Tag: Christian women

Persevering Prayer

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

      

The Bible tells us to keep on praying and never give up. For in the right season, we will reap a harvest. We are told to persevere in prayer without fainting.

Let us not be weary. Don’t faint. (Galatians 6:9, Luke 18:1 )

The keys to receiving answers to prayer are; having faith in God’s ability, trusting in his word, and persevering. That means to continue in constant prayer until the answer comes.

Our prayers are often not answered because we faint or give up. Some things take time to be answered. Situations that God is working out. Hearts God is working on. Demons who need to be defeated. 

When someone becomes weary, it is because they are exercising great exertion. The burden becomes so heavy it makes them want to drop the weight. They become tired, ready to faint.

To become faint is to lose consciousness. To be so weary, one wants to die or at least drop out of the battle.

God tells us in his word, “DON’T GIVE UP!”

Keep on praying. Why? Because if we continue in prayer, we will eventually reap a harvest. First, the seed, the sprout, the plant, the green fruit, and finally, the ripe fruit. After that, the fruit is ready to be picked. It’s a process.  

We must persevere in prayer to gain victory in every prayer battle, and may I stress the word battle because Satan will fight you with his fiery darts.

The devil opposes anything that will bring the Lord glory.

Not only is the devil a thief and a liar, but he is also a challenger. An opponent of the kingdom of God. Resisting the devil is not only a strategy in the arena of temptation but also for receiving anything from God’s heavenly realm to the natural realm.

If what we pray for is according to God’s will, that is, it lines up with the scriptures, then God hears us immediately. His answer is yes and amen. However, heaven must release the answer to us by going through the dark realm of the demonic world. The evil powers of darkness who rule over this present world system will put up a fight to try to get the answer to our prayer aborted.

The demonic realm will hinder, try to make us weary, plague our minds with all kinds of demonic assaults, and get us to lose heart, faith, or outright fall away. 

What the demonic realm can not do, however, is stop the answer to our prayer from coming in the right season. God knows what he is doing. He is always a step ahead of old slew foot. Not only will we get our answer if we keep praying, but we will also get a greater increase of faith.

Many times people ask for more faith to believe, but they don’t realize that to have more faith, we will need to go through more battles! Every time we preserve in prayer, our faith in the Lord grows! We get better equipped for the next battle. The good news is that we can handle that next battle with our newly acquired faith muscles!

 Prayer requires perseverance. That means persisting in difficulty. Prayer requires supplication. That is entreating the Lord with humility. Prayer also requires watching. That means watching in the spirit to see what God tells us to do.

Often, there is work to do to get our prayer answered. A direction from the Lord, a strategy, an act of kindness, humbling oneself in a situation, or spiritual warfare.

Whatever the Lord tells us to do through watching in prayer can be accomplished by co-laboring with the Holy Spirit to fulfill our prayer. 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6:18

With persistence in prayer, there must also be a passion for the answer. We have to want that prayer to be manifested so much that we are willing to press through a crowd or even break down a roof if need be! We must be willing to knock and keep on knocking! Ask and keep on asking! Seek until we find!

Jesus commended the people willing to go that far as having “great faith.” They knew Jesus was their only hope. They knew that he would give them their request if they could just get him to notice them. If they kept on petitioning, they would get their answer!

Remember the blind guy who cried loudly when he discovered that Jesus was walking by him? Many told him to shut up! He was obnoxious and making too much noise, but the guy cried even louder!

Jesus stopped in his tracts when he heard that guy’s persistent cry. Jesus told the people to let him get through the crowd. Then Jesus asks the blind guy what it was he wanted!

It should have been evident by our standards what the guy wanted, but not from the Lord’s way of doing things. Jesus gets the blind guy to ask him again! When the guy says, “I want to see”, the Lord gives him his request. (Mark 10:48) 

 God tells us in Isaiah 64:7 that he wants his people to be so stirred up that they will take hold of him! That is, take hold of him and never let go!

Persevere in prayer! Be persistent! Be patient! Trust fully even if we don’t see evidence of that prayer being answered. 

The Lord wants us to stir ourselves up to pray persistently! This is the type of prayer that moves the hand of God. It’s all through the scriptures. 

The parable of the persistent widow. Luke 18:1

David pleads in prayer every day! Psalm 88:13

Mother for her child Mark 7:25-26 Hannah cries for a child I Samuel 1:10 Jacob wrestles with God in Genesis 32:24-32 

Persevering, persistent, constant prayer is what gets results in the kingdom of God.

