Pray What God Says
Copyright 2010 Christine Brooks Martin
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
ISBN: 978-1-4524-3411-7
For information or to contact the author, write to:
CHRISTINE BROOKS MARTIN
5230 Clark Avenue, Suite 29
Lakewood, CA 90712
Unless otherwise noted, all scripture references are from the King James Version of the Bible.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedications & Acknowledgements
Introduction
Topical Scriptures to “Pray What God Says”
DEDICATIONS
“Pray What God Says” is dedicated to the memory of:
Bessie Pennington
John & Mae C. Brooks
Dollie Lee Martin
Mother Lavonia Verner
Bishop David Tillman
&
Ocie “Jeff” Jefferson
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for my sons, Fontay, Kevin and David; my grandchildren – Treveon, Javon, Jason, Sophia and Joshua. Chavilla, my daughter-in-law and prayer partner, you are precious to me, so thank you for our Naomi/Ruth relationship.
A special thank you to my best friends:
Cheryl Tillman-Lee, for praying and waiting 13 years in faith for me to say yes to salvation;
Dr. Daniel Horton, for your love, encouragement and the inspiration to write that chapter;
Sandrah Green, your wisdom and consolation kept me out of the corner;
And Edward Wilson, for always demonstrating joy in the high and low places.
I love you!:
To my mother, Annie Mae Straughter. Your sacrifice of years without me directed my path to Jesus, who brought us back to one another;
To Prosperity, my mentor and spiritual mother;
My first co-pastor Estella Tillman, who handed over the reins of Wednesday morning intercessory prayer to my charge;
Dorothy Daniels, thank you for introducing me to fasting, travailing prayer and shut-ins;
Apostle Dr. Robbie Horton, my pastor, for coaching and arming me for new realms and dimensions of faith;
Dr. Marea Channel, associate pastor, for your motivating grace;
And to my trenches and prayer wall partners, Minister Daisy Martin-Bell, Prophetess Monique Hurd, Evangelist Charmaine E. Wright and Evangelist Sheryl Hamilton.
INTRODUCTION
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Mark 10:15
Just before my sixth birthday, my father passed away one evening while watching his favorite television program. In the days to follow, I was bewildered by my first encounter with death, then overwhelmed with fear that my mother would succumb as well after witnessing multiple fainting episodes and her inconsolable grief.
I slipped into the comfort of self-imposed silence and isolation. In the height of the day, I could be found sitting in the backyard swing pondering the whole situation while gazing at cloud formations. In the evening I staked out the sixth rung of the foyer staircase. From there I could peer into the living room and see my “sleeping” father. For two days he had been laid out for viewing at our home so family, friends, and co-workers could come to pay their last respects. I felt it was of benefit and necessity to maintain the vantage point from the stairs until bedtime in the event he was to awaken. I dared not miss what was inevitably unrequited expectation.
The day before dad's funeral, my mom’s friend who we called Aunt Bessie decided to break my solitude by joining me in the backyard. She quietly watched me swing for what seemed like hours. Finally, I broke days of silence by asking her why my father could not wake up. I simply wanted him to wake up so mom would stop crying and we could be happy once again.
She said it was my father's time to go to a place called heaven and live with someone named Jesus Christ. And it was possible for everyone to do the same when it was their time to go, she added. Immediately, I thought of my grieving mother and worried about her leaving me all alone so she could join my father. But Aunt Bessie reassured me that it was not her time yet and she would eventually get better. The most comforting thing I heard however was that Jesus was taking care of my beloved father and this Jesus would be watching over me from heaven like a father, for the rest of my life.
Immediately, the floodgates burst open with many questions. I had a knack for intense interrogation (which my granddaughter has inherited). Aunt Bessie answered what she could sufficiently enough though, for me to become enamored with Jesus Christ. He could not be seen, she said, but I could talk to Him at any time.
Instantly my perplexities about death and fear for my mother's life, was gone and I could not explain the happiness that engulfed me. Although I missed my father and realized I would never experience his demonstrations of love for me again, I was no longer sad or afraid. My adolescent heart had experienced what I now know was inexplicable joy and peace.
