Lent

What is the meaning of lent? Lent is the season of fasting, praying and almsgiving the 40 days before Easter. Merriam-Webster Dictionary (P. 506) defines lent as "a period of penitence and fasting observed during the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter by many churches." Lent is six and a half weeks or forty days preceding Easter/Resurrection Sunday the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is known as lent. Forty (40) days is significant in the Christian Community because Jesus fasted 40 days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His earthly ministry. The practice of fasting during lent season is where the participant usually gives up something (a less desirable food or a bad habit) that is replaced with something useful. The focus of fasting and praying is repentance and consecrating ourselves back to God. Keep in mind that believers are a set aside people and are to live holy lives before God. Therefore, when we fast and pray it is done to God in Jesus name. The question now becomes, Do we fast and pray only during lent season? No because prayer should be part of our daily lives. Prayer, daily Bible reading and meditation are the believer's communication with God for the purpose of establishing a closer relationship with Him. In doing so we spend time alone with God for His strength and power that will enable us to overcome self's fleshy desires. Therefore, if fasting is your practice during lent season, be mindful that Christ died for the sins of the world and all believers died with Him to sin and rose with Him to a new life. Then let us put away all sinful deeds that hinder our faith journey with Christ. We fast to cleanse the body of all sinful deeds that bombard us daily. Comments are welcome Author's contact wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com http://willie-writing.blogspot.com Follow me on Twitter, and Facebook. All works are available through Amazon.com, all Christian and major bookstore and from the author directly.

Convicting Work of the Holy Spirit

John 16:8-10

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

In today's discussion we will focus on the Holy Spirit and His convicting work of reproving the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. The term "reprove' is to convict, expose, refute, and convince one of something.
The Holy Spirit exposes sin and humanity's unbelief to awaken a conscious need for salvation. Sin brings about a separation from God our creator, while salvation brings forgiveness of sin and a restored relationship. His convicting work make clear the guilt and shame brought on by sin and the end result is being eternally separated from God. A convicted heart then turns from sin and wrong doings to a heart of righteousness in Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior for He is the one who died for the sins of the world.
The Holy Spirit convinces the convicted hearts that Jesus is the Righteous Son of God who became man's propitiator and all righteousness is in Jesus Christ and God's standards is man's plum line for holy living. The Holy Spirit Himself gives all believers the power to overcome the world's sinfulness because He resides in each believer.
The Holy Spirit's work regarding judgment is that He convinces all who believe that Satan is a defeated foe (John 12:31). The Holy Spirit reminds all of God's judgment of this present world as outlined in Romans 1:18-32 and how God will judge the entire human race as outlined in Matthew 16:27; Acts 17:31; 24:25 Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Jude 14.
It can be concluded then that the Holy Spirit convicts people of their sins, make mankind aware of God righteousness and His judgment.
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The Holy Spirit at Work in the Community of Believers

Acts 2:42-47

What happens when believers come together on one accord in fellowship, the breaking of bread, in prayer and teaching the gospel? The Holy Spirit is in the midst and disciples are made and the church grows as it is added to daily. This is because others who see this phenomenon will and join this community (the church). The community of believers is given power to boldly witness Christ and to do many miracles through signs and wonders.
The power of the Holy Spirit empowers the church.

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The Dove-The Holy Spirit A Symbol of Peace

Matthew 3:16-17; John 1:32-34; 14:27

If one should ask the question, Who is the Holy Spirit? He is the third person in the Godhead. Many times I have heard people refer to the Holy Spirit as it, let me assure you He is God. His divine attributes as part of the Godhead: He is eternal, omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient. Being part of the Godhead, He operates coequally, coeternally, and coextistently with God the Father and God the Son-Jesus Christ. It was during Christ's baptism that all members of the Godhead were witnessed by John the Baptist and others. Jesus God's Son came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit came down from heaven as a dove and rested on Christ and the voice of God the Father spoke authenticating that Jesus Christ is His Son.
There are several symbols that represent the Holy Spirit which are: (a) Wind, (b) fire, (c) water (d) oil, (e) a seal and (f) a dove which symbolizes peace. For today's discussion our focus will be the dove symbol which represents the Holy Spirit. A dove represents peace, honesty, purity as the bird itself is clean, faithful to its mate, peaceful, gentle and innocent. The Holy Spirit produces dove like qualities in all believers who yield to His teachings. God is faithful to His people and desires all to live in peace. John 14:27 speaks of the peace of God as only He can give. This is because God's peace is lasting unlike that of the world.
The peace of God surpasses all other.
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When God Speaks

