DID YOU KNOW

Canon - This word is derived from a Hebrew and Greek word denoting a reed or cane. Hence it means something straight, or something to keep straight; and hence also a rule, or something ruled or measured. It came to be applied to the Scriptures, to denote that they contained the authoritative rule of faith and practice, the standard of doctrine and duty. A book is said to be of canonical authority when it has a right to take a place with the other books which contain a revelation of the Divine will. Such a right does not arise from any ecclesiastical authority, but from the evidence of the inspired authorship of the book. The canonical (i.e., the inspired) books of the Old and New Testaments, are a complete rule, and the only rule, of faith and practice. They contain the whole supernatural revelation of God to men. The New Testament Canon was formed gradually under divine guidance. The different books as they were written came into the possession of the Christian associations which began to be formed soon after the day of Pentecost; and thus slowly the canon increased till all the books were gathered together into one collection containing the whole of the twenty-seven New Testament inspired books. Historical evidence shows that from about the middle of the second century this New Testament collection was substantially such as we now possess. Each book contained in it is proved to have, on its own ground, a right to its place; and thus the whole is of divine authority.

The Old Testament Canon is witnessed to by the New Testament writers. Their evidence is conclusive. The quotations in the New from the Old are very numerous, and the references are much more numerous. These quotations and references by our Lord and the apostles most clearly imply the existence at that time of a well-known and publicly acknowledged collection of Hebrew writings under the designation of "The Scriptures;" "The Law and the Prophets and the Psalms;" "Moses and the Prophets," etc. The appeals to these books, moreover, show that they were regarded as of divine authority, finally deciding all questions of which they treat; and that the whole collection so recognized consisted only of the thirty-nine books which we now posses. Thus they endorse as genuine and authentic the canon of the Jewish Scriptures. The Septuagint Version (q.v.) also contained every book we now have in the Old Testament Scriptures. As to the time at which the Old Testament canon was closed, there are many considerations which point to that of Ezra and Nehemiah, immediately after the return from Babylonian exile.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE PART TWO

PART THREE: Canonicity - the Standard
The word "canonicity" is from the Greek word "kanon" meaning "a reed used for measuring, A STANDARD". The dictionary defines "canon" as "an authoritaritive list." "Inspiration" refers to how the Bible got it's AUTHORITY. "Canonicity" refers to how the Bible got it's ACCEPTANCE. Canonicity is concerned with recognizing the God-inspired, authoritative books of the Bible, of which there are now and finally 66 in number.

The Canonicity of the Old Testament
The authority of the Old Testament books was determined by whether or not a book was written by a PROPHET. A succession of prophets in Israel began with Moses, who was the great prototype prophet and who, wrote the first five books of the Bible. The chain of prophets ended with Malachi. The Talmud, the ancient non-Bible book of Jewish law and tradition, states, "After the latter prophets Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi, the Holy Spirit departed from Israel." This view is also supported by other ancient Jewish sources, like the books of Maccabees and Josephus.

However, even though the Holy Spirit stopped speaking through Jewish prophets for a while, the Jews are still the people of God and God continues to maintain His covenant with them. When the time came for Jesus to visit Israel arrives, God is still speaking to Jewish shepherds as the Messiah's coming is announced, a Jewish virgin is selected to be His mother. All of the events of Jesus life occurred in Israel, His life, death, burial and resurrection and ascension. And the writings of Paul and the other apostles was always based on the premise,

(Rom 1:16 KJV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Christian scholar R. Laird Hams writes, "What was prophetic was regarded as the Word of God. What was not prophetic was not regarded as the Word of God. The canon grew as the prophets succeeded one another in their ministry; it was finished, as Josephus says, when the Holy Spirit ceased speaking through the prophets in Israel. Moses, the great precursor of the prophetic line, specified tests to be applied in determining the reality of prophecy... when all these tests were applied and the prophet was acknowledged to be true, his words and writings were received by the faithful as from God."

The Canonicity of the New Testament
The canon of the New Testament was determined by whether or not the book was written by an original APOSTLE. Harris writes, 'The test of the Early Church was not arbitrary nor was it arrived at long after, by intuition or the general leading of the Spirit. It is actually witnessed to within the apostolic period ... The early Church was conscious that the apostles held their position by virtue of the double relationship of Christ's commission and the Holy Spirit's enduement. No other men could claim this twofold ministry, and none did. This authority extended to the ministry of the apostles to such an extent that all their words were regarded and the writings preserved.

Another Christian scholar, Pache, writes, 'The fact is that, right from the start, the writings incontestably apostolic were considered as being themselves the Scriptures, and then were added to the already existing sacred books (of the Old Testament) .... The church was providentially kept from accepting any illegitimate books throughout the whole two and a half centuries while the canon was coming into being. They examined freely and unhurriedly the books presented to them. At times, certain ones hesitated for a while before coming to complete agreement, but never did the believers as a whole make a definite choice which they later had to repent of.... One can therefore see an astonishing fact emerge: the church definitely and firmly accepted as divine some books unfavorable to its own inclinations, and everywhere it rejected as merely human others which would favor its inclinations the most.

What about the Apocrypha, those "extra" books in Catholic Bibles? (1) All were written after prophecy was recognized to have departed from Israel, that is, after Malachi (2) Not once are they quoted by Christ or the other NT writers. (3) Jesus did not receive them as God's word. (4) With the exception of Augustine, no leader of the early church accepted them. (5) There is no 'thus saith the Lord' in any or them. (6) Even the Roman Catholic church did not accept them as God's word until after Martin Luther in the 1500's, and they did so more or less as a reaction to the new Protestant movement which was 'protesting',"Sola Scriptura! ie. Only the Bible! Only the Bible!" The Catholic church had some doctrines that could not be proven without using these extra books. (7) They are interesting, informative, and even inspirational, but they are not 'God-breathed.'


(2 Sam 23:1-3 KJV)
Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said,
and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
{2} The spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
{3} The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me,
He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

(Mar 12:36 KJV)
For David himself said by the Holy Ghost,
The LORD said to my Lord,
Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

(Act 1:16 KJV)
Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled,
which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas,
which was guide to them that took Jesus.

(Heb 3:7-11 KJV)
Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith,
To day if ye will hear his voice, (8) Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation,
in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
(9) When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
(10) Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said,
They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
(11) So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.

(Heb 4:9-16 KJV)
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
(10) For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
(11) Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest,
lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
(12) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(13) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:
but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
(14) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens,
Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
(15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
(16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need.

IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
requests for archived devotionals on Biblical topics
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to
ixtheus@execpc.com

Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com

God's Blessing to each of you,
rECj/LJG

DID YOU KNOW

Inspiration - that extraordinary or supernatural divine influence vouchsafed to those who wrote the Holy Scriptures, rendering their writings infallible. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" (R.V., "Every scripture inspired of God"), 2 Tim. 3:16. This is true of all the "sacred writings," not in the sense of their being works of genius or of supernatural insight, but as "theopneustic," i.e., "breathed into by God" in such a sense that the writers were supernaturally guided to express exactly what God intended them to express as a revelation of his mind and will. The testimony of the sacred writers themselves abundantly demonstrates this truth; and if they are infallible as teachers of doctrine, then the doctrine of plenary inspiration must be accepted. There are no errors in the Bible as it came from God, none have been proved to exist. Difficulties and phenomena we cannot explain are not errors. All these books of the Old and New Testaments are inspired. We do not say that they contain, but that they are, the Word of God. The gift of inspiration rendered the writers the organs of God, for the infallible communication of his mind and will, in the very manner and words in which it was originally given.

