Tag: faith in JESUS CHRIST

Frogs : Thief Series

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

I was about to wrap up my series on the thief with one last blog, but the Lord brought to my attention a thief pertinent for today to mention. The first time we hear about frogs is in the book of Exodus as one of the 10 plagues.

This is what the great LORD says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. If you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs. The Nile will teem with frogs. They will come up into your palace and your bedroom and onto your bed, into the houses of your officials and on your people, and into your ovens and kneading troughs. The frogs will go up on you and your people and all your officials.  Exodus 8:1–4

 As we can see frogs are considered in Biblical terms to be a plague or a pest which hits the world system in times of God’s judgement in the earth. God judges the world based on the criteria of sin but also on its treatment of his people. While this is true in the past it is also true today. One can quite easily make a correlation between intense persecution of the Lord’s people and natural calamities, confusion, and misfortune. You will find this in nations, cities, and individual lives. It is a spiritual principal. Put your hand or mouth to one of God’s kids and watch your life go down the toilet.

 Whoever blesses Israel will be blessed, And whoever curses Israel will be cursed. Numbers 24:9

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:14

How then does this make the frog a thief? The frog is a thief if you do not live in the land of Goshen or are under the blood of the lamb. While this is true of the unbeliever it can also be true to the disobedient or ignorant Christian. (see my blog on ignorance)

IS IGNORANCE A SIN?

Just because I know that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed for my salvation, (The Israelites were God’s people prior to the plagues of Egypt) does not mean I’m protected automatically. I must APPLY the blood of the lamb on the door posts of my home or life. That is, I must acknowledge this grace by pleading the blood of Jesus before God’s throne for my constant protection.

You see it is the angel of death who must see that blood covering your life! (Just so you know the spirit of death is a demonic power not a good angel.) When Satan sees you have applied the blood of Jesus to your life, he cannot harm you. Some Christians equate the Lord on the same level as other gods. The whims of the gods is a term used to mean that the gods do as they please with mankind, depending on their mood. In other words selection based on preference. 

God is no respecter of persons. All his promises are ‘yes and amen’ to those who trust in God for them!

Beloved, concerning all things I desire thee to prosper, and to be in health, even as thy soul doth prosper. 3 John 1:2

My people PERISH for lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6

God’s people will have tribulation and persecution, but they also will if they trust the Lord, triumph over them all! (another topic)

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

During God’s judgement on the Egyptians, he sent a plague of frogs. In Egypt the common marsh frogs dwell. These frogs are not poisonous or harmful to touch BUT they are a terrible annoyance if they overpopulate. They can get into everything!  

God allowed these frogs to overpopulate to the point of disaster for the Egyptians! The Lord in doing so was actually bringing them a message. In Egyptian culture, the frog was a symbol of life, and fertility. In other words, prosperity. Rather than giving glory to God (YAHWEH) for their blessings the Egyptians worshiped a god like frog.

https://www.timelessmyths.com/mythology/heqet/

In overpopulating Egypt with frogs, the Lord was revealing who was really in charge of all things, but also that the god they worshipped was now turning against them. This is another spiritual principal in play. Whatever you put your trust in (make an idol) besides the Lord, might very well end up becoming a problem.

They shall be turned back and be utterly put to shame, Who trust in idols, Who say to molten images, “You are our gods.” Isaiah 42:17 

 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusts in them. O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield. Psalm 115: 8,9

Another mention of frogs is in the Book of Revelation. Also, a last days curse or plague to humanity.

And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, as it were frogs. Revelation 16:13

The interesting thing about these frogs are that they are lying spirits. Why would God depict lying spirits as frogs? Have you ever heard frogs croaking? Frogs go ballistic just before rainy season. They croak on a constant basis and if you live near them, they will keep you awake at night! The noise is constant to the point of being harassing. Frogs during mating season will not shut up!

Notice that these frogs come out of the dragon. They originate from Satan’s domain. They come out of the mouth of the beast or world system and the false prophet. (s)

While this is a specific end time event it is also an end times judgement in the earth. Biblical illustrations are many times past, present and future. These frogs or unclean spirts make a lot of noise. Each frog competing with the other frog to get people’s attention. The Greek word unclean in this text is akathartos, to be morally lewd, foul, and demonically inspired.

Sounds about like today huh? A whole bunch of lying spirts croaking to get people’s attention!

These frogs are a last days plague coming out of the devil’s mouth through his false prophets or deceivers in the world system.

Jesus told us to be careful what we hear! In other words, be discerning. The frogs are croaking really loud today! Many are confused. Many who have put their trust in secular wisdom (idols) are beginning to see the tree through the forest! Rainy season is here! New life always comes in rainy season!