To be constant is to never stop! When one prayer is answered, we go on to the next. We pray and keep on praying. We persevere, endure, grow in faith, grow some more until we reach the finish line, and our race is finally over! Only then can we say, “I have finished my race; I have run my course!”

 Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17  

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Walk in the Spirit

~ Kim Balogh ~ 2 Comments

Scriptures tell us that the Christian’s war is against demonic principalities, evil demonic rulers, and demonic powers in high places, but did you know that the biggest war we wage against is the war against the carnal nature? Demons are like vultures; they can only prey on uncrucified flesh. (Ephesians 6:12, 1 Peter 2:11)

Our battle according to the Bible, is against the bodily appetites of our 5 senses in this earthly realm which are in constant opposition to God’s word. The bodily appetites of our 5 senses or the carnal nature, are always trying to usurp authority over or exalt themselves above our spiritual born again nature, the Holy Spirit, and the word of God. (2 Corinthians 10:5-7, Galatians 5: 17-26)

 The Bible tells us that out mind is where this battle resides. All the spiritual warfare against the satanic realm we do will be useless unless we put to death or crucify the carnal nature.  (1 Peter 1:13,Galatians 5: 17-26)

 If our ways of thinking are contrary to Biblical principles, then the flesh will have the advantage. That is why it is important to renew the mind with God’s word. When we put Biblical principles above what our 5 carnal senses think or desire then we are operating in faith. (Ephesians 4: 23-27)

Faith in Jesus Christ is the key to all victory. Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Why?

Because whoever comes to God in faith with their struggle or need, to seek his face for answers, will find that God is both willing and able to move on their behalf. (Hebrews 11:6-8)

 Scriptures tell us not to be conformed to the thinking of this world system but to be renewed in the spirit of our mind so that we will know God’s perfect will for our lives. (Romans 12:2)

Ps 119: 9-11 says that in order for our ways to line up with God’s ways we must seek the Lord with our whole heart. We do this through prayer, meditation and confession of the scriptures. (Psalms 119:15,Matthew 8:8, Romans 10:9,10, 1John 4:2, Jeremiah 1:17, Deuteronomy 18:18)

When the word of God dwells in our heart or spirit, then the word of God, by the Holy Spirit will keep us from yielding to the carnal desires and carnal ways of thinking. (Romans 6:13)

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the word of God is like a double-edged sword that rightly divides our spirit from our flesh.

Our spirit will not be dictated to by the flesh or carnal nature when it becomes separated unto God. The spirit man must dominate the old man in order to crucify it to the world and to the ungodly desires of the carnal nature.   

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

Proverbs 23:7 tells us that a man is what he thinks he is. If we think God’s ways, then we will walk in God’s ways.   

The Bible also tells us that the Holy Spirit agrees with the word of God to produce Holy Spirit life in us. We cannot become godly or live a life that pleases God in our own ability. ( 1 John 5:7, Romans 8:8, John 6:63,)

Paul tells us that he kept his body under the control of the Holy Spirit constantly. He died daily to his carnal nature. (1 Cor. 9:27)

Without the Holy Spirit making us born of God we cannot crucify the carnal nature. Religion, which is Christianity without the Holy Spirit, is a mechanical carnal exercise that does not please God. (Romans 8:8) 

Jesus said you MUST be born again to enter into God’s kingdom. Only Holy Spirit can make one born of God. (John 3:3)

 I will give an example of the difference between the religious Christian and the Spiritual Christian.

I watched this documentary about a Savant who was musically “gifted.” His parents spent a lot of money on music teachers so that this kid could become a musical “genius”. When I listened to this savant play his music, I could sense in my spirit that he had a mechanical form of musical genius. This savant had the ability to copy and understand musical concepts, but the music he played sounded like it had no “soul.” Although he played well without any error, the sound he produced was a mechanical sound.

I wondered why this would be so. Then when a musician began to play along with this savant in a duet performance, immediately I sensed a big difference between them.

The musician’s playing had life or “soul.” My Spirit felt uplifted when I listened to his playing. Then when the Savant began to play, I understood what I was discerning. The Savant had a form of musical talent, but he did not have a real gift for music. He had a learned structural performance that was very mechanical. His music lacked “life.”

The savant knew all the cords and the structure of music, but he did not have a real feel for music. He had no inspirational influence.

If our ears are opened by the Holy Spirit it is impossible to be fooled by the mechanical performance of the religious Christian. It may look like a good performance but when the real Holy Spirit filled Christian comes along and operates in the dunamis power of the Holy Spirit, you will immediately sense the difference.