As to the nature of inspiration we have no information. This only we know, it rendered the writers infallible. They were all equally inspired, and are all equally infallible. The inspiration of the sacred writers did not change their characters. They retained all their individual peculiarities as thinkers or writers.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE PART ONE

Lesson One - God's Word
PART ONE: Inspiration
We believe that the Bible is inspired.
(2 Tim 3:16-17 KJV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
{17} That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

The word translated "inspired" in the King James Version of the Scriptures is the Greek word "theopneustos" - a combination of the word "theos" meaning "God" ( where we get our word "theology") and the word for wind, air or breath (from which we get the English word "pneumatic" "pneumonia" etc.). The Greek word in II Tim. 3:16 literally means "God-breathed". This "inspiration" is much different than the inspiration an artist may receive to paint a great painting or the inspiration an author may feel to write a novel.

By "inspiration" we mean: "God's guidence exerted upon the human writers of the Bible so that the product of their writing retained individual personality and style, yet exactly expressing the mind of God. It is the means God used to achieve His revelation in the Bible." (Gary Kinnaman)

NOTE:
The Bible does not CONTAIN God's word.
The Bible does not BECOME God's word.
The Bible IS God's word!
(Even an atheist has to use the Bible to describe the kind of God he does not believe in.)

As Jesus Christ is both HUMAN and DIVINE so the Bible is also. It has both a HUMAN and DIVINE element. Some sections of the Bible are so "human" that it makes you wonder if the Bible really is inspired. Then there are the sections that are so obviously inspired it thrills you. The Bible is a miracle book...

(2 Pet 1:21 KJV)
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:
but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

(2 Sam 23:2 KJV)
The spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.

(Luke 1:70 KJV)
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets,
which have been since the world began:

There are two main words used by theologians to define inspiration. Don't let these words scare you. They are the words "verbal" and "plenary" and are used this way: "We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Scriptures." Now, let me define them for you.

"Verbal" means every word in the original languages is inspired by God. Why would we believe such a thing? There are several reasons:
The linguistic argument: Thoughts depend on completely on the very words used to express them. Change a word and the whole thought can change. If God really wants to communicate His will to us, then the very words He chose are important. He spoke to us so that we could understand His desires and will. The words used originally were His words.

The Biblical argument:
(Matt. 5:18 KJV)
"For verily I (Jesus) say unto you,
Till heaven and earth pass,
one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,
til all be fulfilled."

Jesus being quoted here in Matthew says that the smallest part of the Hebrew alphabet will not be destroyed or left out of the Scriptures (the "jot" and the "tittle"). And here, as in other places, Jesus referred to the Scriptures as "God's word".

The logical argument: In many places in the Scripture, the meaning of the verse or passage depends completely on a single word. The very words are important. Compare Galations 3:16 where Paul's argument rests upon the fact that the word in question was singular and not plural in the original writings.

Gal 3:16 (KJV)
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made.
He saith not, And to seeds, as of many;
but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

"Plenary" means THE WHOLE BIBLE is inspired. The inspiration extends to concepts, numbers, names, organization and everything that makes up the Scriptures in the original writings.

PART TWO: Transmission - How the Bible has come down to us through time.
It may come as a surprise to some to learn that the Bible did not arrive "whole". The 66 different books of the Bible were written by different authors over a period of a thousand years. Until the invention of the printing press in the 1500's the Bible was painstakingly composed and copied by hand, one letter at a time! The New Testament was hand-copied for 1500 years! (Of course, this is true for all ancient books.)

The story of the Bible coming down through the centuries is a story of Divine protection. The number of hand-copied manuscripts of the New Testament is overwhelmingly greater than the copies of any other ancient book. The ancient literary works of Greece and Rome are represented by as few as one surviving manuscript to as many as several hundred. Of the New Testament however there are more than 4800 manuscripts in Greek, 8000 in Latin, and over 1000 in other languages. So many manuscipts assures the reliablity of the text. Comparisons can be made from one century to another as well as between languages and thus the text can be shown to be accurate.

The finding of the Dead Sea scrolls only confirmed what the Scripture has told us and what Jesus had said about the Bible. The accuracy of the Bible as we have it, even the Old Testament, is proof of the Divine inspiration of this Book.

God's Blessings to each of you,
rECj/LJG

SOURCE:
IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
requests for archived devotionals on Biblical topics
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to
ixtheus@execpc.com

Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com

DID YOU KNOW

Confession - (1) An open profession of faith (Luke 12:8). (2.) An acknowledment of sins to God (Lev. 16:21; Ezra 9:5-15; Dan. 9:3-12), and to a neighbour whom we have wronged (James 5:16; Matt. 18:15).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

HE'S HEARD IT ALL

Yes, He has, He has seen and hard it all. There is nothing new under the heavens that He has not heard about, or had confessed to Him before. So why when we stumble and fall do we run from Him? And then on top of it He already knows what you have done. You are not hiding anything from Him.

We talk to our friends, counselors, and so on. The One who can fix the problem is the One we save for last. Are you guilty of this?

Yeah you say, but you just don’t know. No I don’t but He does! Go back to the book of Genesis and look what He has dealt with since the beginning of time; disobedience, killing, adultery. Look at Paul; the man was simply no good, before he was converted.

And you think you have problems that He will not understand. His own disciples turned their backs and ran and hid. He forgave them all. He would have forgiven Judas if he had asked.

What brought all this to my mind tonight is I have believed God for something and it has been 5 years of waiting. Today something presented itself to me that looked good, sounded good, smelled good, and I knew from the word go that it was not good. Instead of walking away I waited a bit, I looked at it, I listened to it, I smelled it, knowing it was wrong. But after I came home and could sit down I told myself why did you do that. I knew it was not right, and God knew what I had done. First I had to ask His forgiveness, and then this is what came to my mind. If you touch it, you can have it but it won’t be from God, and you can miss what you have been waiting 5 years for.

Now I don’t care how good anything is, if it isn’t from God it can only do me harm. Not all things that come to us in life are bad, but by taking our time we can pray and seek God and if it is not right, He will reveal it to us.

After five years I don’t feel like going back to square one, I want to go forward. Maybe my answer is already here and I don’t see it. Maybe it will come tomorrow, or next week. But if it comes then I want to be right here waiting for it, not off doing something I shouldn’t be doing and miss what God has for me. When we don’t ask forgiveness we stop our blessings.

He already knew that I looked at it, and the thoughts were there, but I did not act on them. I will wait. Believe me He already knows everything. So instead of running from Him ran to Him. He already knows

God Bless
rECj

DID YOU KNOW

Holiness - in the highest sense belongs to God (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 15:4), and to Christians as consecrated to God's service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God (Rom. 6:19, 22; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:8; 1 Pet. 1:15). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance (1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:23, 24).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

FALSE REGILIONS

[How many are there]



Most of us have read about the investiture and installation of Katharine Jefferts-Schori as the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in America. This investiture took place in November 2006.

Bishop Schori is the first female to hold this position, and I have no problem with that. If God cannot find a man, He will use a woman. I have no problem with woman leaders at all; a woman should be used where her talents and abilities lie. Be that behind the desk in a classroom or behind the pulpit of a church.

No, my problem is with the ceremony. In her entrance Native Indians were chanting and playing drums, sounds innocent enough, depends on what they were chanting. What else they did alarms me, causes me to sit up and say what. They used incense and eagle feathers to consecrate the altar.

Buddhists were also included in the procession. This is certainly connected with her doctrine: “ If we insist we know the only way to God, we’ve put God in a very small box.” Add to that she wore rainbow colors, hat and robe to show her acceptance of homosexuality and I think you will get the point.

It does in fact go further though. Bishop Schori believes that your sexual orientation is “a piece of how one is created” and has no problem with “committed” homosexual relationships. She also walked down the isle sprinkling water in a baptism, that she said was for “whose who were baptized, shall be cleansed and free of sin.

