Jun 18, 2007
PRAYER FOR THE LABORERS & APOSTOLIC PRAYERS FROM NT
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*PRAYER FOR THE LABORERS AND THE HARVEST
*APOSTOLIC PRAYERS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT
***
"PRAYER FOR THE LABORERS AND THE HARVEST"
~ L.D. Oxford
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Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. - Luke 10:2
Dear Father, My prayer today is that each person that follows this prayer will embrace you, and will move forward to become laborers for you in the way that you have planned for their lives. The harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few.
I pray that you will send many laborers out into the harvest in the coming days and weeks. And I pray, that the teams that you send will walk in unity together and with Love towards the brethren, and also in compassion for those who dont know you.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray. So be it! - L.D. Oxford
****
"APOSTOLIC PRAYERS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT"
~ L.D. Oxford
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"PRAYER FOR GREAT BOLDNESS -- WITH MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS"
…they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them…26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your Word with great boldness 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly. - Acts 4:24-31
"PRAYER FOR UNITY -- IN THE BODY OF CHRIST-- FOR THE LOCAL AND CORPORATE BODY."
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a Spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. - Romans 15:5-7
"PRAYER TO BE FILLED WITH JOY, PEACE AND HOPE"
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13
"PRAYER FOR ISRAEL -- TO BE SAVED THROUGH JESUS CHRIST (YESHUA)"
Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. - Romans 10:1
"PRAYER TO BE ENRICHED, NOT LACKING ANY SPIRITUAL GIFT -- BEING BLAMELESS ON THE DAY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST."
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way- in all your speaking and in all you knowledge-- 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be bleameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Cor. 1:4-8
"PRAYER FOR SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION -- FOR THE DESTINY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST."
…the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. - Ephesians 1:17-19
"PRAYER FOR STRENGTHENING -- WITH HIS POWER IN YOUR INNER BEING"
…out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. - Eph. 3:16-19
"PRAYER FOR GOD'S LOVE TO ABOUND -- WHICH RESULTS IN DISCERNMENT AND RIGHTEOUSNESS."
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God. - Phil. 1:9-11
"PRAYER TO KNOW GOD'S WILL -- TO LIVE A WORTHY LIFE, TO PRODUCE GOOD FRUIT -- BEING STRENGTHENED IN HIS POWER"
…we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. - Col. 1:9-12
"PRAYER FOR APOSTOLIC RELEASE IN MINISTRY -- AND TO ABOUND IN LOVE AND HOLINESS."
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith…May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else…13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. - 1 Thess. 3:9-13
"PRAYER TO BE COUNTED WORTHY AND TO FULFILL EVERY GOOD PURPOSE-- THAT GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED"
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. - 2 Thess. 1:11-12
"PRAYER FOR THE INCREASE OF WORD -- STRENGTHENING AND PROTECTION FROM THE ENEMY WITH PERSEVERANCE."
Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's Love and Christ's perseverance. - 2 Thess. 3:1-5
***
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Jun 13, 2007
"TO FIND A MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD -- PART 1
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"TO FIND A MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD"
Part 1
~ L. D. Oxford
Joshua-ap.net/
Dear Father, my prayer today is that everyone who reads and follows this prayer, will gain a hunger and thirst to seek after you, so that they may become intimate with you in the way that you desire through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
For it is out of that intimacy and Love for you that your people will find the ultimate destinies that you have for their lives. Because you first loved us, we can also love you in the most awesome way. And out of that intimacy, all true ministry will flow so that what you desire to do on this earth will be accomplished in the endtime harvest.
Also, I speak Restoration and Healing over every hurting person here, seeking after more of you. Also, speaking the blessing of the Lord over every forum and person on the e-lists and websites, and for the entire Body of believers who would cross our paths.
I thankyou Lord that your anointing is always here to meet the needs of every person.... and it's all because of your wonderful Love. In the name of Jesus Christ! So be it always! - L.D. Oxford
***
"EACH ONE OF GOD'S PEOPLE ARE CALLED BY HIM, TO SEEK HIS FACE"
David said in the Psalms: "When you said, 'seek My face,' My heart said to you, 'Your face, Lord, I will seek.'" ~ Psalms 27:8
"WE RECEIVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF GOD'S GLORY THROUGH BEHOLDING THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST."SEE 2 COR. 4:6
"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
"HOW SHOULD WE SEEK HIS FACE?"I WILL LIST A FEW WAYS TO GET STARTED BELOW:
Give God the time in your life that He so rightly deserves. Spend time with Him in your devotional life and in prayer. Get alone with Him. Make Him an important priority in your life. Spend enough time with Him, so that it will become a life-style for you.
Wait upon Him until His presence flows in you, and you have that divine release of His power to refresh your life. Love, worship and adore him during those times with Him. Talk to Him, and also take the time to listen. Study the Word of God until it becomes alive in you, and a part of you. It will renew your mind and refresh your spirit man.
REMEMBER: ISAIAH 40:31:
But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faith.