Apply the blood of Jesus over your life every day! Paul told us to PUT ON the helmet of salvation. Wear your armour in the midst of this end times war. We are in a battle! Pray up!

The best thing to counter false news is the good news! The good news is that when it rains it pours!

 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14

The Peacock

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Most of us know that having pride is a sure way to fall on our big head, but did you know that pride manifest in different ways?

One creature that is used to illustrate pride is the peacock. To be “proud as a peacock” is a saying used to mean a vain or self-centered person.

Vanity is a form of pride that, while seemingly obvious may also be just as subtle. That is vanity may be hiding in a very obvious place!

Most of us know that the proud peacock struts his stuff for all to see. The peacock may not even be lying about his beauty! Peacocks are very beautiful!

The male peacock’s plumage spreads in a big way to attract. Those feathers are pretty awesome!

Pride puffs up. It is pompous, vain, boastful and egotistical! (Romans 11:21, Proverbs 21:4, )

The peacock has a beautiful plumage! God has gifted the peacock with dazzling gifts!
The problem with the peacock, however, is that the peacock takes all the glory!
It seems to me I have read about another character in the Bible so puffed up with vain glory that he couldn’t see past his beauty! That guy was blinded by his beauty which ended up being his downfall!

I have mentioned the peacock as a thief because this character steals glory from God!

The peacock is so blinded by his gifts that he does not even realize what he is doing! Have you ever seen one of these vain peacocks?

Their pictures are everywhere! It’s all about them! They boast about themselves in a big way!
Don’t get me wrong; to market your business or ministry, you have to be out there, but the peacock is way out there! Also, peacocks takes most of the glory for themselves, giving Jesus only a thread.

The problem with the peacock is that the peacock has an exaggerated sense of his own importance. But the peacock is just being himself, you may argue.

Fine feathers, plumage long and sleek! So beautiful! Why shouldn’t the peacock strut his stuff? After all, God has given him those gifts!

True, but that is the problem! God gave those gifts, so God should get the glory!

Vanity is trusting in one’s own importance. God hates vanity because it brings no profit!

Vanity cannot deliver anyone! Vanity is a useless thing to trust in!

And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain. Samuel 1: 12-21

Vanity rejects God’s word, replacing it with their word. Their way of doing things!

Following secular mindsets, patterns of self-image and self-glorification. This is what the world does! The world boasts continually about themselves! The world takes the glory, giving God none or only a tidbit!

And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that [were] round about them, [concerning] whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. 2 Kings 17:15

Vanity is one of the seven deadly sins. Vanity is a sure way to end up in the has-been heap!

Remember that the peacock is open game for the predator! Those beautiful feathers strutted about will attract the enemy ! He sees the peacock coming a mile away.

Surely every man walketh in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up [riches], and knoweth not who shall gather them. Psalm 39:6

It is far safer to trust in the Lord, putting our confidence in Him by displaying our gifts in a way that is not so obvious! Not so in your face! A little humility goes a long way!

Jesus is the best example of that! Though he was God in the flesh, he did not feel the need to be showy about it! (Philippians 2: 5-11)

Vanity trusts in one’s own power and ability! After all, those gifts are pretty awesome!

God, however, says, don’t trust in anything (even your gifts) but trust in him alone.

The word ‘vain’ means to be empty. To be worth nothing, having no good purpose.

All the peacock’s beautiful feathers will not do the peacock any good if he ends up on a roasting stick!

Vanity is a form of pride. The peacock likes to look good to others and to themselves.

Vanity is being preoccupied with one’s achievement. Constantly having to prove one’s own worth and success. Vanity is being overly proud of one’s qualities or giftings. Vanity is self-conceit. Vanity is vain, empty, and worthless because pride rejects the giver of the gift.

God tells us to trust in Him. Not in the peacock, no matter how beautiful he looks! (Psalm 118:9)

Humbling ourselves is using our gifts in such a way that Jesus Christ gets the glory! His word is promoted over our word! His glory is seen through us!

Being humble will give us God’s favor.

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Don’t get side tracked by all the peacocks out there!

Keep your gaze on the one who is fairer than ten thousands! For Jesus Christ is all together lovely!

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Holy Spirit Power

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

In Mathew 10:1 Jesus called his disciples and gave them power that is excousia or authority in the Greek.
Jesus made his disciples ambassadors representing the kingdom of God but did you know the delegated authority or excousia in the Greek is defined as one who is a magistrate.