Here again we see lies coming forth as truth. People believing what they want to believe so that they will in fact be comfortable with their sins. The Bible does not try to make anyone happy while they are in sin. The purpose is to see the truth and desire to get out of the sin.

God says that He will love us as we are, and we can go to Him the way we are. He does not intend for us to stay the same. He intends for us to step out of the ways we have been living and stepping into a life style that lines up with His word.

We cannot change the word of God, anymore then we can change the moon or the stars. God created us all, for a purpose. All are different. We need to remember that we are choosing to live or die in the way we choose to live.

My heart goes out to the homosexual who is being told their lifestyle is okay. The same as those who are in a relationship living in sin outside of marriage. It is wrong. God will forgive you but He will never say that life style is correct.

We have to answer for what we believe, for the stand that we take on all issues. My heart can go out to all who sin and separate themselves from God. This woman has to answer for what she is leading these people in. Just as we have to answer for what we lead people to believe. OUCH.

We might not be called a bishop, or pastor, but we have to answer for our actions. Think about that.


"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. ... Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away" (2 Timothy 3:1, 5).



God Bless
rECj

DID YOU KNOW

Our faith should be our steering wheel, not our spare tire.
-- C. L. Wheeler

Keep Pressing On,
Rev. John W. Sweat, Sr.
CROSSROADS Baptist Church
(904) 376-5049

WHATS STOPPING YOU FROM GETTING OUT OF THE BOAT?

Matthew 14:25-33...And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea...And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear...But straightway Jesus spake unto them saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid...And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water...And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus...But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me...And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?...And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased...Then they that were in the ship came and worshiped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Is it FEAR? Look here: 2 Timothy 1:7...For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Is it DOUBT? OK then look here: Matthew 21:21...Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Is it because you think you lack AUTHORITY?: Well look here: God gives us authority over ALL THINGS: 2 Corinthians 10:8...For thought I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: Is it lack of FAITH? Philippians 4:13...I can do ALL THINGS thru Christ which strengtheneth me.

Peter did not step out of the boat til Jesus bids him to "come." Then Peter was bold and steps out. BUT he let DOUBT creep into his mind and started to sink. Jesus rebuked Peter, "oh ye of little faith."

I am not going to say that I would attempt to walk on water. But don't you think that water could also refer to the very land we are walking upon? I do. Sometimes we get so bold and step out of the boat before God bids us "come." That is when we sink. But whose hand is there to lift us up? JESUS.

We have mentioned this to you before, you can and should listen to and for the voice of God. When He bids you "come" get out of the boat! Don't hesitate, just do it. He will not let you sink. He is right there with you then as He is always: Hebrews 13:5-6...Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee...So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

On the AUTHORITY given you by our God just get bold and step on out. You will find it will be much better for you than staying in the boat.

Remember you are a blood bought child of the KING.

God Blessings to each of you,
LJG/rECj

DID YOU KNOW

Beer - well. (1.) A place where a well was dug by the direction of Moses, at the forty-fourth station of the Hebrews in their wanderings (Num. 21:16-18) in the wilderness of Moab.
(2.) A town in the tribe of Judah to which Jotham fled for fear of Abimelech (Judg. 9:21). Some have identified this place with Beeroth.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

JESUS IS ALIVE IN HOUSTON

When I first read that headline I thought good, Jesus should be alive everywhere and in everybody. But the first sentence was like reading a horror story. The mark of the beast, tattooed on your body as a sign of Christ.

I have to give credit to this man who leads these people, he does call himself the antichrist. But rather then tell you about the man, I will let you read it for yourself.

The point I want you to see in this is that as extreme as it sounds, he has believers and followers. We can plainly see this is not from God. But what of the small things that many religions teach, that people so easily believe; such as the extreme belief’s such as how Mary is prayed to in a unnamed religion.

I can never say this enough, LIES, people you are being taught lies. And even when someone shows you the truth, you still continue to hold on to those traditions because: your Momma, your Daddy, Grandma bless her soul, told you that something was so. Well I have news for you; if Momma, Daddy and Grandma could tell you anything right now it would be this. Lies baby it is all lies, let go and seek the truth, please.

But no, you hold on to the practices, and traditions and refuse to let go. Someone tried to tell Momma, Daddy and Grandma and a lot of other people who have already died. They did not listen. And they have to pay for it.

It is your choice, I made mine. As the young people say nowadays “See ya don’t want to be ya”. People please let go of all this religious trash and seek the truth.

You will read this and say these people are crazy; but some of your beliefs might be just as off the wall as theirs only better hidden.

Jose de Luis Jesus—ABC NEWS

The following is parts of the article:
March 6, 2007— A few weeks ago, in a tattoo parlor in the hip art deco district of Miami Beach, people were lining up to get "666" tattooed on their bodies, and then smiling through their pain. But these are not devil worshipers. They see themselves as devout followers of Jesus Christ. But the major difference that separates them from other Christians around the world is that the Jesus Christ they worship is alive and well — and living in the suburbs of Houston
These people belong to a new movement devoted to a man who calls himself the Second Coming of Jesus, and also claims the title of Antichrist, which to him is the next incarnation of Jesus on earth, not an evil being. To show their devotion, some followers ink themselves with "666." One follower said, "I just want to make sure it's visible, that everyone knows my life belongs to the man." Another said, "I want everyone to know I'm one of the antichrists."
They and others like them are fervently devoted, some say fanatically, to a 60-year-old Puerto Rican whose legal name, to his pleasure, is Jose de Jesus, or "Jose of Jesus." He counts followers in more than 30 countries; some say they total more than a million. But where does this man, who claims to be God, live? Not where you might expect: He resides with his wife in a suburban community just outside Houston.

The same spirit that was in Jesus of Nazareth, and the same spirit is in me. He came to me. He [integrated] with my person in 1973." de Jesus says this happened when two angels came to him in a vision, and while he admits there's no real way for him to prove that he's Christ, he says his followers aren't asking for proof.
The Birth of 'Jesus'
When asked to explain who he is, de Jesus responds: "Jesus Christ, man, the second manifestation, the Second Coming of Christ." He acknowledges, "It bothers a lot of people" that he calls himself Jesus.
De Jesus' beginning was anything but grand. Born in Puerto Rico, de Jesus grew up poor, living in government housing. He stole for a living to pay for his teenage heroin addiction and admits to eight felony charges that put him behind bars for nine months.
Like many, de Jesus says he was born again in prison. From there he moved to the United States, where he became involved in church youth groups, and eventually a minister in Boston. But it was a vision, de Jesus says, that turned him from man of God to being God.
"Before the presence of God, there's no more sin," he says. And with no sin, de Jesus teaches his followers, there's no devil and no need for prayer, because after Jesus of Nazareth died and was resurrected, one can literally do no wrong in God's eyes.
De Jesus says things like murder and theft are crimes, but not sins, and that people are punished for these crimes on earth. "Heaven doesn't have anything to do with your behavior," he says.
And de Jesus practices what he preaches: He loves women and has been married twice. He smokes cigarettes and while enjoying a glass of scotch, he says, "Jesus drank wine because he didn't have Dewar's."
De Jesus doesn't mind that his ministry often gathers in the corner tavern. "Like my former, Jesus of Nazareth, he used to go to places like this and the religious people, they used to criticize him. … I'm just doing the same kind of thing."
But he does draw the line: no drugs, and he says no getting drunk.
The de Jesus ministry is growing, with big followings in Venezuela, Columbia, even Cuba, and the man who believes he is the Second Coming of Christ is now turning his attention to America.
"Miami is the bridge for all nations," he said. "That's where Hispanics are, and then eventually I'm going to find a lot of beautiful English-speaking people who will want to believe in me and I'm going to have millions of them."
And what about the children who grow up in his movement believing that Jesus is alive and well? He calls them the "super raza" or the super race, because they are being brought up pure and with no stain of false religion on them.

