Godly Christian Ministries - New Articles - Writings BlogReaching out to the world to bring everyone under Christ Jesus!http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/encouragement/articles/recently-added-articles2018-08-28T00:59:00+00:00Joomla! - Open Source Content ManagementGod's Sovereignty in Time 2014-11-15T20:13:30+00:002014-11-15T20:13:30+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/126-predestination-free-will-timePeter Schrockgodlychristianministries@gmail.com<div class="feed-description"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A prevailing thought that has crept into christian thinking is that God is outside of time and that He observes the past, present, and future simultaneously. Since men believe they can grasp how God perceives time, they also think that they can interpret scripture from this perspective. As a result, they begin to interpret and filter everything as if all of time had already been completed and that the passage of time is only a figment of our perception. However, the writers of the Bible never intended to have man try to live this life or interpret what they wrote in anyway outside of the context of time as humans experience it. Therefore, when people begin to interpret all of time as a frozen image of the past, present, and future which God fashioned and placed on His wall to admire, they begin to fall into error and distort the intended meaning of what has been written.</p>
</div><div class="feed-description"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A prevailing thought that has crept into christian thinking is that God is outside of time and that He observes the past, present, and future simultaneously. Since men believe they can grasp how God perceives time, they also think that they can interpret scripture from this perspective. As a result, they begin to interpret and filter everything as if all of time had already been completed and that the passage of time is only a figment of our perception. However, the writers of the Bible never intended to have man try to live this life or interpret what they wrote in anyway outside of the context of time as humans experience it. Therefore, when people begin to interpret all of time as a frozen image of the past, present, and future which God fashioned and placed on His wall to admire, they begin to fall into error and distort the intended meaning of what has been written.</p>
</div>The Sin of Watching Hollywood Films?2013-12-12T00:30:56+00:002013-12-12T00:30:56+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/125-sin-watching-hollywood-filmsPeter Schrockgodlychristianministries@gmail.com<div class="feed-description"><p>The entertainment industry in the United States which is frequently nicknamed Hollywood is not at its “essence” satanic or antichrist. Its essence is “entertainment” or providing someone with enjoyment. However, the vast majority of the directors and producers are not believers and are therefore servants of Satan. These directors and producers try to provide enjoyment to their audience with foul wicked things and frequently portray what is evil as good. Nevertheless, there are some directors and producers in the entertainment industry that do produce products that are edifying and/or not defiling. Whether or not a film is full of perversion, people choose to view it for several reasons. Some are merely seeking entertainment, others are doing research for educational purposes, and still others end up watching it because of their company. Choosing to watch movies and TV shows produced by “Hollywood” should be done with caution and spiritual preparation for a potential trap of Satan.</p>
</div><div class="feed-description"><p>The entertainment industry in the United States which is frequently nicknamed Hollywood is not at its “essence” satanic or antichrist. Its essence is “entertainment” or providing someone with enjoyment. However, the vast majority of the directors and producers are not believers and are therefore servants of Satan. These directors and producers try to provide enjoyment to their audience with foul wicked things and frequently portray what is evil as good. Nevertheless, there are some directors and producers in the entertainment industry that do produce products that are edifying and/or not defiling. Whether or not a film is full of perversion, people choose to view it for several reasons. Some are merely seeking entertainment, others are doing research for educational purposes, and still others end up watching it because of their company. Choosing to watch movies and TV shows produced by “Hollywood” should be done with caution and spiritual preparation for a potential trap of Satan.</p>
</div>Our Approach 2012-10-14T12:34:06+00:002012-10-14T12:34:06+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/124-our-approach-Peter Schrockgodlychristianministries@gmail.com<div class="feed-description"><p>What approach do you take to living a holy righteous life? Some people emphasis how they approach God. Others stress how they approach Sin and the Devil. Others still talk about how they approach each other to become holy and righteous. In any case, it is important that we are approaching all of these in the proper way. If we try to approach the Devil like we approach God we will be destroyed. If we try to approach God like we approach what is evil, then we will not be able to draw near to Him. If we approach believers like we approach God or the Devil, we will either wind up empty or in a fight. God has given us the right approach to the Christian life and by following it we can grow in holiness and righteousness.</p>
</div><div class="feed-description"><p>What approach do you take to living a holy righteous life? Some people emphasis how they approach God. Others stress how they approach Sin and the Devil. Others still talk about how they approach each other to become holy and righteous. In any case, it is important that we are approaching all of these in the proper way. If we try to approach the Devil like we approach God we will be destroyed. If we try to approach God like we approach what is evil, then we will not be able to draw near to Him. If we approach believers like we approach God or the Devil, we will either wind up empty or in a fight. God has given us the right approach to the Christian life and by following it we can grow in holiness and righteousness.</p>
</div>True Assurance2012-01-04T07:21:28+00:002012-01-04T07:21:28+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/121-true-assurancePeter Schrockgodlychristianministries@gmail.com<div class="feed-description"><p>Great debate revolves around the topic of the assurance of the believer. This controversy stems from people’s understanding of the salvation and election of God’s children. While there are many different fundamental doctrines that fuel this debate, we will not find true understanding in this matter by arguing about such teachings. Rather, by looking into the scriptures, we can find some simple truths that fit nicely into the various orthodox beliefs held by both those that call themselves Calvinist and Arminian. These simple truths ultimately establish that outward transformation always accompanies true assurance of a right relationship with God.</p>