You will sense the life of the Spirit, the supernatural gift of God residing in the Holy Spirit filled Christian. (dunamis power)

The mechanical performance of the religious “Christian” is pale in comparison to the Holy Spirit inspired life of a born again Christian.

 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:5-7 

The word of God and the Holy Spirit work together to crucify the carnal nature. We must have both in order to perform the Lord’s good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13)

When the word of God dwells in our hearts by faith, and is ignited by the dunamis power of the Holy Spirit then we will produce a life that pleases God. A Holy Spirit inspired life!

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The Gospel of Grace

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

The Bible tells us that we are justified by grace (Charis) through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (Titus 3:7)

To be justified means to be made innocent. To be made righteous.

However to continue living in sin according to scriptures will produce death. Now some say that this includes spiritual death while others say only physical death due to consequence for sin. Regardless of that age old question let us consider the point of the whole argument.

Death according to this verse in Romans is thanatos in the Greek.

Thanatos is a Grecian deity. According to ancient Greek beliefs this god puts people to sleep and carries them off to the underworld.

That doesn’t exactly sound like a position any Christian wants to find themselves in.

Paul tells us in Romans 6 that Christians are not to continue in sin counting on grace to abound or continue for them.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Romans 6:1

Romans goes on to tell us that those of us who have been baptized into Christ’s death have put off the old man and are raised like Jesus Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father.

When Jesus rose from the dead he took the power away from Thanatos (to take men to the underworld). So now that old devil Thanatos has no more ability to keep the Christian under his dominion.

Christians who are born of God have a new Lord who rules over their life. Jesus Christ the righteous.

Since this is true, scriptures tell us the old man is dead to sin. Thanatos has no more authority to rule over the blood bought redeemed.

Jesus took the keys or dominion away from Thanatos and his partner Hades. 

These two demons have no power to rule over the Christian.

Giving sin or hamartia place in our life gives Thanatos opportunity to rule over us.

Hamartia is the Greek word for sin. It means to come to a tragic end in ancient Greek literature.

When a character in an ancient Greek story came to a tragic end it was because they  committed a grievous mistake or error in judgment.

Hamartia by the ancient Greek definition is the inner quality or character of a person which causes the action to occur. In other words the sin or hamartia nature. This bad action determines the character of a person.

How a person reacts to life circumstance determines the character which in turn creates the outcome. The consequence for hamartia always results in a tragic end.

This word is used by Paul to show that bad behavior results in a negative consequence. Whether you are a Christian or not. Sin will always lead to a tragic end.

In Jesus Christ this nature or hamartia is done away with. Instead of coming to a tragic end the Christian whose sins are forgiven now result in a good end.

Christians (born of God) have the Holy Spirit living inside of them. To be alive unto God is to have the new man yielded to the Holy Spirit which exercises dominion over hamartia. Thus preventing Thanatos from having his way.

The key to this equation being realized is the phrase “know ye not.”

Don’t you know that you have been baptized into Christ’s death? He has tasted death for every man. Don’t you know that the whole of hamartia has been destroyed? Don’t you know that you are made free from the dominion of Thanatos so you don’t have to come to a tragic end?

The key is knowing. When you know you have been delivered from the power of darkness then you can yield to the Holy Spirit. You are bought with a price. Redeemed from Hades and Thanatos. Set free from their dominion to serve God in newness of life!

So don’t let hamartia reign in your mortal body. Rather yield or give over your members or body to God so he can control your life by his Holy Spirit.

The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11-14

The Light

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

The Light

The Bible says that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

What exactly does being the light mean? Is it literal or metaphorical or both? In order to answer this question we need to understand what exactly light is.

Light by definition is both a noun and a verb. As a natural phenomena light makes things visible. When our visual receptors are stimulated we are able to see. Light is a form of energy that exists in tiny packets called photons.  Specifically light is electromagnetic radiation of any wave length that travels in a vacuum with a speed that makes the radiation visible to the natural eye.

As a verb light brings illumination or revelation of truth. To make something that was otherwise hidden, visible.

God is light. Jesus is the light of the world. He brings God’s truth into the world.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life . (John 8:12)

To walk in darkness is to be blinded. Scriptures tell us that the god of this world has blinded the eyes of men. Without God’s light humanity is blinded to the truth of the gospel. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Satan can also manifest as a false light, interestingly enough. (2 Corinthians 11:14 )

What this means is that the accuser can manifest as a messenger of artifical light.

Artifical light is a mirage. An optical illusion. When a light wave is bent by heated air across the sky, it can cause a visual phenomena called a mirage.

