Worry and Depression

 

It is only natural to get discouraged, even depressed, by your struggle with difficult circumstances.

Consider this: The fact you have a struggle is evidence that the Holy Spirit is motivating you to resist. God says: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

God has recorded all of human activity and knows the outcome. When hard times come into your life, don't dwell on the circumstance. As it is written: Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ ~ Isaiah 46:10. God knows the outcome; stick around and see how things turn out.

The devil does not want you to struggle. He encourages you to indulge in self-pity, anger, resentment, and hopelessness.

God can heal you while you are hurting. You are a human being, not a rock.  God allows you to struggle to make you stronger in faith, hope, and love. 

~ 1 Corinthians 13

 

The faith that pleases God is born in a place of deadness... the deadness of all human possibilities. It is a place where man-made plans flourish at first then die. It is a place where human hopes bring temporary relief but soon crash, adding to a sense of helplessness.

Have you been at this place of deadness? Has it seemed like you have no options left? The heavens are like brass when you pray? When it appears that God is not answering our prayers, it may be that He is simply delaying the answer. And that is His answer for us at that time is “Not now, my son,” or “Not yet, my daughter.”

 

God declares to you that HE is at work. His Spirit is working to get you to stop considering the impossibilities. Stop looking to human ways and means, trying to think your way out of your situation. Taking harmful medications to cover up the problem only makes matters worse. The Holy Spirit is urging you, “Quit hunting for help from some human source. Quit focusing on how hopeless you think your situation is. Those are hindrances to your faith.”

 

Strive to obtain the fruit of the Spirit. On a deeper level, the Fruit of the Spirit expresses itself as love, joy, peace, long-suffering (patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. When our Faith is low and we experience no inner “blooming,” we feel the lack of something – no joy or peace of mind. ~ Galatians 5:22-23

 

Jesus has the answers. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  (and with His help, you can overcome too!) ~ John 16:33

 

Jesus said:" I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one." ~ John 17:15

What does it mean to be in the world, but not of the world? 

 

God left us a prefect example when He created whales. These magnificent creatures are mammals and should be on the land, yet they spend their entire life in the ocean. They have no gills to breathe underwater so they must come to the surface to take a breath of fresh air and get some sunlight. They are in the sea, but not of the sea.

God's children are in the world, but not of the world. We are in the sea of humanity and must breathe air to live. Many people choose to take a quick breathe and dive back down into the darkness of depression and self-pity ignoring the benefits of acquiring the fruit of the spirit.

Those who are wise seek the source of life often just as whales seek air to live. "No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace."

 

The very fact you woke up today means God is not finished working for your good. And even in death, God Has a Great Plan.

 

 

If you would like more inspiring lessons from the Bible, you're cordially invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group on Facebook

 

Renew Your Strength is not a "know-it-all" type ministry. The purpose of Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong.

Over the years, as Renew Your Strength has continued to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have recognized that some of the things we once held as true, in fact, are not; and therefore we will not “cast in stone” a statement of our beliefs. We reserve the right to be wrong and to repent of such error when we discover it.  

 

To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

 

Plain As Dirt

 

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. ~ Psalm 19:1

 

Q. If God is real why doesn't He come down from heaven as show us?

A. He did! God sent His Son. We killed Him.

Jesus Revealed The Father

“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” ~ John 14:7

 

God, and the Book about God, is as plain as dirt if a person is willing to take God at His word. Organized religion has made the Bible difficult to understand by mistranslating many of the original Hebrew and Greek words into meanings that are inaccurate and deceiving.

If a person understands how a seed germinates and grows into a plant that produces fruit, then they can understand how God makes everything a process. 

 

Two of Churchianity's Favorite Doctrines

 

The way Churchianity teaches salvation is you give your heart to the Lord and your money to the Church. What does the Bible teach about salvation? Born Again Revisited

Churchianity loves to preach a fire and brimstone hell. What is God's Great Plan?

There are two ways to be deceived. One is to believe what isn't true (Jewish fables and traditions of organization religion); the other is to refuse to believe what is true (the Word of God). ~ Titus 1:13-15

 

To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

No Church has a franchise on God or a monopoly on the truth. The Church Jesus built is not an earthly organization, it's a body of Believers who seek first the Kingdom of Heaven. If you don't know where you came from or where you're going, you need a Guide. Jesus said, "Follow Me," not join some Church or try to find the right path on your own. Jesus was born as a human being, suffered and died, and rose from the dead.

Jesus KNOWS exactly how you think, feel, and act. He's been there, done that. Jesus is the only person qualified to give you advice. Listen to Him!

The Bible really is as plain as dirt. You just have to dig deep and trust the original languages as God inspired the prophets and apostles to record. As it is written: All Scripture given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Renew Your Strength is not a "know-it-all" type ministry. The purpose of Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong.