</div><div class="feed-description"><p>Great debate revolves around the topic of the assurance of the believer. This controversy stems from people’s understanding of the salvation and election of God’s children. While there are many different fundamental doctrines that fuel this debate, we will not find true understanding in this matter by arguing about such teachings. Rather, by looking into the scriptures, we can find some simple truths that fit nicely into the various orthodox beliefs held by both those that call themselves Calvinist and Arminian. These simple truths ultimately establish that outward transformation always accompanies true assurance of a right relationship with God.</p>
</div>The Beauty of Holiness2011-10-07T05:00:00+00:002011-10-07T05:00:00+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/116-the-beauty-of-holinessAlan Martinalan.martin@fpsk12.org<div class="feed-description"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">There is an external righteousness we must clothe ourselves with!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">We must “put on” the Lord Jesus Christ and clothe ourselves with every grace of His life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Let us put on lowliness so men can see an example of humble delight in doing His will.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Let us put on meekness that is clearly visible by “deeds done” in the meekness of wisdom.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Let us put on kindness that will lead men to repentance as they taste and see that the Lord is good from the good fruit of the Holy Spirit being produced in our lives.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Let us put on love which is the perfect bond of unity and men will recognize we are His disciples by the love they see we have for one another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Let us put on mercy and forgiveness so as to demonstrate to men how our Lord has loved us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Yes, external righteousness is equally important as internal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can not have one without the other.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can we show men our internal righteousness without works?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think not; rather, we must show the world our faith by our deeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
</div><div class="feed-description"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">There is an external righteousness we must clothe ourselves with!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">We must “put on” the Lord Jesus Christ and clothe ourselves with every grace of His life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Let us put on lowliness so men can see an example of humble delight in doing His will.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Let us put on meekness that is clearly visible by “deeds done” in the meekness of wisdom.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Let us put on kindness that will lead men to repentance as they taste and see that the Lord is good from the good fruit of the Holy Spirit being produced in our lives.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Let us put on love which is the perfect bond of unity and men will recognize we are His disciples by the love they see we have for one another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Let us put on mercy and forgiveness so as to demonstrate to men how our Lord has loved us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; color: #000000; font-size: small;">Yes, external righteousness is equally important as internal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can not have one without the other.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can we show men our internal righteousness without works?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think not; rather, we must show the world our faith by our deeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
</div>Missing the Way of Escape2011-10-07T02:03:50+00:002011-10-07T02:03:50+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/115-missing-the-way-of-escape-sp-21032Alan Martinalan.martin@fpsk12.org<div class="feed-description"><div>
<p>I have begun to realize that many believers have missed the Major Way of escape with it's extensive networks of helps. Many, many will be utterly shocked when they are shown the reason they missed so many of the small escapes was a direct result of missing the Major Way of escape. No one will ever miss the Major Way of escape by accident, it can only be missed by a persistent disregard of the abundant warning signs posted mile after mile on the way of life.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Consider the most common cause we miss the Major Way of Escape - NEGLECT!</p>
</div><div class="feed-description"><div>
<p>I have begun to realize that many believers have missed the Major Way of escape with it's extensive networks of helps. Many, many will be utterly shocked when they are shown the reason they missed so many of the small escapes was a direct result of missing the Major Way of escape. No one will ever miss the Major Way of escape by accident, it can only be missed by a persistent disregard of the abundant warning signs posted mile after mile on the way of life.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Consider the most common cause we miss the Major Way of Escape - NEGLECT!</p>
</div>Setting Things Straight2011-10-06T05:00:00+00:002011-10-06T05:00:00+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/111-setting-things-straightAlan Martinalan.martin@fpsk12.org<div class="feed-description"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;" align="center"><span new="New">Isaiah delivered a message to the “watchmen” of Israel –“<em>I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night</em>. <em>You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give Him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.”</em> Is 62:6-7 The Septuagint uses an orthopedic term for “establishes” that literally translates as “MAKE STRAIGHT”. Yahweh wants things MADE STRAIGHT so that Jerusalem will become the praise of the earth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span new="New">The LORD is never impressed with “straight theology” and “crooked ways”. We should never deceive ourselves into believing that agreeing with Him in how we should be acting is acceptable; NO – He demands conformity to His will in speech and conduct. Consider this verse in Proverbs 16:1 with the same Greek word “make straight” – “<em>Let the heart of a man consider righteousness in order that his FOOTSTEPS SHOULD BE SET STRAIGHT by God</em>.” God demands our walk equal our talk.