This type of optical illusion is what the satans (fallen angels, accusers) use. They bend truth, spout it out like hot air and create a deception. An artificial light.

God’s light illuminates truth. Satan’s light creates illusions, deceptions and distortions.

God who is light operates both in the natural and spiritual realm. These two realms coexist together and operate in parallels.

Ps. 18:28 tells us that God turns our darkness into light. Through the illumination of his Holy Spirit, God reveals his truth.

God’s light keeps our lamp or spiritual eyes illuminated as we continue in his word. The entrance or doorway to God’s light is through his word.

You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Ps. 18:28

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119: 105

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119: 130

God’s word is light.

Light is made up of 3 types of phenomena. 

Reflection is when a ray of light strikes a smooth surface and bounces off.
That is how we can see our reflection in the water.

In the same way the light of God’s presence in our life reflects the image of Jesus Christ.

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Mathew 5:16

Jesus is the image of God in human form. God created a physical body and was born as a human being. Jesus is God in the flesh. The exact representation of God.

We are created as expressions of God. In his image. 

Tselem (Hebrew)
A resemblance or image.

Those born of God reflect his presence. We are lights in the darkness and also reflections representing him in this world.

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

You are the light of the world

The next light phenomena is called  scattering. This is when light bounces off a rough object and reflects in all directions. 

For example when light shines on you through the clouds, instead of directly hitting you, light scatters. Only some of the rays are extended to you because of the object that is blocking.

That is why many times God spoke to the children of Israel through a cloud. No human can handle a direct onslaught of God’s light. It would destroy us. Kind of like being burned to a crisp when in direct sunlight. You need a barrier in order to handle it.

Today God speaks to us through his Son. The word manifest in the flesh. Human to human. God became human in order to to save us from sin. Also to represent himself to the world. (Hebrews 1:1-3)

Those born of God have God’s Holy Spirit residing in them. They are his lamps bringing his reflection or image to a lost world.

The lost who are in darkness cannot handle a direct onslaught of God’s light. They need to see and hear the truth through a filter, your temple!

Paul became blind when he got blasted with God’s light but he did get revelation knowledge of who Jesus Christ is.

Paul sees the light

God’s people represent him in this dark world. Human vessels carrying God himself to a lost world.

Refraction is when a ray of light passes from one transparent medium into another. Like from air to water. This causes the light to change speed which bends the light toward or away from the object.

Examples of light refraction are rainbows and sunsets.

God’s light in a rainbow reminds the world of his promise of grace and mercy.

Rainbow God’s promises are yes and amen.

The sunset reminds us that the night is here. The day of grace will one day be over.

Sunset

Jesus said the light of the body is the eye. If your eye is evil your body will be filled with darkness. If your eye is single then the whole body is full of light. (Matthew 6:22)

If the vision is filled with dark things then it will corrupt the body. Eventually if not corrected the body will be completely taken over with darkness. That is become completely corrupt.

If however your eye is single, that is clear without darkness then your whole body will be filled with light.

Light is composed of electric and magnetic fields or electromagnetic radiation.

 The fields vibrate at right angles to the direction of movement of the wave, and at right angles to each other.

God’s light radiates or emits illumination. God’s light goes into all the world. Each wave of light is a reflection of his image. God spreads forth his illumination through the gospel of Jesus Christ into all the world. He does this through his vessels that are filled with the Holy Spirit’s light.

When the electromagnetic radiation travels in a vacuum, at a speed of 186,000 miles per second (300,000 kilometers per second) this is the speed of light.

God’s light is traveling throughout all the world bringing illumination of his truth. Like the speed of light God’s light is traveling swiftly to bring his gospel message around the globe. Today the message of God’s love and salvation have reached millions of people. In the darkest of places the light of God has penetrated and continues to penetrate.

God is light and in him is no darkness at all. When his light comes into a place the darkness must flee.

This is why Jesus commanded. “Go into all the world and preach my gospel.”(Mark 16:15)

Go ye

Wherever you go, you bring God’s light. Wherever God’s light is the darkness has to leave.

Darkness cannot put out the light. When the light comes in it illuminates what was hidden in the darkness. It makes everything known.

One day the light will completely overtake all darkness. When this happens the King of glory will come in. He will rule and reign forever. His light will light up everything. There will not be any need for the sun or moon anymore because God’s light is sufficient. His light will reflect his presence throughout all the earth. Even into eternity. 

