Tag: kingdom culture

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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https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-balogh-0b675050/?originalSubdomain=ca

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A Greater Authority

~ Kim Balogh ~ 2 Comments

 

In Luke chapter 7 of the Bible it says that when Jesus arrived in Capernaum he is told that a centurion’s servant is dying. 

This centurion sent for elders of the synagogue to ask Jesus to heal his servant. These elders told Jesus that the centurion was “worthy” to be healed because of the good deeds that he had performed for their people. He even built a synagogue for them. 

Jesus went with these religious leaders to heal the centurion. But the centurion sent a message when Jesus was almost there. He said, “Don’t trouble yourself to come because I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. I know you have authority in your kingdom to make a command just as I have authority in my kingdom, and it will be done. Just say the word, and I know what you command will be done. ” (My paraphrase)

Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith because the centurion did not have to see Jesus in person to know the command of healing would be done. (which it was ) 

The faith Jesus marveled at was that the centurion recognized a greater authority than the Roman world authority.

The centurion recognized this because he considered himself unworthy of Jesus to enter his house. The centurion recognized that the kingdom of God is greater than the authority of Rome or the world system.

The centurion saw himself as a man of worldly authority who submitted to the greater authority of the kingdom of God. The Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The centurion recognized that even though he was put in a position of prestige, (having worldly authority) he was considered unworthy in the kingdom of God. His position in the world held no weight in the kingdom of God.

This recognition of sinful human nature (being unworthy) allowed the centurion to humble himself. In other words, he put himself in a subservient position to a greater authority than the authority of Rome.

In other words, the centurion recognized that Jesus was otherworldly or from a kingdom not of this world. Therefore being familiar with authority, he knew that Jesus just had to say a word, and the healing would occur.

This is the gospel message. Recognition of one’s sinful or unworthy nature. The need to be in subjection to Jesus Christ and his authority. Trusting in Jesus Christ as the head of the kingdom of God with the power to save, deliver and heal.

Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith because he knew the steps to salvation. Recognizing one’s unworthiness (inability to save oneself) and submitting to the authority of Jesus Christ for salvation.

What about you? Are you trusting in your “worthiness” because of all the good works you have done like the religious leaders did?

Jesus marvels at the faith of a person who recognizes their unworthiness and looks to his authority to be saved.

Call on Jesus Christ to save you, heal you and deliver you!  

The world system’s authority and prestige will never get you into heaven.

Recognizing your inability to save yourself is the first step to salvation. Once you realize this, then by calling on Jesus Christ, the King of all kings, you can be saved from your sin.

Then you will become a member of the kingdom of God! As a member of the kingdom of God, you can recieve healing, deliverance and provision.

Whoever calls on the Lord shall be saved. Roman’s 10:13

Links to my other platforms.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-balogh-0b675050/?originalSubdomain=ca

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The Battle is the Lord’s

~ Kim Balogh ~ 5 Comments

 In 2 Chronicles 20, an army of Moabites, Ammonites, Meunites, and Edomites came out to war with Jehoshaphat, King of Israel. These nations were enemies of YHWY’s people. They served other gods or the demonic realm. 

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12  

Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and began to seek the Lord for his help. He cried to the Lord in his distress. “If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.” 2 Chronicles 20:9

Then the Lord’s Holy Spirit gave his word to those seekers. “The LORD says this to you: ‘Don’t be afraid or worry about this large army because the battle is not yours. It is God’s battle!”

God gave instructions to the Israelites. Do not be afraid. Go battle against them. You are not alone in this battle. Stand firm. Be still and see the Lord bring you deliverance. Then they thanked the Lord and worshipped him.

Then Jehoshaphat got up in the morning and said, “Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”

In other words, believe that the Lord is with you in the battle, don’t be afraid, believe his word, and you will have the victory!   

By faith, the Israelites began praising the Lord as they went to war. Praise is an essential factor in spiritual warfare. It is important to note that they praised God because of his great mercy. When they did this, the Lord set ambushments (a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position) against the enemy, and they were defeated.

In Joshua 6, we see another battle where the Lord gives his directive.  

Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. Joshua 6:17,

The walls of Jericho were designed to be a defense or an evil stronghold. The Lord told Joshua that he had given the city into his hands. Jericho means a place of concealment. A stronghold where the enemy is hiding or sets up camp. In other words, the Lord will show us where the enemy hides. He will expose him and lead us by His Holy Spirit in bringing down the stronghold. 

Once the stronghold was revealed, the Lord told Joshua that he would give him the victory. His directive was to march around Jericho seven times with the ark of the covenant and then shout the victory.

In military warfare, an army marches because it builds confidence. In other words, it raises your level of faith. Marching is a training discipline for warfare. To march is to prepare and get positioned for battle.

On the seventh march, the Israelites blew the trumpets. This was a signal of military strength. “We are coming in to take the land!”

Then Joshua told the army of Israelites to “shout for the Lord has given you the city!”

The military shout or battle cry is a direct confrontation with the enemy. We are coming to take you down! Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

After the victory shout, the walls of the city fell down. The Lord broke through, and the city was taken.

In 2 Samuel 5:18,19, David sought the Lord when the Philistines came against David in the valley of Rephaim. “Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.”

Seeking the Lord is the first principle of spiritual warfare. Fasting usually accompanies it. Then David went to war after the Lord gave him instruction. The Lord gave him victory! The Lord broke through for him!

To break through is a military strategy. To move through or beyond an obstacle.

“A breakthrough occurs when an offensive force has broken or penetrated an opponent’s defensive line and rapidly exploits the gap.” 

https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Breakthrough_(military)

Once there is a breakthrough, the gap can be widened to completely eradicate the enemy’s stronghold. 

And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore, he called the name of that place Baalperazim. 2 Samuel 5:20

Our God is the God of the breakthrough! It is he who causes us to triumph through Jesus Christ the Lord! Seek the Lord’s strategy, have faith, trust, pray, declare the word of God, praise, and stand and see the salvation of our God!

More of my platforms.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-balogh-0b675050/?originalSubdomain=ca

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“I Have Seen the Lord!”

~ Kim Balogh ~ 4 Comments

It is interesting to note that the very first person that Jesus revealed himself to after he was risen from the dead was Mary Magdalene.

Why do you think that was? Something to think about!

Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. Mark 16:9

Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus’ disciples. She is mentioned many times in the gospels.

Because Mary was a common name of the time and several other women called Mary followed Jesus too the name Magdalene was given to distinguish her from the others.

Mary was probably from Magdala. A fishing village in Galilee. This is interesting because Mary Magdalene was the first evangelist to go and tell others that Jesus was risen from the dead!

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4: 19

Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Jesus Christ who also supported his ministry.

Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. Luke 8:1-56

Mary Magdalene was a woman that had seven demons cast out of her. Why would scriptures mention that Mary Magdalene had 7 devils cast out of her?

Scriptures do not tell us that any of the disciples had demons cast out of them. To be demonized meant she had some kind of suffering. Maybe sickness or trauma or a sinful lifestyle. We don’t really know. What we do know is that Mary Magdalene became devoted to Jesus Christ. This means that whatever ailments she had she was truly grateful to be healed! 7 is the Hebrew number for perfection. Mary Magdalene’s healing was complete. She was made whole!

Mary Magdalene stood faithfully with Jesus as he was crucified. She never fled. She was there praying.

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son[of God!”

There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. Mark 27:50-56

This may be one of the reasons why Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus Christ risen from the dead and was commissioned to tell the disciples about it.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,“Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. John 20:11-18

Since women’s testimony was generally excluded under Jewish law the fact that Jesus revealed himself to Mary Magdalene first and commissioned her to tell the other disciples is significant.

“Women were not allowed to testify in court. In effect, this categorized them with Gentiles, minors, deaf-mutes, and “undesirables” such as gamblers, the insane, usurers, and pigeon-racers, who were also denied that privilege. (On the other hand, a king could not bear witness in court, nor could the Messiah, which somewhat lessens the stigma of that restriction.) ” https://jewsforjesus.org/publications/newsletter/newsletter-jun-1988/the-role-of-women-in-the-bible/

Jesus never put man’s traditions above his Kingdom. His ways are not man’s ways.