Over the years, as Renew Your Strength has continued to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have recognized that some of the things we once held as true, in fact, are not; and therefore we will not “cast in stone” a statement of our beliefs. We reserve the right to be wrong and to repent of such error when we discover it.  

 

To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

 

Life Lessons

Life Lessons From an Old Marine

The most important thing I learned: God is real and is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. ~ Hebrews 11:6  

To be wise you must first have reverence for YAHWEH. If you know the Holy One, you have understanding. Wisdom will add years to your life. You are the one who will profit if you have wisdom, and if you reject it, you are the one who will suffer. ~ Proverbs 9:10-12  Good News Translation

To love and be loved by God, family, friends, and that one special person is life's greatest happiness. Learn to love God's Book. If the Book says do a certain thing, try to do it. If the Book says not to do certain things, try not to do it. The Bible is not about religion, it's practical down to earth advice.

The second thing I learned: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. I was a United States Marine on active duty from 1958 to 1962. Then in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1962-1964. Marines do the difficult immediately, the impossible just takes a while longer. You never fail until you fail to try.

The third thing I learned: Debt is a killer. The very word mortgage comes from the root word for death. i.e., mortal. mortician. When you are in debt, you are in a "death grip."

Put Everything Into Perspective

1. Always maintain a good sense of humor.
2. Never be too good to start at the bottom. Only ditch diggers start at the top.
   
3. Exercise every single day, even when you don't feel like it.
4. Don't spend more money than you make.
5. Love at first sight is not a fable.
6. Having a bad job is better than having no job at all.
7. Your family is the most precious thing you will ever have in life.
8. Your life is delicate, and if you neglect yourself, you'll spoil.
   
9. Don't ever be afraid to be your true self.
10. Everyone has too many clothes. Wear what you have and quit buying more.
11. You must be able to forgive, even if it's difficult to do.
12. Save your money now and spend it later.
13. Love is a choice, not an emotion. True love is not always easy; sometimes you have to work at it.
14. Find something comical in every single situation.
15. If you're faced with a problem, don't delay asking your earthly father and your Heavenly Father for advice.
    
16. Make sure you're doing what you love; don't be afraid to follow those dreams you have for yourself.
17. Formal education is important, but not necessary. Life is what happens while you are making other plans.
    
18. Explore your world and stay curious.
19. Don't take yourself too seriously.
20. Life is a gift that you must unwrap. It's up to you to determine if what's inside will lead you to happiness or despair. God gave you the power to make that decision for yourself.

Change your perspective from get to give. Another piece of good advice from the Bible found in Acts 20:35

I'm not preaching at you or trying to "get you saved," I'm one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.

Your Heavenly Father loves you no matter what, and there's not a darn thing you can do about it. God wants you to be healthy, happy, and have peace of mind.  

If you want more money...

If you want better health...

If you want peace of mind...

If you want happy relationships...

Find out what the Bible says and do it!

Start with Psalms and Proverbs. Psalms is about your relationship with God. Proverbs is about your relationship with your fellow man. Set aside time every day to read one chapter of Psalms and one chapter of Proverbs. Pray for wisdom.

 

Learn More About Wisdom

 

Renew Your Strength is not a "know-it-all" type ministry. The purpose of Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong.

Over the years, as Renew Your Strength has continued to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have recognized that some of the things we once held as true, in fact, are not; and therefore we will not “cast in stone” a statement of our beliefs. We reserve the right to be wrong and to repent of such error when we discover it.  

 

To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

 

Fishers of Men

 

By Donald Wiley

"For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God" (Romans 8:19). That's the King James Version. Most modern versions use the word "creation" instead of "creature." And I think that gives the sense of what is being said a bit more clearly. 

All of the previous generations of mankind were subjected to a futile, vain existence temporarily. Various North and South American Indian tribes rose and fell, living out life's little day in a vain existence. This held true for almost all other sons of Adam - the Asian hordes, the nomadic peoples of other lands, the aboriginal peoples of Australia. God made no effort to enlighten them or enter their lives in any way - THEN! But divine mind had conceived a plan, a plan that would bring many sons to glory and immortality. 

That is why Jesus is called THE FIRSTBORN OF MANY BRETHREN (See Romans 8:29). All the created peoples of ages past are waiting in their graves for our change from physical flesh to immortal spirit. That is WHY when speaking of the dead Jesus Christ, all the prophets, and all the apostles used but one of two terms to describe the condition of the dead, saying they were either dead or "asleep." The "elect" of God, the only truly redeemed will someday be used of God to be "fishers of men." When Jesus told Peter and Andrew, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men," He was not primarily speaking of them leading others to salvation. (See Matthew 4:19). 

