Month: January 2010

My Favorite Chapter of the Bible

~ Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

I just read 2 Chronicles 20, my favorite chapter of the Bible since I was filled with the Holy Spirit 15 years ago. It’s about the believer’s rest.

Jehosaphat had three enemies coming to fight him, but he doesn’t call out the chariots or sharpen his sword. He prays saying, “We are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

Just as Moses was told to be still when he faced his greatest challenge–being enclosed by the Red Sea and Pharoah’s army–Jehosaphat is told the same message. “You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.” At this all of Judah falls to their faces, worshiping the Lord.

The next day when it’s time to head out for battle. What do they do? Jehosaphat stations the singers in front of the army, so they literally marched into battle praising God, saying, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

Is this how we face a battle? Sickness, financial lack, broken relationship, persistent sin…Do we face our battles trusting in God and showing it by praising Him and thanking Him for His deliverance?

We don’t need to run to get the chariots when a problem arises. Our deliverance has already been accomplished by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

That’s the believer’s rest–knowing our deliverance has already been accomplished. Our job is to be like Jehosaphat and not fight our battles ourselves but trust in receiving our promised salvation and PRAISE Him that our salvation–from whatever our battle is–has already been accomplished!

Was God Behind the Earthquake in Haiti?

~ Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

Instead of being just another person giving my opinion on the subject, let me give you what the Bible says and encourage you to think for yourself and believe the Word of God.

Does God punish sinners?

“From the Lord of hosts you will be punished with thunder and earthquake and loud noise” (Isaiah 29:6)

Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. (Revelation 16:18-19)

This is what the LORD says about this people: “They greatly love to wander; they do not restrain their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; he will now remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins.”  Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people.  Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague.”  (Jeremiah 14:10-12)

…The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment (2 Peter 2:9, see verses 4-9)

Does God send earthquakes?

Isaiah 29:6, Revelation16:18-19: quoted above

Then panic struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God. (1 Samuel 14:15)

Therefore the LORD’s anger burns against his people; his hand is raised and he strikes them down. The mountains shake, and the dead bodies are like refuse in the streets. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised. (Isaiah 5:25)

And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.  Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:51-54)

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 4:31)

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. (Acts 16:25-26)

Why?

Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:4-5)

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience (Colossians 3:5-6)

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The earthquake in Haiti showed God’s love. In His love He is just. His wrath was poured out as punishment for the disobedient. In His love He was merciful and spared the majority, giving them a chance to repent and be with the God who loves them.

Christians saying God wasn’t behind the earthquake are not showing love to the Haitians. If there is no wrath,there is no fear of God. If there is no fear of God, there is not even the beginning of wisdom or knowledge or hatred of evil. (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 8:13)  So without the fear of the Lord, how can there be salvation?

God is love. Since the days of Noah, God has spared most of the world, a disobedient world storing up wrath for itself. (Romans 2:5-8) But a day will come when no one will escape who isn’t hidden in the secret place. (Revelation 6:12-17, 2 Peter 3:7)

Where is the secret place?

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.  A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;  they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.  “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Verse 14 says that we will be protected and rescued if we love God. And who is the one who loves God?  “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me…” (John 14:21)

Do You Have a Love in Your Life?

~ Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

Matthew 10:37-39 “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

How good and noble is the love of a child for his parent or the the love of a parent for a child? But, even these are not to surpass the love we have for Christ.

In fact, we are told to love the Lord with our ALL–all our heart, all our mind, all our strength (Mark 12:30). If we love God with our all, what’s left over?

And if we aren’t even to let our love for our parents and children surpass this love for God, how much more do we need to guard against all other loves in our lives?

Is there a love in your life other than Christ Jesus?

Listen to yourself and see if you catch yourself saying, “I love that!” Do you ever make decisions based on your love for something other than Christ Jesus? Even something seemingly little–eating a chocolate bar…Did you have that snack because you loved Jesus or because you loved chocolate?

We aren’t even to consider love for our own lives but are told to lose our lives in order to find true life.

In 2 Corinthians 5:14 Paul says that the love of Christ compels him to preach as he did. What love is driving you?

A New Warning from Andrew Strom

~ Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

KUNDALINI WARNING – Urgent
-by Andrew Strom.

I just saw the video of Rick Joyner announcing that Todd Bentley
is back ministering every night at Morningstar in North Carolina
and now they have so-called “revival” manifestations eerily similar
to Lakeland. They also announced that they are streaming these
big meetings every night on their new TV channel – and they are
greatly promoting the whole thing.