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Faith Obtained

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment
Faith Obtained

Jesus said in his word that no one can come to him unless the Father draw him. To draw in this verse from John 6: 44 is the word helkuo which means to drag or haul to lead or compel.

The Holy Spirit must draw or compel a person to Jesus the Savior through convincing. He convinces them of their sin, their need for salvation and the judgement of sin on them in their fallen state. (John 16:8)

When this convincing by Grace or God’s mercy becomes compelling then faith must be obtained according to scriptures.     

“SIMON PETER, A SERVANT AND AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST, TO THEM THAT HAVE OBTAINED LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH WITH US THROUGH THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD AND OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.” 2 PETER 1:1

To obtain something is to get, acquire, or secure something.

The Greek word in this scripture is lagchanō which means to receive by divine allotment.

Faith is not earned by good deeds, intellectual prowess, or human ability. Faith is a divine attribute. Faith must be obtained or received.     

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Eph 2:8

Scriptures tell us that Jesus obtained salvation for us.

 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12

Obtain in this verse is the Greek word heurisko which means acquired, find, to get,   

To obtain is to get or acquire something.

How is faith obtained?

Faith is obtained by divine providence.  

By Grace or God’s divine mercy which draws by the Holy Spirit to Jesus Christ for salvation or whatever the need is, faith comes or is brough forth.

Faith comes. Faith is brought forth.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10: 17

Faith is not a human attribute. It is divine or comes from God by hearing.   

Faith is obtained by hearing. Akoe To hear or incline the ear.

To what?

 The word (gospel message) being preached. (proclaimed)

It is through preaching the word is heard.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21

Faith is obtained by hearing God’s word preached. (proclaimed)  

Let me simplify this spiritual principle.  

The Father has sent the Holy Spirit to draw or compel by convincing of a need. (Whether salvation or deliverance or whatever)

Then when convinced of the need faith is obtained or acquired by grace or God’s mercy.

God’s mercy has inclined the ear to hear.

Faith is obtained or acquired in order to receive by hearing. (Having a hearing ear by the Holy Spirit’s work) through the preaching or proclaiming of God’s word. (Rhema living word of Christ)

Dear Father draw us by your Holy Spirit to recognize our need. Give us ears to hear your word being spoken to us by your Holy Spirit. Grant unto us by your grace the ability to receive what you are telling us and help us to apply it to our lives. In Jesus name. Amen.  

True Worshipers

Departing From The Faith

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

What does it mean to depart from the faith?
To ‘depart’ in the Greek is aphistēmi which means to revolt against, remove from, desert, depart or draw away from.

You can’t depart or leave something unless you once were in something. Now its debatable whether the one who departs was once really saved or not but they had some understanding. They were enlightened. Scriptures tell us that if one has been enlightened and tasted of heavenly things and falls away it is impossible for them to repent.

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:4,6

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. 1 Timothy 4:1

This “departing” is departing from the faith or pistis. That is the conviction of reliance upon Jesus Christ for salvation. Instead those who depart give heed to demonic doctrines which do not rely on Jesus Christ for salvation.

Some departing doctrines are obvious to most Christians but others are very subtle. That devil is a wily one.

The main theme to look for is if the teacher or preacher, prophet or apostle, pastor or evangelist moves away from trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation. Even a teeny weeny bit.

There is no specific day of the week, no ritual or rite, no performance, no other way, no other man made book, no self help principle, no personal preference, no successful endeavor, no  jot or tittle, no other name, no addition, no subtraction. NOTHING.

There is nothing that can give you salvation with eternal life but complete trust and reliance on Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

It is written.

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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9,10

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House of Grace

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

In Mark chapter 6 (after Jesus had fed the 5000) he told his disciples to get into the ship and go to to Bethsaidia, while he sent the people away.

When Jesus sent his disciples to Bethsaidia which in the Hebrew means house of grace he went into a mountain to pray.

In the evening (when the ship was in the middle of the sea) Jesus was watching his disciples from the shore. They were toiling to row the ship, because the wind was coming on really strong.

Around the fourth watch of the night Jesus came towards his disciples walking on the sea. He would have passed them by but the disciples saw him. They thought he was a ghost. They became troubled and cried out in fear.

Immediately Jesus reassures his disciples that it is him.

Then when Jesus gets into the ship with his disciples the wind calms down.

The disciples were amazed and wondered. They had forgotten about the last miracle Jesus did by multiplying the bread and fish.

It is interesting to note that on the 4th watch of the night Jesus looks out to the sea to find that his disciples are in trouble.