So there you have it and you can see from reading it that it is not true. You know in your heart it is not true. You know in your soul it is lies. Why then do you take for truth that which is passed down to you, and not ask questions to find out if it is the truth?

God Bless
rECj

DID YOU KNOW

MARCH 24 1774 Anglican clergyman and hymn writer John Newton wrote in a letter: 'What a mercy it is to be separated in spirit, conversation, and interest from the world that knows not God.'

SOURCE: Today in Christian HIstory

SPIRITUAL GIFTS ASSESSMENT INVENTORY PART TWO

54) I receive great satisfaction in doing small or trivial tasks in church.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
55) I desire to do the tasks which will free others for important ministry.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
56) It is more effective to delegate a task to someone else rather than to do it myself.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
57) I enjoy the responsibility for the achievement of group goals.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
58) I appreciate the opportunity to financially support a critical situation.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
59) I sense joy in comforting people in difficult situations.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
60) The difference between truth and error is easily perceived by me.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
61) I am often ready to believe God will lead us through a situation when others feel it is impossible.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
62) People seem to feel very comfortable in my home.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
63) I like to create things with my hands.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
64) God consistently answers my prayers in tangible ways.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
65) I have visited a person who was sick, prayed that God would make them physically whole, and the person got better.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
66) I am able to relate well to Christians of different locations or cultures.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
67) I appreciate the opportunity to proclaim God's word to others.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
68) It is important for me to speak God's Word of warning and judgment in the world today.


4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
69) It is a joy to share what Jesus means to me with an unchurched neighbor.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
70) People like to bring their troubles & concerns to me because they feel I care.


4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
71) One of the joys of my ministry is training people to be more effective Christians.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
72) I feel secure in the fact that my musical ability will be of benefit to other people with whom I come in contact.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
73) People who are feeling perplexed often come to me for encouragement and comfort.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
74) I feel that I have a special insight in selecting the best alternative in a difficult situation.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
75) I have a clear understanding of Biblical doctrines (teachings).

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
76) I find more satisfaction in doing a job than finding someone else to do it.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
77) I appreciate a ministry of helping other people to bear their burdens.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
78) It is a thrill to inspire others to greater involvement in church work.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
79) The development of effective plans for church ministry gives me great satisfaction.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
80) It is a joy to see how much money I can give to the Lord.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
81) I enjoy ministering to a person who is sick in the hospital.


4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
82) I can judge well between the truthfulness and error of a given theological statement.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
83) People seem to view me as one who believes everything is possible.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
84) When missionaries come to our church I (would) like to have them come to my home.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
85) I see that the results of my working with various objects in God's creation help to improve and beautify that which other people have not seen nor developed.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
86) I faithfully pray for others recognizing that their effectiveness and total well-being depends on God's answer to prayers.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
87) I like to participate in ministry to the physically or emontionally ill and pray for their recovery.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
88) The thought of beginning a new church in a new community is exciting to me.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
89) I enjoy training workers in the congregation.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
90) In a Bible class it seems essential to share God's word even if it irritates others.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
91) I feel a deep concern for the unreached people in my community.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
92) I Enjoy a close relationship with people in a one to one situation.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
93) It is easy to organize materials for teaching a Bible class.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
94) Leading others in singing songs of praise to God or for pure enjoyment is personally satisfying.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
95) I would rather call on a delinquent family in my Church than an unchurched family.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
96) I have a strong sense of confidence in my solutions to problems.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
97) It is an exciting challenge to read and study a difficult book of the Bible.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
98) I like to do things without attracting much attention.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
99) If a family is facing a serious crisis, I enjoy the opportunity to help them.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
100) There is great satisfaction in having others follow me in performing a task.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
101) I would rather make decisions for the group than persuade them to reach the same decision.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
102) I can give sacrificially because because I know that God will meet my needs.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
103) It is a special satisfaction to visit people who are confined to their homes.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
104) I often seek the motives of a person and look beneath the words.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
105) When people are discouraged I enjoy giving them a positive vision.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
106) People seem to enjoy coming to my house.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
107) There is pleasure in drawing, designing and/or painting various objects.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
108) I find myself praying when I possibly should be doing other things.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
109) I feel strongly that my prayers for a sick person effect wholeness for that person.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
110) More than most, I have a strong desire to see all people of other communities and countries won to the Lord.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

The Discovery Tool Profile Sheet
Transfer your scores for each question into the following table, then compute the sum of each row. This provides your score for each gift
1. Apostle 1____ 23____ 45____ 67____ 89____ = ____
2. Prophet 2____ 24____ 46____ 68____ 90____ = ____
3. Evangelist 3____ 25____ 47____ 69____ 91____ = ____
4. Pastor 4____ 26____ 48____ 70____ 92____ = ____
5. Teacher 5____ 27____ 49____ 71____ 93____ = ____
6. Music 6____ 28____ 50____ 72____ 94____ = ____
7. Exhortation 7____ 29____ 51____ 73____ 95____ = ____
8. Wisdom 8____ 30____ 52____ 74____ 96____ = ____
9. Knowledge 9____ 31____ 53____ 75____ 97____ = ____
10. Serving 10____ 32____ 54____ 76____ 98____ = ____
11. Helps 11____ 33____ 55____ 77____ 99____ = ____
12. Leadership 12____ 34____ 56____ 78____ 100____ = ____
13. Administration 13____ 35____ 57____ 79____ 101____ = ____
14. Giving 14____ 36____ 58____ 80____ 102____ = ____
15. Mercy 15____ 37____ 59____ 81____ 103____ = ____
16. Discernment 16____ 38____ 60____ 82____ 104____ = ____
17. Faith 17____ 39____ 61____ 83____ 105____ = ____
18. Hospitality 18____ 40____ 62____ 84____ 106____ = ____
19. Craftsmanship 19____ 41____ 63____ 85____ 107____ = ____
20. Intercession 20____ 42____ 64____ 86____ 108____ = ____
21. Healing 21____ 43____ 65____ 87____ 109____ = ____
22. Missionary 22____ 44____ 66____ 88____ 110____ = ____
Use the List of Gifts for further study.


IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want...
Be careful to observe copyright information where appropriate...
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions, or requests for subscriptions to
ixtheus@execpc.com

Request a free copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There"
from ixtheus@execpc.com

God's Blessings to each of you,
rECj/LJG

DID YOU KNOW

March 22 1621 In colonial Massachusetts, the Plymouth Colony made a treaty with the neighboring Indians which both sides kept for fifty years.

SOURCE: Today in Christian History

SPIRITUAL GIFTS ASSESSMENT INVENTORY PART ONE

Dear Friends in Christ,

Since the Spiritual Gifts Assessment Tool is not available online at this time, I searched around and found this copy of the assessment inventory that they had provided for off-line use. Follow the instructions, and use the List of Spiritual Gifts which was provided in March 20 and March 22 devotional, " What are your Spiritual Gifts?".

When you have an indication of what your Spiritual Gift(s) are, what do you do next? May I suggest that you pray and ask God to provide you with training and opportunities to develop and use your gift in the body of Christ to benefit your church or hurting or needy people elsewhere.

1 Cor 12:6-7 (KJV)
{6} And there are diversities of operations,
but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
{7} But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit {from it}.

The "profit" we are talking about here is not monetary profit, but eternal gain of souls and character and building up of other people in the body of Christ. Remember that the over-arching agenda or goal that Christ has given us is, of course, the Great Commission:

Mat 28:18-20 (KJV)
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
{19} Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
{20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Your job is to pray and read the Bible and figure out how you and your gift will be used by Jesus Christ to fulfill this Great Commission.

