Category: prayer

THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

When Job’s friends heard about his troubles they decided to pay him a visit.

Arriving at Job’s home these friends were shocked to find Job in such a position. 

For a while all Job’s friends could do was sit with him and observe his suffering.

They could not believe what they were seeing.

Here was a man of faith sitting in the worst position ever!

At last these friends could not keep quiet. 

Job’s suffering was in such contrast to his prior blessings that they thought surely something must be wrong with him.

Why did Job go from being a blessed man of faith to being under such extreme attack?

They could think of only one answer. Job messed up in some way! 

Neither Job nor his friends at the time knew what had happened in the court of God. 

Satan desired to sift Job in the same way that Satan desired to sift Peter. 

God gave his permission for this sifting to occur.

Why do you think God would do that? 

Peter tells us in his epistle that our faith in God will be tested by the enemy.

Satan will challenge our walk with Jesus !

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 1:7

Both Peter and Job were men of bold faith. 

Peter proclaimed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. He made a loud declaration to the Lord about it.

Peter was ready even to to lay down his life for Jesus. 

Job’s life was blessed.

He followed God without wavering. Everything that Job touched prospered. 

But if you look closely at these two men you will find a common denominator.

Both of them trusted in their own ability to trust God.

While these men were indeed men of faith, Job and Peter were also men of great strength in the natural realm.

Peter was a strong fishermen used to living a rough life at sea.

Job was a rich businesses man, used to getting things done and having his own way. 

Sometimes the line between being a person of faith and a strong person gets blurred.

God allows our faith to be tested in order to reveal our own hearts to ourselves. How much are we trusting in God and how much are we trusting in our own abilities? 

In Psalm 66:10 David says 

For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.

He goes on to say that God brings his people through the fire purified as silver because of his great mercy. 

The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts. Proverbs 17:3

Peter who knows first hand tells us, not to be upset when these trials come to test our faith.

Jesus himself had trials and testing.

 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12,13

In James Chapter 1 we are told how trials and temptations work. 

1. God allows them

2. It is not God doing the tempting.

3. The lust of our heart is what causes us to sin.

4. God gives his children good gifts. 

5. God made us new creations in Christ. 

6. God expects us to act like new creations.

7. Be doers of the word not just hearers.  

8. Keep our mouths from sinning.

9. Stay separate from the world.

Trials prove whether we are truly in the faith. That is are we trusting God just because things are good or will we still trust God when all hell breaks loose?

God knows our hearts but we don’t know what we are really made of. 

The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:9-10

Fiery trials reveal our weak areas, our secret sins, and if our hearts are truly sincere. 

God tells us in James 1 to be joyful in trials. 

This is a tough one.

Who could feel happy when their body is covered with boils and all their family is falling apart? 

To be joyful in this context really means to be calmly assured or content knowing that God is working all things out for our good. 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Paul tells us to be patient in trials. (Romans 5:3-5)

Solomon tells us to trust God even when we don’t understand. ( Proverbs 3:5,6)

James tells us to ask for wisdom in our situation. (James 1:5 )

Trials and temptations are allowed by God according to the Bible.

We are trained by them. We learn and grow from our experiences even though they are difficult. (1 Peter 1:7-12)

Trials let us know how much we need to rely on God in everything. (Psalm 73:26)

. The Bible says that Jesus learned obedience by the things he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)

Jesus had constant persecution by the religious spirit and even before his crucifixion Jesus was tempted by the devil.

( Matthew 22:34-40, Matthew 4:1-11)

The scriptures tell us that even though the afflictions of the righteous are many, God delivers us out of them all.( Psalms 34:19-22)

The Bible tells us to pray for our deliverance. (Psalm 34:17) (1 Corinthians 10:13)

The Bible tells us to pray for what is lacking in our faith. (1 Thessalonians 3:10)

Recently I found myself under a fiery trial.

I was attacked by all sorts of situations and people. I even got sick to the point of death but I kept standing on the word of God.

I prayed the word, I pled the blood of Jesus over my life 24/7, I listened to worship music and I even got prayer for myself as scriptures tell us.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:14-16

It was a rough one but God brought me through that trial. My body gradually healed and my heart attitudes were dealt with too.

I learned a few things from that trial. No matter how full of the word I am, I cannot rely exclusively on my own faith to see me through. God’s power is the source of all my strength!

While my stand on the word of God was good and it ushered me into the presence of God, I needed to learn to be dependent on the Rhema of God’s word. That is to seek God’s presence and be dependent on him like a small child.

Sometimes we can have faith in our own faith! Now I’m trying to be more careful to be dependent on the Holy Spirit.

Scriptures tell us to ADD to our faith. With faith we need knowledge and understanding, patience and kindness to others even when we are attacked by them.

Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 2 Peter 1:5-7

During trials it is common to have fingers pointed at us with accusation. Peter had a few fingers pointed his way and Job had friends who rather than pray for him chose instead to judge him.

Job’s friends insisted that Job must have done something wrong. He was being judged for his sins.

After all how could a man of faith be going through such a trial?

Sometimes we don’t know until afterward why we are going through a trial.

Job didn’t have a clue why his sufferings were happening to him but he told himself that he was going to trust God anyway. 

We must trust the Lord to work all things out for our good even though we don’t understand why we are going through a trial. 

Job determined that he was going to seek the Lord for answers. 

Then Job prays to God about his miseries.

He pours out his complaint to the Lord. He seeks God’s face for answers.

God did finally answer Job but not in the way he expected.

Job was told the same thing in affect that God told Jeremiah.

Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does? declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. Jeremiah 18:6

The answer given to Job was to trust in the Lord even though he wasn’t privy to all the details.

God is molding us into his image and even though Satan wants to kill, steal and destroy, God has a perfect plan.

The Lord is working for us a far greater eternal purpose!

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17

 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

Are you going through a fiery trail right now?

Keep trusting in Jesus. (Psalm 37:3)

Patiently wait on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

God promises to heal us. (Exodus 15:26)

The Lord promises to deliver us. (Psalm 34:19) 

The Lord asks us to remember to pray for those who are suffering as if we are suffering with them. (Hebrews 13:3)

Pray for one another that you may be healed. (James 5:16)

Comfort one another in our trials. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 )

Bear one another’s burdens so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

In eternity we will have all the details but for now we can trust God’s word and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to bring us forth as pure gold through every trial of our faith!

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                           Wishful Thinking?

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

 

One of the reasons why I prefer the KJV is the importance of words. Just one word off can change the whole dynamic of the sentence. This in turn changes the concept of the scripture being expressed.

Now paraphrase Bibles are alright if you want to read the Bible as a story book but if you are a serious Bible student, I would say, NOT!  