John 14:27; Matthew 8:23-27

What happens when God speaks? Peace comes to the situation. Notice if you will when Jesus and His disciples were on a boat going to Gadara and the Sea of Galilee became turbulent from a raging storm and the men on board concluded that death was imminent, but someone remembered that Jesus was on board (Matthew 8:23-27). Jesus rose and calmly spoke to "the winds and the sea and said to the sea "Peace be still" (Mark 4:39). There was a great calm for they obeyed. God is still speaking to all mankind today. He is speaking through nature and in the quietness of our busy lives a still small voice will speak to the nature of our souls saying "Peace be still I am in control." God spoke to His prophet Elijah in a small still voice, while Elijah was listening for God's voice in the strong wind, the earthquake, and the fire, but God didn't speak then (1 Kings 19:11-13). What does this say about God speaking? God wants our attention and He can use the forces of nature to get it, and then He speaks very quietly.
When God speaks all fears, doubts, confusion and discomfort are removed, because He speaks with clarity and authority. God is speaking, I hear Him what about you?
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Confidence In The Lord

Psalm 27:1-3

There are times when our confidence is shaken as we travel life's journey; our scripture text encourages us to remain confident in God, because He is our refuge and salvation. Knowing who God is these questions beg an answer, who are we to dread, who are we to fear? My answer is no one. We are to fear the Lord in reverence for His awesomeness as He is our creator and sustainer.
Throughout biblical history and personal testimony God has been faithful to His Word and His presence is a constant through His Spirit-the Holy Spirit. He is our deliverer, Savior-Jesus Christ, Comforter and Sealer-the Holy Spirit. What a mighty God!
Be confident for God is with you.
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God Cares

1 Peter 5:7

In times of trouble and we see no way out and it appears that you are all alone remember God cares. He promised never to leave nor forsake His children. He has proven to be faithful to His Word. He promised to supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19). Psalm 23:1-6 tell of God being our shepherd providing for all our needs. If you need a comforter God is there in the presence of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). When you need a helper God the Holy Spirit is there (James 1:5). God provided salvation through our Lord and Jesus Christ our Savior who died for us. Believe on Him. (John 3:16).

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Divine Healing II

Psalm 103:1-3; James 5:16; John 15:7

In today's discussion we will conclude our topical discussion on Divine Healing by highlighting some hindrance to healing and what steps that we can take toward healing.
Let's examine scripture and see what the Bible has to say on the subject matter; James 5:16 encourages us to confess our faults one to another and then pray because prayers of the righteous availeth much. Another hindrance is demonic oppression and bondage as recorded in Luke 13:11-13. Proverbs 3:5-8 presents fear and or anxiety as another hindrance to our healing, which encourages complete trust in the Lord and refrains from depending on our own understanding because God's ways and understanding far exceed ours. Mark 5:26 highlights past disappointments could have an affect on our present faith as it was with the woman with the issue of blood. Sometimes unbelieving or doubtful people can be an interference (Mark 10:48). What we are to do is increase our faith and persist even more, because it is our healing we seek. Then we have the misinterpretation of God's Word or taking traditions over biblical facts (Mark 3:1-5; 7:13). Did we seek the prayer of faith from the elders of the church (Mark11:22-24; James 5:14-16)? Is the church exercising its spiritual gift of healing as God intended (Acts 4:29-30)? Then there is our own unbelief and self-centered behavior (1 Corinthians 11:29-20). The question now becomes why pray for a healing if there is unbelief or the failure to remove self?
All healing is done according to God's will and whatever we ask God for and or do are to be aligned with His Will. With that being said let's see we can do in our healing process. The first step is to pray seeking God's healing as we are to have a right relationship with God and others (Matthew 6: 33; 1 Corinthian 11:27-30; James 5:16). Second, we are to seek Christ's presence in our lives as He gives the necessary faith needed in all situations (Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 2:13). The third thing we can do is submerge our lives with God's Word as He sends forth His Word to heal (John 15:7; Romans 10:7; Psalm 107:20). What we know about God's Word is that it will be fulfilled as He watches over His promises (Jeremiah 1:12). The other fact is that God always keep His promise. Fourth, we are to call for prayers of faith from the elders of the church with the anointing of oil, prayers from family members and friends (James 5:14-16). Fifth, we are to expect a miracle by trusting in God's healing powers (Matthew 7:8; 19:26). If we pray and ask God to heal us, then expect it. The sixth step is to rejoice whether we are healed in this life or in our other life; just simply rejoice (Philippians 4:4; 11-13). God's timing is not ours. If healing is delayed, then ask ourselves what changes God wants to make in our lives. This is because God always see what we do not. The last two things we can do is to remain in prayer and faithful to God, knowing that God's delay is not necessarily a no, but is testing our faith and commitment to Him as He has a greater purpose in mind for us for His glory. As God's children He will never forsake nor leave us. All of what has been said is to coincide with proper medical care as it is approved in scripture (Matthew 9:12; Luke 10:34).
The purpose of these two lesson discussions were to enlighten and bring into remembrance what scripture has to say on healing. God is still healing!
Comments are welcome.
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A Divine Healing