God Bless you as you minister for the Lord.
In Christ...brother bob...<><

Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tool
Copyright 1997-2000, Lake Highlands Baptist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Instructions For Offline Use:
1.. There are a total of 110 statements below. Print this form, then indicate whether you Strongly Agree, Agree Somewhat, are Undecided, Disagree Somewhat or Completely Disagree with each question.
2.. Transfer your answers to the profile sheet at the end of this document.
3.. Total your scores for each of the gifts. Each gift will have a score between ZERO and TWENTY.
4.. Order the gifts in decending order of score. Higher scores indicate your more dominant gifts.
5.. Use the List of Gifts For further study.

1) People seem to be willing to follow my leadership without much resistance.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
2) I like to proclaim God's Word to fellow Christians.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
3) It is a joy for me to proclaim God's plan of salvation to unchurched people.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
4) It is enjoyable to have the responsibility of leading other people in their spiritual life.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
5) I'm excited in helping people to discover important truths in the scriptures.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
6) I have special joy singing praises to God either alone or with other people.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
7) It is enjoyable to motivate people to a higher spiritual commitment.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
8) People with spiritual problems seem to come to me for advice and counsel.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
9) I recevied excellent grades in school.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
10) There is great joy in doing little jobs around the church.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
11) I look for opportunities to assist people in their work.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
12) There is great joy in leading people to accomplish group goals.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
13) I like to organize people for more effective ministry.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
14) There is great satisfaction in giving large amounts of money for the Lord's work.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
15) I feel great compassion for the problems of others.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
16) It seems easy to percieve whether a person is honest or dishonest.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
17) I am ready to try the impossible because I have a great trust in God.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
18) There is great joy in having people in my home.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
19) I find that the repair and maintenance of things in my environment come easily to me.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
20) I seem to recognize prayer needs before others.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
21) I enjoy the opportunity to pray with and for a person who is physically ill that they may be made well.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
0 - Completely Disagree
22) I adapt easily in a culture different from mine.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
23) I feel a sense of authority in my relationship to the group.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
24) I like to proclaim the Word of God to comfort others.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
25) I seem able to determine when the Spirit has prepared a person to received Jesus Christ.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
26) It is exciting to provide spiritual leadership for a congregation.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
27) Teaching a Bible Class is one of the most enjoyable things I do (or could do) in the Church.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
28) God has given me the ability to play a musical instrument and I enjoy it.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
29) It is a joy to give encouragement to people who are discouraged.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
30) I enjoy providing solutions to difficult problems in life.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
31) It seems easy to learn difficult truths.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
32) I enjoy doing routine tasks for the glory of God.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
33) I enjoy helping with the emergency tasks around the Church.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
34) People seem to enjoy following me in doing an important task.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
35) There is joy in making important decisions.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
36) I find real joy in giving a generous portion of my money to the Lord.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
37) Visiting people in retirement homes gives me a great satisfaction.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
38) I seem to know very quickly whether something is right or wrong.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
39) When things seem impossible, I'm ready to move forward.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
40) I do not feel uncomfortable when people drop in unexpectedly.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
41) I have enjoyed creating various kinds of arts and/or crafts.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
42) Prayer is one of my favorite spiritual exercises.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
43) I have prayed for an emotionally ill person and seen the person get better.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
44) It is easy for me to move into a new community and make friends.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
45) I have little fear in leading people where God wants them to go.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
46) I enjoy relating and sharing God's Word to the issues of the day.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
47) I feel a burden to share the Gospel with people.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
48) I like to assist people with their spiritual problems.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
49) It seems that people learn when I teach them.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
50) I have enjoyed being involved with Church, school and/or local musical productions.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
51) I like to encourage inactive church members to become involved Christians again.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
52) It seems that people generally follow my advice.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree
53) I am able to understand difficult portions of God's word.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree


IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want...
Be careful to observe copyright information where appropriate...
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions, or requests for subscriptions to
ixtheus@execpc.com

Request a free copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There"
from ixtheus@execpc.com

God's Blessings to each of you,
rECj/LJG

DID YOU KNOW

Conversion - the turning of a sinner to God (Acts 15:3). In a general sense the heathen are said to be "converted" when they abandon heathenism and embrace the Christian faith; and in a more special sense men are converted when, by the influence of divine grace in their souls, their whole life is changed, old things pass away, and all things become new (Acts 26:18). Thus we speak of the conversion of the Philippian jailer (16:19-34), of Paul (9:1-22), of the Ethiopian treasurer (8:26-40), of Cornelius (10), of Lydia (16:13-15), and others.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

WHOM DO YOU QUOTE?

“ I do convert. I convert you to be a better Hindu, a better Catholic, a better Muslim or Jain or Buddhist. I would like to help you find God. When you find Him, it is up to you to do what you want with Him.”

What crosses your mind as your read this? Surely this is not a man or woman who has a strong relationship with God in any religion. I, as a Bible believing Christian, want you to believe the Bible first and foremost. If I was Hindu and stood strong in my faith, I would want you to believe as I did. Whatever my belief, if I felt strong and committed in it then I would want to share that belief with you. I would certainly not say to you I want you to be stronger in your faith, if it was not as mine.

It is not up to each one as an individual to “do what you want with Him” once you find Him. There is only one way and that is God’s way and any other way is a sin. That is what the Bible tells us.

Reread the quote again, please. Sounds kind of like a new age belief. You believe your way and I will believe mine. “I do convert” that word convert means: to turn around; change into another form; [and my favorite] to exchange to something of equal value. To exchange for something of equal value! Now, does that mean if I give you five dollars in quarters, you will give me a 10-dollar bill. No of course not. It means simply what it says something of the same value.

I don’t know about you but if you want me to give up something that is valuable to me, I want something in return that is more valuable then what I already had. I do not want to convert anyone to the same level as what they had. I want God to change you into whom He desires for you to be. He can and does have bigger plans than you or I can think of. I did not give up my life of clubs, alcohol, and free sex for something of equal value. I gave it up for something greater. A relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ!

I am not coming down on the person this is quoted from, I am coming down on people who lift people up and think they are so good and righteous and that person says something like this. Do not for a minute misunderstand me. This person is one of the best-known people in the world today, and they in fact are dead. This person has done more for the people in the area they were in then anyone else ever has. They have stepped onto a path that very few would think to go, but in doing so has drawn many to walk in their shoes. If not for that remark you would think this is surely a Godly person.

But how could a person who proclaims to love the Lord make a remark like that. It is in blindness. And it is in that blindness that we can see the person did not know the truth. And so it is with many others, who walk up right and with goodly works, and never step into a life of sin. If you do not confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior and proclaim Him as the only way, denouncing all others then you are wrong. You cannot say, “I convert you to be a better” whatever you are.

I know we have been writing strongly on this lately, because it is the main point I want to get across to you. Be careful, read and study the Word of God. Take the Bible and study, ask God to open your eyes and He will. We are listening to people and not knowing their true hearts. And what about the people behind the pulpit who support someone like this. If I support a ministry that supports someone who speaks as this, I am in fact supporting a ministry that supports falsehoods.

Now that is all said I thought for a minute of not telling you whom I quoted. Have any names crossed your mind?

It is a woman who died only a number of years ago. She has been brought up for sainthood in her religion. We all know her, Mother Teresa. Now what are you thinking?

Who have you been looking up to, and admiring. Whom do you quote?

God Bless
rECj

DID YOU KNOW

Holy Ghost - the third Person of the adorable Trinity.