While the KJV is translated well it is not perfect. Also, many of the words used in 1611 are not used today. However, in order to understand the true meaning of a word you must be able to do a word for word search from English to Hebrew and Greek. The KJV is the best for this.

Recently I came across something while reading John 15:7 from the NIV that blew me away. What I suspected turned out to be true when I did some research on it. This is only one example of how the NIV is not a good study Bible. There are more, including the omission of many scriptures which interestingly enough have to do with the deity of Christ. (You can research about NIV errors on your own)

So, lets take a look at John 15:7 in the NIV and the KJV.  

 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7(NIV)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7(KJV)

Notice anything? If not let me point out two different words. Wish and Will.

What’s the big deal you say? Don’t they imply the same thing? NO! Absolutely they do not!

While today some people may use the word ‘wish’ for desire, it is a word with occultic connotations that have no place in the Bible!

Let me show you, the true meaning of the word.

Wish is the old English word wȳscan, of Germanic origin. Notice how the KJV did not choose that word when it is closer to old English that todays English. Now wish does mean to desire and long for something, which while seemingly OK, is not the Greek word translated in the KJV as will.

The idea of wishing is an old Norse concept of chance. If you ‘wish upon a star’, if you toss a coin in a ‘wishing well’, all dependent on the whim of the gods. This is not what Jesus was saying. To wish and to will are two different concepts.

Link below wiktionary says Wish is ‘an expression of such a desire, often connected with ideas of magic and the supernatural.”

https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/wish#:~:text=From%20Middle%20English%20wisshen%2C%20wischen,to%20wish%2C%20love%E2%80%9D).

Now some Christians will balk when the true meaning of this scripture is revealed but it is what it is. Maybe that is why the NIV chose the word “wish” because they could not wrap their heads around the true meaning of the word.

Lets take a look at the word ‘will’ used in this verse in the Greek. Thel-o eth-el-o.

First of all, it is not a passive word. Wish is a passive word. It has an element of hope or wishful thinking.

Thel-o eth-el-o

To determine

To choose

To be inclined

To be disposed toward

To will

To desire  

Now lets look at this word used in the context.

John 15:1-9 KJV

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

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.

 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

The theme of what Jesus is saying here is to ABIDE. If you abide( meno) in Jesus, that is continue in, remain in, tarry in, endure AND his words (rhema) abide in you, ye shall ask (aiteo -require, make a request, demand, desire)  what ye will ( Thel-o eth-el-o- determine, choose, inclined, be disposed toward, will, desire.) AND IT SHALL BE DONE (ginomai-to cause, to become, come into being, be fulfilled,) unto you.   

Do you see the difference?

To wish implies hopeful, maybe, if the gods whim it to be so. To will is a predetermined outcome.

Now lets compare scripture with scripture. Go back to

John 5.14,15

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

The perquisite for petitions granted are ‘according to his will.”

How do we know what is God’s will? God’s word dwelling in you is God’s will. Back to John 15.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

God’s promises are ‘yes and amen’! There is no wishful thinking involved. There is no maybe or whim of the gods.

If you are abiding in Jesus Christ, if his word is abiding in you, if you are walking in the light, then you with confidence can ask what YOU WILL, and it shall be given to you.

What about asking amiss as James says? There is no asking amiss to abiders who walk in the truth of God’s word and the light of his presence. Our will is submitted to his will, the word of God.

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 1 John 3:22

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         IT IS GOOD!

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

After God created the heavens and the earth, his Spirit hovered over the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw the light, was good so he continued with his creation process. After everything God said he was going to create, it was created. When God saw his creation he said, ‘it is good.’  (Genesis :1-6)

  I’m going to show you a spiritual principal the Lord revealed to me. But first I’m going to give you some Biblical background context.

To expound on the creation process, John tells us that the word was in the beginning. The Logos was manifest in the flesh.   

John 1:1 (NKJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.   

The word spoken in Genesis 1:1 is amar, in Hebrew. This word means to command, speak, or declare, one’s mind.

The Greek equivalent is Logos. The word, divine mind. God’s divine mind was revealed to humanity through his incarnate Son Jesus Christ.

The spiritual principle I want to show you (which is seen throughout the Bible if you look for it) is, that the same spirit of faith that dwells in us by the Spirit of God, speaks what is believed in the heart and then is manifest in the natural realm. (2 Corinthians 4:13)  

This truth has been relayed by many in the body of Christ over the years so I won’t reiterate BUT what I want to expound on is the part in scripture which says “it is good.”  

We know that after God spoke something into existence that was in his mind he said, ‘it is good’.

God spoke through the prophets in the Bible the word of the Lord. What they declared by divine inspiration occurred in its time. Everything God speaks into existence is good. Even divine judgments are for correction in order to bring repentance. This is good.  

“The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, “Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre, ‘Thus says the Lord God…” Ezekiel 28:1

Now, lets go back to Genesis to see this principal at work, in the ‘not so good.’

Eve is standing in the garden of Eden looking at the tree of the knowledge of ‘good and evil.”

God’s tree of life is there in the garden too, but Eve ignores it. She becomes fascinated with the other tree. The one forbidden.

The reason for this is because God’s word is being challenged. The serpent cunningly devises a plan to get Eve to put her eyes on him, incline her ear to his evil report, and to doubt God’s word.

The serpent asks Eve, “Did God really say?”

God created everything according to the account given in the Bible. He said, “it is good.”

The serpent challenges the word of God. The divine mind, the Logos.

“Did God really say?” the Serpent asks Eve. Doesn’t God mean something else?

Without going into detail because we all know how the story goes, Eve makes a choice to believe the lie. She choses the knowledge and wisdom of the evil one over the Logos.

Now many may be thinking ‘what a dumb thing to do.’ Eve had it made living in that beautiful garden enjoying the benefits of God’s creation. How could she believe a lie when she experienced the Logos personally?

Let me ask you this. When we have the Logos, the written word of God why don’t we believe what God says?  

God tells us, that it is good, but we don’t believe it. We run to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil instead. Has God really said that he wants us to prosper and be in health even as our soul is prospering? Has God really said that by his stripes we are (present tense) healed? Has God really said that we will eat the fruit of our doings? Has God really said that the soul that sins will die? Has God really said?

Those are just some examples of the Logos that we don’t believe.

Did God really say those things in the Bible? No, of course not. We prefer to believe the word of man rather than the Logos. We believe man’s knowledge and wisdom. We believe the evil reports of this world.

Today people are running around squawking like the sky is falling! Oh, I was one of them until God by his grace straightened me out. Today people are running to Dr. Frankenstein to get a remedy for what ails them before they even ask God about it!  Some in the church believe the word of man over God’s word

Let me show you what happens when we believe the lie instead of the Logos.