</div><div class="feed-description"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;" align="center"><span new="New">Isaiah delivered a message to the “watchmen” of Israel –“<em>I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night</em>. <em>You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give Him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.”</em> Is 62:6-7 The Septuagint uses an orthopedic term for “establishes” that literally translates as “MAKE STRAIGHT”. Yahweh wants things MADE STRAIGHT so that Jerusalem will become the praise of the earth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span new="New">The LORD is never impressed with “straight theology” and “crooked ways”. We should never deceive ourselves into believing that agreeing with Him in how we should be acting is acceptable; NO – He demands conformity to His will in speech and conduct. Consider this verse in Proverbs 16:1 with the same Greek word “make straight” – “<em>Let the heart of a man consider righteousness in order that his FOOTSTEPS SHOULD BE SET STRAIGHT by God</em>.” God demands our walk equal our talk.
</div>His Ways are High Ways2011-10-06T05:00:00+00:002011-10-06T05:00:00+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/112-his-ways-are-high-waysAlan Martinalan.martin@fpsk12.org<div class="feed-description"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;" align="center"><span new="New">Highways are not a natural phenomenon - they must be constructed. Highways are what make traveling in well developed countries safe and efficient. Vehicles last longer and long distances are covered in much less time than in undeveloped countries where roads have not been so well constructed. </span><span new="New"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">Have we realized that the Lord has constructed a super High Way called "The Way of the Lord?" The prophet Isaiah saw it being built in a vision (the Highway in the Wilderness) and described the construction: "Prepare ye the WAY (highway) of the Lord"... </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">Every Valley shall be FILLED</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">Every Mountain and Hill shall be MADE LOW</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">The ROUGH WAYS shall be made SMOOTH</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">The CROOKED WAY shall be made STRAIGHT</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">When Valleys are FILLED, Mountains are MADE LOW, Rough ways made SMOOTH, and Crooked ways made STRAIGHT, you have LEVEL GROUND that makes traveling EASY!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">This is the High Way Jesus traveled. He called His own journey "easy" and His burden "light". He traveled with JOY in the WAY His Father had prepared, in fact He DELIGHTED to walk in the Way of His Father.
</div><div class="feed-description"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;" align="center"><span new="New">Highways are not a natural phenomenon - they must be constructed. Highways are what make traveling in well developed countries safe and efficient. Vehicles last longer and long distances are covered in much less time than in undeveloped countries where roads have not been so well constructed. </span><span new="New"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">Have we realized that the Lord has constructed a super High Way called "The Way of the Lord?" The prophet Isaiah saw it being built in a vision (the Highway in the Wilderness) and described the construction: "Prepare ye the WAY (highway) of the Lord"... </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">Every Valley shall be FILLED</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">Every Mountain and Hill shall be MADE LOW</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">The ROUGH WAYS shall be made SMOOTH</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">The CROOKED WAY shall be made STRAIGHT</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">When Valleys are FILLED, Mountains are MADE LOW, Rough ways made SMOOTH, and Crooked ways made STRAIGHT, you have LEVEL GROUND that makes traveling EASY!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span new="New"><span style="color: #000000;">This is the High Way Jesus traveled. He called His own journey "easy" and His burden "light". He traveled with JOY in the WAY His Father had prepared, in fact He DELIGHTED to walk in the Way of His Father.
