah 6:8 8 "I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." With the passing of Billy Graham the mantle has fallen as it did with Elijah in 2 Kings 2 -- WHO WILL PICK IT UP?"

Acts 13:22 ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’

The Lord seeks a few good men, who will be courageous in the spiritual war of the last days.

A. We are not called to a flesh and blood struggle, but a spiritual war (Ephesians 6:10-20).

1. We need to understand the practical aspect of each piece of armor and us them.

2. To be carnally minded is death, but spiritually minded life and peace (Rom 8:6).

3. The Lord recognizes that ruling our spirit is greater than taking a city (Pr 16:32).

4. The man that cannot rule his spirit is a fool and like a broken city (Prov 25:28).

5. God’s grace in the gospel teaches us to be zealous in godliness (Titus 2:11-14).

6. If we overcome in this spiritual war, Jesus our Captain will honor us (Rev 2:26).

7. Gentle and meek, which David was, divides men (II Cor 10:1; II Samuel 3:39).

B. We are now living in the struggle of the perilous times of the last days (II Tim 3:1-13).

1. The conflict is greater and greater, as evil seducers are worse and worse (13).

2. We are not fighting Communists or Democrats, but carnal Christianity (1-5).

3. And we will endure persecution, if we truly live godly lives for Him (12).

4. The New Testament has numerous passages referring to our war (I Pet 2:11).

C. The Lord is not seeking a great host, but a dedicated and righteous few (Ezek 22:30).

1. Noah found grace in God’s eyes, and by himself saved his family (Genesis 6:8).

2. Ten righteous souls would have been enough to save Sodom (Gen 18:23-33).

3. Moses more than once saved the nation by his singular faithfulness (Ps 106:23).

4. Jesus wondered if He would find faith on the earth when He returned (Lu 18:8).

5. The faithful have always been a small group (I Kgs 19:18; Isaiah 1:9; Act 1:15).

6. Moses, Samuel, Noah, Daniel, and Job saved others alone (Jer 15:1; Eze 14:14).

D. Great men are now very rare, as God has judged America for its sins (Isaiah 3:1-26).

1. A virtuous woman is very rare (Prov 31:10), but so is a faithful man (Prov 20:6).

2. The situation has been, and is, dire (Jeremiah 5:1; Micah 7:2; Psalm 12:1).

E. Consider a few aspects of being a mighty man of valor for Jesus Christ, the Son of David.

1. The great men of God are men of the word of God (Joshua 1:6-9; Psalm 1:1-3).

2. The great men of God are men of prayer to God (Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10).

3. The great men of God communicate it to their sons (I Kings 2:2; I Chron 28:9).

4. Men of God know the value in unity (I Sam 23:16; II Kgs 10:15-17; Ps 119:63).

5. They led their women in the worship of God (II Sam 6:14-23; I Cor 14:34-35).

6. They taught their children the fear of the Lord (Psalm 34:11; 78:1-8; Joel 1:1-3).

7. The great men of God are those who serve others (Luke (9:46-48; 22:24-27).

8. The great men of God refuse to put anything evil before their eyes (Ps 101:3).

9. The great men of God know that even thinking foolishly is sin (Prov 24:9).

10. The great men of God know that to tame their tongue is greatness (James 3:2).

11. The great men of God are willing to commit severe self-denial (Matt 5:28-30).

12. The great men of God choose to be content with their wives (Prov 5:19).

13. The great men of God do not get bitter, but better, with their wives (Col 3:19).

F. It is the duty of great men to exercise daily to keep their skills sharp for certain conflict.

1. Soldiers in the past engaged in sword practice daily to retain and improve skills.

2. Our sword is the word of God, which requires daily effort (Ps 1:3; Acts 17:11).

3. We have the exercises of godliness to keep our spiritual life ready (I Tim 4:7-8).

G. It is the duty of great men to prepare the next generations for the warfare of the saints.

1. Militaristic cities like Sparta and Troy trained their children from youth for war.

2. It is our duty to prepare as many generations as possible (Ps 78:1-8; Joel 1:1-3).

H. We reject treacherous (Ps 144), sinful (Ps 101), carnal (Ps 1), or lazy men (He 6:11-12).

I. Together a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecc 4:9-12). Will we help each other?

1. A divided kingdom, house, or church cannot stand (Matthew 12:25; I Cor 1:10).

2. We must diligently endeavor to maintain the esprit de corps of Christ (Eph 4:1-6).

J. The above 37 are great men, but think of David and Jonathan together (I Samuel 23:16).

K. What can women do? They can pray for their man and all men and be great, loyal wives. 

L.Will you be able to end your life, as did Paul? “I have fought a good fight” (II Tim 4:7).