His personality is proved (1) from the fact that the attributes of personality, as intelligence and volition, are ascribed to him (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; 1 Cor. 2:10, 11; 12:11). He reproves, helps, glorifies, intercedes (John 16:7-13; Rom. 8:26). (2) He executes the offices peculiar only to a person. The very nature of these offices involves personal distinction (Luke 12:12; Acts 5:32; 15:28; 16:6; 28:25; 1 Cor. 2:13; Heb. 2:4; 3:7; 2 Pet. 1:21).

His divinity is established (1) from the fact that the names of God are ascribed to him (Ex. 17:7; Ps. 95:7; comp. Heb. 3:7-11); and (2) that divine attributes are also ascribed to him, omnipresence (Ps. 139:7; Eph. 2:17, 18; 1 Cor. 12:13); omniscience (1 Cor. 2:10, 11); omnipotence (Luke 1:35; Rom. 8:11); eternity (Heb. 9:4). (3) Creation is ascribed to him (Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; Ps. 104:30), and the working of miracles (Matt. 12:28; 1 Cor. 12:9-11). (4) Worship is required and ascribed to him (Isa. 6:3; Acts 28:25; Rom. 9:1; Rev. 1:4; Matt. 28:19).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

WHAT ARE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS? PART TWO

Mercy
The ability to cheerfully and practically help those who are suffering or are in need, compassion moved to action. People with this gift- focus upon alleviating the sources of pain or discomfort in suffering people; address the needs of the lonely and forgotten; express love, grace, and dignity to those facing hardships and crisis; serve in difficult or unsightly circumstances and do so cheerfully; concern themselves with individual or social issues that oppress people.

Prophecy
The ability to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification. There may be immediate or future implications. People with this gift: expose sin or deception in others for the purpose of reconciliation; speak a timely word from God causing conviction, repentance, and edification; see truth that others often fail to see and challenge them to respond; warn of God's immediate or future judgment if there is no repentance: understand God's heart and mind through experience he takes them through.

Shepherding
The ability to nurture, care for, and guide people toward ongoing spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ. People with this gift: take responsibility to nurture the whole person in their walk with God; provide guidance and oversight to a group of God's people; model with their life what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus; establish trust and confidence through long relationships; lead and protect those within their span of care.

Teaching
The ability to understand, clearly explain, and apply the word of God causing greater Christlikeness in the lives of listeners. People with this gift communicate Biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the word; challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of scripture; present the whole counsel of God for maximum life change, give attention to detail and accuracy, prepare through extended times of study and reflection.

Wisdom
The ability to apply spiritual truth effectively to meet a need in a specific situation. People with this gift: focus on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take, receive an Understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the body; provide divinely given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion; hear the Spirit provide direction for God's best in a given situation; apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways.

Copyright 1997-2000, Lake Highlands Baptist Church. All Rights Reserved.

God Bless you as you serve The Lord Jesus Christ this day.
In Christ........brother bob.........<><

Bible verses about Spiritual Gifts

Rom 12:4-6a (KJV)
For as we have many members in one body,
and all members have not the same office{Grk=function}:
{5} So we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
{6} Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...

1 Cor 12:4-7 (KJV)
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
{5} And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
{6} And there are diversities of operations,
but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
{7} But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit {from it}.
{8} For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom;
to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
{9} To another faith by the same Spirit;
to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
{10} To another the working of miracles;
to another prophecy;
to another discerning of spirits;
to another divers kinds of tongues;
to another the interpretation of tongues:
{11} But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,
dividing to every man severally{Web=respectively} as he will.
{12} For as the body is one, and hath many members,
and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body:
so also is Christ.
{13} For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,
whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free;
and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
{14} For the body is not one member, but many.

1 Tim 4:8-16 (KJV)
For bodily exercise profiteth little:
but godliness is profitable unto all things,
having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
{9} This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
{10} For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach,
because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men,
specially of those that believe.
{11} These things command and teach.
{12} Let no man despise thy youth;
but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation,
in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
{13} Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
{14} Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy,
with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
{15} Meditate upon these things;
give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
{16} Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine;
continue in them:
for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself,
and them that hear thee.


IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want...
Be careful to observe copyright information where appropriate...
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions, or requests for subscriptions to
ixtheus@execpc.com

Request a free copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There"
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God's Blessings on each of you,
rECj/LJG

DID YOU KNOW

Songs - of Moses (Ex. 15; Num. 21:17; Deut. 32; Rev. 15:3), Deborah (Judg. 5), Hannah (1 Sam. 2), David (2 Sam. 22, and Psalms), Mary (Luke 1:46-55), Zacharias (Luke 1:68-79), the angels (Luke 2:13), Simeon (Luke 2:29), the redeemed (Rev. 5:9; 19), Solomon (see SOLOMON, SONGS OF)

Solomon, Song of - called also, after the Vulgate, the "Canticles." It is the "song of songs" (1:1), as being the finest and most precious of its kind; the noblest song, "das Hohelied," as Luther calls it. The Solomonic authorship of this book has been called in question, but evidences, both internal and external, fairly establish the traditional view that it is the product of Solomon's pen. It is an allegorical poem setting forth the mutual love of Christ and the Church, under the emblem of the bridegroom and the bride. (Compare Matt. 9:15; John 3:29; Eph. 5:23, 27, 29; Rev. 19:7-9; 21:2, 9; 22:17. Compare also Ps. 45; Isa. 54:4-6; 62:4, 5; Jer. 2:2; 3:1, 20; Ezek. 16; Hos. 2:16, 19, 20.)

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Please go to http://journals.aol.com/momsfirstscreenn/FAITH/ for today's article.

God's Blessing to each of you,
rECj/LJG

DID YOU KNOW

Spirit - (Heb. ruah; Gr. pneuma), properly wind or breath. In 2 Thess. 2:8 it means "breath," and in Eccl. 8:8 the vital principle in man. It also denotes the rational, immortal soul by which man is distinguished (Acts 7:59; 1 Cor. 5:5; 6:20; 7:34), and the soul in its separate state (Heb. 12:23), and hence also an apparition (Job 4:15; Luke 24:37, 39), an angel (Heb. 1:14), and a demon (Luke 4:36; 10:20). This word is used also metaphorically as denoting a tendency (Zech. 12:10; Luke 13:11).
In Rom. 1:4, 1 Tim. 3:16, 2 Cor. 3:17, 1 Pet. 3:18, it designates the divine nature.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

WHAT ARE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS? PART ONE

What are Your Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts, is a concept present only in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline Letters, although the idea of being empowered by the Holy Spirit for particular tasks is by no means alien to the ot (e.g., Judg. 3:10; Num. 11:29). Various Greek terms are employed when these are in mind, but most notably ta pneumatika, which emphasizes the spiritual origin of the gifts (pneuma means 'spirit'; see 1 Cor. 14:1), and, more often, ta charismata, which emphasizes that they are bestowed as an act of divine grace (charis means 'grace'; see Rom. 12:6). In distinction from 'the fruit of the Spirit,' which all Christians are to manifest without variation (Gal. 5:22-23), the gifts of the Spirit are understood to vary from one believer to another (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; cf. 1 Pet. 4:10).
In the Letters of undisputed Pauline authorship, there are four separate listings of the Spirit's gifts (Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:8-10; 12:28; 12:29-30), but since no two of the lists are identical it seems clear that no one list is intended to be definitive. The various gifts may be grouped under three general headings:

The gifts of utterance include prophecy (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:10, 28; cf. 1 Cor. 12:8; 14:6), with which the ability to distinguish between true and false prophecy is closely associated (1 Cor. 12:10; cf. 14:29 and 1 Thess. 5:19-21); instruction (Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28; cf. 1 Cor. 14:6); speaking in tongues (1 Cor. 12:10, 28; cf. 14:1-19); and the ability to interpret speaking in tongues (1 Cor. 12:10, 30; cf. 14:5, 13).