I didn’t know it at the time, but I had just been introduced to the tangibility of God and the rudimentary elements of prayer. With child-like faith I entered the gate of His kingdom by embracing the words I heard from His vessel of love, Aunt Bessie.
I grew into adulthood, living a self-pleasing life for most of it. But, it was in the living room of a dear friend (who eventually became my spiritual mother and mentor), that I was radically transformed. I was baptized by the Holy Spirit during a prayer accepting His salvation. An insatiable hunger to commune with God through His Word and times of prayer marked my new life.
As it is possible for anyone, through wisdom, knowledge and understanding garnered from the scriptures, prayer and life experiences, I have received the progressive inculcating, reality, benefits and power of prayer. The details of that process and progress would fill more journals than I could possibly write.
The intent of this guide however, is to reintroduce just one of many keys to effective prayer. That is simply to Pray What God Says. I have found that availing yourself to this prayer key can and will gain you access to a divine response. That response will yield a greater relationship with God the Father, through His Son Jesus Christ, with the enabling assistance of the Holy Spirit. It will yield the nourishing and strengthening of the spirit man; the release of blessing, healing and deliverance for yourself and those for whom you pray; and much more. The much more is the perpetual release of divine preparations that eyes have not seen, that ears have not heard, nor has entered into the heart of those who chose to love God. And my heart says Come Lord Jesus.
This once enamored child is continually maturing--through praying what God says--into a woman in love, heart, mind, soul and spirit, with my Heavenly Father.
CHAPTER 1: The Cry
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;
but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:15
Throughout Genesis 1, as God was creating all things and man, He said it was good. We have yet to observe or experience every expression or facet of goodness and beauty that was designed by our Creator in the heavens, on and in the earth, or through the animate and inanimate.
God created man in His image. He formed man’s body from the dust of the earth and breathed into him the breath of life. Man became a living soul with a God-given spirit, designed to be in direct and constant communion and relationship with his Creator.
Because of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, we are all born with an Adamic (or sin) nature. Therefore, our soul is governed by the sensual realm. The soul is the mind, will and emotions. The five senses--see, hear, smell, touch and taste--influences and governs our soulish and behavioral responses. Our response to our senses are played out or evidenced through what we think, what we say and do, and how we feel.
There is an expression that says that the heart is the seat of the emotions. As our emotions are touched in various ways throughout life experiences, each one of us will express joy, hope, gratitude, affliction, fear, sickness, anger, disappointment, brokenness, etc. In concert with these expressions is a corresponding “cry” or sound from our spirit that will command or demand a response from something or someone greater than ourselves. God, who is the source of our spirit, desires that greater to be Himself.
Throughout the scriptures there are diverse ways this “cry” or sound is expressed.
1. To cry is to weep, shed tears, sob, bawl, whimper, whine, moan, groan, lament, grieve, mourn, or wail:
Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. 2 Chronicles 34:27
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. Psalm 39:12
For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 2 Corinthians 5:4
Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. John 16:20
Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. Psalm 31:9
Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me. Isaiah 38:14
2. To cry does not have to be caused by sadness or negative feelings as in the previous examples of scripture. It also means to sing out, or praise with joy or excitement:
And He said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear. Exodus 32:18
And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing. Genesis 29:35
Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. Revelations 19:5
Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. Nehemiah 12:43
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psalm 5:11
And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. Act 13:52
3. To cry means to utter with spontaneous expression:
When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; Esther 4:1
Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and He cried. Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And He wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. Genesis 45:1-3
4. To cry means to proclaim, announce, shout, to mobilize or motivate:
And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. Leviticus 25:10
Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever. Jeremiah 3:12
5. To cry means to call out or call to:
The righteous call to God--
A Psalm of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle. Psalm 28:1-2
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. Psalm 57:2
By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. Job 35:9
Even wicked people cry out but to other gods--
Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. Judges 10:13-14
The Word says that everything created cries out--
Such as animals (beast):
And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged. Isaiah 13:22
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. Psalm 147:9
The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness. Joel 1:20
But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Jonah 3:8
Inanimate things cry out:
And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. Luke 19:40
Devils and unclean spirits cry out:
And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And He rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that He was Christ. Luke 4:41
For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. Acts 8:7
Cities cry out:
And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. Genesis 18:20-21.