After Moses (who could not enter the promised land because he did not believe God’s word), the children of Israel were about to enter the promised land and God sent spies ahead to check things out. (Numbers 13)

An evil report came back. There were giants in the land! The people saw the giants and they said. “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are. The giants were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

Notice that they did not see anything good. They saw an impossibility.

When the spies saw the giants, they looked at their own ability. “We are not able,” they declared.

After the spies looked at their own ability, the giants looked at them and scoffed. ‘

“What a bunch of grasshoppers’! ” they said.

Notice a pattern? Eve saw that the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil looked good to eat! Eve believed in her heart that the fruit pointed out to her by the serpent was good, so she ate it. She believed the lie, and the lie was acted upon and the results of the thoughts, the agreement with the lie, resulted in the act of disobedience.

Those spies also agreed with the lie.

‘We are not able’. they declared.

The spies spoke the lie, to everyone else. This caused those hearing the lie to agree with the lie too.  

So, all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron. Numbers 14:1

Then comes the faith guys, speaking faith, (Joshua and Caleb) 

“Do not fear, it is good! We are able to take the land!” they declared.

Those two spies had a good report.

“The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” Numbers 14:6

How did the people of God react to the declaration of faith? The doubters, wanted to stone the faith guys for speaking faith!

 ‘And all the congregation said to stone them with stones.” Numbers 14:10

This is a common occurrence in churches today. Speak faith, believe the word, encourage others to believe the Logos and they want to give you the boot, discredit you, and call you a heretic!

“Did God really say you can be healed? Don’t you know that you have an incurable disease? Don’t you know that your bank account is empty? Don’t you know that you will never ever succeed at such an impossible task?

Some people even Christians like the lie. It is good to eat the fruit of the knowledge and wisdom of men they say. It has lots of benefits you know. Acceptance, money, fame, no persecution. Some Christians’ eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil all the time. Man’s word over God’s word. Its scientific you know! But the results are disastrous! Sickness, disease, wandering in the wilderness, poverty, depression, and even death.

What does the Logos say to the lie of unbelief?

We may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me! Don’t be carried about with various and strange doctrines. (Lies made up by man). Receive the word of God spoken by faith filled people like Joshua and Caleb! (my paraphrase)

The Logos (Jesus Christ) that said 2000 years ago it is good, is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 16: 6-9 

What good things does the Logos that is the same, yesterday, today and forever have to say to us? Here are some examples.

“So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.” Exodus 23:25

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

Remember all the promises of the Old Testament are for the church today for we are God’s spiritual adopted children.

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Ephesians 1:5

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 4:9

And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelations 15:9-6

Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. Mark 10:52

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16

He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.  Psalms 107:20

If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you. Exodus 15:26

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1-4

Putting this all together we see that the Logos says, it is good.

The lie says it is not good.

The lie says you are sick, weak, helpless, can’t make it on your own, you are defeated. There is no hope for you at all. Those giants are too big to tackle!

God’s word says, if you believe the Logos all things are possible for you. If you pray, seek, knock, the door will open for you. If you trust in God, you will not be disappointed. If you rejoice in your trial God will bring you forth as pure gold! Plus, many. many more good words!

Now watch what happens as Joshua and Caleb who believed God’s word (the Logos) that it is a good land, are about to lay hold of the promise. What do they do?

(Note, that those who did not believe God’s word perished in the wilderness. They wandered around without receiving the promises.)

Joshua and Caleb saw giants, but they said, we are able ! Why? Because they did not look at their puny selves! They looked at the greatness of their God and believed his word!

They knew God would help them bring down the giants and subdue the land.

Many times, God’s people want a quick fix. If they get prayer for healing and don’t get an instantaneous miracle, they throw the baby out with the bath water! They assign all kinds of man-made doctrines to it too! Did God really say? Doesn’t the fruit on this man’s knowledge and wisdom tree look better?

God tells, Joshua and Caleb, “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.” Joshua 1:2

All the promises of God are yes and amen! But there is a challenge to them. The serpent, points to the giant circumstance and says, Did God really say you can have that promise?  

God gives us some instructions in his word to inherit the promises.

  • Do not agree with the lie.
  • Do not fear.
  • Only believe.
  • Walk in his ways.
  • Take the land. Lay hold of the promises.
  • Declare his promises. Agree with God’s word.
  • Obey the Lord’ instructions for the situation.
  • Battle the enemy for the promises! (Spiritual warfare)

 “From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.  Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you, shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:4-9

 If you continue reading the book of Joshua, you will find the battles and how God used praise, prayer and faith to defeat the enemy. You will see how the promised land was secured.

It did not happen over night. There were giants to defeat, battles to wage, lessons to learn BUT in the end the promises of God prevailed!

The first step towards victory is to agree with the Logos that ‘it is good’! What God has promised he is able to perform!

Reject the lie for Satan will always challenge the word of God. Don’t agree with him! Don’t eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that exalts itself against the knowledge of God! Cast down those lies!

Agree with God’s word, declare it is good! I believe and therefore I speak. (2 Corinthians 4:13-15) 

My God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus! (Philippians 4:19)

He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to the power that works in me, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. (Ephesians 3:20)

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4,5

For the LORD my God is the one who goes with me to fight for you against my enemies to give me the victory! Deuteronomy 20:4. 4 

“Be of good cheer for I have overcome the world!” says the Logos, Jesus Christ. John 16:33

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Unto the Churches Series: Philadelphia

~ Kim Balogh ~ 2 Comments

The City of Ancient of Philadelphia, (Modern name Alaşehir) was founded by King Attalus II Philadelphus (r. 159–138 BC) of Pergamon. The city was named for the King’s love for his brother, his successor. (Attalus II, 159–138 BC)

The city was called “Philadelphos,” meaning “one who loves his brother.”

Under Roman rule, Philadelphia became an imperial cult of emperor worship. Philadelphia was also known for having earthquakes, which may be why Jesus promised the church of Philadelphia that he would make them a ‘pillar in the temple’ if they were overcomers in his name.

The church of Philadelphia had challenges. Not only were they persecuted by Roman secularism but also by religious opposition. This combination makes for shaky ground if one is not grounded on the rock of Jesus Christ.

Jesus told the church of Philadelphia that they had a little strength. In other words, they were holding on while the shaking was going on all around them. They did not deny his name in spite of persecution.

Sounds like today, huh? Shakings, persecutions, hardship.

This shaking is not only coming at the Lord’s church from the world and the religious folks but from inside their inner circle! From family and friends!

There is a lot of shaking going on right now in this world. The sifting has started. The tares are being removed from the wheat!