Also, Psalms 37:7, 9 says,
"For evil doers shall be cut off, But those who wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth."
Martin Luther was known for his devotion to God and for spending much time with the Lord on a daily basis. Once he said, and I quote: "I had so much to do today, that I had to wake up three hours earlier to pray."
That is something that the Lord taught me since a early age, and I had not always been consistant with it, but It grew on me over the years, and now it has become a life-style for myself, as well. Don't ever get so busy, that you don't have any time left for God.
There are even, ministers out there who are so locked into ministry, that God has been pushed out of the picture, and then, ministry can become focused too much on things, instead of the Lord Himself.
Most people try to fit God into their schedules, when they need to fit more into His schedule. When everything else becomes more important than God, then we can miss the whole reason for why we are living. Our living should be for Him, and not to just give Him a small piece of our lives. He wants all of it.
Cast all of your cares upon Him, and He will sustain your life and keep you on a strong foundation, when you choose to trust Him with your lives.
SEE PSALMS 55:22 -
Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Also, Philippians 4:6,7 -
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
"CHRIST'S INVITATION TO BRING ALL OF YOUR HEAVY BURDENS TO HIM" FOUND IN MATTHEW 11:28-30 -
"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Sometimes, it can be difficult and there are distractions to getting into that place of prayer. And sometimes it can be hard to concentrate, when our minds are filled with so much that may be going on in our lives. And the Lord does understand what we all go through.
But, we should not allow those distractions and upheavals to keep us from spending time with the Lord, and should work on dealing with the distractions and allowing God to take the first places in our lives.
When we do this, then He will bring the proper balance in our lives, and we will find more of our security in Him when this is done. He does not want any of us to put our security in the world, or in the ways of the world, or in things. Because all of those things are temporary in this life.
He wants us to put our security in Him and to store up those eternal things in our lives that will never pass away. God is eternal, His Word is eternal and our lives are eternal with Him, when we are anchored in Him.
Therefore, we have a bright future ahead with the Lord. That is something that the world system, people influence, or the devil cannot do for any of us.
If you do not have a good, photographic memory, then it is a good and helpful thing, to write a journal of your day to day life with the Lord. And it is also good to write down your prayer needs and the other things that concern your life. Then, keep it nearby, when you go before the Lord.
And when you go to Him in prayer, remember that you are not just going to God to give Him your list of things that you need Him to do for you. But you are going to come into His presence firstly, because you love Him, adore Him, and desire to worship Him from the heart.
Yet, the Lord still wants your prayer list too, because He cares about your needs. But when we seek Him first, love Him first, worship Him first, then you will begin to see, that the Lord will step in and begin to answer your prayers, more and more. Thats not to say that we won't still go through tough times, tribulations, or sometimes losses, which we all do.
But, it does mean that the outcome is in God's hands entirely, and He is the fulfiller of all things, which includes the things that He knows that we have need of. When we do the possible things that we know we should do, then, God steps in and will do the impossible. He has proven Himself many times over, throughout my entire life, so i know this to be true for a fact.
REMEMBER THIS:
Matthew 6: 33, But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Also, Romans 14:17-- For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteous, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Jesus said in Luke 17:21, Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! For behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.
The Lord compels all of His people who are called by His name, to seek after Him, to seek His face, to seek after His righteousness, to dwell in His presence, with the Kingdom of God, which is in you. So, He establishes His Kingdom in our hearts.
And, the Apostle Paul said, that the Kingdom of God was righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. So this is where we need to be with Him. Are you experiencing this in your life right now? If not, then it is time to make some changes.
LEARN TO PRAY THE WORD:
(After you spend quality time just loving the Lord, worshipping and adoring Him, and talking to Him)
"JUST TAKE SOME SCRIPTURES, PRAYERS AND PROMISES FROM THE WORD. AND PUT YOUR OWN NAME IN THEM, AND MAKE THEM A PART OF YOUR PRAYERS TO GOD."
Take a few scriptures during your devotional time with the Lord, and then direct those scriptures as a prayer back to God. It is very simple to do. Then, just pray whatever prayer that arises out of your heart. And it works.
Then, always take the time to get quiet before the Lord also, and to listen for His voice. If you will get into the cycle of doing this, you will not only grow in the Word and prayer, but your life will be transformed when the Word becomes alive in you. And as you spend more and more time with the Lord, then you will grow more and more intimate with Him.
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Home Central
"TO FIND A MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD"
Part 1
~ L. D. Oxford
Joshua-ap.net/
Dear Father, my prayer today is that everyone who reads and follows this prayer, will gain a hunger and thirst to seek after you, so that they may become intimate with you in the way that you desire through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
For it is out of that intimacy and Love for you that your people will find the ultimate destinies that you have for their lives. Because you first loved us, we can also love you in the most awesome way. And out of that intimacy, all true ministry will flow so that what you desire to do on this earth will be accomplished in the endtime harvest.