And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven. 1 Samuel 5:12
Even virtue cries out:
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? Proverbs 8:1
6. There is a cry in supplication for an immediate need, to implore, beg, plead, beseech, solicit, or entreat:
If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, for thy name is in this house, and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. 2 Chronicles 20:9
And He said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. Exodus 33:18
I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. 2 Kings 20:3
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer. Nehemiah 1:11
Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. Psalm 119:154
7. The cry of intercession is a request on behalf of others, to travail or appeal:
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11
For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God. Jeremiah 31:6
And prayed unto him: and He was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD He was God. 2 Chronicles 33:13
That thine eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy servant, and unto the supplication of thy people Israel, to hearken unto them in all that they call for unto thee. 1 Kings 8:52
But if they be prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon. Jeremiah 27:18
Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25
By nature and divine design every human being has a heart cry or sound. As a believer--believing in your heart, accepting the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and confessing Him as Lord and Saviour—your regenerated spirit cries out for appeasement or fulfillment from God.
Even an unsaved person has a heart cry. While exercising the liberty of free-will that God has given to all of us, a carnal-minded (or earthbound) person is self-assertive, self-gratifying, and self-willed. He has a tendency to not desire or submit to the spirit of God. The spirit of God and the Word of God finds no place in his thoughts, emotions, speech or decisions and choices. Instead they will defer to sensual or carnal ideologies, pleasures, solutions and remedies.
Years ago, before accepting Jesus Christ as Lord of my life, I considered myself a decent person. Although I acknowledged God, I did not serve Him by reading or studying the scriptures, prayer or attending church. I thought I had everything that was essential for a good and happy lifestyle. But I had issues that troubled my mind and heart as well. With God excluded from my life, unfruitful decisions made solutions to my problems elusive. I resigned to accepting and responding to lingering challenges the way I thought best.
But God heard the cry of my heart when no one else was listening, and where no one else was looking. He reconnected me with a friend in a wonderful way. My best friend Cheryl sowed 13 years of obedient and dedicated evangelistic ministry into my life. She planted the seed of the Word in every conversation and watered it by taking me to church services, conferences, her family gatherings, and most important, intercession for me in her prayer closet. I believe that when the Lord heard my cry for something new, He heard and honored the cries of Cheryl’s heart to see me saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Throughout those 13 years I had many opportunities to accept an altar call but I refused, holding on to the notion that eventually, I could fix me all by myself. In retrospect, arrogance and stubbornness had been a barrier to my deliverance from the problems in my life.
On August 5, 1992, Cheryl needed to pick up some documents from an evangelist in Moreno Valley so I agreed to accompany her so she could use the Express lane. As we stepped into Evangelist Prosperity’s living room, I immediately felt very hot. It was as if someone was pouring hot liquid on my head. Although the air conditioner was on in her home, I rationalized that my body was adjusting to coming in from the very warm temperature outside. So I sat quietly to cool off. After a few minutes Evangelist Prosperity glanced at me and asked if I was saved. I said, “No.” Then she asked if I wanted to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. Without hesitation I replied, “Yes. Sure why not?”
As the three of us joined hands and Evangelist Prosperity began to pray for me, I felt the heat on my head intensify to what seemed like a thick liquid pouring from my head and neck, down to my feet. My heart raced, my legs felt too limp to stand. I thought I was having a heart attack or some other physical malady. I tried to tell them to call 911 but I couldn’t speak English. With tears streaming down my face, peace and joy enveloped my very being and my lips stammered in tongues for nearly an hour.
