By Pastor Laura
Stop that! Is that what you're confessing? Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Do you realize that you're doing exactly what the devil wants you to do? You're talking negatively about yourself. You're beating yourself up. You're hating on yourself. You're frustrated. You're depressed. Stop it! What we do when we walk with the Lord will not always be seen in the natural. What we do is seen in the "behind the scenes" spiritual realm. We plant seeds by our actions and the words we confess! Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” All we are supposed to do is focus on the Lord at all times. We don't go by what we see, what we feel, what we experience, what we taste.... we don't go by our flesh.... we go by our Spirit-man. Change your perspective! 1Corininthians 2:16 “…but we have the mind of Christ.” I had to do that and it's a daily struggle myself, too. I have to keep confessing... but remember, it's more than just confessing... you must also BELIEVE!!!! Mark 11:22 “…Have faith in God. Keep walking with the Lord always.... keep serving Him.... you may or may not see the seeds you sowed .... but you already do them whether you realize it or not.... Change your perspective and shut the devil down! Your thoughts are not your thoughts! If it is anything negative, then you already know it's not of God! God loves you and he knows your heart! Just keep walking with the Lord.... remember Peter walking towards Jesus on water? He tried... but he failed. Why? Because instead of keeping his eyes on Jesus, he looked at his surroundings (the storm) and started to sink. (Read Matthew 14:24-31) So, always keep your eyes on Jesus, no matter the storm, no matter your feelings, no matter your thoughts… We also have to change from our carnal thinking to Spirit-man thinking.... the devil hates that! Once you "hop over".... you will really realize... wow.... Remember, the devil rules the earth... we are in this world but not of it (John 17:14-15 and 1John 2:15). Confess to yourself, in the mirror.... "I am beautiful! I am prosperous! I am a great wife/husband! I am a great mother/father! I am wealthy and rich (does not always mean money)! I am healthy from the top of my head to the soles of my feet! I have a wonderful wife/husband! I have a healthy marriage! Everything I put my hands to has already prospered!".... and keep it going! Just remember, you must BELIEVE! Shut the devil up and shut the devil down!
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By Pastor Eric
Our faith should be more than just talk. Romans 1:17 says, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” As Believers, this is our lifestyle, or should be our lifestyle. We know that it is grace through faith we have salvation. That’s what it is written in Ephesians 2:8. Faith is the connector to the grace or free gift of God. Yet, without a corresponding action it doesn’t have any power. We must walk by faith, that is, to be in perpetual motion when it comes to our faith. Using our faith to guide us and to receive all that the Lord has provided for us. Mark 11:24, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” That is simply having faith. Once we’ve prayed, we then begin to act upon it. Step towards that, which we are believing for. By Pastor Eric
Grace is the connector between us and God, the Father. His grace flowed through Christ so that we could obtain a better covenant. Ephesians 2:8, 9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” It is the free gift from God and we cannot do anything of our own strength to get it. We simply receive. Let’s be clear, grace is not a free ticket to a sinful, sin-filled life. It is the power of grace that pulls us from it, not leads us to it. In John 1:17 it says, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Now moving forward, we can understand that this great grace has been given us to empower us towards a better life. A life full, and overflowing. Check out John 10:10 in the Amplified Bible sometime. Paul, one of the most powerful men to walk this earth, when speaking of his ministry said this. 1Corinthians 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” Though he was speaking of his work, he made it clear that it wasn’t in his power, but the power of God by grace. We are enabled to tap into this grace-power through our faith. We use our faith with purpose to show the grace of God in us to the world. 1Peter 4:10 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” By Pastor Eric
Looking around our society today, one thing that seems to be missing is honor. This goes beyond respect. To honor someone is an outward expression of respect. HON'OR, noun on'or. [Latin honor honos.] ( Webster’s 1828 Dictionary) 1. The esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation. 2. A testimony of esteem; any expression of respect or of high estimation by words or actions; as the honors of war; military honors; funeral honors; civil honors. 