The gifts of practical ministry are caring for the needy (Rom. 12:7-8): serving, encouraging (TEV), contributing, performing acts of mercy, and perhaps giving aid (1 Cor.12:28: helping); and administration (1 Cor. 12:28; perhaps giving aid in Rom. 12:8).

Healing (1 Cor. 12:9, 28) and performing miracles (1 Cor. 12:10, 28) are gifts of wonder-working faith, this 'faith' (1 Cor. 12:9; cf. 13:2) being distinguishable from the faith 'reckoned as righteousness' (Rom. 4:5) of which Paul usually writes.

The gift of apostleship, ranked first in 1 Cor. 12:28, is active in all three ways: in the ministry of the word (e.g., 1 Cor. 1:17; 4:17), in pastoral care (e.g., Rom. 15:25-29; Philemon), and in the working of miracles (e.g., 2 Cor. 12:12; Gal. 3:5). It is notable, however, that the lists in Eph. 4:11 and 1 Pet. 4:10-11 include only gifts of intelligible utterance and of practical ministry; there are no references to speaking in tongues or miracle working.

Responding to disruptions caused by speaking in tongues in his Corinthian congregation, Paul emphasized that every believer is graced by some gift and that all gifts are bestowed by 'the same Spirit' (1 Cor. 12:4-11). Nevertheless, since their purpose is to serve 'the common good' (12:7), he concluded that prophecy, intelligible to all, is to be preferred to speaking in tongues, intelligible only to God (unless there is an interpreter; 1 Cor. 14:1-5). See also Apostle; Corinthians, The First Letter of Paul to the; Holy Spirit, The; Miracles; Paul; Prophet; Teaching; Tongues, Speaking with.

by V.P.F. from Harper's Bible Dictionary

Dear Christian Friends,

Having considered the above, the question arises, What are your spiritual gifts?. What part of the Body of Christ are you? What function are you supposed to fulfill in God's great scheme of things?

In order to help you assess what spiritual gift or gifts you may have that the Holy Spirit wants to put to use in the Body of Christ, here is a website which gives an on-line "inventory" test which you can use to attempt to determine which spiritual gifts God has given you that you may not be aware of.

The website is called......"Spiritual Gift Assessment Tool"
and is to be found at http://www.lhbc.org/gifts/Serv/gift.html. The test itself is found at that website, and below are given some descriptions of the gifts themselves. At the website is also found examples where these gifts may be applied in the modern church. (Unfortunately, at present, this site is changing servers and may be down for a while. Look for it again later.)

Here are some exerpts from this site to help you understand the various gifts of the Spirit.

Exerpts from the Spiritual Gift Assessment website:

Descriptions of gifts...
Administration
The ability to understand what makes an organization function, and the special ability to plan and execute procedures that accomplish the goals of the ministry. People with this gift: develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals; assist ministries to become more effective and efficient create order out of organizational chaos-, manage or coordinate a variety of responsibilities to accomplish a task; organize people, tasks, or events.

Apostleship
The ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministry structures. People with this gift: pioneer and establish new ministries or churches; adapt to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware: desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries; have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches: demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church.
>
Craftsmanship
The ability to creatively design and / or construct items to be used for ministry. People with this gift: work with wood, cloth , paints, metal, glass, and other raw materials; make things which increase the effectiveness of others' ministries; enjoy serving with their hands to meet tangible needs; design and build tangible items and resources for ministry use; work with different kinds of tools and are skilled with their hands.

Creative Communication
The ability to communicate God's truth through a variety of art forms People with this gift use the arts to communicate God's truth; develop and use artistic skills such as drama, writing, art, music, dance, etc., use variety and creativity to captivate people and cause them to consider Christ's message; challenge people's perspective of God through various forms of the arts; demonstrate fresh ways to express the Lord's ministry and message.

Discernment
The ability to distinguish between truth and error, to discern the spirits, differentiating between good and evil, right and wrong. People with this gift: distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure; identify deception in others with accuracy and appropriateness; determine whether a word attributed to God is authentic: recognize inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic message, or interpretation; are able to sense the presence of evil.

Encouragement
The ability to present truth so as to strengthen, comfort, or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in faith. People with this gift: come to the side of those who are discouraged to strengthen and reassure them; challenge, comfort, or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God; urge others to action by applying Biblical truth; motivate others to grow; emphasize God's promises and to have confidence in His will.

Evangelism
The ability to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship. People with this gift: communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction; seek out opportunities to talk to unbelievers about spiritual matters; challenge unbelievers to faith and to become fully devoted followers of Christ; adapt their presentation of the gospel to connect with the individual's needs; seek opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers

Faith
The ability to act on God's promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God's ability to fulfill his purposes. People with this gift: believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same; act in complete confidence of God's ability to overcome obstacles; demonstrate an attitude of trust in God's will and his promises; advance the cause of Christ because they go forward when others will not; ask God for what is needed and trust him for his provisions.

Giving
The ability to contribute money and resources to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality. It does not ask, "How much money do I give to God?" but, ³How much of Gods money do I keep?" People with this gift manage their finances and limit their lifestyle in order to give as much of their resources as possible; support the work of ministry with sacrificial gifts to advance the Kingdom; meet tangible needs that enable spiritual growth to occur, provide resources, generously and cheerfully, busting God for his provision; may have a special ability to make money so that they may use it to further God's work.

Helps
The ability to accomplish practical and necessary tasks which free-up, support, and meet the needs of others. People with this gift: serve behind the scenes wherever needed to support the gifts and ministries of others; see the tangible and practical things to be done and enjoy doing them, sense God's purpose and pleasure in meeting everyday responsibilities; attach spiritual value to practical service; enjoy knowing that they are freeing up others to do what God has called them to do.

Hospitality
The ability to care for people by providing fellowship, food, and shelter. People with this gift provide an environment where people feel valued and cared for, meet new people and help them to feel welcomed; create a safe and comfortable setting where relationships can develop; seek ways to connect people together into meaningful relationships; set people at ease in unfamiliar surroundings.

Intercession
The ability to consistently pray on behalf of and for others, seeing frequent and specific results. People with this gift: feel compelled to earnestly pray on behalf of someone or some cause; have a daily awareness of the spiritual battles being waged and pray; are convinced God moves in direct response to prayer, pray in response to the leading of the spirit, whether they understand it or not exercise authority and power for the protection of others and the equipping of them to serve.

Knowledge
The ability to bring truth to the body through a revelation or biblical insight. People with this gift: receive truth which enables them to better serve the body: search the scriptures for insight, understanding, and truth; gain knowledge which at times was not attained by natural means; have an unusual insight or understanding that serves die church; organize information for teaching and practical use.

Leadership
The ability to cast vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God. People with this gift provide direction for God's people or ministry; motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities; present the "big picture" for others to see; model the values of the ministry; take responsibility and establish goals.

God's blessings to each of you,
rECj/LJG

SOURCE: IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want...
Be careful to observe copyright information where appropriate...
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions, or requests for subscriptions to
ixtheus@execpc.com

Request a free copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There"
from ixtheus@execpc.com

DID YOU KNOW

March 18, 1767 Anglican clergyman and hymn writer John Newton wrote in a letter: 'The more you know him, the better you will trust him; the more you trust him, the better you will love him; the more you love him, the better you will serve him.'

SOURCE: Today in Christian History

THE BATTLE IS YOURS PART SEVEN

I hope that you enjoyed and had a good laugh doing your homework. Sometimes we have to just make up our minds that today I will choose to do things different.

We can learn when we step outside our own tent and into that which is different. By listening to anyone and everyone else we might or might not learn what we need to learn.