</div>What the Law Can Not Do - Christ CAN!2011-10-06T05:00:00+00:002011-10-06T05:00:00+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/114-what-the-law-can-not-do-christ-canAlan Martinalan.martin@fpsk12.org<div class="feed-description"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span new="New"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">What is it that the Law can not do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are two things that the Law is unable to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us know this one – “<em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For the Law makes nothing perfect” – “therefore by the Law shall no flesh be justified.”</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second thing the Law can not do goes hand in hand with the first and underscores the reason for the Law’s inability to make perfect or justify anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul put it this way: “<em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For if there had been a Law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by Law</em>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span new="New"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">We can see from these two truths that it takes LIFE to produce RIGHTEOUSNESS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no life to be found in the Law, only rudimentary principles, ie the basic precepts of God’s order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What the Law could not do, God did by sending His own Son in the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Law had no life to give, so God sent His only begotten Son and IN HIM WAS LIFE and the LIFE was the light of men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This LIFE of God in Christ Jesus is “<em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the Law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE</em>” whereby all the righteous requirements in the Law are fully met by those who walk according to the SPIRIT<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Whose mind is LIFE AND PEACE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LIFE produces RIGHEOUSNESS and PEACE is the FRUIT of RIGHTEOUSNESS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mind of the Spirit is the very LIFE of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit speaks the words of Jesus which are SPIRIT AND LIFE to those who are LED BY HIM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those led by the Spirit of Life are living by the WORDS OF LIFE.</span></span></span></p>
</div><div class="feed-description"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span new="New"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">What is it that the Law can not do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are two things that the Law is unable to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us know this one – “<em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For the Law makes nothing perfect” – “therefore by the Law shall no flesh be justified.”</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second thing the Law can not do goes hand in hand with the first and underscores the reason for the Law’s inability to make perfect or justify anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul put it this way: “<em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For if there had been a Law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by Law</em>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span new="New"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">We can see from these two truths that it takes LIFE to produce RIGHTEOUSNESS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no life to be found in the Law, only rudimentary principles, ie the basic precepts of God’s order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What the Law could not do, God did by sending His own Son in the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Law had no life to give, so God sent His only begotten Son and IN HIM WAS LIFE and the LIFE was the light of men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This LIFE of God in Christ Jesus is “<em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the Law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE</em>” whereby all the righteous requirements in the Law are fully met by those who walk according to the SPIRIT<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Whose mind is LIFE AND PEACE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LIFE produces RIGHEOUSNESS and PEACE is the FRUIT of RIGHTEOUSNESS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mind of the Spirit is the very LIFE of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit speaks the words of Jesus which are SPIRIT AND LIFE to those who are LED BY HIM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those led by the Spirit of Life are living by the WORDS OF LIFE.</span></span></span></p>
</div>The Meek He Shall Guide2011-09-12T05:00:00+00:002011-09-12T05:00:00+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/109-the-meek-he-shall-guideAlan Martingodlychristianministries@gmail.com<div class="feed-description">"The Meek shall He guide in judgment, the Meek shall He teach His way"
<p>Why are the Meek the ones who our Lord guides? Perhaps the answer is in the meaning of the word itself. Meekness is a "learned restraint" (taught by the Holy Spirit) that brings carnal impulses under the rule of "self-restraint". Meekness was a word used to describe the well trained Greek war horse that had been broken of yielding to "IMPULSE" and trained to respond only to its rider's command.</p>
<p />Walking according to the flesh is merely surrendering to its constant carnal "impulses". No one can "keep in step with the Spirit" who is continually yielding to the "impulses" of the flesh. If we are ever to follow Jesus Christ, we must learn to "deny" the impulses of "self". The "MEEK" have learned the purpose and blessing of "self-restraint" or "self-denial" and thus in refusing to respond to the impluses of the flesh, they are enabled to wait for the "leading of the Holy Spirit." This is why the "MEEK" are guided by the Lord and taught His way. They "deny themselves" so that they can follow the Lord Jesus.