A magistrate is a civil officer or lay judge who administers the law. Especially one who conducts a court and deals with offenses. When Jesus gave his disciples excousia or authority in the Greek what he did was call them to have delegated influence in a jurisdiction. Matthew 28:18

The Bible says that the whole world lies in wickedness under the power of the evil one. The world system and those not saved are under the influence of Satan and his hordes.

Jesus delegated his authority to believers. Those who are his disciples (disciplined ones)

What is the Lord’s authority? ALL authority.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority power (translated excousia or authority) has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28:18

Under the authority of Jesus Christ believers are delegated authority over all the works of darkness. Not some but ALL authority.

That is all power over unclean demonic spirits. To cast them out. To expel or send them away. Authority to set captives free from the dominion of darkness. Authority to heal, every manner of disease or sickness.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28: 18-20

Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. John 20:19-24

In Luke 10 :19 Jesus said
I give unto you power...excousia…athourity…to trample over…(put in subjection)
snakes…(sly cunning malicious persons)…and scorpions…(the sting or piercings of evil attacks)..and over all the power of….(demonic activity ..demonic strength)….the enemy…(Satan and his demons.) And nothing shall hurt… (injure…do wrong)…to you.

Believers have been given authority or jurisdiction over the evil one. In order to exercise that authority one must receive dumanis power .

When Jesus was with his disciples he gave them his authority to cast out devils and heal the sick but after Jesus was risen from the dead he sent the Holy Spirit to empower them to have delegated power and authority over the works of darkness.

Luke 24:49 says wait until you receive power from on high.
Endued with or clothed with….power… dumanis … from heaven.

To be clothed with means to be endowed with or provided with a quality or insight. This power works in conjunction with authority.

One must not only be saved or regenerated by the Holy Spirit but also empowered by the Holy Spirit in order to exercise authority in this world to do works of the kingdom of God.

Some Christians call this being baptized in the Holy Spirit or sanctified by the Spirit. The Bible calls it receiving or being clothed with dumanis power from on high.

Notice that the receiving of power is from heaven. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit occurs from regeneration or being born again. There is also an endowment of supernatural ability the Lord gives.

Some Christians have dumanis power but they do not exercise authority. You can find this kind of situation in many churches. There are also Christians who use authority in Jesus Christ but have no power to back that authority up.

Positionally Christians have authority over the devil but that authority cannot be exercised without power or dumanis.

In Luke the scriptures tell us that the power or dumanis of the Lord (power of the Holy Spirit) was present to heal. With power or dumanis Jesus commands the unclean spirits and they come out.

Dumanis is also power to preform God’s mighty miraculous strength and power.

With authority or jurisdiction, Jesus commanded the evil spirits and they obey him.

This is exercised through authority and power which is given from on high or heaven.

Jesus preached the word or logos with power and authority delegated to him from heaven.

John 1 :12 tells us that those who receive Jesus have been given authority to become the sons of God.

What does being a son of the most high give positionally? Basically the power and authority to not only walk in the same character as Jesus Christ but also to perform the same works. Greater works because there are now many sons of God in the earth.

Satan hides this biblical truth from Christians. Most Christians do not walk in what Jesus Christ died to provide for them.

Why? Unbelief. Ignorance. Disobedience to the truth.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:7
We have this power in earthen vessels when we have become born of God.

All true Christians have been given authority and power over the works of darkness.

Being endued with power from on high is a one time experience but it is also a continual experience.

Just because we have a well of water or Holy Spirit power dwelling within us does not mean we can drink without drawing from that well.

We must draw from that well. In other words we must tarry with God. Spend time with him. Get our heart right. Repent of all sin. Gain spiritual insight from him. Get his plan or purpose for our life.

It is the same with endowment with power from on high to perform miraculous signs and wonders. We must continually pray and stay close to Jesus to appropriate his dumanis power.

Jesus specifically said that the Holy Spirit will be in you AND on you.

If we are born again the Holy Spirt indwells us but also cloths us with his power.

Acts 1 :8 says that when we receive power dumanis after the Holy Spirit has come upon you, that is arrives to bring his influence then we become his witnesses. Bearing record of him by becoming a martyr (sold out to God) in all the earth.

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:38

The Bible talks about being indwelt with the Holy Spirit and having the Holy Spirit come upon you to be a witness.

Some Christians teach there is no difference but scriptures tell us other wise. To indwell or be in you is the anointing. All Christians have an anointing for service. All who believe in Jesus Christ can operate in the gifts of the Spirit in utterance, inspiration, healing, etc.