Also, I speak Restoration and Healing over every hurting person here, seeking after more of you. Also, speaking the blessing of the Lord over every forum and person on the e-lists and websites, and for the entire Body of believers who would cross our paths.
I thankyou Lord that your anointing is always here to meet the needs of every person.... and it's all because of your wonderful Love. In the name of Jesus Christ! So be it always! - L.D. Oxford
***
"EACH ONE OF GOD'S PEOPLE ARE CALLED BY HIM, TO SEEK HIS FACE"
David said in the Psalms: "When you said, 'seek My face,' My heart said to you, 'Your face, Lord, I will seek.'" ~ Psalms 27:8
"WE RECEIVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF GOD'S GLORY THROUGH BEHOLDING THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST."SEE 2 COR. 4:6
"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
"HOW SHOULD WE SEEK HIS FACE?"I WILL LIST A FEW WAYS TO GET STARTED BELOW:
Give God the time in your life that He so rightly deserves. Spend time with Him in your devotional life and in prayer. Get alone with Him. Make Him an important priority in your life. Spend enough time with Him, so that it will become a life-style for you.
Wait upon Him until His presence flows in you, and you have that divine release of His power to refresh your life. Love, worship and adore him during those times with Him. Talk to Him, and also take the time to listen. Study the Word of God until it becomes alive in you, and a part of you. It will renew your mind and refresh your spirit man.
REMEMBER: ISAIAH 40:31:
But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faith.
Also, Psalms 37:7, 9 says,
"For evil doers shall be cut off, But those who wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth."
Martin Luther was known for his devotion to God and for spending much time with the Lord on a daily basis. Once he said, and I quote: "I had so much to do today, that I had to wake up three hours earlier to pray."
That is something that the Lord taught me since a early age, and I had not always been consistant with it, but It grew on me over the years, and now it has become a life-style for myself, as well. Don't ever get so busy, that you don't have any time left for God.
There are even, ministers out there who are so locked into ministry, that God has been pushed out of the picture, and then, ministry can become focused too much on things, instead of the Lord Himself.
Most people try to fit God into their schedules, when they need to fit more into His schedule. When everything else becomes more important than God, then we can miss the whole reason for why we are living. Our living should be for Him, and not to just give Him a small piece of our lives. He wants all of it.
Cast all of your cares upon Him, and He will sustain your life and keep you on a strong foundation, when you choose to trust Him with your lives.
SEE PSALMS 55:22 -
Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Also, Philippians 4:6,7 -
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
"CHRIST'S INVITATION TO BRING ALL OF YOUR HEAVY BURDENS TO HIM" FOUND IN MATTHEW 11:28-30 -
"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Sometimes, it can be difficult and there are distractions to getting into that place of prayer. And sometimes it can be hard to concentrate, when our minds are filled with so much that may be going on in our lives. And the Lord does understand what we all go through.
But, we should not allow those distractions and upheavals to keep us from spending time with the Lord, and should work on dealing with the distractions and allowing God to take the first places in our lives.
When we do this, then He will bring the proper balance in our lives, and we will find more of our security in Him when this is done. He does not want any of us to put our security in the world, or in the ways of the world, or in things. Because all of those things are temporary in this life.
He wants us to put our security in Him and to store up those eternal things in our lives that will never pass away. God is eternal, His Word is eternal and our lives are eternal with Him, when we are anchored in Him.
Therefore, we have a bright future ahead with the Lord. That is something that the world system, people influence, or the devil cannot do for any of us.
If you do not have a good, photographic memory, then it is a good and helpful thing, to write a journal of your day to day life with the Lord. And it is also good to write down your prayer needs and the other things that concern your life. Then, keep it nearby, when you go before the Lord.
And when you go to Him in prayer, remember that you are not just going to God to give Him your list of things that you need Him to do for you. But you are going to come into His presence firstly, because you love Him, adore Him, and desire to worship Him from the heart.
Yet, the Lord still wants your prayer list too, because He cares about your needs. But when we seek Him first, love Him first, worship Him first, then you will begin to see, that the Lord will step in and begin to answer your prayers, more and more. Thats not to say that we won't still go through tough times, tribulations, or sometimes losses, which we all do.
But, it does mean that the outcome is in God's hands entirely, and He is the fulfiller of all things, which includes the things that He knows that we have need of. When we do the possible things that we know we should do, then, God steps in and will do the impossible. He has proven Himself many times over, throughout my entire life, so i know this to be true for a fact.
REMEMBER THIS:
Matthew 6: 33, But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Also, Romans 14:17-- For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteous, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Jesus said in Luke 17:21, Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! For behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.
The Lord compels all of His people who are called by His name, to seek after Him, to seek His face, to seek after His righteousness, to dwell in His presence, with the Kingdom of God, which is in you. So, He establishes His Kingdom in our hearts.
And, the Apostle Paul said, that the Kingdom of God was righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. So this is where we need to be with Him. Are you experiencing this in your life right now? If not, then it is time to make some changes.