</div><div class="feed-description">"The Meek shall He guide in judgment, the Meek shall He teach His way"
<p>Why are the Meek the ones who our Lord guides? Perhaps the answer is in the meaning of the word itself. Meekness is a "learned restraint" (taught by the Holy Spirit) that brings carnal impulses under the rule of "self-restraint". Meekness was a word used to describe the well trained Greek war horse that had been broken of yielding to "IMPULSE" and trained to respond only to its rider's command.</p>
<p />Walking according to the flesh is merely surrendering to its constant carnal "impulses". No one can "keep in step with the Spirit" who is continually yielding to the "impulses" of the flesh. If we are ever to follow Jesus Christ, we must learn to "deny" the impulses of "self". The "MEEK" have learned the purpose and blessing of "self-restraint" or "self-denial" and thus in refusing to respond to the impluses of the flesh, they are enabled to wait for the "leading of the Holy Spirit." This is why the "MEEK" are guided by the Lord and taught His way. They "deny themselves" so that they can follow the Lord Jesus.
</div>All I Want Is...2011-03-05T06:00:00+00:002011-03-05T06:00:00+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/102-all-i-want-isPeter Schrockgodlychristianministries@gmail.com<div class="feed-description"><h6 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In the moment of desperation when every attempt seems to fail the cry arises, “all I want is...”</h6>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
This little phrase which I have said both in my heart and with my mouth many times in the past has now become a great indicator of what my greatest desire is in a particular moment. Recently, I have had some difficulty with my eyes after one of the lenses to my glasses got lost in the woods. As a result, I found an old pair of glasses to wear from about 6 years ago. Things were blurry, but it was much better than trying to wear a pair of glasses that only had one lens. Nevertheless, one thing was clear, if I didn't get a new pair of glasses soon I was going to be getting head aches and having a difficult time reading. Therefore the same day I lost the lens I went to an eye doctor that assured that I they could get me a new pair of glasses with in a week. Nearly three weeks later and having been told that my glasses should have come in on 6 separate dates, my eyes were really starting to bother me, and I found the cry coming up from my heart: “all I want is to get my glasses so I can see.”
</div><div class="feed-description"><h6 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In the moment of desperation when every attempt seems to fail the cry arises, “all I want is...”</h6>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
This little phrase which I have said both in my heart and with my mouth many times in the past has now become a great indicator of what my greatest desire is in a particular moment. Recently, I have had some difficulty with my eyes after one of the lenses to my glasses got lost in the woods. As a result, I found an old pair of glasses to wear from about 6 years ago. Things were blurry, but it was much better than trying to wear a pair of glasses that only had one lens. Nevertheless, one thing was clear, if I didn't get a new pair of glasses soon I was going to be getting head aches and having a difficult time reading. Therefore the same day I lost the lens I went to an eye doctor that assured that I they could get me a new pair of glasses with in a week. Nearly three weeks later and having been told that my glasses should have come in on 6 separate dates, my eyes were really starting to bother me, and I found the cry coming up from my heart: “all I want is to get my glasses so I can see.”
</div>Overwhelmed or Overwhomed?2011-02-23T06:00:00+00:002011-02-23T06:00:00+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/101-overwhelmed-or-overwhomedAlan Martingodlychristianministries@gmail.com<div class="feed-description"><p style="text-align: center;">We can have two reactions to tribulation - we can be OVER-WHELMED if we focus on the details of the difficulty and potential pain and suffering about to occur; or,<br /> we can allow ourselves to be OVER-WHOMED by focusing upon<br /> the One WHO holds our lives in the palm of His hand.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When our focus in upon Him - this is our reaction:<br /> "who can be against us?" "What can separate us from His love for us?"</p>
<p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">"Thou wilt keep in PERFECT PEACE him whose mind is steadfast<br /> because he is staid upon THEE!"</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We should check our reactions to sudden difficulty to learn where our focus is.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Are we seeing WHAT might happen or are we seeing<br /> Him Whose grace is always sufficient?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We will nearly always submit to what we have focused our thoughts upon. If we focus upon the danger or the difficulty facing us, we will submit ourselves to fear and our actions will indicate where our focus is.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When we become more conscious of His sufficient grace than we our of the degree of difficulty we are in our, actions will begin to reflect the calm assurance derived from focusing upon the One WHOSE love nothing can sever.</p>