There is another phenomena of the Spirit that can occur. Being clothed with power from on high to preform miraculous signs and wonders.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

Acts 4:33 says that God gave apostles. (ambassadors…commissioners….sent with miraculous
power to witness with great grace charis...that is with mighty divine influence.)

When Holy Spirit comes upon some one it is to demonstrate miraculous power.

This power and authority was given to the apostles as well as evangelists and prophets after Pentecost. However, this power and authority has not passed away as some teach. It is given specifically for a particular ministry God raises to be a witness for him in this world. Usually with miraculous signs and wonders.

Can all have this dumanis power come on them for service? I can’t answer that but I do know we can ask for it when we desire to reach others for Jesus or minister to the body of Christ.

Stephen was not one of the original 12 disciples nor did he have first hand testimony of Jesus Christ but he still had a testimony of what good things happened to him through his salvation. Stephen was an evangelist according to the Bible.

Today many apostles as well as evangelists have been given miraculous dumanis power to be witness in this world. To heal, deliver and perform signs and wonders.

Acts 6:8 says that
Stephen was full of faith. (trust in the Lord) and power. (dumanis). He did miraculous miracles, performed supernatural signs among the people.

Paul was not a first hand witness either but he became a believer supernaturally and according to
Romans 15:19 Paul did mighty signs and wonders by the dumanis power of the Holy Spirit. He fully preached the gospel.

Paul said that in 1 Cor. 2:4 that his preaching was not in man’s persuasive words or wisdom but by demonstration of the Holy Spirit in power or dumanis .

I can only tell you what the scriptures tell us about being endued with power from on high but I can also give you a personal example.

Both my husband and I are evangelists. We are highways and byways preachers and ministers.

That is we witness for Jesus Christ every where we go. Although I have worked in many faith based ministries over the years I finally got fed up with the unbelief and boxes I was put in so with God’s direction I went independent. Now I listen to Jesus and do what he tells me to do.

God wants his people to minster in the world. In their neighborhoods and cities. There are too many big shots out there and not enough believers who want to minster in dumanis power in their neck of the woods. That’s what we do. I preach Jesus Christ every where I go and to all kinds of people. From the homeless to clerks and bank tellers.

My husband has a powerful healing anointing. He is a tradesman. God gives him opportunity to minster on his job and in his private life. Every where he goes My husband carries this anointing. I know because one of my gifts from the Lord is the discerning of spirits. I can discern gifts, anointings, hearts, heavenly manifestations and the demonic realm as the Lord wills.

My gifting is different. While I have the Holy Spirit indwelling I also have the Holy Spirit come on me for specific works he wants to perform. I can be feeling normal one minute and the next minute the power of God comes on me to be a witness. When this happens I never know what is going to occur.

Sometimes the conviction of the Holy Spirit falls. He will fall in a bank, a store, the street. People will start feeling uncomfortable. I can see them squirming. Other times they start crying and confessing their sin.

Sometimes the word of knowledge starts operating. Sometimes prophecy. Sometimes the gift of faith comes on me. Sometimes a miracle occurs. Sometimes a deliverance.

This dumanis power comes on me only for a specific work the Lord wants to do. Other wise I’m as normal as can be. My husband on the other hand has an anointing that’s constant even if he is not praying for some one.

I am an intercessor so not only can I feel the Holy Spirit manifestations but I can also feel the demonic. This means many times I’m wrestling for the soul of someone in prayer or some spiritual situation. All I can feel in those many times is the oppression I’m praying against. Its not an easy ministry.

When my husband comes home the whole room fills up with the healing anointing. That’s an upside of being married to him! I start feeling better!

Paul exhorted believers to be filled with joy and peace in the Holy Spirit power. He said to put on the armor of God, be filled with the word of God and continually be filled with the power of God. Romans 15:13, 2: Corinthians 6:7

Each of us have been given gifts and callings from God but we must be endued with dumanis power to perform them. Whether indwelling anointings or endued from on high for specific works.

Not just once but every day. We must draw from the wells of salvation as David exhorted. That means walking holy, being in prayer, and the word.

Eph. 3:7
I was made a minister (servant of the gospel) according to the gift of grace (divine influence) given by the operation or working of God’s dumanis power.

We need to preach God’s word with dumanis power and authority and not by our own abilities. Other wise we will not be truly effective. 1Thessalonians 1:5

Not with man’s wisdom but in the power of God.

Ephesians 3:19

Be filled with or supplied with the Holy Spirit.

To walk in authority over all the works of the evil one we must be continually supplied with dumanis power whether flowing from us, coming on us, or both. This comes from a life dedicated to seeking God and being obedient do what he tells us to do.

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