3. Dignity; exalted rank or place; distinction. Another way of saying this is to place value on a person. Notice that today this is not the norm. This is unusual to see instead of how we acted in the past. People honored and showed respect to others because of their age or their position. We used to honor those that were elected officials. Romans 13:7, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” I believe the word of God is pretty clear on this subject. Notice it doesn’t say, “Honor those whom you agree with, or those that give you something.” Ephesians 6:2 says, “Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise” Nowadays this is considered an antiquated ideal. Entertainment has turned this into a joke. Children act as if they are equal to their parents or more important than they are. Why? It’s simple really. When you remove value from human life, you remove honor. We now see that animals and trees are considered of equal value to people. Understand I’m not advocating abuse or neglect of animals. I’m stating the facts. There are those now suggesting that we should stop having children because the planet is so fragile. This is a lie. This has been perpetuated by satan to stop humanity completely. He knows his time is over and that soon he will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity. It’s time to take a stand against devaluing human life and bringing down everyone to a low commonality. Take time to show honor to those around. The police officer, those who serve in the military, mothers and fathers, pastors, the list goes on. Of course, we should also honor God. As it is written in Proverbs 3:9,10, “ Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” By Pastor Eric
Ah, frustration, we all have to deal with it. There are times when it seems as if the whole world is against us, or that nothing seems to be working in our favor. There are times when you may be dealing with things in your business, relationships or when people let you down. Maybe dealing with a health issue? What can you do? Let’s look at what David did when it seemed as if he was a complete failure and everyone was turning against him. 1Samuel 30:6 “ And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” That’s right, he encouraged himself in the Lord. Not in his own strength or power, but in the Lord. In Psalm 56:2-4 it says, “Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” Notice he turned his fear into trust. He made a quality decision to change his outlook. That’s what we must do as well. Stop fearing man and start trusting God! As we continue to put our trust in the Lord, we also begin to praise Him. Praise will set your mind at ease and get your focus on the one who has the answers to your frustration instead of the situation you’re facing. Psalm 16:7,8 “ I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” Psalm 62:6 “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved.” Make a decision that you will not be moved by your circumstances, no matter how bleak they may seem and be encouraged by the love of the Father towards you. Don’t allow frustration to have its way! By Pastor Eric
Secular humanists tell us that there are many ways to heaven. Just do good and be a ”decent” human being is all that really matters. Some will say that all faiths are good and we should strive to accept and be “tolerant” of others. Although doing good and being decent are wonderful attributes, they will not take you to an eternity with the Lord. After all if I’m okay and you’re okay, then we’re all okay. Relativism is king in the world view. This thinking is far from the truth of God’s word. There is no salvation in any of the Eastern Religions. Just ritual and meaningless chants, that will not bring true peace or tranquility. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and so many others fall short of salvation. Even some churches are not teaching the only way to salvation in an attempt to fit in culturally. Stating that we must be accepting of all faiths no matter what they believe. This isn’t in the Bible, though. Truth, there is but one way to salvation. John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” In Acts chapter 4, Peter is preaching and in verse 12 he said, “ Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” This may not be pleasant to the eyes and ears of some, but truth is truth. There is only one way to heaven and that is through the Cross of Christ. By Pastor Eric
We are living in a time when it’s perceived that every decision is based purely on emotion. This is promoted by the world and has no place on our lives as believers. Advertising, social media, news media, entertainment are all geared toward emotions and feelings. Pleasure and self-indulgence have taken priority over. It’s all about how you feel, how you look, how others see you, etc. This is worldly, flesh, carnal thinking. The way of the world is self-centeredness and that is opposite of and in direct conflict with the spirit-man. I’m not saying we have to live somber, boring lives, we just need to adjust our thinking. Romans 8:5-7 (AMP) “5 For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose].6 Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]; 7 the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot,…” When you continue on to verse 9 and 10, it says, “However, you are not [living] in the flesh [controlled by the sinful nature] but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God lives in you [directing and guiding you]. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him [and is not a child of God]. If Christ lives in you, though your [natural] body is dead because of sin, your spirit is alive because of righteousness [which He has provides].” This is where we need to see ourselves. Though our flesh has its own desires and cravings, that’s not who we are. We have been made righteous in Christ and not like the world. Don’t allow the world, your flesh, or carnality dictate your decision making. By Pastor Eric