And he said to them, ‘Well do ye put away the command of God that your tradition ye may keep; Mark 7:9

God sees differently than man sees. People value traditions, prestige, success and position.

Jesus sees into the heart. He judges by what is inside a person. He looks at the character.

Many times in scriptures we see what it is that God values.

Jesus values loyalty to him. 
Lowliness of mind,
Faithfulness to his ways
Commitment to his gospel
Obedience to his commands
Zeal for his glory
Faith in his word.

These are the characteristics that we can see in Mary Magdalene.

This is why Mary Magdalene was chosen to begin the very first evangelist outreach.

Have I not said if you would believe you would see the glory of God? John11:40

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

Abide in the Vine

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

In John Chapter 15, Jesus gives a parable about a vineyard.

He says that he is the true vine, the Father is the Farmer and his disciples are the branches.

Just as a branch cannot produce fruit without the vine neither can we produce fruit without Jesus Christ.

Every branch in Jesus Christ is pruned so that it will produce fruit. No fruit can be produced without pruning.

Pruning is a part of growing in the Lord. Pruning requires taking away the old so that the new will grow.

This process can be painful. We are set in our ways and don’t like change. But in order to produce Holy Spirit fruit in our lives we must yield to the pruning process. Out with the old man filled with dry old ways of doing things and yielding to the sharp pruning tools of the Father.

Jesus tells us to abide in him. Continue in his word which is able to make us into what the Lord wants us to be. Filled with Holy Spirit fruit!

Just as a vine cannot produce fruit by itself neither can we produce fruit without Jesus Christ.

If we continue in the Lord we will produce much fruit.

Pruning the vine every spring just before growth begins allows the branches to have enough air movement around them to reduce disease.

Heavy pruning of the vine provides the best fruit.

While pruning may be needed throughout the year, pruning is best done when the vine is dormant, just before growth begins in spring.

Dormancy is when the plant slows down. Its metabolism, energy consumption, and growth are at a slow pace.

Sometimes when we seem to be inactive, placed on the shelf, that is when the pruning happens. Our lives in a winter stage while seeming to be going no where are in reality being pruned.

Reflection. Repentance. Seeking the Lord. Searching for answers. Giving up of sin. Intense prayer. Dying to self.

The winter stage many times can be rough going but harsh winters with much pruning produce a great harvest of fruit.

In order for a grape vine to flourish it must have plenty of sun shine. In the same way we must have plenty of Holy Spirit saturation.

If a vine has little light it will eventually dry up and die.

In his presence is fullness of joy. We get inspired in God’s presence, strengthened and empowered.

Being in the sun reduces pest problems too. That old devil and his varmints hate the light. The more light the less devil problems.

The vine also needs plenty of water for the roots to grow and expand deep into the ground. The branches can’t produce a healthy life flow without plenty of the water.

Being watered with the word makes us grow in the Lord.

Without the water of the word our roots will shrivel and die or at the very least be stunted in growth.

Roots need to be soaked in water before planting. This is significant because a vine produces healthy branches only after a deep saturation.

The more of the word we are saturated in, the more we become grounded in the truth. It is hard to dig up deep rooted plants.

It is interesting to note that a grapevine needs some type of support system or the branches will trail along the ground. In the same way we need support to grow properly. Without proper support the Lord’s disciples will become bogged down, carrying a lot of burden.

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Another important factor in a healthy vineyard is to weed constantly. If weeds grow under the grape vine the soil temperature will stay cooler. This will delay growth.

The cares of this life if not dealt with will choke the branches from receiving life from the vine. We need to hoe out all those worldly cares and troubles. Being diligent to guard our hearts against anything that will clog up our spiritual life.

Jesus tells us that if we continue in him then we will be fruitful but if not then we will wither and possibly die.

A healthy branch abides in the vine and produces much fruit!

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. John 15:7-9

Links to my other platforms.

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Father God is Waiting For Your Return!

