Jonathan David and Melissa Helser are a Christian couple who have released three studio albums with Bethel Music. The Helser’s projects include Endless Ocean, Bottomless Sea in 2014, On the Shores in 2015 and Beautiful Surrender in 2016. This worship-oriented couple have released one of my favorite versions of I Believe.
Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. 24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it], Mark 11:23-24.
One of the differences between a successful orayer life and an average one is belief. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus implores those in attendance to keep on asking God like the woman in the parable of the Persistent Widow. May today’s song challenge you to stop focusing on the mountains blocking you and start believing in the God of miracles.
The signs of this new age are everywhere. Advertisements, commercials. grocery store magazines, social media, and television. Sex sells went from a marketing plan in the 1980’s to a reality that has ushered in the age of deception and seduction. The American rock band Van Halen sang about a fantasy in Hot for Teacher in 1984 but this is now a weekly occurrence as female and male teachers are having sex with minors.
Why do you misunderstand what I say? It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying. [You cannot bear to listen to My message; your ears are shut to My teaching.] 44 You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false, John 8:44.
One of Jesus’ disciples’ points to the source of this deception and seduction. John remembers the day that Jesus blamed the Devil, giving this spiritual creature a nickname that still holds true: the father of all lies. Nonetheless, a second glance at the Tree of Knowledge is no different than any other daily decision to give into temptation. Like the prodigal son, the ecstasy of earthly pleasures replaces common sense.
And when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his place of confinement, 8 And he will go forth to deceive and seduce and lead astray the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth—Gog and Magog—to muster them for war; their number is like the sand of the sea, Revelation 20:7-8.
Unfortunately, it takes reaching the bottom of the barrel to wake up, Luke 15:15-16, and snap out of deception and seduction. As one of my former pastors preached about, sin stays longer than you ever expected. Like breaking any bad habit, you have to develop a sense of urgency to break free from addiction. May today’s blog serve as a turning point so you escape the wrath of God, Hebrews 10:26-27.
Believe is one of those words that can serve as a stumbling block if your words aren’t backed up by actions. Anyone can believe when you’re winning in life, experiencing more victories than losses. Yet, when bad things happen to good people, following the advice of Journey’s classic song, “Don’t Stop Believing” isn’t easy.
But someone will say [to you then], You [say you] have faith, and I have [good] works. Now you show me your [alleged] faith apart from any [good] works [if you can], and I by [good] works [of obedience] will show you my faith. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. So do the demons believe and shudder [in terror and horror such as [a]make a man’s hair stand on end and contract the surface of his skin]! – James 2:18-19
Today’s song is a collaboration, part of the Fearless Soul Collection. When I first heard this song on You Tube, I was reminded by words written by Jesus’ earthly brother. While demons believe in God, these fallen angels rebelled from God, following the arch angel Lucifer. In view of this passage, may your belief in God result in actions in the form of spiritual fruit.
Jesus models how to seek help from God daily in Mark 1:35-39. Jesus first took a walk every in the morning to clear His mind. After finding a solitary place where He could concentrate, Jesus began to pray in this place, pouring his heart out to His heavenly father. While John Mark doesn’t mention the length of Jesus’ prayer time, apparently, He had just concluded praying when the disciples found Him.
I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you, John 14:25-26.
While I haven’t taught in a decade and coached in 7 years, I have developed an eye and ear to help those in need. As long as I don’t put blinders on, I recognize the needs of my co-workers. Unfortunately, a lack of motivation often causes me to commit sins of inaction, James 4:14-17. Rather than be the hands and feet of Jesus, selfish ambitions and my sinful nature prevent me from doing what I know is right, Romans 7:15-17.
And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. 25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit [g]we have our life in God, let us go forward [h]walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] 26 Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another, Galatians 5:24-26.