Are you a weary pilgrim wandering through this world of woe? Misunderstood? Rejected for your faith? Hated because you belong to Jesus Christ?

Well, hold on dear believer, don’t let go of the helm of the Lord’s garment! Praise him in your storm! He has your back! 

The church of Philadelphia was promised preservation from temptation if they continued to be faithful. The Lord promised to see them through! In the same way God has promised to see us through every trial and temptation.

Not only that, but the church of Philadelphia was promised eternal blessings where they would be honored in the Lord’s future kingdom! If they held on to his promises!

Whatever shaking you are enduring right now, friend, remember that the Lord will hold you up. He has all the keys to the kingdom of God. That is why he mentioned this to the church of Philadelphia.

Jesus Christ alone has the power to open and close doors! Seek him for He can open or close the doors to your situation. 

Knock and keep on knocking! He will not fail you!  He has the key to your deliverance!

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”  Revelation3:11

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Unto the Churches Series: Thyatira

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

 

In speaking to the church in Thyatira, Jesus reveals himself as having eyes of fire and feet like brass. In other words, Jesus says he sees the situation in Thyatira. He stands in that situation to judge it and bring correction.   

Fire and brass in the scriptures refer to God’s judgment, purification, and refinement.   

For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:2

I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. Luke 12:24

And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So, he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Exodus 3:2

They slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him in chains and took him to Babylon. They made Zedekiah watch as they slaughtered his sons. Then they gouged out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. 2 kings 25: 7

I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. Leviticus 26:19

Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be. Deuteronomy 33:25

Then I turned and raised my eyes and looked, and behold, four chariots were coming from between two mountains, and the mountains were mountains of bronze. Zechariah 6:1

Jesus tells the church at Thyatira that he sees their good works, faith, and service in the kingdom of God, But he also sees something else. He sees that God’s people have allowed “that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”

To understand what Jesus is referring to metaphorically, we have to go to the biblical story of Jezebel. In the Book of kings, Jezebel was a woman married to the king of Israel. This was an unholy union. To secure peace, Ahab, the king of Israel, allied with the Phoenicians. (modern Lebanon, where the cities of Tyre and Sidon were located) 

Jezebel seduced King Ahab into worshipping the Tyrian god Baal-Melkart, a nature god. In other words, he allowed a seducing spirit or doctrine of demons to sway him away from worshipping the God of Israel. The church at Thyatira also allowed this seducing spirit to have a place in their congregation. 

Jezebel was a zealous worshipper of the nature god Baal-Melkart. This god required allegiance to the earth. The elements of the earth were glorified through this god over the God of all the earth. The church of Thyatira allowed the nature god to have a place. Jesus makes it known to the church of Thyatira that this is idolatry. Glorifying the creation over the creator. 

In the same way that the nature god was allowed to spread its teaching in Thyatira, there are parts of the church today that allows the Jezebel spirit to teach nature worship. The “save the planet, climate change” radicals have invaded God’s church today! There is an obsession in our culture with nature worship. Parts of the church today have gotten on that bandwagon. 

For more info on that, I refer you to this article,

http://environment-ecology.com/religion-and-ecology/276-gaia-worship-the-new-pagan-religion.html

 Jezebel seduces God’s people to worship nature. Jesus views this act as fornicating with a false god and partaking in fellowship with it.  

 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Revelation 2:20 

God gives “Jezebel” a chance to repent. Those associated with this seducing spirit, Jesus calls out of that false teaching. He also gives a warning to those who will not repent.  

“Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” Revelation 2:22,23

Many times, if we don’t repent of our sins, we end up reaping the consequences. This includes tremendous hardship, sickness, and even death. 

Baal worship includes the following nature-ordinated practices. As God’s children, we must examine ourselves to see if we have allowed fornication with this seducing spirit. 

Jezebel taught dependence on Baal instead of Yahweh.

 This dependence encourages mixing pagan ideology with Christianity or adopting parts of pagan ideas and practices into the church. By doing this, one enters the depth of Satan or commits spiritual fornication with demons. (Sorcery, or the false prophetic that uses pagan practices. ) 

 What are some examples of Pagan practices?

 Observance of special times of pagan seasons, ceremonies, and festivals. Such as Halloween, Easter practices, some Christmas practices. 

 Sacred spaces such as worship in particular places, at venerable monuments, earth-based devotions, observation of celestial bodies.

 Devotional worship of ancestors, safe spaces, nature worship.(environmental ideology)

 Rites and ceremonies, like practicing magic or using demonic methods for personal benefit.

Personal spiritual behaviors inducing self-promotion, such as wearing charms, burning candles or incense, chants, occultic mediation, and Yoga. (You can’t sanctify this practice!)

 Devotion or worship of demons by use of shrines, crystals, holy water, sacred stones or feathers, charms, self-procured visualization, mantras, chanting, prayer beads, astrology, fortune cookies, use of essential oils or sage for purification, worship of nature objects, worship of Gia. 

 Use of symbols such as dream catchers, pentagrams, medicine wheels, tree of life jewelry, Celtic or Norse symbols, upside down cross, all-seeing eye, lucky charms, wishbones, celestial objects, feminist or false rainbow signs. 

Jesus warns that adhering to these things releases demonic influence, resulting in sickness, poverty, and possible early demise.

For more information refer to this article.

https://www.patheos.com/library/pagan/ritual-worship-devotion-symbolism

Jesus admonishes his church because he loves it. He wants his people to repent and get right with him. 

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.

 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 2:24-29

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Unto The Churches Series: Ephesus 

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

  In the Book of Revelation, in chapters two and three, Jesus addresses the churches. While I realize that the Lord is addressing these historical, literal churches, many scholars believe that these churches represent certain church ages. I would add that each church that Jesus addresses has specific warnings and exhortations from our Lord to individual believers. Let us begin with the first Church, Ephesus. 

Ephesus was an ancient port city in modern-day Turkey. It was known for the massive temple of Artemis, a Greek goddess or Diana, as the Romans called her. In 129 BC, King Attalos of Pergamon left Ephesus to the Roman Empire in his will. The city then became the seat of the regional Roman governor.

Ephesus was second only to Rome as a cosmopolitan center of culture and commerce. As a port city; goods arrived from the harbor, and caravans traveled the Royal road. Christianity spread in Ephesus in the first century A.D.

Many converts emerged from this goddess cult. Proselytizing did have its challenges in Ephesus, as recorded in the book of Acts. Those who made money from the goddess cult persecuted Christians because they put a dent in their income.

Eventually, Christianity became the official religion of Ephesus but in 262 A.D., the splendor of Ephesus was destroyed by the Goths. 

In Ephesus the Messianic Jews had a hard time accepting the Gentile converts. In Paul’s letters to the Ephesians, he tried rectifying this barrier by explaining that all believers were now one people through Jesus Christ. 