He was actually alluding to an ancient prophecy uttered by the prophet Jeremiah who wrote what God said, "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord lives, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, but the Lord lives that brought up (from the dead) the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them, and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Behold I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them, and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holds of the rocks (used by the Hebrew people as tombs since time immemorial)" (See Jeremiah 16:14-16). 

 

That is WHY Jesus said, "The works that I do shall you do also." He was raising the dead! We, too, shall be used of God in raising the dead of ages past - billions and billions. Those having received that "other" spirit spoken of by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:4, call this "cherry picking" as they do not have the eyes to see or hearts to understand what God is saying through the writings of His prophets!

Most preachers are totally oblivious to what God is doing on this earth. They think "getting saved" is just escaping being burned alive in hell and flitting off to heaven where one walks on streets of gold for all eternity. They also think "getting saved" is merely confessing publicly you believe Jesus died for you and, presto-chango, you are then and forever a full-fledged child of God heaven bound. Satan's work of deception is staggering!

"For as many as are LED by the Spirit of God, THEY (and no others) ARE THE SONS OF GOD" (Romans 8:14). Led continuously, day in and day out, throughout one's life, from the moment true and lasting full repentance is achieved and one is thereby granted God's wondrous and powerful Holy Spirit. Salvation is not accomplished in one fell swoop, one moment in time way back there in that Sunday service when on the 14th chorus of "Just As I Am" you finally broke down and "went down front" and had the preacher pray over you and assure you that you had just escaped hell and were now bound for glory. Read God's Word and believe it, folks. And the Holy Spirit will help you understand.

Christ's Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12)

Donald Wiley

 

# # # 

Churchanity says sinners should go to Church. Jesus says the Church should go to sinners... not to threaten with an "ever burning hell", lay on a guilt trip, or beg them to "get saved."  True followers of Jesus Christ are not righteous (or saved) people telling other people they need to "get saved," rather they are one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.

What is Salvation and How Do You Obtain It?... https://mlf1070.blogspot.com/2022/10/altar-calls.html

For more Bible enlightenment, You Are Cordially Invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group... https://mlf1070.blogspot.com/2021/01/renew.html

 

 

Renew Your Strength is not a "know-it-all" type ministry. The purpose of Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong.

Over the years, as Renew Your Strength has continued to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have recognized that some of the things we once held as true, in fact, are not; and therefore we will not “cast in stone” a statement of our beliefs. We reserve the right to be wrong and to repent of such error when we discover it.  

 

To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

 

Spirits

 

   

In 1 John 4 Christians are told to test the spirits. In order to test the spirits, we must know which spirits come from God.

Biblical References

The seven Spirits of God (Greek: τα επτά πνεύματα του θεού, ta hepta pneumata tou theou) are mentioned four times in the Book of Revelation, and in the Book of Isaiah it names each Spirit.

Revelation 1:4: John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Revelation 3:1: And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Revelation 4:5: And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Revelation 5:6: And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

The Sevenfold Ministry of the Spirit

 

In one interpretation, the "Seven Spirits" represent the sevenfold ministry of the Spirit as depicted in the Book of Isaiah. As it is written: 1."The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the 2. Spirit of wisdom, 3. Spirit of understanding, 4. Spirit of counsel, 5. Spirit of might, 6. Spirit of knowledge, 7. Spirit of fear of the LORD, and He will delight in the fear (awe and respect) of the Lord." ~ Isaiah 11:2–3 

Here are represented the seven Spirits, which are before the throne of God. The reference to the lamb in Revelation 5:6 relates it to the Seven Spirits which first appear in Revelation 1:4 and are associated with Jesus who holds them along with seven stars.

An alternative view is that the seven graces (charisma) of Romans 12:6–8 reflect the seven spirits of God. The Holy Spirit manifests in humankind through these graces, reflecting the seven spirits of God. The seven graces are: 1. insight (prophecy); 2. helpfulness (service or ministry); 3. instruction (teaching); 4. encouragement; 5. generosity (giving); 6. guidance (leadership); and 7. compassion. This agrees with Isaiah 11:2–3 if "the Spirit of the Lord" is recognized as categorical and "the delight in the fear (utmost respect, reverence) of the Lord" is added. (Isaiah 11:3, Berean Study Bible)

Seven Distinct Spiritual Beings

 

In the New Testament, the Greek term "Dunamis" (translated by some as "Power" - where we get the English word dynamite) suggests a class of exalted spiritual beings; perhaps parallel to the "chief Princes" (Sar rishown) in the Old Testament, of which the Archangel Michael is stated to be one (Daniel 10:13). 

"Dunamis" is used by the Apostle Paul to refer to spiritual beings in Romans 8:38; Ephesians 1:21, 3:10, 6:12; and Colossians 1:16, 2:10, 2:15. "Powers and principalities" can apply to both angelic and devilish beings, but more often in the New Testament to devilish beings. However, most modern Protestant translators take "Dunamis" to mean "power," "strength", or "ability."