Cheryl fell to her knees weeping and praising the Lord because she was able to witness the fruit of her labor from the prayers, and the planting and watering of the Word into my life. To some it would seem that I had a radical conversion experience. But I would never trade it for anything else because that experience has kept me believing, knowing and trusting that God is real and He loves me.
In my introduction to this book, I reflected on the peace and joy I experienced when I first heard about Jesus Christ from Aunt Bessie. But when I decided to accept Him as my Lord and Saviour in 1992, that same peace and joy embraced me but in a greater measure. I am fully persuaded that God’s plan and purpose for my life is greater than I or anyone else could have fashioned it.
Since that day, I have learned that as you commit your life to Jesus Christ and receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit, there is a divine enablement to begin, build and establish a relationship with God. It is only through a relationship with Him, through learning the scriptures and prayer, that you will be able to live a regenerated life. This is a life that can be conformed and transformed daily to the likeness of Jesus Christ.
When my heart was crying out, I was not aware that it was directed toward God. There is a cry of our heart and it is of a hungry, thirsty spirit man crying out to his Creator. Even in death, the word says that the spirit of man returns to the Creator, our God. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7.
If we consistently allow the cry of our heart be directed toward the Lord, we are better able to submit our soul (mind, will and emotions) to His spirit. We have to allow ourselves to be subject to, in daily reliance upon, and in compliance with God and His holy scriptures. Commitment to desiring our thoughts and behavior to be in consistent alignment with the Holy Spirit will yield a lifestyle led by a spirit man that is in deference to holiness and righteousness. This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16.
God created and enables our hearts to cry out to Him: And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Galatians 4:6.
He hears and is attentive to the cry of our heart: Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. Psalm 130:2.
He responds to the cry of our heart and causes it to be filled with joy and gladness: But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. Isaiah 65:18.
He is a defender for the cry of the heart that seeks protection and justice: And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though He bear long with them? Luke 18:7.
God has an ultimate plan for every cry of the heart: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelations 21:4.
The cry of every man’s heart is for provision, protection, health and well being. We require direction, revelation, truth, justice and more. There is nothing or anyone better to turn to than the Creator of all things, the Lord our Maker. He has made a covenant--His Word--that guarantees that He is the one who can provide His joy, peace, protection, His provision, plan, solution and elevation to our life.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord you can do so now. Say the following and mean it from your heart.
Father, your Word says that sin separates us from you. But when Jesus Christ was put on the cross, He bore the sin of the world. The shedding of His blood was the perfect sacrifice necessary to redeem all mankind from the consequences of sin and that sacrifice brought us into right relationship with you. So now, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus died for all my sin. I repent of my sin. I renounce and am willing to forsake a life of sin. I ask you to forgive me. I believe in my heart that you have removed sin far from me and put it on the cross. I believe that by your power, you raised Jesus from the dead and He is now Lord over sin and death. As I give my heart to Jesus, I confess Him as my Lord and that I am a new creature. Old things have passed away and all things are become new. Each day, I will place my hope, trust, needs and expectations in You in the name of Jesus.
When you receive Jesus, you have accepted what He has done for you on the cross. You are redeemed and have become a child of God for all eternity.
As many as received him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. John 1:12
CHAPTER 2: The Lie
...A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart,
There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. Psalm 14:1-2
The lies of satan are many. To follow are some we hear most often. I choose to allow what the scriptures have to say be my opinion of the truth.
1. Lie: There is no God.
The truth according to the Word of God:
But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Jeremiah 10:10
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 1 Timothy 1:9
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. 1 Timothy 4:10
2. Lie: There is no hell.
The truth according to the Word of God:
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 2 Peter 2:2-6
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelations 1:18
3. Lie: You are the only one going through what you’re going through.
The truth according to the Word of God:
And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone. Numbers 11:17
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1
4. Lie: Your circumstance is greater than you can bear.
The truth according to the Word of God:
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
5. Lie: God does not care about you.
The truth according to the Word of God:
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. Hebrews 13:5
And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. Leviticus 20:26
That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 11:20
6. Lie: You can get to Heaven with good works and without Jesus.
The truth according to the Word of God:
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 1 John 4:15
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9
7. Lie: The Bible is just a book written by men.
The truth according to the Word of God:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16
8. Lie: Jesus was only a prophet.
The truth according to the Word of God:
And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. Luke 4:41
Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. Acts 3:26
9. Lie: There are no miracles for the New Testament church.
The truth according to the Word of God:
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28
10. Lie: It’s OK to worship any god.
The truth according to the Word of God:
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Psalm 96:5
The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen. Zephaniah 2:11
They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off. Hosea 8:4
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:16
The scriptures have much to say about lies and liars:
Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Isaiah 28:14-15
Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD. Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders. And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity. Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 9:2-6
What are lies and who are liars?
1. Lies are false, untrue, evasive, exaggeration, and misrepresentation.
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. Proverb 14:5
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1 Timothy 4:1-2
2. Lies are perversion, distortion, corruption, slanted and twisted.
For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd. Zechariah 10:2
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 1:23-25
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. 2 Peter 2:10-15
3. Lies are inaccuracy, misconstruction, and contradiction.
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:15-17
4. A lie is a rumor, hoax, forgery, a counterfeit, it is shameless, defamation, and fake.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 1 John 1:6
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1 Timothy 4:1-2
5. Liars deny, dispute, challenge, rebut, negate, or attempt to overthrow.
The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. Psalm 119:69
The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. Psalm 58:3
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 2 Peter 2:1-3
6. Liars mislead, deceive, or misinform.
If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people. Micah 2:11
And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies. Jeremiah 20:6
Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked: Amos 2:4
For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd. Zechariah 10:2
God has made a provision for His creation. It is the words of His holy scriptures. When we choose to read, hear, learn and speak the Word of God it is able to save us, deliver us, and protect us from lies and liars.
CHAPTER 3: The Truth
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
1 John 2:27
Truth is defined as integrity, righteousness, sincerity, veracity, accuracy, just and authentic. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth. When you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, you became the temple and tabernacle of God. The spirit of truth dwells IN you and is opposed to falsehood, lies or deceit. The Holy Spirit reveals truth as you study to understand and know God through the scriptures and relationship with Him through prayer. His truth is found in the scriptures and the scriptures are truth.
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Exodus 34:6
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; Titus 1:2
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Hebrews 6:18
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. Proverbs 12:17
For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; Ephesian 5:9
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2 Thessalonians 2:13
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 1 John 3:19
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 3 John 1:3
2. The spirit of truth is reality, factual, genuine, sound, valid, certain, upright and credible. The Holy Spirit of God is WITH you and is opposed to hypocrisy, pretense, deception, custom or over-inflation.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22
I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. Psalm 119:30
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. Psalm 119:142
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4
3. The spirit of truth is inside information, closeness, openness, liberal and believable.
The Holy Spirit of God HEARS you and will answer.
And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:11-13
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. Psalm 34:15
He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. Psalm 145:19
For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee. Isaiah 30:19
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? Luke 18:7
4. The spirit of truth is faithful, honest, honorable, candor, and frank. The Holy Spirit of God HELPS you and answers with fidelity, sincerity and punctuality in keeping promise, mercy and kindness.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habbakuk 2:3
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:10
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 2 Peter 1:12
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24
5. The spirit of truth is strictness, a principle, rule, law and precept. The Holy Spirit of God PROTECTS you with the true doctrine of the gospel.
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Galatians 3:1-5
Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: Psalm 146:5-6
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; Ephesians 6:14
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Peter 1:2
CHAPTER 4: The Word
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
The truth is the Word of God. The Word is the will and plan of God and is of God. The God-inspired written Word is called His holy scriptures. The scriptures give us history and the revelation of the future of God’s creation. They are the voice of God revealing Himself to His creation and is the basis and foundation of God’s power. It is the manual that outlines His plan for man’s individual and collective purpose and destiny.