LEARN TO PRAY THE WORD:
(After you spend quality time just loving the Lord, worshipping and adoring Him, and talking to Him)
"JUST TAKE SOME SCRIPTURES, PRAYERS AND PROMISES FROM THE WORD. AND PUT YOUR OWN NAME IN THEM, AND MAKE THEM A PART OF YOUR PRAYERS TO GOD."
Take a few scriptures during your devotional time with the Lord, and then direct those scriptures as a prayer back to God. It is very simple to do. Then, just pray whatever prayer that arises out of your heart. And it works.
Then, always take the time to get quiet before the Lord also, and to listen for His voice. If you will get into the cycle of doing this, you will not only grow in the Word and prayer, but your life will be transformed when the Word becomes alive in you. And as you spend more and more time with the Lord, then you will grow more and more intimate with Him.
As posted on:
Joshua AP Network E-list
Subscribe today!
Jun 12, 2007
"TO FIND A MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD" -- PART 2
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"TO FIND A MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD"
Part 2
~ L.D. Oxford
Joshua-ap.net/
OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER THAT CAN BLOCK YOUR PRAYER LIFE:
(This is not a complete list, but involves major areas of strongholds, where repentance may be needed. I listed mainly, the ones that are critical issues when dealing with alot of people, who have come for help and ministry over the years.)
Please, go through the list and address each of these areas honestly, just between you and God. In some cases, it may involve other people, so, you may need to go to some people to make things right before God.
Use this list of categories to go through in repentance, confessing your sins to God, and for anyone else involved also. Repentance will bring breakthrough in your lives and will free you up to become the people, that the Lord has destined for you to be.
*LIVE YOUR LIFE BY THE PRINCIPLES GIVEN IN THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD --THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD. THIS IS WALKING IN TRUTH AND WISDOM.
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
~ Matthew 4:4
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."- Romans 15:4
"And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which in in Christ Jesus. 16, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:15 -16
***
REPENT AND RENOUNCE ALL INVOLVEMENT AND TRAPPINGS OF THE OCCULT, Witchcraft, Channeling, Spiritualism, Divination, Graven Images, Idol statues, New Age materials, music etc. -- Get rid of all of those types of Books, Tapes, and Cd's, out of your homes, destroy them, and burn them.
Study the scripture references below:
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all [men]: and they counted the price of them, and found [it] fifty thousand [pieces] of silver. - Acts 19:19
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God. - Lev 19:31
And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many? - 2Ki 9:22
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. - Rev 2:20
Moreover the [workers with] familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD. - 2Ki 23:24
For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king. - 1 Sa 15:23
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? - Isa 8:19
EXAMPLES OF CURIOUS ARTS:
Magic, Black Arts, Witchcraft, Witch doctors, Shamanism, Wizardry, Necromancy, Divination, Tarot Cards, Conjuring up spirits, Rituals & Spells, all Occult related music, New Age related, use of Charms and Amulets, etc.
So, this would include anything that is Occult oriented and related to different types of Idolatry. These days, there are many other branches and avenues of the occult, and new age practices that would fit into this category, as well. Also, Harry Potter Books, etc.
CURIOUS ARTS DEFINITION:
Occult related, mysticism, magical arts; jugglery practised by the Ephesian conjurers. Ephesus was noted for its wizard and the "Ephesian spells;" i.e., charms or scraps of parchment written over with certain formula, which were worn as a safeguard against all manner of evils.
The more important and powerful of these charms were written out in books which circulated among the exorcists, and were sold at a great price.
***
"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth." - 1 John 1:6
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
- 3 John 1:4
***
LET YOUR LOVE TOWARDS OTHERS BECOME A MEASURING STICK OF YOUR LOVE TOWARDS GOD
"This will make you more mindful and alert, on how you treat others. Because, what you do towards people, is what you are actually doing towards the Lord."
Ye, have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 44, But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
45, That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46, For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? - Matthew 5:44-46
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. - Matthew 25: 35-46
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for another." - John 13:34,35
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. - 1 John 4:7-11
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? - 1 John 4:20
***
GET RID OF ALL UNFORGIVENESS -- and make things right with others when needed. Note: When we don't forgive and release others, then we cannot be forgiven by God either. He will hold this to our account, if we choose to hold on to unforgiveness.
When, you truly forgive others, then your conscience will become clear. And, if the other person involved refuses on their part, then leave the matter in God's capable hands and let Him deal with it.
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15, But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matthew 6:14 - 15
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 - But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. - Mark 11:25 -26
NOTE: IF THERE IS A PERSON THAT YOU HAVE A DAMAGED OR BROKEN RELATIONSHIP WITH
Confess your part of the wrong to God, and tell the Lord that you will go to the person and make things right. And if there is distance involved, then call them, or write them, and make thing right on your part. Don't try to justify yourself, just talk to them straight from the heart. Just do it! Then you will be forgiven by the Lord.
KEEP THE OFFENSES REMOVED FROM YOUR LIFE
Make peace with others quickly, if you feel that someone has somehow offended you, or if you have offended someone, then it is always best to get the problem settled quickly.