It is possible that these seven angels are a special entourage charged with special duties by the Lamb, about whom we have little to no specific knowledge.

Still others look to the apocryphal work 1 Enoch which refers to seven angels who are "watching" creation: Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Sarakiel/Suriel (in 9.1), Gabriel, and Phanuel, who is mentioned as one of the four chief angels in 40.9.

Symbolic of Perfection 

Sevenfold may also be connected with the biblical understanding of the number 7 representing perfection or spiritual completion. The "Seven Fold Spirit of God" could be the "perfect" Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.

In The Flesh We Are Incomplete

As it is written: For (absolutely without doubt) we who are in this tent (human body) groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed (incomplete), but further clothed (with our spirit body), that mortality (physical death) may be swallowed up by life (immortality). Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the (earthly) body we are absent from the Lord.  ~ 2 Corinthians 5:4-6

Learn More About God's Great Plan

You are cordially invited to join Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

Renew Your Strength is not a "know-it-all" type ministry. The purpose of Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong.

Over the years, as Renew Your Strength has continued to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have recognized that some of the things we once held as true, in fact, are not; and therefore we will not “cast in stone” a statement of our beliefs. We reserve the right to be wrong and to repent of such error when we discover it.  

 

To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

Healing of The Nations

 

The Bible was written by men who were given inspiration and guidance from Jesus Christ though the Holy Spirit.

 

Every word that was originally written often has dual meanings. On the surface these words appear to be just casual conversation. However, the deeper meaning is spiritual. God is Spirit and speaks words of awesome significance.

As everyone knows our world is in a big mess. It seems the Evil One has the upper hand, but don't let appearances and circumstances fool you. God is not mocked. ~ Galatians 6:7

The Bible is written in such a fashion we have to connect the dots to get the full understanding of the mind of Christ.

For example, Jesus tells us in John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 

On the surface it seems obvious we need to stay connected to the true vine if we want to bear much fruit. However, it does not stop with just the Vine and the branches. Branches have leaves. What do leaves produce?

In Revelation 22:1-3, the Apostle John wrote down what Jesus dictated to him

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.

No matter how hard the Evil One, and his willing accomplices try, they can do nothing to thwart the will of God because they are not connected to the Vine. They can tax us, deprive us of our God-given rights, imprison us, even kill us, but praise the Lord, Jesus Christ has overcome the curse of death. As it is written: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."  ~ John 11:25

So the next time you see or hear anything about the deeds of evil doers, simply rejoice and give thanks. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 Their end is near. The wicked shall be turned into hell (the grave), And all the nations that forget God. ~ Psalm 9:17 

 

 

You Are Cordially Invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

 

Renew Your Strength is not a "know-it-all" type ministry. The purpose of Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong.

Over the years, as Renew Your Strength has continued to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have recognized that some of the things we once held as true, in fact, are not; and therefore we will not “cast in stone” a statement of our beliefs. We reserve the right to be wrong and to repent of such error when we discover it.  

 

To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

The Challenge

 

 

 

I'm a radical Christian. Redeemed And Dedicated In Christ's Amazing Love

 

My name is Mike Farris. I make public confession that I am a Christian and I love the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm not a "saved" or righteous person telling other people they need to "get saved," rather I am a beggar telling other beggars where to find bread.

I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, was crucified on a cross (torture stake), died for my sins and rose again to give me salvation and eternal life. In addition, He loves me dearly, and forgives me as I confess and repent of my sins.

His word says if you confess Him before men then He'll confess you in before of His Father who is in heaven. ~ Matthew 10:32

Here's the challenge for you. If you love God and love your neighbor as you love yourself, and you are not ashamed to confess that you are a Disciple of Jesus Christ, replace my name with yours and make seeking His Kingdom your priority. (post your confession on all social media) 

~ Matthew 6:33-34

The Lord is exalted over all the nations,

his glory above the heavens.

Who is like Yahweh our God,

the One who sits enthroned on high,

who stoops down to look

on the heavens and the earth? 

— Psalms 113: 4-6

Will you commit to read the entire Bible with me this year?

If so, read three chapters a day. Also, would you ask everyone you know to join us? Stop along the way to ask questions and seek Truth. Look up the definition of words in Strong's Concordance. Can you imagine the impact it will make in our and others lives?

 

If you don't feel like reading the Bible every day for a year, then do ONE act of kindness every day for a year. People would rather SEE a sermon than hear sermon.

 

My Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to speak the rights words at the right time with the right tone of voice to the right people that they may have your peace and joy.

 

 

You Are Cordially Invited to share your Christian experience with Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group... https://mlf1070.blogspot.com/2021/01/renew.html