He had given them a word, “Go to Bethsaidia” but the enemy (who works in the darkness) tried to hinder their assignment.

Satan who is “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) caused a storm to rise up. It was so fierce that all the toiling the disciples were doing were getting them no where.

In Israel culture (as well as Roman and Greek) the night was divided into 4 watches. Each watch had a specific name and time frame.

The evening watch, was from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The midnight watch, from 9 p.m. to midnight. Cockcrowing from 12 am to 3 a.m., and the morning watch or 4th watch, was from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Exodus 14:24 last watch of the night
Psalm 63:6 watches of the night
Judges 7:19 middle watch
Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning
Luke 12:38  And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

The fourth watch is the last watch of the night. In scripture breakthrough events many times happen on the night watches.

Moses led the Israelites across the Red Sea. Exodus 14:25-46

Jacob wrestled with God. Genesis 32: 22-31
The angels appear to the shepherds in the field to announce the birth of the Savior.  Luke 2:8-14

Jesus is resurrected from the dead, Matthew 28:1

The bridegroom woos His bride in the night hours, Song of Solomon, Matthew 25:1-13

On this particular incident on the fourth watch of the night Jesus sees trouble occurring.

The prince of the power of the air is acting up. Trying to attack the Lord’s disciples.

Intercessors know that the fourth watch usually means warfare. It’s a time when the demonic powers are doing their oggie boogie through their human vessels. 

Notice that Jesus sees on the forth watch of prayer that his disciples are in trouble.

This is one reason the Lord exhorts us to watch and pray. The enemy is always looking for a place to attack. If we are in prayer the Holy Spirit will show us trouble coming our way or someone else’s way.

When trouble comes and we find we are toiling in our own strength, (getting no where, when the enemy attacks) Jesus is walking on the water right there in front of us!

Water or waters in scripture many times represent people. Jesus is always in front of people. Always available. Always willing to calm the storm. However, many times we are so freaked out over the battle that when the Lord comes walking towards us we don’t recognize him. All we see is what the enemy is doing.

Notice how Jesus was going to walk right on by his disciples. Seriously? That’s what the scriptures tell us! That’s what happens when we are afraid. As long as our eyes are on the battle instead of the Lord Jesus Christ we will miss him, even though he is right there in front of us.

The good news is that if we look to Jesus he will calm the storm in our life. He will get in the boat with us! Jesus will calm our fears! He will rescue us from the attack of the enemy!

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water they mistook him for a spirit. They cried out in fear.

Fear can do strange things to the mind. Sees and hears all kinds of crazy things.

Even then the Lord can’t help but be merciful. When fear gets a hold of us by the throat Jesus will turn in our direction if we call out to him.

Hearing his disciples cry out in fear Jesus walks on the water towards them. When the disciples see that it is Jesus they are not afraid anymore.

Our struggles in life (like the disciples who rowed in their own strength against the wind) can be demonically inspired some times.

Facing great difficulty can be scary when it looks like we are going to drown but remember the Lord is watching us in our struggle. He knows what’s going on.

Jesus is right there in the midst of our trouble. All we have to do is cry out. He will not pass us by! He will get right in the boat with us and comfort us!

Jesus will always lead us to safely because his grace is sufficient. His word to us is always, “Go to Bethsaidia, “the house of grace.”  

Our high priest ever lives to make intercession for us.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Mustard Seed Faith

Remember Lot’s Wife?

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Remember Lot’s wife?

This is the admonition Jesus gave to his disciples concerning his coming again.

Let’s recollect about Lot’s wife.

Before Lot and his family left Sodom the angels gave the Lord’s command.

“Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.”

Lot’s wife however disobeyed the word of the Lord and turned into a pillar of salt.

Now why do you suppose she would do that? Obviously it was more than just curiosity.

To “look back” in this scripture is the Hebrew word nâbaţ which means to look intently at, to regard with pleasure and care, to consider, to have respect for.

This means that Lot’s wife had an affinity to the place she was leaving. A sentiment for her home. An emotional attachment to the people she was leaving behind.

Jesus goes on after giving this admonition to say in Luke chapter 17,

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall preserve it.

“Losing our life” is the key point that the Lord is telling us here.

According to scriptures our lives are not our own. We were bought with a price.

“To lose” in this scripture means to die. Apollumi in the Greek. Which means to put to death or consider non operative.

Paul says that he dies daily. Death to self and the world is an every day thing.

Did you know that if we love the world or the things of the world then God’s love does not reside in us?

A sure way to tell a true Christian from a false one is if they are accepted by the world and if they love the things of the world.