According to the apostle Paul, the solution to human nature is keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. Just like Jesus fought off the desire to sleep in (hitting the snooze button today), the Spirit is willing but human bodies are weak, Matthew 26:41. Paul writes about willing your body like a professional athlete in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. If you’re like me, still struggling to constantly seek out those in need, pray verses Matthew 26:41 and Galatians 5:25 so God’s Spirit prevails, transforming you into a servant of Christ.
As a Roman Catholic teenager, Holy Communion was served every Sunday. When I started attending a Methodist Church in college, Communion was only held once a month. One of my favorite songs that prepared me for Communion was One Bread, One Body. I was introduced to this song on a Walk to Emmaus Weekend. Yet, there are new songs like Communion by Brooke Ligertwood.
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread and, [e]praising God, gave thanks and asked Him to bless it to their use, and when He had broken it, He gave it to the disciples and said, Take, eat; this is My body. 27 And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink of it, all of you; 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which [[f]ratifies the agreement and] is [g]being poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins, Matthew 26:26-28.
When churches were forced to close during the Coronavirus, Christians were deprived of this special experience with other brothers and sisters of faith. Hopefully, as things have gotten back to normal now in 2022, Communion Sunday is much more appreciated. May Brooke’s song Communion prepare your heart for the next time you break bread and pass the cup in church.
Revelation in the Bible is one of those books that you have to read multiple times to truly understand what’s going on and what has to occur prior to Jesus’ second coming. As I finish up my summer long study of Revelation, it’s amazing how much important information I picked up this time around. I’m not sure how I missed this content before, but John writes about the day heaven opened up.
After that I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse [appeared]! The One Who was riding it is called Faithful (Trustworthy, Loyal, Incorruptible, Steady) and True, and He passes judgment and wages war in righteousness (holiness, justice, and uprightness). 12 His eyes [blaze] like a flame of fire, and on His head are many kingly crowns (diadems); and He has a title (name) inscribed which He alone knows or can understand. 13 He is dressed in a robe dyed by [c]dipping in blood, and the title by which He is called is The Word of God, Revelation 19:11-13.
American businesses have a way with grand openings. Inside and outside before a now store opens, progress is made daily as buildings begin to take shape. Some may use countdowns; others promise free items for the first x number of customers, and I’ve been to openings with raffle prizes all day long. One of John’s final visions that make up Revelation is the day when heaven opens up for good.
And the troops of heaven, clothed in fine linen, dazzling and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth goes forth a sharp sword with which He can smite (afflict, strike) the nations; and He will shepherd and control them with a staff (scepter, rod) of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath and indignation of God the All-Ruler (the Almighty, the Omnipotent), Revelation 19:14-15.
The word “heaven” appears to 327 times in the Old Testament and255 times in the New Testament. What has always confused me is what happens to all the people who have died prior to Jesus’ second coming and the day of judgment. The best explanation is provided by one of Jesus’ disciples, 2 Peter 3:8. If time in heaven is infinite, this time gap will be taken care of. The most important thing is making your reservation now, 1 John 5:12-13, so when heaven opens for good, you’ll have a room waiting for you.
Evvie McKinney was recently recognized by K-Love Radio as one of 7 top emerging artists in 2022. One of Evvie’s songs that struck a chord with my soul is Just Like God. While listening to her lyrics, I was reminded of how God provides daily bread and meets my weekly needs. Unfortunately, I don’t time enough time to thank God for all the blessings in life that He has bestowed upon me.
Then Abraham looked up and glanced around, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering and an ascending sacrifice instead of his son! 14 So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide. And it is said to this day, On the mount of the Lord it will be provided, Genesis 22:13-14.
Abraham came to see God as Jehovah Jireh in the passage above. Some Bible scholars have suggested that Abraham believed that God would somehow resurrect his son Isacc if he went through with God’s call to sacrifice his son. Instead, God provided a ram caught in a thicket to spare Isaac’s life. Therefore, the next time the Lord provides something in your life, remember Evvie’s song Just Like God.