Our faith is essential to our lives as Believers. We cannot accomplish anything without it. Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This is a good starting point. You can’t have faith in something or someone you know nothing about. This is why we go to church and study God’s Word, so we can build our faith. Our salvation comes by the grace of God, however, we need to engage our faith to receive it. We see that in Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” but it doesn’t stop there. Everything we receive is by grace through faith. Jesus said numerous times that it was the faith of the person and not just Him that they received healing. One example is in the book of Luke where Jesus was met by a blind man. Luke 18:41-43 “Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, “Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.” And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” In Hebrews chapter 11, we see a multitude of examples of what people accomplished by and through faith. Take time to read through that for yourself as a faith booster. Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” That same line was said in two other places, Habakkuk 2:4 and Galatians 3:11. When you see something repeated in the Bible three times, you can be sure it’s important. Be encouraged, stay in faith and don’t give in to pressure from the outside. 1John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” By Pastor Eric
Have you ever stopped and thought about negativity? Why is it so easy to become negative? It’s because of the influences in our lives, whether from our past experiences or present. We are surrounded by a negative world. We all know someone who can take the fun out of anything because of their negativity. What we allow to influence us, is what determines our results. Negative influence brings negative thought process and ends with negative results. This same principle applies to positive thinking as well. I’m not talking about the “power of positive thinking” that promotes intellectualism and self, although there is something to positive thinking. Negativity begins in our soul, our mind, will and especially emotions. Bad experiences, if not let go of, can keep us in bondage and not allow ourselves to think in a positive manner. The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7 it says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he:” You are what you think of yourself. Your self-perception is what you will reflect and ultimately become. If you see yourself as failing, damaged goods, can’t be happy, unlovable, etc., that’s exactly what your life will be like. However, thinking the opposite will bring positive results, because you will speak positive rather than negative. We have to change what and how we think. We must first get rid of the negative influences, such as media, including some social media. There are people you may need to keep your ears closed to. Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. Renew your mind with the Word of God. Believe what His Word says about you. Philippians 4:8 (AMP) “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” You have a choice to either stay a negative person or become a positive mindset person. It’s up to you and no one else has the power to change you. Here’s my challenge to you. As a lot of churches fast in some form or another, during January, how about fasting negative words, influences, thinking, and speaking? I believe if you do this for 21 days, you’ll be amazed at the outcome. By Pastor Eric
These days, it seems as if everyone is offended. Turn on the television, media is offended at our new President. Conservatives are offended by the media. Liberals are offended by the conservatives. Family offended by family, and on and on it goes. If these people would act right. This person said something that hurt my feelings. You get the picture. An epidemic of offense has erupted across the land. We as believers are to not fall into the trap of offense. Being offended only hurts you, not the person that has done or said anything to you. Look at Proverbs 19:11 (AMP) “Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].” It is wise to let grace abound and overlook people’s mistakes. That doesn’t mean we allow abuse to take place. There are consequences for every action, good or bad. To forgive and to show grace brings us to a place of peace and not anxiety. Proverbs 17:9 (AMP) “He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.” When we start murmuring and talking behind people’s backs, complaining to others about has been done, we are not walking in love. This can block the things God wants for you. It can block your healing by getting you out of faith. Look what happened to Jesus. He was in His hometown and ministering to the people, yet they couldn’t accept Him or what He was doing. Matthew 13:56-58 “ And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” What should we do? How can we not fall into the trap of offense? Here’s what it says in Ephesians 4:31,32 “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” When the opportunity for being offended comes, and it will come, step back and think about how much you’ve been forgiven. Choose not to be offended and walk in the fullness of God’s love and blessing. |
Author Occasionally Pastors Eric and Laura will write as the Lord leads them. There may be prophetic words or insights and revelation that have come to them. They share these with the intention that someone would be blessed and encouraged or admonished, something we all need once in a while. Archives
May 2023
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