In the book of Revelation (given to the apostle John), Jesus commends the church of Ephesus for their diligent works in the kingdom of God. He also commends them for their patience in suffering.

Since the church of Ephesus consisted of a mix of Gentile pagans and Jewish converts, it was challenging to keep the faith pure and unadulterated. Port cities tend to flourish with all kinds of strange superstitions and weird ideologies. Ephesians were diligent in keeping out worldly practices and strange beliefs. They were doctrinal Puritans.   

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John. 4:1

While the Ephesians tested people’s ministries and doctrines, the Lord pointed out that they had a severe problem. He told them (in John’s vision) that they had left their first love! In other words, the Ephesians had a form of knowledge but not the whole truth. They knew the letter of the word, BUT they did not have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, who is THE WORD.

The Ephesians had religion. Doctrinal purity, while good, is not the end all to be all. Many apologists suffer from this ailment of religiously over relationship. Some don’t even know they have this problem. These doctrinal Puritans will strain over a gnat and swallow a camel!

I can say this because I was one of them. A complete freak for pure doctrine but couldn’t see the person of Jesus Christ past my nose! If you asked me if I knew the Jesus of the Bible, I would tell you most assuredly! I would get out my doctrinal purity chart and show you how much I knew about the Bible. I am a very educated person, you know! I could wrap a cult leader around my doctrinal yardstick! This same mindset goes for a lot of religious doctrinal Puritans. Just like the Ephesians! A lot of zeal but no fire.

Unless you know your Bible well, I would not recommend getting into the ring with one of them. They use a very sharp sword and can poke you a good one with it!  One thing these doctrinal Puritans don’t have though is the fire of God. They are scholars on ice! You won’t see many of them used to heal the sick, cast out devils, or raise the dead. They are too busy explaining it all away! Nor will you see them on their face worshipping the Lord, crying out in intercession for the lost to get saved, or feeding the poor. These doctrinal Puritans are busy studying the word! 

Now don’t get me wrong, knowledge of the Bible is good! Pure doctrine is good! Jesus commended the Ephesians for their doctrinal purity. But if you don’t have a passion for Jesus and love him with all your heart, what does doctrinal purity mean in our relationship to God?

 I know many uneducated Christians who have no clue about major doctrinal issues but they have the fire of God in their belly! These fools on fire are what changed the world! What education did the fishermen have? 

Are you a scholar on ice? A doctrinal Puritan with no Holy Spirit power in your life? Then you need to return to your first love! Seek the Lord while he may be found! Cry out to him to put his fire in your belly! It’s not enough to be doctrinally pure. Jesus himself, in his admonition to the Ephesians, said so himself!  

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. 

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Swine

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

 In our thief series, I would like to draw your attention to another adversary. I’m sure you have heard of this one. SWINE have not been given a bad reputation for nothing!

So much controversy over this creature, and with good reason! Swine are interesting animals. For one thing, they are highly intelligent! They are social animals that use their snouts as sensory receptors. They have good memories, are inquisitive, emotional, playful, and very strategic in their mission![1]

Why do I mention this? You should realize that Swine are not to be underestimated by any means. 

Pigs, like people, have similar digestive systems with similar diets. Both are omnivores who dine on meat, roots, and seeds.

The book of Leviticus tells us that under the law, Swine are to be avoided as edible meats. The reason is both metaphorical and physical. (Leviticus 11:27) 

Physically Swine have a similar digestive system as humans. In fact, Swine are very similar to humans in genetics, anatomy, and physiology. [2]

Swine were considered unclean under the law because rather than eating grass strictly, they ate just about anything else!

Swine are not able to digest cellulose. Swine eat calorie-dense food. Plus, they are not too particular, either. They will even eat human corpses and feces.

Swine carry parasites that, even when cooking, may not be destroyed. Swine meat can carry trichinosis, which will cause sickness and sometimes even death. It is recommended to cook pork very well done! Trichinosis is a health problem worldwide.

Historically speaking, some civilizations have always avoided eating pork. Namely, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Israel. However, the Romans loved eating pork. [3] Romans also sacrificed Swine to their gods.[4]

Now we come to the metaphorical aspect of the Swine. In the New Testament, Jesus says to his disciples, ‘Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet and turn and tear you to pieces.” Matthew 7:6 

Swine were considered unclean under the law of God, but they also metaphorically meant Gentiles or unbelievers. Since the Gentiles have come to salvation because of the sacrifice of the lamb of God Jesus Christ, we can deduce that Swine today, metaphorically speaking, are the unbelieving or those outside the New Covenant of God or his promises.

By New Covenant, I mean the one that has replaced, and may I emphasize replaced, the Old Covenant. Obedience to the letter of the law has been replaced by life and liberty in the Holy Spirit!

Now I know some Christians believe we are still obligated to obey the law, and some, even today, want to bring the born-again Gentile under obligation to Jewish festivals. These, however, are wrong doctrines.

The Bible says explicitly that the Old Covenant has been replaced by the New Covenant!

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. Hebrews 8:6-13

What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. Galatians 3:9

Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by FAITH But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:24,25

 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4

Having said that, let’s look at why Swine in reference to the ‘unbelieving’, are adversarial to the Christian.

Swine though intelligent from a secular perspective, have no spiritual understanding. This includes ALL not born again by the Holy Spirit or those not believing God’s word. Like Swine, they cannot digest spiritual food. 

Jesus tells us not to cast pearls before Swine. This is significant! Jesus references pearls in his teaching because pearls were one of the most desired gems in the world, particularly in Israel. Since pearls were and are rare and costly, they are considered highly prized items. The Bible uses the pearl as a standard by equating them with spiritual wisdom. Spiritual wisdom is far superior than pearls. [5]

Jesus tells us in his parable that the kingdom of God is more desirable than pearls. 

 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went, and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46

As you can see, valuable pearls should not be thrown at Swine, who will trample all over them! Not only that but Swine, not valuing pearls, will also attack the one throwing the pearls at them!

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 1 Peter 3:3,4

This admonition covers unbelievers as in the unsaved, but it also covers those who don’t believe all of the Bible within its proper context. These “believers” do not believe the Bible says what it says. Now keep in mind there are inferences in the Bible not specifically stated that can be interpreted according to one’s limited understanding. However, attacking someone who does not have the same revelation in the word of God that we have is a sin. Bottom line. 

Correcting wrong doctrine has scriptural application BUT we are never to attack the person on a personal basis. Many of us have believed error in one way or another over our lives, but God did not condemn us. He corrected us in his love. Keeping this in mind, let us pray for the one we perceive is in error. If they are open, we can bring correction to the error. If not, we should not continue fellowship as it may produce strife and all kind of demonic attacks in our lives.