By studying the scriptures you discover God’s character and virtue, and the will (covenant or provisional promises) He has given to every believer. You have an opportunity to learn, know and understand His authority and the authority you have in the name of Jesus Christ. Through a consistent dependence on the Holy Spirit to assist you in developing your relationship with God, you gain wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the scriptures, and will discover what His expectations are of you and what you can expect from Him.
The degree or level of the Word that abides in you, plus your faith, plus sincere desire, plus the confession that comes out of your mouth can equal the degree or level of what you can expect to manifest in your life. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20.
By studying the scriptures you find out what the Word of God is TO YOU. It is: perfect, pure, sure, right, nigh thee, established, made flesh, sent by God, salvation, faithful, the seed, testimony, sword of the spirit, quick, powerful, good, settled, a lamp, a light, it is true and reveals the truth, it is life, a flaming fire, deliverance, life, healing, spirit, sweet, unlimited, operative, eternal, divine strength or ability, effective, a discerner (cuts out the unnecessary, adds what is needed, determines if you have the nature of God and walking out the purposes of God), it is alive, the covenant, a promise, precept, statute, command, and the law.
You also find out what the Word of God DOES FOR YOU. The sovereign work of God through the Holy Spirit: Converts the soul, making the simple wise, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes, rewards, purifies, redeems, reconciles us to God, motivates, causes us to rest in the law, boasts of God, approves excellent things, is a light to those walking in darkness, instructs the foolish, is a teacher of babes, causes us to walk in godliness, judges, cleanses, consecrates, makes us obedient, purges, refines, causes you to overcome, increases, sanctifies, redeems, abides in us, heals, opposes sin, runneth very swiftly, gives understanding, delivers, is magnified, gives peace, performs, goes forth out of His mouth, warns, hastens, stands forever, is never broken, leads, humbles, keeps us, talks, reproves, instructs, is sent, directs, rains. It is fulfilled/manifested, executed, it casts out spirits, does not pass away/eternal, leads us to Christ, quickens, establishes, settles you, reveals God and our need for and dependence on Christ, reveals God’s character, will and authority, gives wisdom, knowledge, understanding, council and revelation, helps you reverence God, translates you, propels you, accelerates you, makes you not ashamed. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ, opens the eyes, ears, transforms, renews, and it restores.
You find out WHO YOU ARE in the Word.
You have been redeemed, bought with a price with His precious blood: For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20.
Because of the Word of God you have been forgiven, made clean and reconciled to God: For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 5:10.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are able to cast out devils in His name: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Mark 16:17.
You will also discover that you have been called and chosen according to God’s purpose: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 2 Timothy 1:9.
You are a branch connected to the vine: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.
You are an epistle, a letter of Christ, not written with ink: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 2 Corinthians 3:3.
The Word says that you are servants of God: But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Romans 6:22.
You are a part of the body of Christ: Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 12:27.
A peculiar people, aliens, ambassador, heavenly representative: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9.
You are a bold witness for Christ: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Act 1:8.
You are an heir of God and joint heir with Christ Jesus: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:17.
You are the salt of the earth: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13
A king and priest: And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelations 5:10.
Isn’t it great to know that you are blessed in the city and in the field?: Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Deuteronomy 28:3.
You are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath: And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: Deuteronomy 28:13.
You are rich in Him: Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? James 2:5.
Filled with the fruit of the spirit: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Ephesians 5:18.
Baptized in the Holy Spirit: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4.
You are endued with power from on High: And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49.
The Word says that you can overcome the wicked one and the world: I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 1 John 2:13.
And you are free from sin and death and the law of sickness, disease and captivity: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2.
The Word of God will affirm what you have, what you can do, and who you are in Christ Jesus.
We are to be mindful of God by:
Remembering the Word—I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:16.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. Psalm 103:17-18.
Learning the Word daily—Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthews 11:29.
Seeking after God through the Word—But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6.
Meditating in the Word—My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. Psalm 119:48.
Getting an understanding of the Word—Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. Psalm 119:27.
Considering the Word—And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. Psalm 64:9.
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