Now I am a tongues-speaking Pentecostal myself – but can I ask
a simple question here please? What kind of “spirit” was it
operating in the Lakeland revival – when the leader and main focal-
point of the meetings (Todd Bentley) was having an adulterous
affair behind the scenes? Was it truly the “Holy” Spirit that was
anointing something so sensual and unholy? And now that Todd
divorced his wife and married his mistress – are we supposed to
welcome him back and this “anointing” with him? What is going
on here? Rick Joyner has been warned very specifically by high-
level ministries not to do what he is doing now – bringing Todd
Bentley back into the limelight. And yet it seems he does not
care. Apparently the “manifestations” are all that matter.

So what exactly are these ‘manifestations’ if they are seemingly
at home in such an unholy environment? Are they from God at
all? (I am talking here about the violent “jerking”, uncontrollable
laughter, bodily contortions, drunkenness, ‘portals’, strange “angel”
encounters, etc.) Why do we not see such an ‘anointing’ in the
Bible? Why aren’t Jesus or the apostles promoting these
manifestations if they really are true Revival? Why instead do we
see these things all the way through the New Age and Hinduism,
etc? Do we not realize that many false religions have their own
version of “laying on of hands” that results in these very types of
manifestations? This ‘spirit’ is not in the Bible – but it is all the
way through Kundalini-type Hinduism! Don’t you think this should
alarm us?

WHAT is KUNDALINI?

If you search for Kundalini and Shakti on the Internet, you will find
that multitudes of people in the New Age and Eastern religions
still experience these powerful manifestations. Often this is with
the help of a Guru, who touches them on the forehead so that
they can experience a “Kundalini Awakening”.

As researcher Robert Walker wrote in 1995:
“The meetings which mystic Hindu gurus hold are called ‘Darshan’.
At these meetings devotees go forward to receive spiritual experience
from a touch by the open palm of the hand, often to the forehead,
by the guru in what is known as the Shakti Pat or divine touch.
The raising of the spiritual experience is called raising Kundalini…
After a period when the devotee has reached a certain spiritual
elevation they begin to shake, jerk, or hop or squirm uncontrollably,
sometimes breaking into uncontrolled animal noises or laughter
as they reach an ecstatic high. These manifestations are called
‘Kriyas’. Devotees sometimes roar like lions and show all kinds
of physical signs during this period. Often devotees move on to
higher states of spiritual consciousness and become inert
physically and appear to slip into an unconsciousness…”

And as the guru Shri Yogãnandji Mahãrãja wrote:
“When Your body begins trembling, hair stands on roots, you laugh
or begin to weep without your wishing, your tongue begins to utter
deformed sounds, you are filled with fear or see frightening visions…
the Kundalini Shakti has become active.”

In China there is a popular Kundalini-type movement called ‘Qigong’.
When a Chinese Qigong spiritual master spoke in the USA in
1991, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that many in the crowd
began to experience “spontaneous movements”. The master told
his audience, “Those who are sensitive might start having some
strong physical sensations – or start laughing or crying. Don’t worry.
This is quite normal.”

When you see videos of these “kriyas” or other Kundalini-type
manifestations, you would often swear that you are watching a
modern “Impartation”-type church meeting. (And I say this as
someone who believes strongly in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I just
don’t believe in “alien” anointings infiltrating the Body of Christ!
There is a big difference between Kundalini and the real Holy Spirit).

Since 1993-4, I believe a foreign spirit has been allowed to invade
the church – first through Rodney Howard-Browne’s ministry – then
Toronto, then the Prophetic movement (which I was part of at the
time) and on into Lakeland and many other ministries and
movements. I urge people now to “test the spirits” just as we are
commanded to in Scripture. Do not let just anyone lay hands on
you. This is a powerful spirit and it has the backing of a lot of
big-name ministries. In fact, these men and women are the very
ones responsible for allowing it to spread right through the body
of Christ. And one day they will be answerable to God for doing so.

We are specifically warned in the Bible that the Last Days will be
a time of “seducing spirits,” false prophets, ‘lying signs and
wonders,’ and that we always need to watch for “angels of light”
masquerading as the real thing. Why does the modern church
not take these warnings seriously? Aren’t we living in the very
days that the Bible warns about?