What are the things of the world? Anything that the world esteems highly!

What does the world esteem highly?

John (1John 2) tells us that the things of the world are whatever your flesh or carnal nature lust after. Whatever your eyes lust after and whatever outside of God makes you feel prideful or you boast about.

So let me put this in modern terms. Whatever the world is running after, craving, pursuing, seeking for, desiring, addicted to, loving, and is their heart’s desire.

If you love those things too then you are not one of the Lord’s disciples. Sure you may believe in Jesus Christ but even the devil believes in God.

Remember that Jesus gave this warning.

Another way to tell a true Christian from a false one is how much they brag about themselves. How worthy they are. How blessed they are. How many special qualities they have. How wonderful their position in life is. How awesome their works are. How great life is treating them. Basically whatever is all about them.

Paul said that he boasted only in the Lord. He put no confidence in his own abilities. He boasted in being weak so that God could demonstrate HIS power through him.

Galatians 6:14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Jesus told us as recorded by Luke(14) that if we desire to follow Jesus Christ and become one of his disciples then we must take up our cross. That is we must be willing to suffer like he did.

How did Jesus Christ suffer?

He was misunderstood, persecuted, judged, bullied, hated, ridiculed, beaten, and even put to death.

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12

Remember Lot’s wife? She turned into a pillar of salt for looking back to what God judged as evil. In the Hebrew pillar is netsîyb which means a post or garrison.

God made Lot’s wife into a sign post. For all with eyes to see. A reminder to “don’t look back.”

http://kimbalogh.online/2021/04/08/good-from-nazareth/

John 15:18-25

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your’s also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

Be a Light

~ Kim Balogh ~ 4 Comments

     

While today we think of “offend” as insulting one’s standard or principles, the Bible has a different definition.

Depending on the context of the verse, the word ‘offense’ in the Bible does not have the same connotations as our English word for an offense. To offend someone does not mean to insult someone’s principles but rather to cause someone to fall.

‘Offend’ in Hebrew has several definitions, but all pertain to the same concept. It can be translated as châbal, which means to pervert, corrupt, or spoil.

 ‘Offend’can be translated as bâgad, which means to deal deceitfully, treacherously, or unfaithful. It can be mikshôl, a stumbling block, or to cause to fall. It can be âsham which means to perish, become desolate, be found guilty, to trespass.

In Greek, the word offend can be translated as skandalizō , skandalon or ptaiō, which all mean to entrap, trip up, to entice to sin, to cause to stumble.

In effect, “to offend,” according to the scriptural meaning, is to cause someone to fall, be a stumbling block, corrupt, cause to err, pervert, spoil,

Jesus tells us what he thinks about offending others.

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones who believe in me, it was better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6

The epistles of the apostles reiterate this admonition.

But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. Roman’s 14:13

The Bible tells us to try and live our lives so that our conscience is clean. Even if it means giving up something that would cause others to reject Jesus Christ. In this way, we can be a witness in the world.

Now we will not be able to please everyone, and some people will find fault with us no matter how holy we live, but we must not deliberately offend or be nonchalant in our Christian witness.

Paul said he became all things to all people to win them to Christ. In other words, wherever he went, he respected (within reason) the culture he was in. He maintained his Christian witness while not offending anyone on purpose.

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

The cross in and of itself is an offense to some people. Some will act up if they are offended by the gospel. If they do, they may cause themselves to stumble away from the truth. (1 Corinthians 1:22)

However, as Christians, we must, in all good conscience, live in the light, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and not be a stumbling block deliberately to another person.

That means not causing anyone to do anything against their conscience or doing anything in front of someone that may cause them to fall, even if we have the liberty to do it.

Jesus gave us an example in the scriptures. He paid his taxes so as not to offend and took a lowly position to not offend. He lived a humble lifestyle even though he was a King. 

Jesus fulfilled all righteousness. He did not live a lavish lifestyle or sit with famous people. Instead, he ate with sinners to reach them with the gospel message. 

Jesus remained humble throughout his walk on this earth. He has called his sheep to do the same. Just as Jesus laid down his life to benefit others, so should we lay down our lives for the benefit of others. It does not matter if it causes discomfort, rejection, or ridicule.

What matters is that we refrain from offending by not putting a stumbling block before others.

A perfect example is Paul’s attitude in dealing with the Corinthians.

Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble.

1 Corinthians 8:13

Dear Father, in Jesus’ name, help us to not be a stumbling block to others in this world. Give us your wisdom in every situation. Let your light shine through us. Amen 

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“I Have Seen the Lord!”