Forgiveness

~ Kim Balogh ~ 6 Comments

The scriptures tell us that according to the law of Moses without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness or remission of sins.

The KJV uses the word remission which is more than just forgiveness. It means to be set free from sin and its consequence.

Remission in the Greek, is aphesis, which means forgiveness, deliverance and liberty. To not only be forgiven (letting go as if they had never been committed), but to be released from the bondage or imprisonment of the penalty for sin.

Sin has consequence. Under the law, a life must be given up for a life. The soul that sins shall die. Romans 6:23

Jesus, who was without sin, gave his life up for the sinner who repents and forsakes their sin. Repentance is a big factor in the remission process. Without repentance there is no forgiveness of sin. In order to receive this remission of sin, one must repent.

Without repentance, there is no remission of sins. Acts 2:38

 Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19

Repentance Metanoeo in the Greek is to have a change of mind for the better. To turn from sin or breaking God’s laws. To be converted to God’s word. That is to receive the gospel’s truth.

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. Isaiah 52:9

Sin has consequence. It produces death. Not just eternal death but death as in no life of God. It separates us from God. He does not hear prayer, we lose our joy, and we can become fearful, sick and weak.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7

The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction. Galatians 6:8

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Revelation 3:19

Scriptures tell us that it is FAITH IN THE BLOOD that saves from the penalty of sin. When we repent and turn to the truth of the gospel we must have faith in the blood of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin.

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Romans 3:25

We cannot save ourselves by good works or good deeds.

Romans Chapter 3 tells us that under the law we all are condemned to die eternally because of sin. Unless we turn to Jesus Christ for the remission of our sin.

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Romans 3:25

Once we are forgiven by repentance and faith in the blood of Jesus Christ then we are made righteous before God as if we have never sinned.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Romans 5:21

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:9

If we confess our sin to God, repent of our sin and have faith in the Blood of Jesus Christ we can be forgiven and made righteous by God as if we have never sinned.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. John 1:9

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God Declares HIS Word.

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

  

Have you heard of the idiom ‘don’t put the cart before the horse’?

What it means is to do things in the correct order.

A spiritual principle many get out of order is the act of declaration.

To declare is to say something emphatically or to make it officially known.

A recent Christian trend today is to “declare God’s word.”

While it is true that God’s word has the power to save, heal, provide, and deliver, what is not true is that if you declare God’s word enough times, it will cause miracles to happen.

This is not a Biblical concept. Let me explain.

To declare in Hebrew is nâgad which means to announce, expose, predict, or profess. To bring a report or speak forth an utterance.

Let’s look at the word used in context.

According to Genesis 41:24 the King of Babylon asked his magicians to interpret his dream, but they could not declare it. In other words, magicians cannot declare a thing that God has hidden.

We know, however, from that story that Daniel could interpret the dream after he prayed and fasted because God revealed the information to him. ‘Then Daniel brought forth the interpretation to the king.’

In Deuteronomy 1:5 Moses declared the law to the people.

Remember that the law was given to Moses through revelation from God. After the law was revealed to him, then he declared it.

In Judges 12:12-14, Samson put forth a riddle and asked the Philistines to declare it to him, but they could not. So the Philistines used devious methods through Delilah to obtain the interpretation of the riddle.

In Kings Chapter 22, we see that Micaiah declared the word of the Lord while the other prophets said the word out of their own hearts to please the king. I guess they valued their heads more than God’s revealed word.

In the book of Job, we find God demanding Job to declare to him all his mysteries since Job thought he had the mind of God and knew all the answers.

In Psalms 2:7, David says he will declare the word God has spoken unto him. David often declared God’s word that was revealed to him.

Now let’s go to the New Testament.

Declare in Greek is phrazō which means to indicate by word or act. To expound upon.

Matthew tells us that Jesus declared to his disciples what his parables meant. He expounded to them his word. He taught them his truths. 

John 17: 26, relaying Jesus’ prayer to the Father, Jesus said that he had declared his word to his disciples. He taught them. 

In Acts 13, the disciples declared the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were taught God’s word. 

Paul and John declare Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord in the book of Romans and other epistles. They were taught God’s word. 