Don't allow it to get harbored in your mind. Go ahead and clear the air with others, when needed. It is best to just get it over with, because if you hold on to it, it will defile you and hurt you worse than the other person.
"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23, 24
"This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men." - Acts 24:16
"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." - Romans 12:18
****
BRING RESTORATION TO OTHERS
(Fellowship related guidelines for dealing with other believers)
Don't black-list other people. Just make the effort to go to them and talk about the fault without condemnation. Do your best to help them, and look for different ways that you may be able to minister to that person effectively.
If the person does not receive you, only then, should you take with you one or two others as a witness. Don't be judgemental, but treat them with respect when you see them, as to set a Christian example. You may win them over, when they see God's genuine love operating through you.
And then, if the person is still not repentant, it should be told to the Core-leadership of the Church, and let them decide how they are going to deal with the person, and any disciplinary measures that would need to be taken. And, from that time on, if the person did not show repentance, then you can count them as a heathen, as mentioned in the book of Galatians.
NOTE: A VERY SHARP CONTRAST TO HOW MANY BELIEVERS HANDLE THESE THINGS IN OUR DAY.
"It is always wise and best to stick with the guidelines shown in the scriptures, when dealing with people and problems in fellowship related situations."
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. - Matthew 18: 15-17
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." - Galatians 6:1
***
DON'T SLANDER, GOSSIP OR DEFAME OTHERS.
Don't talk behind people's backs, or gossip, because, it is equivalent to the sin of witchcraft, and you are binding others with evil words, when you speak it out. It's like speaking word curses, when you gossip, slander, or defamate another persons character.
It also shows other people, what kind of person you really are. So, don't do it, so that you may become known, as someone who walks in true Christian character and in godly wisdom.
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: - Luke 6:37
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful;
32, Who knowing the judgement of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. - Romans 1:29-32
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. - Galatians 5: 19-21
"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. - Colossians 3:12-15
***
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"TO FIND A MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD"
Part 2
~ L.D. Oxford
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OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER THAT CAN BLOCK YOUR PRAYER LIFE:
(This is not a complete list, but involves major areas of strongholds, where repentance may be needed. I listed mainly, the ones that are critical issues when dealing with alot of people, who have come for help and ministry over the years.)
Please, go through the list and address each of these areas honestly, just between you and God. In some cases, it may involve other people, so, you may need to go to some people to make things right before God.
Use this list of categories to go through in repentance, confessing your sins to God, and for anyone else involved also. Repentance will bring breakthrough in your lives and will free you up to become the people, that the Lord has destined for you to be.
*LIVE YOUR LIFE BY THE PRINCIPLES GIVEN IN THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD --THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD. THIS IS WALKING IN TRUTH AND WISDOM.
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
~ Matthew 4:4
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."- Romans 15:4
"And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which in in Christ Jesus. 16, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:15 -16
***
REPENT AND RENOUNCE ALL INVOLVEMENT AND TRAPPINGS OF THE OCCULT, Witchcraft, Channeling, Spiritualism, Divination, Graven Images, Idol statues, New Age materials, music etc. -- Get rid of all of those types of Books, Tapes, and Cd's, out of your homes, destroy them, and burn them.
Study the scripture references below:
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all [men]: and they counted the price of them, and found [it] fifty thousand [pieces] of silver. - Acts 19:19
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God. - Lev 19:31
And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many? - 2Ki 9:22
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. - Rev 2:20
Moreover the [workers with] familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD. - 2Ki 23:24
For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king. - 1 Sa 15:23
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? - Isa 8:19
EXAMPLES OF CURIOUS ARTS:
Magic, Black Arts, Witchcraft, Witch doctors, Shamanism, Wizardry, Necromancy, Divination, Tarot Cards, Conjuring up spirits, Rituals & Spells, all Occult related music, New Age related, use of Charms and Amulets, etc.
So, this would include anything that is Occult oriented and related to different types of Idolatry. These days, there are many other branches and avenues of the occult, and new age practices that would fit into this category, as well. Also, Harry Potter Books, etc.
CURIOUS ARTS DEFINITION:
Occult related, mysticism, magical arts; jugglery practised by the Ephesian conjurers. Ephesus was noted for its wizard and the "Ephesian spells;" i.e., charms or scraps of parchment written over with certain formula, which were worn as a safeguard against all manner of evils.
The more important and powerful of these charms were written out in books which circulated among the exorcists, and were sold at a great price.
***
"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth." - 1 John 1:6
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
- 3 John 1:4
***
LET YOUR LOVE TOWARDS OTHERS BECOME A MEASURING STICK OF YOUR LOVE TOWARDS GOD
"This will make you more mindful and alert, on how you treat others. Because, what you do towards people, is what you are actually doing towards the Lord."