Bill & Gloria Gaither - A Few Good Men [Live]

Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.

WATCHING OVER YOU

Take care and be on guard for yourselves and for the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd (tend, feed, guide) the church of God which He bought with His own blood. I know that after I am gone, [false teachers like] ferocious wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; even from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse and distorted things, to draw away the disciples after themselves [as their followers]. Therefore be continually alert, remembering that for three years, night or day, I did not stop admonishing and advising each one [of you] with tears. Acts 20:28-31

And the LORD their God will save them in that day As the flock of His people; For they are as the stones of a crown, Sparkling in His land. Zechariah 9:16

WATCHING

alert, alertness, attentiveness, vigilance,watchfulness, surveillance, 

lookout, watchman

Psalm 32:8-10 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

2 Corinthians 8:21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the LORD but also in the eyes of man.

Job 34:21 "His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.

Amy Grant. angles lyrics

Psalm 91

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Guardian Angel

I've got my Guardian Angel watching over me;
Yet I must still step carefully.
I've been given the choice to decide;
But if I'm not careful I just might slide.

The same holds true for my spiritual walk.
I must take time with Jesus daily; and talk.
Cause if I'm not careful I could fall down;
Then my feet won't be on solid ground.

So I will live my life prayerfully;
And take each step through life carefully.

Then I'll be sure to keep
My Guardian Angel
Watching over me!

-- Danise Norwak Hahlbohm

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good.

Proverbs 15:3

The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.

Psalm 121:8

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry.

Psalm 34:15

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness,

Psalm 33:18

All Night, All Day / Safe Am I / God Is Watching Over You - The Bill Gaither Trio

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war."

Watching Over Me

GUARDING THE SHEEP

BEWARE OF WOLVES IN THE CHURCH

David Wilkerson

November 15, 2004https://worldchallenge.org/content/guarding-sheep

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Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.

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SECRET -- SECRET SOCIETIES

"I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. 

I SAID NOTHING IN SECRET.

John 18:20 

SECRET 

hidden, not acknowledged, closemouthed,

undercover, confidential, behind-the-scenes, hushed, private

It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

Ephesians 5:12 

Secret societies concentrate on self-fulfillment and improvement, 

rather than love for the One True God and love for others. 

God’s Word, the power of His Spirit, and the fellowship of other believers 

are within the scope of His design to draw us closer to Him and to each other.

SECRET SOCIETY 

any of various oath-bound societies often devoted to brotherhood, moral discipline, and mutual assistance

Should Christians be involved in secret societies?

"The very nature of a “secret society” goes against the very nature of the Christian belief.

The Bible is open to everyone and the call is for everyone to know the knowledge of Jesus Christ, Revelation 22:17.

Secret societies often have secret rituals, oaths and activities that are not only restricted to others but often have unknown origins and meanings to such rituals. Should a believer be reciting something that may be demonic or have an unknown meaning? The life of a Christian is an open-book. All believers live by the same manual—the Bible. It is open for discussion and goes through numerous translations.

Members of such societies often state that their organization is similar to the church. But where should a believer's allegiance be? One has to consider a few things:

Many societies require time and energy. Does this interfere with other personal time as well as time devoted to reading God's word or prayer?
Should I spend the same amount of time in witnessing to others in the community? Will this be a wiser choice for me?
Societies require an allegiance to them. Is there any higher allegiance than our allegiance with God? Why should a Christian consider this?
The direction of most societies is to help mankind instead of spirit-kind.
Dedication and commitment to a secret society lends itself on good works rather than faith in God.
Can a Christian be equally-yoked with a secret society and Christianity? Can a person give allegiance with non-believers and still speak of godliness? The Bible teaches us to be separate from the world.
A Christian's life should be an open book. Secret societies carry out their ceremonies behind closed doors and usually seek economic gain between members.
Americans have been intrigued about the mystery of secret societies but to the Christian, one should maintain its allegiance toward God and refrain from entities that not God-centered and will hinder us from doing God's will."

http://www.pastoralcareinc.com/…/a-christian-s-involvement…/

Ephesians 5[11] Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them. [12] For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in SECRET. [13] But when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible and clear there is light.