Do you see a pattern here?

When the word “declare” is used in scriptures, it is used to announce a particular truth of God that is revealed to a person.

That being said, the word “declare” is not used in reference to making something happen or to repeat until something manifests itself. 

It is used when the word of God is revealed or expounded upon, which brings revelation to the recipient. You will know the truth when the word of God is declared to you! 

When the word is revealed, it is declared according to the publishing of it for a divine purpose.

The scriptures being declared at random to receive an outcome of one’s desire is not a Biblical concept.

Why, then, do people do it? Probably to try and force God to do what they want.

When used in that way, declaration actually becomes a form of manipulation. Manipulating through the use of scripture for personal benefit.

In its proper order, when we declare the word of God, the Lord has revealed it to us by his Holy Spirit; it is for his purposes. What is revealed in scripture many times has perquisites attached to them. Unless one is in obedience to the perquisite, it is a useless objective to declare that particular word.

For example, if I declare that God is the healer, but I am still addicted to something and won’t give it up, it is useless to declare divine health! 

As the Lord reveals his word to our hearts and we walk in obedience to that revealed word, then we can be assured that God’s word declared to us will come to pass!

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Ephesians 6:2 Honor thy Father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise) that it may be well with thee,

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Isaiah 26:3, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

Deuteronomy. 11:26-28 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God.” 

In conclusion, when we declare God’s word revealed to us by the Holy Spirit we should obey it! Then God will bring to pass what he has said to us through his word. 

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DO YOU NEED A MIRACLE?

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Jesus performed many mighty miracles in certain cities in Israel but they still refused to repent.

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not. Matthew 11: 20

What did these cities not repent of?

We have to read the whole Chapter of Matthew 11 to find out.

Jesus was preaching and teaching the people. He explained to them that John the Baptist was the greatest prophet of the OT because he came proclaiming Christ the Messiah. John was the messenger preparing people to receive Jesus of Nazareth as their Messiah. The people as a whole did not believe John’s message.

Then Jesus goes on to say that people criticized John for his prayer and fasting or for being set apart. (Being a fanatic basically) and then they turned around and criticized Jesus for ministering and eating with sinners. They accused him of being a drunkard and a glutton.

Obviously the people did not believe or receive John as the Elias which was prophesied to come or Jesus as the Messiah prophesied to come.

Jesus then tells the cities he did the most miracles in that they were going to be in big trouble on judgment day because they were not repentant.

Their sin was that they did not believe.

Jesus performed many miracles in their midst and yet they remained unrepentant.

“The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” Matthew 11:5

Lots of people came to see the miracles Jesus performed! Yet they still did not believe.

“But what went ye out for to see? ” Jesus asked the people concerning John.

The people it seemed went out to see a show.

They watched all the miracles being performed by Jesus and yet they did not believe that he was the Messiah. That is why Jesus pronounced future judgment on them!

Isn’t that kind of like today? How many people flock to miracle meetings to see the show yet fail to surrender their hearts to Jesus Christ?

No where in the Bible does it say that miracles produce faith. Some people think that. They even think that if they just had a sign from heaven then all their problems would go away.

Jesus says in his word that to seek a sign other than the one important one he has given is to be in unbelief.

A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. Matthew 16:4

What did Jesus say to John when he wanted confirmation that Jesus was the Messiah to come?

After Jesus gave his testimony he said, “blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. ” Matthew 11:6

In other words Jesus said believe that he is the Messiah and don’t be offended because Jesus says that he is the Messiah.

Lastly Jesus tells us that the Father reveals through his word Jesus is the Messiah and the Son reveals the Father to those who receive the Son.

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Matthew 11: 27

It is not miracles as wonderful as they are that produce faith! According to the Bible, it is revelation of the Holy Spirit through the word of God that produces faith.

“And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 16:14-17

The Bible makes it clear that people who did receive miracles from Jesus actually believed before they got the miracle. It takes faith in Jesus Christ to get a miracle but watching miracles being performed does not produce faith.

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. Matthew 8:17

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.” Matthew 9:28

The Bible teaches that Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the word of God!