From personal experience, I have been on both ends of the stick on this one! Let me share with you what I learned.

Being in error about certain scriptural doctrines, I limited myself because I did not (because I was not open) receive the blessings of that spiritual application. I suffered for many years because of it. Paul made reference to coming behind in a gift.

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:7

We will not receive those blessings if we are closed to certain scripturally stated premises.

For example, many believe that speaking in tongues is not for today. The scriptures they give to support this belief are out of context and inferred by denominational interpretation, not explicitly stated scripture. Actually, some scriptures specifically say that tongues benefit the believer.

I mention this topic because it is a highly controversial one. 

That being said, the non-tongue speaker will not receive from the blessing of praying in the Holy Ghost! Is this a big deal? It is if you want to use one of the weapons of our warfare to battle the powers of darkness. You can do a scripture study yourself on this topic.

A genuinely open person searching for truth ALWAYS looks at both sides of an argument. To ignore one side is to bias which means, as the scriptures confirm, one wants to believe a lie because it benefits them in some way.

Let me give you another argument. Some Christians do not believe in divine healing, while others believe in divine healing, but don’t believe its for everyone. They believe God picks and chooses who he heals and who he does not. I was one of them until I had a Holy Spirit encounter and revelation of the word of God.

According to God’s word, it is God’s will to save, deliver, and heal everyone. Are all saved? Are all delivered? Are all healed? No!

Why is that? If you study the scriptures, you will find that the fault always lies with the person. Reasons are given in the Bible why a person does not receive from God. The number one reason is UNBELIEF. (To find out more, check out my blog link)

How Faith Works

I have actually met people who do not want to be healed! They will not say this outright, but their actions reveal it. One person I was sharing scripture with on healing had a particular disease. This lady headed up a support group for those suffering in this area. She loved her leadership role and had a close-knit friendship with the women in her group. She rejected the scriptures I gave because (I perceived by the Spirit) she did not want to give up her position in that support group.

Some people want to continue being sick because they get a financial benefit from their sickness.

I have met others who like their sickness because it gives them attention. Everyone at church fawns all over them. They get catered to and receive many benefits! One person I met would go so far as to attack people preaching healing because they did not want their lie exposed.

In my Holy Spirit encounter, which I will share with you, the Lord spoke to me loud in my spirit two things. He asked me a question. Are you ready to deal with things? I instinctively knew this was the condition of my heart. I said, “Yes, Lord.”

Then he gave me a command. He said, “Take up your bed and walk!”

I was becoming sick with a disease and was seeking the Lord about it. I did not want the sickness at all! In obedience to God I rejected the devil’s lie. I began trusting God for my healing. (another topic)

I learned a lot of things from that experience.  

  1. Doctors don’t have all the answers. They often prescribe drugs that, while beneficial in one way, may give you a lot of terrible side effects. If you don’t believe me, check out your meds’ labels!
  2.  God does use doctors, don’t get me wrong, but they are not the end all to be all.
  3.  We need to be personally led by the Holy Spirit in our healing journey. I was healed progressively in order to teach others that you don’t have to give up hope. God is there to answer your problems when you diligently seek him!
  4.  Sin and unbelief will hinder healing! Not always, but many times this is the case!
  5.  I was unaware of all the junk in my heart until the Holy Spirit started revealing things to me little by little. Our junk hinders God’s blessing in our lives. Including healing.
  6.  My healing was and is progressive. Again, this is used to help others receive their healing. God does do miracles immediately, but not always.
  7.  My faith was increased in the area of healing. Now I teach others about healing and pray for them to be healed.

Now back to the swine adversarial topic. If we try to minister in an area where people are not open, many times, we will get attacked. If any person wants to be ignorant, scriptures tell us to let them be ignorant. (1 Corinthians 14:38) We should remove ourselves as best we can from the adversarial situation, continuing to pray. 

Swine prefer to wallow in mire rather than admire God’s pearls. Swine are humans with ungodly attitudes. When we have a revelation from the word of God, we need to pray for wisdom in ministering that revelation to others. Persecution comes because of the word’s sake. (Mark 4:17) Casting pearls before Swine will only end up causing us unnecessary pain.

Ask the Lord for open hearts to share the word of God ! This way, you will cast pearls before those who value their great price!

[1] https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8sx4s79c#page-1

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173122/

[3] https://www.inromecooking.com/blog/recipes/ancient-roman-food-what-did-the-romans-use-to-eat/

[4] http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Sacrificium.html

[5] https://www.chicagojewishnews.com/what-do-pearls-symbolize-in-judaism/

FOXES: (The Thief Series)

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment
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In part 3 of the thief series, I would like to talk about foxes. Scriptures use the analogy of the fox to depict certain characteristics which are dangerous to the Christian. Things to look for so that we can stay safe in Jesus.

A fox is a nighttime predator. One who works undercover in darkness. Foxes are focused on what they do and are very cunning.

In Nehemiah 4:3 we are told that the fox climbs up the wall of the temple in order to burrow through any gap or unstable area.  

Nehemiah was building the Lord’s temple, but the naysayers said the temple would not be strong enough to keep a fox out. Since we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, our temple must be secure. If not then it is possible for a fox to get in and cause damage.

Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27

What kind of damage does a fox do? Foxes spoil the fruit. They tread all over the fruit growing on the vine. S of S 2:15

Our fruit is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Foxes want to spoil our fruit. That is they want to trample on it, destroy it, cause havoc in our lives, and undermine our fruit.

In order to understand how this is done, we must understand what the Bible refers to as the fox.

Jesus referred to Herod (the ruler of Israel at that time) as ‘that fox.’

Herod was not appointed by God. He was put in his position by secular authority. Herod was hated by the people but worked alongside the religious order of the day. In other words, Herod was a religious and secular institutional enterprise.

In addressing Herod Jesus called him a fox. One who spoils the Lord’s Vineyard. The religious institution of Jesus’ day was in agreement with this secular appointment. Notice the message Jesus gave to Herod!

“Go tell that fox behold I cast out devils, I do cures, (heal the sick), today and tomorrow and the third day I shall be perfected.” Luke 13:32

Jesus was declaring his Kingdom policies to the religious secular institution. The power of the Holy Spirit with signs following are evidence of God’s Kingdom. The kingdom of God is not a secular religious institution.

Little foxes come into the vineyard to spoil the vine (Jesus Christ and his kingdom) in order to trample on the fruit. The secular religious institution is a man-made system. It rejects the power of God! These institutions have a few earmarks to look for.