Right now I need to do something that I have never done in such
a way before. I have never before published a list of ministries or
movements to watch out for. But this time I have to. This sickness
has gone on long enough. I urge you to cut yourself off from
the following ministries and their tainted “anointings” my friends.
Even though some of these people say “good things” at times, it
is simply not worth having any involvement with them due to the
tainted anointing that they endorse or minister in themselves. Here
is the list-

(1) Todd Bentley.
(2) Rodney Howard Browne – the so-called “Holy Ghost Bartender.”
(2) Rick Joyner or anyone connected with Morningstar Ministries.
(3) John Arnott & any connected with TACF (The “Toronto Blessing”).
(4) Peter Wagner of the ‘New Apostolic Reformation’ who claims
to be head of a worldwide network of ‘apostles’ – who publicly
endorsed Lakeland and will soon preach at Toronto TACF alongside
other “false anointing” advocates.
(5) Mike Bickle and IHOP Kansas City (-I lived nearby for over
two years – and know how much they are into all this stuff. Mike
Bickle promotes it in his book).
(6) Bob Jones – the Kansas City prophet whose ministry is utterly
tainted by it all.
(7) Patricia King and anyone else from ‘Extreme Prophetic.’
(8) John Crowder & anyone connected with “Sloshfest.”
(9) Bill Johnson of Bethel church, Redding – who says some good
things but publicly endorsed Lakeland and promotes the “false
anointing” very strongly behind the scenes.
(10) Heidi & Rolland Baker of IRIS Ministries – who do good work
amongst the poor in Mozambique – but who have also carried
and promoted this tainted anointing for years.
(11) Randy Clark, Wes & Stacey Campbell, and other key
figures from the “Toronto blessing.”
(12) The Elijah List – and almost anyone featured on it.

Of course there are a huge number of lesser-known preachers
and ministries who carry or endorse this Kundalini-type “anointing”
around the world. But I have concentrated here on the most
influential that I know of. It really is an enormous issue in the
church. I urge anyone who is a supporter of any of the above
ministries to really check them out thoroughly. If you find (as I have)
that they carry or endorse this false Kundalini spirit in the church,
then please stop supporting them in any way – and whatever you
do, don’t let them “lay hands” on you!

I am putting everything on the line to be “naming names” like this.
But I believe it is that serious. How on earth did we get to the point
where “kriyas” just like Hinduism are spreading through the church?

All Because of Abraham

~ Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

“I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies,18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”  Genesis 22:16-18

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I remember hearing a preacher once say we had no idea why God chose Israel. He just did. But I think this Scripture shows us exactly why Israel was chosen.

Abraham’s faith had been tested. Did he really believe in God and fear Him for nothing? The test — give up your most priceless possession. He had to give up his long, awaited son, a miracle child that was the fulfillment of God’s promise to him.

Abraham obeys, we are told, believing that God would be able to raise Isaac from the dead in order to fulfill His promise to give him multitudes of descendants (Heb. 11:19).

Abraham proved his faith by obeying God’s command. And because he obeyed, he received the amazing promise that everyone in the whole world would be blessed. And from Abraham we received the nation of Israel and out of Israel we received Jesus, who made a way for us Gentiles to be grafted into Israel.

Let me restate this one point: Abraham obeyed, proving his faith, and the world was blessed.

Just how important is obedience? When we don’t obey we are proving our lack of faith. And if we are saved by faith, lack of faith is a serious thing.

If we believed the Scriptures, then we would obey them, right? Can I say I believe a verse like this:

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”  (John 14:21)

…but then justify sin in my life by saying, God loves me no matter what?

Our lack of obedience proves our lack of faith. God’s not fooled by your words. Prove your faith by your actions, by your obedience.

And what if we did? What if we walked in obedience, just like Abraham? Could it be the world would be blessed? Is it not true that through us Christ can come into the world and bless the nations?

All because of Abraham’s faith, proven by his obedience, the world was blessed. What’s the world missing out on when you fail to obey God’s commands?

What’s On Your Mind?

~ Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

Genesis 6:5-9

5 The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.7 So the LORD said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

9 This is the account of Noah.
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.

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Here’s the first time God’s wrath is poured out on the whole earth, eight people survive it. It happens because God is grieved that people only have evil in their hearts. In verse 13 it says because the earth is full of violence.

Can that be said today? Of course, but are you part of it? “…his heart was filled with pain” vs.6 Are you hurting the heart of God? What’s in your heart and mind?

There are plenty who say they are Christians but are watching violent movies, taking it in, playing violent video games, calling it fun. Is this how you are filling your heart and mind? What is it doing to your thoughts? God destroyed them because their thoughts were on evil.

You are either part of the problem or you are blameless in the sight of God. Are you about to get wiped out or are you in the boat? You can’t be in both places.  Are your thoughts on evil or are you blameless?

Blameless doesn’t mean never having committed a sin. It means that at this moment you have a clear conscience before God. So, the question is what’s on your mind?