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

When God’s word is revealed to our heart then we will get a miracle!

A miracle specific to our need, for God knows what we have need of even before we ask him! (Matthew 6:8)

“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” Psalm 119:114

http://kimbalogh.online/2021/03/08/abide-in-the-vine/

BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

What does it mean to be “poor in spirit?”

It is a relevant question in an age where spirituality is measured by the material blessings one has.

“Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” 1 Timothy 6:5, 

According to Jesus in Matthew 5:3 the poor in spirit are blessed, for they shall see God.

The person who is poor or possesses nothing is well off because the realm of God’s abode in the heavenly kingdom belongs to them.

Blessed, makarios in the Greek means to be well off and poor ptōchos is to be like a
beggar without means.

A beggar is one who solicites from some one of a superior status for relief.

Why is it that the poor are acknowledged as being blessed while the rich have a difficult time entering into God’s kingdom?

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Mark 10:25

If we examine the rich man and the beggar Lazarus parable, we can see that the rich man even though he had a lot of provision he tossed only his crumbs at the beggar Lazarus.

The rich man could have easily helped Lazarus and met his needs but he did not.

When both died, the rich man went to hell and Lazarus went to paradise.

Like the rich man in this parable many of the rich of this world throw only their crumbs at the poor. Giving them just barely sustenance while they live in luxury.

To be rich does not always equate to generosity. In fact sometimes just the opposite.

https://www.businessinsider.com/lower-status-people-more-likely-to-share-wealth-than-higher-status-people-2018-6

To be poor in spirit is to be dependent on God, not on man. When one is poor or dependent on God for provision then one is truly blessed.

It is like having your Father be the owner of an enterprising business rather than being at the mercy of a manager for a pay check.

The poor person who loves Jesus will always see God’s hand of provision in their life. God promises to take care of all his children.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

To be poor in spirit is to be rich in faith. Blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.

Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? James 2:5

The widow’s mite is important to the Lord. Not only do blessings come to the sacrificial giver but because the poor are the most generous it seems that through them the gospel is advanced into all the world!

Consider that when you think your widow’s mite is of no significance!

And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. Luke 21:1-4

To be poor in spirit is to be blessed with seeing God manifest his provision in your life!

I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. Psalm 140:12

Faithful Promises!

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Satanic forces are in opposition to our prayers. They want to stop the answers from materializing.

The powers of darkness cannot stop our victory but they most certainly can hinder. So don’t get discouraged over a set back. It’s just the devil putting out his resistance.

PAUL said that he wanted to go and preach in a certain area but the devil hindered him. The devil can hinder but never stop God’s plans. In fact when Satan hinders he usually shoots himself in the foot because it ends up working out for our good anyway!

Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 1Thessalonians 2:18

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

Satan tried to hinder Daniel’s prayers but persistence in prayer perservered and won the victory!

 “Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.” Daniel 10:12-14

God gave David a vision. He told him what he was going to do and what the outcome of prayer would accomplish. The Lord has his watchman on the walls and they are in intercession. These watchman are not going to give God any rest until they get their answer. They are determined to pray and never give up.

This promise is yet to be fully realized but it will happen! The Lord has spoken!

I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Isaiah 62:6,7

The Lord also tells us we need to put action to our faith.

Vs. 10 of Isaiah Chapter 62 the Lord gives some strong DO words.

“Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.”

When we pray we need to look at how we can prepare the way. Do we have some house cleaning to do? Are there stones in our gardens that need removing? Do we need to be a positive influence some where? How about casting forth that evangelism net if we want revival?

The Bible does say that faith without works is dead being alone. That is a spiritual principle. In other words if we are not actively living out that prayer request then we do not really believe the answer is on its way.

We need to act like we already have the answer if we know that it’s God’s will. This shows the devils that we are not looking at their garbage being thrown at us but rather we are looking to our God who has promised and is faithful to perform his promise.

“Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him,” Isaiah 62:11

Yes, God hears our prayer. No matter how impossible they seem!

If we continue to abide, be faithful and patient, the Lord will bring the victory!

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised. Hebrews 10:23