These secular religious institutions claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, but they deny the power of the Holy Spirit! They have instead aligned themselves with the secular realm!   How you may ask? Several ways. Taking government money, relying on for provision, parroting man-made secular policies and ideas, and using secular protocols with world views instead of the scriptures.

Such are the foxes who have burrowed into the walls of the church. God’s Holy temple!

Here is another indicator that a fox is burrowed into God’s house. Prayerlessness!

 Lamentations 5:18
Because of the mountain of Zion which is desolate,(Prayerlessness) foxes walk on it. ( religious secular institutions hyjack)

Ezek 13:4
False prophets are like Foxes in the desert. (chorbâh desolate, destruction, destroy)

Without a life dedicated to prayer and seeking the Lord, foxes will come in and spoil the vine. These foxes are both predators, preying on God’s people and scavengers. They eat what food is left out for them to get into.

Unless you close that gap, foxes will burrow into your life!

What do the scriptures tell us to do when we think we have a fox trying to burrow into our temple? (That can be individually and corporately.)

Simply get out of that situation! Stay away from those who deny the power of the Holy Spirit with signs following! Those foxes will bad mouth the things of the Spirit, stomp all over the vine, causing destruction in the lives of others, and in the end be removed.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2

Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:5

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever! He is not dry religion filled with dead man’s bones! Your temple (if you are born again) is filled with the Spirit of the living God! The river of life is in your belly! The same Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead! The Spirit of faith, the Spirit of prayer, the Spirit of love, the Spirit of soundness, and the Spirit of miraculous power!

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:17-18

Stay far away from the little foxes that spoil the vine!

Walk in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Jesus Christ is the head of the church. He has all power and authority. He has entrusted that power to his true church!

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The Wolf (Thief Series)

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

In our next part of the series on the thief, I would like to share with you what Jesus called the wolf or wolves. Jesus often used metaphors to explain spiritual concepts. For a few reasons. One was that he did not want his enemies to pounce on him before his time, so he could not speak openly about spiritual things. Jesus said that those with eyes would see but not see, and those with ears would hear but not hear. In other words, the enemy would not understand what he was saying because he used code. Also, Jesus used parables because some things in the natural are parallels to some things in the spiritual realm.

Another reason that the Lord uses parables is that he does not give his wisdom and knowledge to just anybody. To not cast his pearls before swine, he speaks in signs and symbols to his prophets for the most part. In this way, a prophet or one of his followers will seek out a matter. That is, they will search the scriptures diligently and pray for insight. Those faithful in applying and giving out his treasures to others will be given more treasure from him. In this way, the Lord separates the true disciple from one who is not in for the long run.

In the same way, if you gave your child everything they wanted then they may become lazy, ungrateful, and develop a privileged mindset. I don’t think I have to say more for most parents to get what I’m saying.

Using the metaphor of the wolf or wolves, Jesus reveals to us another way the enemy operates. Satan is a wolf, and his demons are wolves. They come to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10) Jesus said he was the Good Shepherd, the door to the sheep. The sheep are protected by him.

(Refer to my blog link)  http://kimbalogh.online/2021/02/24/the-door/ 

In John 10, Jesus says that those who came before him claiming to be the sheep’s Shepherd, their door, protector, and provider, were thieves. His true sheep did not hear them because they knew the sound of the true Shepherd’s voice. 

Then the Lord gives us a critical point in John 10 in discerning the difference between his voice and the false shepherd’s. 

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

So, the first key in discerning if someone represents the Good Shepherd or is a hireling is whether or not they give their lives for the sheep. Look for this sign right away, (regardless of what a person says with their silver tongue, because Satan’s cronies can quote scripture) does the person give to the sheep with their very lives? Do they pour forth themselves for the sheep’s benefit, or do they take from or fleece the sheep for their benefit?   

A faithful Shepherd, Jesus said, warns the sheep when the wolf is coming. When disaster comes, does the Shepherd warn the sheep, or does the Shepherd abandon the sheep? 

This is another key indicator. Warning the sheep when trouble is coming indicates a true shepherd. If danger is coming and the sheep are not warned, then the sheep are susceptible to being ravaged by the wolf!  

A true Shepherd cares about the sheep, so when trouble is coming in their direction, the true Shepherd warns the sheep. The hireling does not care about the sheep. They care more about themselves. 

 The objective of the thief is to steal, kill and destroy. The wolf analogy reveals how this thief operates.  

In Jeremiah 5:6, the wolf is called a destroyer.

Genesis 49:27 says the wolf is ravenous and devours the prey,

Ezekiel 22:27 gives a clear description.

Her princes within her are like wolves tearing the prey by shedding blood and destroying lives to get dishonest gain.

Jesus said that false prophets are wolves. They pretend to be sheep but are inwardly ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15)

 Jesus also said that he was sending his disciples out among wolves. So be as wise as a serpent in discerning who these wolves are and be innocent as a dove. In other words, don’t be like them!

Paul warns in Acts 20:29 that after he went home to be with the Lord, savage wolves will come into the church, not sparing the flock.

Here are other indicators to look for in a hireling or wolf in sheep’s clothing. They are false prophets speaking words not given to them by God. This includes scripture because Satan loves to quote the Bible. Giving truth with just enough error to lead the sheep astray. This is to get dishonest gain. (Ezekiel 22:27)

Many today are preaching the gospel for personal profit. That is dishonest gain because the tithes and offerings belong to the Lord. They are to be used for the furtherance of the kingdom of God. That does not mean the shepherd cannot get provision, but it does mean having responsible stewardship with finances. We may not know all the ins and outs of what a minister does with God’s money because doing our works in secret is a part of our walk with God, but discerning other factors in the lives of ministers will give us indicators of character.

Let us examine the wolf parable to see what character traits to look for in discerning a false Shepherd. Most of the time, wolves hunt in packs. Their pack consists of family members. You can see this in the lives of false Shepherds, teachers, and prophets. They have a network of family and friends working on their team. They hire in rather than source out to qualified individuals. Why is this? Accountability. If the ministry team are family members, the less likely to expose or call out a family member for mismanagement.

This is why the hirelings go undetected for years sometimes. It is good to have a few nonfamily members on your ministry team. Keeps you watching your life and ministry like scripture exhorts us to!

Wolves are expert hunters. They assess their prey carefully, looking for weakness, the right conditions, things in their favor, right timing. Wolves use whatever they find to their advantage to cease their prey.

In the same way, false shepherds, false teachers, and false prophets prey on the weak. Those needy, sick, and infirmed. They give them false promises, false hope, and constant attention. Now that sounds harsh, you may think because the weak need those things. However, let me point this out. Hirelings don’t really want the sheep to get well. They keep the sheep returning for more false words because their motive is to fleece the sheep to death!