Ye, have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 44, But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
45, That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46, For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? - Matthew 5:44-46
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. - Matthew 25: 35-46
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for another." - John 13:34,35
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. - 1 John 4:7-11
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? - 1 John 4:20
***
GET RID OF ALL UNFORGIVENESS -- and make things right with others when needed. Note: When we don't forgive and release others, then we cannot be forgiven by God either. He will hold this to our account, if we choose to hold on to unforgiveness.
When, you truly forgive others, then your conscience will become clear. And, if the other person involved refuses on their part, then leave the matter in God's capable hands and let Him deal with it.
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15, But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matthew 6:14 - 15
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 - But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. - Mark 11:25 -26
NOTE: IF THERE IS A PERSON THAT YOU HAVE A DAMAGED OR BROKEN RELATIONSHIP WITH
Confess your part of the wrong to God, and tell the Lord that you will go to the person and make things right. And if there is distance involved, then call them, or write them, and make thing right on your part. Don't try to justify yourself, just talk to them straight from the heart. Just do it! Then you will be forgiven by the Lord.
KEEP THE OFFENSES REMOVED FROM YOUR LIFE
Make peace with others quickly, if you feel that someone has somehow offended you, or if you have offended someone, then it is always best to get the problem settled quickly.
Don't allow it to get harbored in your mind. Go ahead and clear the air with others, when needed. It is best to just get it over with, because if you hold on to it, it will defile you and hurt you worse than the other person.
"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23, 24
"This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men." - Acts 24:16
"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." - Romans 12:18
****
BRING RESTORATION TO OTHERS
(Fellowship related guidelines for dealing with other believers)
Don't black-list other people. Just make the effort to go to them and talk about the fault without condemnation. Do your best to help them, and look for different ways that you may be able to minister to that person effectively.
If the person does not receive you, only then, should you take with you one or two others as a witness. Don't be judgemental, but treat them with respect when you see them, as to set a Christian example. You may win them over, when they see God's genuine love operating through you.
And then, if the person is still not repentant, it should be told to the Core-leadership of the Church, and let them decide how they are going to deal with the person, and any disciplinary measures that would need to be taken. And, from that time on, if the person did not show repentance, then you can count them as a heathen, as mentioned in the book of Galatians.
NOTE: A VERY SHARP CONTRAST TO HOW MANY BELIEVERS HANDLE THESE THINGS IN OUR DAY.
"It is always wise and best to stick with the guidelines shown in the scriptures, when dealing with people and problems in fellowship related situations."
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. - Matthew 18: 15-17
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." - Galatians 6:1
***
DON'T SLANDER, GOSSIP OR DEFAME OTHERS.
Don't talk behind people's backs, or gossip, because, it is equivalent to the sin of witchcraft, and you are binding others with evil words, when you speak it out. It's like speaking word curses, when you gossip, slander, or defamate another persons character.
It also shows other people, what kind of person you really are. So, don't do it, so that you may become known, as someone who walks in true Christian character and in godly wisdom.
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: - Luke 6:37
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful;
32, Who knowing the judgement of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. - Romans 1:29-32
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. - Galatians 5: 19-21
"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. - Colossians 3:12-15
***
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"TO FIND A MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD" -- PART 3
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"TO FIND A MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD"
-- Part 3
~ L.D. Oxford
Joshua-ap.net/
DON'T ENGAGE IN THE WAYS OF THE WORLD. Another words, don't live the way that the unsaved do, [putting a Christian name-tag on it.] God has called each one of us, to be remarkably different from the Kingdom of darkness.
"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear." - Psalms 66:18
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. - John 15:19
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. - Hebrews 1:9
***
GUARD YOUR LIFE: Don't engage in any sexual activity outside of the bonds of marriage, no matter what your reasoning is. Sex is for marriage only. And, if you are out of control, then seek out help immediately.
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. - 1 Cor. 6:9-11
Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. - 1 Cor. 6:15-20
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: - 1 Thessalonians 4:3
****
STAY AWAY FROM ALL INTERNET OR NON-INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY. It will destroy your life, your family, your ministry, and relationships with others. No, it is not okay!!!
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. - Luke 12:2
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. - Colossians 3:5-6
And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. - 2 Corinthians 12:21
***
GUARD YOUR TONGUE.
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. - Psalms 34:13
For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.- Psalms 109:2
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. - Proverbs 18:21
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. - Proverbs 21:6
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. - Proverbs 21:23
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: - Romans 3:13
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. - James 1:26
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. - James 3:6
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. - James 3:8
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. - 1 Peter 3:10
****
DO NOT TURN A DEAF EAR TO OTHERS IN NEED. Or the Lord may not hear your prayers when you are in need.
The young man said to Him, "All these commands I have kept; what am I still lacking?" Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." - Matt. 19:20.
"Sell your possessions and give alms; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Luke 12:44
"But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?"
- 1 John 3:17
***
THE NEW TESTAMENT APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY MODEL
See, Acts 2:44. - All those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began to sell their property and possessions, and share them with all, as anyone might have need.
Also, Acts 4:32-35. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.
And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles' feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need.