Matthew 5 [34] But I say unto you, SWEAR NOT SECRET at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [35] Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [36] Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [37] But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

2 Corinthians 6 [14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Matthew 7[21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Luke 8[17] For nothing is SECRET, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

"The Church of our Lord Jesus Christ is open to all tribes, cultures, color, peoples from all strata of society - rich, enlightened, poor, illiterate. 
Brethren should not be unequally yoked to cults or secret societies/fraternities with peculiar restrictions to entry. Though very often masked behind very noble themes, one can recognize the traditions of secret societies which may include some of the following:

1. Oath taking
2. Strange covenants
3. Unusual barriers to joining sometimes related to race, gender, social status etc.
4. Secret meetings excluding even family members often at night
5. Initiations sometimes disguised as harmless social activities
Difficulty to exit driven by fear
6.Extra-biblical knowledge and revelation and secret processes

The best defense is to know your Bible and seeking to know your God through His word. 
The word of God warns extensively that there are unfortunate consequences awaiting those who persist and refuse to repent and come out of shameful deeds done under the cloak of secrecy. 
Be careful of promises of gain and protection that are not biblical. Though we all have that innate need to prosper - this is not the way."

Dangers of Secret Fraternities, Christianity and the Bible
by olabode ososami

Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.

SOUL FOOD -- EAT THE BIBLE DAILY

You prepare a table before me 
in the presence of my enemies 
Psalm 23:5

THE INSPIRED SCRIPTURES
We need moral measurements as well as ways means to measuring time, weights, and distance.
Therefore we must rely on Biblical fundamental truths.
The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testament, are verbally inspired by God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct.

For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. Luke 24:27

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me John 5:39

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17

As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. 1 Peter 1: 10-12

So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2 Peter 1: 19-21

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy & my heart's delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16

Word Of God Speak - MercyMe

Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.

LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE -- COME QUICKLY LORD JESUS

ALONE

AT THE PEARLY GATES

Revelation 21:4

He The Pearly Gates Will Open 

" BUT ONLY THOSE WHOSE NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE" 

Revelations 21: 27

The New Jerusalem
Revelations 21: 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper. 12 It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15 The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall. 16 The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal. 17 And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards, according to human [o]measurements, which are also angelic measurements. 18 The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

22 I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 In the daytime (for there will be no night there) IT'S GATES WILL NEVER BE CLOSED; 26 and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; 27 and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, BUT ONLY THOSE WHOSE NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE.

The Final Message
Revelation 22:10 And he *said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.
11 Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.”

12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. 
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.
15 Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book;
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

https://billygraham.org/story/come-quickly-lord-jesus/

Come Quickly, Lord Jesus’

By Franklin Graham   •   June 6, 2008 

After His death and resurrection, Jesus ascended into the heavens, while disciples stood awestruck and attending angels made this promise: “This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11, NASB).

Unlike the incarnation, where our Savior’s full deity was cloaked in His humanity, the Second Coming of Christ will be visible to everyone on planet Earth. “For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:27, NASB).

For the believer who has placed his faith in Christ’s atoning work on the cross, it will be a time of great rejoicing. The dead in Christ, and those alive at His coming, will receive new, redeemed bodies.

For the unbeliever, however, it will be a time of terror and dismay, as they see the Savior they have rejected and scorned coming in great power and glory. Fear and trembling will overwhelm them as they await their final judgment and assignment to hell’s lake of never-ending fire.

Although the Bible says that certain signs will precede and accompany Jesus’ glorious return, it also tells us that no one knows the day or hour when it will occur. The Scripture’s emphasis is always on spiritual readiness.

The believer in Jesus Christ is to be eagerly watching and waiting for the return of the Savior. Like the servants in the parable of the talents, followers of Christ should be busy with the Lord’s work, using their time, talents, and resources for the sake of the Kingdom.

We also should be boldly sharing our faith with those who still live in spiritual darkness and death, telling them of the great joy of eternity with Christ and the great horror of eternity apart from Christ.

Above all, believers should be daily yielding to the rule and reign of the Holy Spirit, walking in holiness. “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, … you ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:10-11, NIV).

Throughout 2009, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will be focusing on the theme of the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove will feature numerous seminars on the return of the Savior. Our television programs, print materials, and Web site will regularly address the topic of Christ’s soon return.

It is my prayer that this emphasis will increase your love for the Savior, and encourage you in the faith. Death, sin, sickness, and every form of evil will be done away with as Jesus returns to establish His Kingdom. No more tears, no more pain, no more despair.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.