<p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">"Though a thousand fall at my left hand, ten thousand at my right hand<br /> it will not come near me."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">May we learn to cease being overwhelmed by<br /> the WHATS of life</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">and be steadfastly OVERWHOMED by</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">the HIM of LIFE!</p></div><div class="feed-description"><p style="text-align: center;">We can have two reactions to tribulation - we can be OVER-WHELMED if we focus on the details of the difficulty and potential pain and suffering about to occur; or,<br /> we can allow ourselves to be OVER-WHOMED by focusing upon<br /> the One WHO holds our lives in the palm of His hand.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When our focus in upon Him - this is our reaction:<br /> "who can be against us?" "What can separate us from His love for us?"</p>
<p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">"Thou wilt keep in PERFECT PEACE him whose mind is steadfast<br /> because he is staid upon THEE!"</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We should check our reactions to sudden difficulty to learn where our focus is.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Are we seeing WHAT might happen or are we seeing<br /> Him Whose grace is always sufficient?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We will nearly always submit to what we have focused our thoughts upon. If we focus upon the danger or the difficulty facing us, we will submit ourselves to fear and our actions will indicate where our focus is.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When we become more conscious of His sufficient grace than we our of the degree of difficulty we are in our, actions will begin to reflect the calm assurance derived from focusing upon the One WHOSE love nothing can sever.</p>
<p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">"Though a thousand fall at my left hand, ten thousand at my right hand<br /> it will not come near me."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">May we learn to cease being overwhelmed by<br /> the WHATS of life</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">and be steadfastly OVERWHOMED by</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">the HIM of LIFE!</p></div>This is My Command2011-01-29T06:00:00+00:002011-01-29T06:00:00+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/35-shortn-sweet/97-this-is-my-commandPeter Schrockgodlychristianministries@gmail.com<div class="feed-description"><h6>“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”</h6>
<p>Though many of us know that we should love each other, the weight of this instruction is often held lightly. If we truly understood what was at stake if we did not keep this command, it would likely motivate us all the more to learn how Jesus actually loved His disciples.</p>
<p>Jesus was patient when His disciples didn't understand Him. He explained simple truth again and again when they failed. Though He was honest, He was never obnoxious nor did He treat them like they were worthless. Rather, He sought their good even unto the sacrificing of His soul. This is the kind of love we are called to have toward one another.</p>
</div><div class="feed-description"><h6>“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”</h6>
<p>Though many of us know that we should love each other, the weight of this instruction is often held lightly. If we truly understood what was at stake if we did not keep this command, it would likely motivate us all the more to learn how Jesus actually loved His disciples.</p>
<p>Jesus was patient when His disciples didn't understand Him. He explained simple truth again and again when they failed. Though He was honest, He was never obnoxious nor did He treat them like they were worthless. Rather, He sought their good even unto the sacrificing of His soul. This is the kind of love we are called to have toward one another.</p>
</div>I Heard a Still Voice2011-01-06T06:00:00+00:002011-01-06T06:00:00+00:00http://www.godlychristianministries.com/cm/index.php/articles-sp-2690/10-spiritual-growth/78-i-heard-a-still-voiceA. B. Simpsongodlychristianministries@gmail.com<div class="feed-description"><p align="left"><i>"There was silence, and I heard a still voice" (Job 4:16, margin).</i></p>
<p align="left" />A score of years ago, a friend placed in my hand a book called True Peace. It was an old mediaeval message, and it had but one thought--that God was waiting in the depths of my being to talk to me if I would only get still enough to hear His voice. I thought this would be a very easy matter, and so began to get still. But I had no sooner commenced than a perfect pandemonium of voices reached my ears, a thousand clamoring notes from without and within, until I could hear nothing but their noise and din. Some were my own voices, my own questions, some my very prayers. Others were suggestions of the tempter and the voices from the world's turmoil.
</div><div class="feed-description"><p align="left"><i>"There was silence, and I heard a still voice" (Job 4:16, margin).</i></p>
<p align="left" />A score of years ago, a friend placed in my hand a book called True Peace. It was an old mediaeval message, and it had but one thought--that God was waiting in the depths of my being to talk to me if I would only get still enough to hear His voice. I thought this would be a very easy matter, and so began to get still. But I had no sooner commenced than a perfect pandemonium of voices reached my ears, a thousand clamoring notes from without and within, until I could hear nothing but their noise and din. Some were my own voices, my own questions, some my very prayers. Others were suggestions of the tempter and the voices from the world's turmoil.
</div>