As a former professional athlete, part of my DNA is to find a way to improve daily. Sometimes this occurs naturally through trial and error, learning from the mistakes I make in life. While I rarely play video games anymore, I treat each day at work like a game, attempting to earn a new high score. This mentality was first conceived in me at a Youth Ministry Trade School that I attended in Minnesota back in 1993.
[Yet] first [you must] understand this, that no prophecy of Scripture is [a matter] of any personal or private or special interpretation (loosening, solving). 21 For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so—it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:20-21.
One of the methods Tentmakers incorporated was called “In What Ways Can We.” Using a tool called Green Light Thinking, students were given a few minutes to write down whatever came to your mind. Following this exercise, you would re-evaluate your list by adopting the best and most practical solutions. Since this 7-week training program transformed my life, this is who I’ve become, using writing as my ministry as I work to provide for my family.
I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now. 13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future], John 16:12-13.
The term Tentmakers comes from the apostle Paul who became a tentmaker to pay for his mission trips in the first century. While some churches did support Paul and his ministry team, making tents allowed Paul to follow God’s will for his life. Although I’d love to write full time as a screen writer or streaming service, my calling from God and inspiration is to share my faith through this blog, Express Yourself 4 Him.
Taylor, Madison and Logan Cain grew up in Alabama as preacher kids. One of the benefits of being homeschooled by their parents, it opened the door to start their musical career at an early age. As part of the group simply known by their last name, Cain was recently selected by K-Love Radio as one of 7 emerging breakthrough artists.
He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know [b]what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed [c]years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power. 8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth, Acts 1:7-8.
One of Cain’s most recent single Commission is based upon Jesus’ call to his disciples following his resurrection and just prior to his ascension into heaven in the Book of Acts. Based upon the lyrics, Cain is devoted to fulfilling this spiritual commission by using music to share their faith and love for Jesus. May today’s song inspire you to use your own spiritual gifts and talents to spread the gospel around the world.
While Paranormal Activity was a 2007 horror film, there have been several cable television spin offs based upon personal experiences with the spiritual realm, Ephesians 6:12. One of these newer shows is entitled Fact of Fiction where two different teams are sent to research and personally experience specific locations around the globe. While science has proven many to be coincidences or hoaxes, certain paranormal activity has been confirmed.
And when from a distance he saw Jesus, he ran and fell on his knees before Him in homage, 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, What have You to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? [What is there in common between us?] I [f]solemnly implore you by God, do not begin to torment me! 8 For Jesus was commanding, Come out of the man, you unclean spirit! 9 And He asked him, What is your name? He replied, My name is Legion, for we are many. 10 And he kept begging Him urgently not to send them [himself and the other demons] away out of that region. 11 Now a great herd of hogs was grazing there on the hillside. 12 And the demons begged Him, saying, Send us to the hogs, that we may go into them! 13 So He gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out [of the man] and entered into the hogs; and the herd, numbering about 2,000, rushed headlong down the steep slope into the sea and were drowned in the sea, Mark 5:6-13.
The Bible is filled with Paranormal accounts in both the Old and New Testament. One of the most intriguing cases is a man possessed by two thousand different demons. One of these demons caused this man to regularly cut himself, similar to the Self-Injury/Cutting phenomena that I came in contact with as a high school teacher. While psychologists still treat this condition today, do any attribute this to demonic influences?
Soon afterward, [Jesus] went on through towns and villages, preaching and bringing the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God. And the Twelve [apostles] were with Him, 2 And also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had been expelled; Luke 8:1-2.
There are other encounters in the Bible when Jesus tried to confront demons. Jesus discovered that some of these demons caused elliptic seizures, a loss of body control, and stuttering. Other spirits were attributed to various diseases, illnesses, and medical conditions. While I have met a Christian author who has devoted his ministry to examining the role demons play in paranormal activity, demonology is still one of those topics most Christians shy away from. May today’s blog open your heart to what’s really behind modern paranormal activity.
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