THIS IS THE WAY THEY DID to meet needs in the community the early church -- A clear example in the scriptures. But how many believers practice this? And how many fellowships do you know, that do this? Is it more like 1% or less in America and Western nations? And why is this?
Is it because Western Christianity picks and chooses, from the scriptures what they want to adhere to, and ignores what they do not want to apply to their lives and ministries?
It must be "Cafeteria Christianity". Just pick and choose what looks and tastes good, and ignore the things that don't taste so good, or appeal to us. Then, the left-overs get tossed out at the end of the day.
And only in third-world countries can the Apostolic Community Model be seen more in various places. I do believe that this is coming soon to America, and the Lord will arrange the circumstances for this to happen.
Persecution and crisis will bring this into effect, and will change the focus of the Body of Christ, more towards helping their communities, and each other.
BECOME A BLESSING TO OTHERS. Be willing to die to self at all costs. Selfishness means, that you don't care much about anyone but your own self-preservation.
Jesus laid everything down for you, so that you could receive eternal life, and experience the blessings of the Kingdom of God. The Apostles laid everything down and led sacrificial lives, and many missionaries on foreign soil have laid everything down for the Lord, so that a way might be made for others to experience the goodness of God.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left [their] nets, and followed him. - Matthew 4:19-20
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. - Matthew 10:37-38
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. - Matthew 16:24
And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. - Mark 8:34
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. - Mark 10:21
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. - John 12:25
GOD'S PEOPLE MUST BE WILLING TO LAY DOWN THEIR LIVES FOR GOD, AND FOR THE BRETHREN TOO.
The Western Christian world has not learned this yet, for the most part, but, in the Third-world countries, it is more widely known. They take care of their communities, as needed. Remember the following scriptures:
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13
Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren. - 1 John 3:16
TO SUM IT ALL UP: Keep your lives pure before God and walk in His love towards others.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. - 2 Cor. 7:1
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. - Eph 4:24
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. - Eph 5:2
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:7
Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. - Hebrews 12:14
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently - 1 Peter 1:22
And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. - 2 John 1:6
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"TO FIND A MORE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD"
-- Part 3
~ L.D. Oxford
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DON'T ENGAGE IN THE WAYS OF THE WORLD. Another words, don't live the way that the unsaved do, [putting a Christian name-tag on it.] God has called each one of us, to be remarkably different from the Kingdom of darkness.
"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear." - Psalms 66:18
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. - John 15:19
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. - Hebrews 1:9
***
GUARD YOUR LIFE: Don't engage in any sexual activity outside of the bonds of marriage, no matter what your reasoning is. Sex is for marriage only. And, if you are out of control, then seek out help immediately.
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. - 1 Cor. 6:9-11
Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. - 1 Cor. 6:15-20
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: - 1 Thessalonians 4:3
****
STAY AWAY FROM ALL INTERNET OR NON-INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY. It will destroy your life, your family, your ministry, and relationships with others. No, it is not okay!!!
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. - Luke 12:2
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. - Colossians 3:5-6
And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. - 2 Corinthians 12:21
***
GUARD YOUR TONGUE.
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. - Psalms 34:13
For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.- Psalms 109:2
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. - Proverbs 18:21
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. - Proverbs 21:6
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. - Proverbs 21:23
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: - Romans 3:13
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. - James 1:26
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. - James 3:6
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. - James 3:8
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. - 1 Peter 3:10
****
DO NOT TURN A DEAF EAR TO OTHERS IN NEED. Or the Lord may not hear your prayers when you are in need.
The young man said to Him, "All these commands I have kept; what am I still lacking?" Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." - Matt. 19:20.
"Sell your possessions and give alms; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Luke 12:44
"But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?"
- 1 John 3:17
***
THE NEW TESTAMENT APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY MODEL
See, Acts 2:44. - All those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began to sell their property and possessions, and share them with all, as anyone might have need.
Also, Acts 4:32-35. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.
And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles' feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need.
THIS IS THE WAY THEY DID to meet needs in the community the early church -- A clear example in the scriptures. But how many believers practice this? And how many fellowships do you know, that do this? Is it more like 1% or less in America and Western nations? And why is this?
Is it because Western Christianity picks and chooses, from the scriptures what they want to adhere to, and ignores what they do not want to apply to their lives and ministries?
It must be "Cafeteria Christianity". Just pick and choose what looks and tastes good, and ignore the things that don't taste so good, or appeal to us. Then, the left-overs get tossed out at the end of the day.
And only in third-world countries can the Apostolic Community Model be seen more in various places. I do believe that this is coming soon to America, and the Lord will arrange the circumstances for this to happen.
Persecution and crisis will bring this into effect, and will change the focus of the Body of Christ, more towards helping their communities, and each other.
BECOME A BLESSING TO OTHERS. Be willing to die to self at all costs. Selfishness means, that you don't care much about anyone but your own self-preservation.