Matthew 8:16-17; Exodus 15:26

For the next two days our topical discussion will be Divine Healing and the reason why healing is warranted and what provisions God has made for healing.
What is healing? Healing is the process of being cured of something, to repair or to be made whole again. There is physical, emotional and spiritual healing and sometimes one requires a healing from all three. On many occasions during Jesus' earthly ministry, He healed a physical condition to address the spiritual condition.
Let us look at the underpinnings that resulted in humanity requiring a healing. The fall of our first family Adam and Eve is the consequences of their disobedience or their fall from God's grace. Therefore, sin and death is the result of such fall and sickness and diseases is concluded to be intertwined with the two. The Bible makes a strong argument that the root of the problem stems from two causes (a) sin which affects both physical and spiritual (John 5:5;15), and (b) Satan who is the author of all lies and deceit (Acts 10:38; Mark 9:17, 20, 25; Luke 13:11; Acts 19:11-12). It was Satan and his lies that deceived Eve and since then sin and diseases has been on an upward spiral.
We have discussed the root cause; let's explore God's redemptive provision in the matter. In God's redemptive plan, for sin He provides forgiveness, for death He provides a resurrected and eternal life, and for sickness God provides healing (Psalm 103:1-5; Luke 4:18; 5:17-26; James 5:14-15). What a loving God!
The question now becomes, How does Jesus' threefold ministry tie into God's redemptive provision? Jesus' threefold earthly ministry is teaching God's Word, preaching repentance, which addresses the sin problem, while the blessings from repentance is receiving God's eternal and resurrected life; this addresses the death issue, and Christ healed every kind of sickness, diseases and infirmities that was among the people (Matthew 4:23-24) which addresses healing.
Jesus Christ is God's Son and salvation was and remains embodied in Him as He carried out the Will of God. With that being said, let us examine God's Will concerning healing, sin and death. Let's discuss it from (a) what God promised (b) Jesus ministry (c) His (Christ's) atonement and (d) the healing ministry of the church.
First, God promised health and healing to His people if they remained faithful to Him and obeyed His commandments (Exodus 15:26). It specifically states that "I will put none of these diseases upon thee (this was God's judgment) which I have brought upon the Egyptians". The verse further states, "I am the Lord that healeth thee (the Lord as their Redeemer)." God remains faithful to His promises both then and now.
Second, during Jesus' earthly ministry depicted the very nature and heart of God as Christ is the incarnated Son of God and healing was a normal part of Christ's earthly ministry. A major purpose of Christ's ministry was to heal all who were sick and oppressed by Satan and his demonic schemes to destroy man. Christ healed both individuals and groups; all who were sick and was brought to Him.
Third, Christ's atoning death was complete and sufficient within itself to redeem the whole man; his spirit, body and soul. Since sin and sickness are the two-pronged attacks used by Satan to destroy mankind it is only befitting that forgiveness and healing are the two pronged blessings designed by God to redeem man and restore wholeness once again (Psalm 103:3). What must believers do to receive the full benefit of God's blessings of healing and Christ's atonement? All believers must remain steadfast in faith and humility to receive the full provisions of Christ's atonement which includes healing of the body. It is noteworthy to say that not all healing occur on this side of Jordan (life); only if it's God's Will.
Fourth, the church plays an important part in healing. Remember Jesus sent out His 12 disciples to heal the sick as part of their preaching the gospel of Christ (Luke 9:1-26). Next, Christ commissioned and sent 70 disciples to do the same work (Luke 10:1, 9-9; 19). After the day of Pentecost, the church was commissioned to carry on Jesus' healing ministry as part of the gospel message (Acts 3:1-10; 4:30; 5:16; 8:7; 9:34; 14:8-10). New Testament scriptures outlines three specifics methods for God's healing power and faith is to occur in the church's healing ministry, and they are (a) the laying on of hands (Mark 16:15-18; Acts 9:17), (b) by confessing ones known sin, which is to be followed by anointing the sick with oil followed by the prayer of faith (James 5:14-16), and (c) exercising the spiritual gifts of healing given to the church by God (1 Corinthian 12:9).
What we can conclude from this discussion is that because of disobedience sin and death entered the human race, but because of God and His love we have forgiveness, eternal life and His healing.
On Friday we will conclude our topical discussion by discussing what hinders our healing and what steps can we take to be made whole again?
Comments are welcome and may be contacted at:
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com,
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.