By praying and seeking the wisdom of God we can learn to discern right and wrong. Wisdom and guidance do not come easily all the time. Leaving things behind is sometimes the only way to be blessed. The choice is yours to stay in the mess or to be blessed.

Stepping out means to step away from all that is hindering to you. Abram was to go for himself. God didn’t tell him to take Lot. Lot represents that one little thing that we either cannot or will not let go of. We hang on to it. Being disobedient to God.

Well, Lord I am going to do what you are telling me to do, BUT I have to take this with me. Just in case, You do understand Lord? Well, we all know what happened God did not speak to Abram until Lot left him.

We cannot stay somewhere God tells you to leave. God will go silent on you. There will be some people that you will leave behind. There will also be things from your past that you must leave behind.

We all want answers. Tell me where I am going and I will go. God says leave. No we tell Him, show me and I will leave. No God says, leave and I will show you. And you can have that argument with God for the next hundred years. Note I said YOU could argue. God is not going to argue with you, but He is going to win.

Sometime you have to come to a place where you have nothing but God and if God doesn’t come through you are finished. You have to come to the point where you are so hungry, if it means you don’t have one friend the rest of your life you are still going to get out of the culture you are in that is killing you and get into a culture that you can grow and strive in.

Choose life.

Every choice that you will make will affect everybody around you. If you don’t leave you won’t get to the next step. Walk away from what God is telling you to walk away from. Stay where God tells you to stay. Leave things that He tells you to leave.

Now that this is all said let us go back again to our scripture: Deuteronomy 30:19, 20

19] I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
[20] That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

If you were thinking there was some really hard way to get out of all that trash from your past, well I am sorry it is only hard if you make it hard. You break the curses by stepping into the obedience of God.

By stepping into His obedience you are stepping out of darkness into life, not only for yourself but your children after you.

This morning I got a phone call from a young lady. She is blaming herself for things that happened in her life. Her grandmother passed away after she went to visit her. Her uncle died before she could get to him to give CPR. She blames herself. If she would not have went and saw her grandmother she would not have died. If she had got there sooner her uncle would not have died. The interesting thing though was as we talked the sin that was in her life came out. The life style she was living is what was opening the door for all kinds of curses to come into her life. She had not spoke to God in 18 years. We spoke for close to an hour. It was between 2 and 3 in the morning and she was walking down the highway of a town I have never heard of.

How did she get my number? It was on her cell phone and she had called 3 days before to see why I had called her. I had not ever called her. I took it as a chance to speak to her of Christ and told her anytime, any place call me I will be here for you.

Last night she was in the depths of depression when she called, she wanted to take her life. We talked for all that time; I did not tell her life style was wrong. Oh I could have told her she was a sinner from the first words she said, instead I showed her love, I listened, and I let her talk. Then the Lord laid it in my Spirit to ask her when was the last time she had told Him she loved Him. I asked her to ask God to put His arms around her and she did. She told me that the greatest peace she had ever felt came on her.

Within seconds the phone went dead. I asked God to protect her and I may not know what His plan is but she knows that she is loved. He will take care of the rest.

We have to take that first step. The past cannot be changed. We can either choose to live in it or to leave it behind us. It is sometime easy and some parts are hard. Letting go is hard because we do not know what is ahead. That is where the trust and faith in God comes in. We can choose life or we can choose death. Remember what you bring with you can be done away with. It is what we take with us that will also be what we leave for others after us.

That young lady took the first step last night. She stepped into His embrace. I am sure that if the two were laid before you, of which you would choose. If we knew the answers it would be very easy to do. We look and think the answer is there, it might not be the answer you are looking for but it is the final answer to an accumulation of all that there is. That is eternal life for not only you but for those your legacy is left to.

How do we choose life? By stepping into the embrace of God. Being obedient to Him and His word. By saying the past is the past and the future is before me and I choose to walk it with Christ as my pilot.

If you thought it would be hard, it is. Leaving the past behind, all your learned ways and habits, yes it is. But each moment that you are in His embrace the path becomes smoother.

Choose life and live or choose to stay in the old and perish with it, while passing it alone to those you leave behind. The choice is yours. Which do you choose? Take a different path, the view is wonderful.

God Bless
rECj

Thank you rECj for this beautiful series. Thank you for listening to God and following His direction. People, please just remember, GOD DOES NOT TAKE ANY DAYS OR TIME OFF. He is always there for each of us. He is our very own guide and spiritual advisor. LJG

DID YOU KNOW

End - in Heb. 13:7, is the rendering of the unusual Greek word ekbasin, meaning "outcome", i.e., death. It occurs only elsewhere in 1 Cor. 10:13, where it is rendered "escape."

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

THE BATTLE IS YOURS PART 6

If you walk through mud you will get mud on yourself. No matter how much you clean your shoes, until you take them off and wash them, you will still have mud. Even sometime after washing them you will find a bit of mud stuck in the groves on the bottom of your shoe. You have to get it all off.

It is the same with people. You can witness to a drunk or a drug addict, without living in their lifestyle. If you stay in mess you will get in mess. It will affect you even without you realizing it. Make sure you are the one that has the influence and not them. It is sad but some Christian’s use helping others to stay were they are instead of getting out. They do not want to break free and go somewhere else.

Abram had to change his environment. What we are around affects us more then we think it does.

I have had two wonderful friends in my life that are no longer in my life. One has passed away and thought she knew I loved the Lord she still wanted me to do things in the world with her. I had to break off the friendship. In the past year a dear lady that I have known and loved for many years started down a path way that I had struggled to get off of if my past. I am free from that part of my life and now she is living it. She watched me and though she knows I am no longer doing those things, she does not want to hear anything I have to say. I will not stay in her company. From time to time I will call, and each time within minutes I know she is still happy where she is. Hopefully one day I will call and she will be out or want out. I miss her but I will not let her pull me into what I got free from.

Was I suppose to do like they did, or are doing, and let it destroy me? No I choose to get away from them. Do I worry about hurting their feelings? No I have to think of my own spiritual well being.

A lot of people are energy suckers. They are not adding one thing to your life, they are in fact just draining you of everything: joy, energy, time, and even money. They are not doing anything for themselves or for you. No matter what you do for them, they are pulling you down.

If you don’t know who you are in Christ, you will let all that stuff manipulate you and control you.

Abram had to change his environment. Genesis 15:4 God had to call Abram outside the tent. You need to come outside your tent. Now that you are outside, look up into heaven. God sometime has to move you from one place to another to speak to you. You can see things differently somewhere else.

This is why we need retreats, and time alone; we need to get into a different environment.

Not one of us has it all right. Your surroundings affect you. How you set the stage for everything else—awakens your senses. Sometime you just have to get away from where you are. Why? You need to get a different viewpoint.

When you change your path you see a different point of view. The opposite side of the road is different. We should not be so prideful that we think there is nothing out there we can learn, or nothing we have never seen.


HOMEWORK?

Yes, homework! I have asked you before to think on things or to look up something for yourselves. Today I have an assignment for you. I want you to do something the opposite way today or tomorrow. It could be the walk you take everyday. The drive you take to work or from work. It can be the way you wash the dishes.

We are all creatures of habit. Now what I am asking you to do is actually easy. However you normally do something do it the opposite. I found that a walk is the sum simple and eye opening of things. If you walk out of your yard and on the left side of the road then this time turn right and walk that walk on the opposite side of the road going the opposite way. You will truly be amazed at what you see that wasn’t there to your eyes before. Take a different road to work. Hey I didn’t know that was there?

As for the dishes, well you will be crossing your hands and laughing but it is certainly an eye opener to the way we do things. Doing things out of habit. And that is it people. Making changes in our lifestyle habits changes us and opens us up to new and exciting things.

Tomorrow

God Bless
rECj