Jesus laid everything down for you, so that you could receive eternal life, and experience the blessings of the Kingdom of God. The Apostles laid everything down and led sacrificial lives, and many missionaries on foreign soil have laid everything down for the Lord, so that a way might be made for others to experience the goodness of God.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left [their] nets, and followed him. - Matthew 4:19-20
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. - Matthew 10:37-38
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. - Matthew 16:24
And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. - Mark 8:34
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. - Mark 10:21
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. - John 12:25
GOD'S PEOPLE MUST BE WILLING TO LAY DOWN THEIR LIVES FOR GOD, AND FOR THE BRETHREN TOO.
The Western Christian world has not learned this yet, for the most part, but, in the Third-world countries, it is more widely known. They take care of their communities, as needed. Remember the following scriptures:
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13
Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren. - 1 John 3:16
TO SUM IT ALL UP: Keep your lives pure before God and walk in His love towards others.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. - 2 Cor. 7:1
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. - Eph 4:24
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. - Eph 5:2
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:7
Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. - Hebrews 12:14
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently - 1 Peter 1:22
And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. - 2 John 1:6
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"HOUSEHOLD SALVATION PRAYER FOR FAMILIES"
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"HOUSEHOLD SALVATION PRAYER FOR FAMILIES"
~ L.D. Oxford
Joshua-ap.net
"And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved." - Acts 11:13-14
"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." - Acts 16:31-32
***
Dear Father, I come to you on the behalf of those in the Body of Christ who have been praying for the salvation of family members. Unsaved husbands, wives and children included. And I ask that you would send your ministering Angels into each home, to minister to every person that is an heir of Salvation.
I take authority over the demonic strongholds that have caused friction and divisions in those marriages and families right now! And I bind up the enemy and rebuke Him from those families in the name of Jesus Christ.
And for those wayward children, I ask that you would draw them by your Spirit to come to know you, and that the yoke of rebellion would be broken from over there lives in the name of Jesus Christ. And that you would raise them up as the new breed of the Joshua Generation in the endtime, and they would be discipled, trained and equipped to win a lost and dying world for you.
I speak New Life, Restoration and Salvation over every family member represented here today, in the name of Jesus Christ. I thank you Lord for hearing our prayers and for the answers to our petitions.In the mighty name of Jesus Christ. So be it! ~ Pastor L.D.
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" - Heb 1:14
***
"NOAH PREPARED AN ARK FOR HIS HOUSE"
"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." - Hebrews 11:7
"GOD SENT JOSEPH TO SAVE HIS FAMILY"
"And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance." - Genesis 45:7
"And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land." - Genesis 45:18
"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." - Genesis 50:20
"MOSES TOOK A LAMB FOR EACH HOUSEHOLD"
"Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb." -Exodus 12:3
"RAHAB ASKED FOR THE SAVING OF HER HOUSE"
"Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee." - Joshua 2:12-14
"THE INFLUENCE OF ONE BELIEVING"
"For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy." - 1 Corinthians 7:14
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives." - 1 Peter 3:1
"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." - 1 Peter 2:12
(King James Version)
As posted on:
Joshua AP Network E-list
Subscribe today!
Home Central
"HOUSEHOLD SALVATION PRAYER FOR FAMILIES"
~ L.D. Oxford
Joshua-ap.net
"And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved." - Acts 11:13-14
"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." - Acts 16:31-32
***
Dear Father, I come to you on the behalf of those in the Body of Christ who have been praying for the salvation of family members. Unsaved husbands, wives and children included. And I ask that you would send your ministering Angels into each home, to minister to every person that is an heir of Salvation.
I take authority over the demonic strongholds that have caused friction and divisions in those marriages and families right now! And I bind up the enemy and rebuke Him from those families in the name of Jesus Christ.
And for those wayward children, I ask that you would draw them by your Spirit to come to know you, and that the yoke of rebellion would be broken from over there lives in the name of Jesus Christ. And that you would raise them up as the new breed of the Joshua Generation in the endtime, and they would be discipled, trained and equipped to win a lost and dying world for you.
I speak New Life, Restoration and Salvation over every family member represented here today, in the name of Jesus Christ. I thank you Lord for hearing our prayers and for the answers to our petitions.In the mighty name of Jesus Christ. So be it! ~ Pastor L.D.
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" - Heb 1:14
***
"NOAH PREPARED AN ARK FOR HIS HOUSE"
"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." - Hebrews 11:7
"GOD SENT JOSEPH TO SAVE HIS FAMILY"
"And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance." - Genesis 45:7
"And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land." - Genesis 45:18
"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." - Genesis 50:20
"MOSES TOOK A LAMB FOR EACH HOUSEHOLD"
"Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb." -Exodus 12:3
"RAHAB ASKED FOR THE SAVING OF HER HOUSE"
"Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee." - Joshua 2:12-14
"THE INFLUENCE OF ONE BELIEVING"
"For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy." - 1 Corinthians 7:14
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives." - 1 Peter 3:1
"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." - 1 Peter 2:12
(King James Version)
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