When Jesus was here, he taught the sheep how to pray, grow in the faith, abide in the vine, and search the scriptures to learn about him. Paul did the same thing! The purpose of the Shepherd is to feed the sheep. This is another indicator to look for. Are you getting fed? Being taught to mature in the Lord, or are you constantly being fed baby food where you stay where you are forever?

In hunting for sheep to take down, wolves do what is called herding. They will dart back and forth to cause confusion and prevent escape. This happens when a sheep tries to escape a pack of wolves. Most of us have heard the testimonies of those who have experienced spiritual abuse. They are made to feel like they are the perpetrator instead of the victim, made to feel shame and confusion.

When this happens, sometimes the weak sheep are taken out. They leave the fold, never to return, and some who have been hurt go into revenge mode. Trying to bring the wolf down by themselves! A wounded sheep can be dangerous. The persecuted will often become the persecutor.

Wolves do not attack a sheep quickly and directly. If they did, the sheep would die of shock or be damaged goods. Not suitable for eating. To bring a sheep down, the wolves seize the sheep from behind or by the nose. In the same way, a false shepherd or false prophet will not attack directly. They come up from a blind side or by leading the sheep astray.

The false shepherd or false prophet knows the weakness of their prey. They don’t come right out and tell you what they really believe. They wait until they have led the sheep by the nose a bit. When they have made some new friends, become a part of the group, and are made to feel needed and that they belong. Then they move in for the kill.

Wolves work as a team. Their hunt is masterfully coordinated! They know how to defend themselves, being well aware of the danger if they are found out. The hireling gets the sheep in deep. Too deep to fight back for the most part.

Another type of wolf that is dangerous to the sheep is the lone wolf. This wolf is independent and strong-willed. When the lone wolf leaves the pack to strike out on its own, it has to become highly cunning to survive. The lone wolf looks for new territory. Some place or someone where there are no other wolf packs. The lone wolf looks for another wolf. Someone to partner with to form a new pack. Then the cycle repeats itself. The new guy who comes to town should be thoroughly vetted.

I experienced this scenario once. A new guy came to the church I was in, claiming to be a prophet with a message for that church. Soon he was in their ministry having meetings. That guy browbeat so many people that many left that church, never to return. He was pointing out everyone’s sins without love and compassion, but he could not see the pride and arrogance in his own life!

Long story short, there was a conflict, and the guy left, BUT he left a trail of disaster. That’s what the thief does; he destroys like a ravaging wolf. Since then, that church has had turnovers, splits, and scandals. It is good policy to not let in a lone wolf knocking at your door!

In conclusion, the thief in this blog is the wolf who comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Taking heed to what our Lord Jesus has taught us from his word about this thief, we can look for the signs. When we see the wolf coming in our direction, we should high tail it out of there! Also, we must warn the other sheep.

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The Serpent (Thief Series)

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Jesus said the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. By definition, a thief steals another person’s property. In the world, there are different kinds of thieves. There are professional robbers and petty thieves. A petty thief steals things not highly valued. That is, the value attached to the property is not worth much monetarily. However, your property may have a higher value to you than what is legally determined.

  A professional thief steals as a business. This thief plans carefully and is very skilled at what he does. The professional thief’s objective is to steal valuable property. Something that is prized for its monetary value and rarity.

Jesus warned us in the scriptures about the thief. He told us to carefully watch our property because the thief comes to steal. Not only does the thief Jesus was talking about steal, but he also kills and destroys! That makes that thief not only a robber of property but a murderer and one who damages property.

Let’s take a look at this thief and how he operates. We see him in the book of Genesis.

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. Genesis 3:1

From the beginning, the thief was called a serpent. Metaphorically this is significant. The serpent is cunning. It waits patiently to catch its pray and at the right moment it strikes.

Throughout history, the snake has been seen as a symbol of evil, power, chaos, fertility, life, healing, and rebirth.

The serpent thief is a usurper. One who steals dominion, throne, and rulership. The serpent in the garden of Eden steals God’s property through deception.  He then takes over the joint!

This thief in the garden was sly. He had cased the situation for a long time. That is what a professional thief does. He plans very strategically. Sometimes for many years before making a move. He watches, takes note of who goes in and out, and looks for potential weaknesses. Then, when the time is right, the thief comes in to steal. In this particular situation, the thief steals through deception.

He uses something forbidden and looking good as bait!

To deceive somebody, there has to be a predisposed preponderance towards a particular vise. The serpent watched for a long time his victim. He had to have noticed her weakness to deposit doubt in the woman’s mind. First of all, he asked her a question. Did God say that you could eat of every tree of the garden? 

In Genesis chapter 1, verse 17, God told this to Adam before he created Eve. That would mean that Eve received the command not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil from Adam. Making this second-hand information. Adam received the commandment straight from God’s mouth. Obviously, the serpent knew this. That made the woman an easier victim than the man. Therefore, he approached her with the challenge of God’s command.

The thief uses this same tactic today. Did God really say? Well, you know it is second-hand information, after all. That book could have been changed, altered somehow. How do you know for sure God said it?

The woman obviously needed to be more trusting. She could have said, My husband, told me that God told him. I have a good and reliable source so take a hike, serpent!  

 When we do not have a trusting relationship with God, we are susceptible to deception. The serpent can come along and challenge what we believe to be true. Did God really say?

Notice the following way in which the thief deceived the woman. But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:4,5 

The serpent basically told the woman that God was lying to her. Withholding something good. Not wanting her to be in the know. As you can see, from observation, the serpent knew that the woman was weaker in her faith than her husband.  

The woman had trust issues. Somehow through observation, the serpent knew this. Notice then how the serpent appealed to the woman’s vanity.

  So, when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:7

Trust issues many times are a result of rejection. The Bible does not explain why the woman felt rejected or left out. We can only speculate. We know that trust issues can cause us to doubt the sincerity of others. When we have trust issues with God, we doubt his word. We cannot believe that the Lord has his best interests in store for us. We somehow think God doesn’t care or that he loves others more than he loves us. When we think along those lines, we are a prime target for the serpent’s wiles.  

The thief comes to steal. That is his objective. The serpent example tells us that if we don’t trust God’s word, the thief will bring something along to entice us into walking away from the Lord. He will bring something our way that looks good to our flesh. Something that appeals to our vanity and desire to be noticed. 

What is a remedy for our rejection and trust issues? How can we guard against his deception?

Recognizing we have a weakness in that area for one thing but also to run to our Father in heaven! Cry out to him to shower us with his love and affection. He has promised to do that. 

Draw near to me and I will draw near to you!

Seek his face. Confess your weakness. Make the Lord your refuge! Ask him to heal your insecurity! 

I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3

Stay tuned for more blogs on this topic! 

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