Have the Same Mind!

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

  Scriptures tell us that just as Jesus Christ suffered for us in the flesh, we should also have the same mind, for whoever suffers in the flesh ceases to live a life according to the desires of the carnal nature. Those living in the Spirit are living according to the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1,2)  

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

What does Peter mean by suffering in the flesh?

To suffer, according to the Oxford dictionary, means to experience or be subjected to (something bad or unpleasant).

 Peter is referring to suffering in the body or experiencing physical pain. 

The body is still in an unredeemed state. It is subject to external discomfort. While some preach that because we are called to suffer in the flesh, we should tolerate sickness and disease. That is not what the scriptures teach! 

 Peter tells Christians in the next couple of verses (Peter 4: 2-4) that the body must be crucified or put down. In other words, to be under the control of the spiritual person so that the life of Christ in our spirit lives according to the will of God. 

Peter is saying that we should not live according to the dictates of the flesh like we did before we were born again. We must live according to God’s will, laid out for us in the Scriptures. 

Putting the body or carnal nature down (not allowing it to rule us) is impossible in our own power or ability.

Romans 8:13 tells us that we will die if we live according to the flesh or sinful nature. The flesh wants to sin. It desires all kinds of things that are not good for us.  

The flesh likes addictions, entertainment, laziness, and pampering. 

The Bible says those living in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:8)

Living for self is harmful. The desires of the flesh and the carnal mind will lead to spiritual dysfunction, physical ailments, and emotional sickness.

God gives us his remedy for putting down the flesh. He tells us that if we mortify or put to death the desires of the flesh by the Spirit of God that dwells in us, then we will live or have an abundant life as promised by Jesus in the gospels.

Let’s look at the suffering of Jesus Christ according to Isaiah 53.

Peter tells us to have this same mind concerning suffering.

According to this prophecy, Jesus Christ was despised.

To be despised means to not be valued. To be seen as worthless. Our flesh wants to be appreciated, praised, and adored, but sometimes we must be despised to do God’s will. Not everyone will like us, and in fact, they may even hate us. 

Preaching the gospel for another’s benefit or serving someone who does not like us may actually benefit them. 

Our flesh does not like to suffer shame and humiliation, but sometimes it is necessary to accomplish God’s will in certain situations.

Jesus Christ gave his life for his enemies. He loved those who did not love him back. Are we armed with this mindset?

If the world hates you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. John 15:18-20

Jesus was rejected because his values were not appreciated by some people. We may not be liked, valued, or accepted by those who are not disciples of Jesus Christ. Are we armed with this mindset?

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Luke 6:22

Jesus was afflicted. He endured pain, abuse, bullying, and scoffing. Are we armed with this mindset?

How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. Jude 1:18

Jesus bore our sorrows, endured shame, took our griefs, and carried our burdens.

Galatians 6: 2 tells us to bear one another’s burdens. This means that when we are armed with the mindset of Jesus Christ, we come alongside another person and help them carry their burden. Whether in prayer, giving, ministering, supporting, or serving. Even if it is not appreciated.

Paul tells us that we are to consider our sufferings in this world unworthy of the glory that will be revealed in us. Jesus suffered for us; as his children, we are to have the same mindset.

Our flesh wants pleasure, not suffering. We want recognition, respect, and rewards for our good deeds, but Jesus tells us to love like he does unconditionally. That means no strings. 

Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Jesus bore sorrow, pain, and grief for our sake so that he could bring us healing through his affliction. Jesus was wounded, so we could receive forgiveness, healing, and restoration through his stripes.

Jesus endured the cross and the shame to bring many out of darkness and make them his children. When we are armed with this mindset, we can endure our sufferings for the benefit of others.

Jesus Christ’s suffering brought us not only salvation but righteousness and justification. He suffered in patience and endurance because he knew the outcome. Armed with Jesus Christ’s mindset, we can patiently wait for a good result too.

No suffering in this life is pleasant, scriptures tell us, BUT it is working out for us a far greater work of glory. 

Think about that! When we patiently endure and pray, God will walk through our suffering with us. He will help us carry our burdens so that we can bear them.

The outcome of our suffering will come in God’s perfect timing. Just trust him, for faithful is he who has promised.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you in your weakness to keep your flesh down, so it doesn’t react to injustice. Fasting and prayer are good ways to keep the body under submission to the Holy Spirit. When the flesh is subdued, your spirit will not only hear God’s word but be enabled to put it into practice! 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Psalm 34:19

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