Tag: kingdom Heirs

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

The Pure Word

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

The Bible tells us that the Lord’s words are pure.

Like silver tried in a furnace of earth. Purified seven times. Psalms 12:2

Lets break this down to get a better look at the meaning.

The Lord’s words are (ţâhôr in the Hebrew) morally up right. They are fair, clean, pure.

To be pure means to be free from contamination. Not mixed with any other substance or material.

To be fair is to be legitimate. Without cheating or having an unjust advantage.

To be clean is to be free of marks, stains or blemishes. Morally uncontaminated.

To be moral is to be right and good. Having a high standard.

Upright is to be straight, honorable and honest.

Like silver the Lord’s words are tried in a furnace of earth. God’s word stands the test of every fiery trial!

Silver is a rare metal. Valuable mostly for its ornamental use because it is so soft and pliable. It also had monetary value.

Silver has the highest electrical conductivity and second in thermal conductivity. (the ability to transmit energy and heat)

This is significant because in the same way that energy passes through silver metal to an outlet the word of God releases spiritual energy to a recipient.

In other words the word of God is able to transmit Holy Spirit empowered activity to the one seeking or praying for it.

Silver purified from the led ore is resistant to corrosion unless exposed to Sulphur.

In the same way when God’s word is mixed with demonic deception it becomes contaminated.

This is why the Bible tells us to desire the pure word of God. Not mixed with heresy or false interjections.
1 Peter 2:2

Silver in Biblical times was purified several times in a clay crucible (furnace) in order to extract all infirmities.

The Lord’s words are purified 7 times.

The number 7 in Hebrew symbolism refers to perfection or completeness.

The Lord’s pure word is undefiled from any contamination.

In other words God’s word has power and authority over everything that exists.

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8

And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Luke 16:17

Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. Matthew 8:5-13

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18

Jesus is the word of God made flesh. John 1:14

His name is the word of God. Revelation 19:13

Christians are born again of the Holy Spirit and the pure WORD OF GOD.
1 Peter 1:23

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5

Mustard Seed Faith

FOR HIS GLORY

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Scriptures tell us that whatever we do it should be done for the glory (doxa) of God.

Doxa is an ancient Greek word meaning “popular opinion” or “common belief”

Doxa was used by the Greek philosophers in presenting an argument. Their objective was to sway public opinion.

Paul uses the word doxa because in the same way the Greeks used their philosophical arguments to sway the people toward their opinion or view of the world so should Christians by their lifestyle (actions and words) persuade the unsaved that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life.

In other words, the life of a Christian should represent the King of kings to the world.

Whether our testimony is received or not it is a living witness to the world. We represent Jesus Christ and our lives should bring him glory. (doxa)

All that we do is being observed by those who do not know Jesus Christ. As a living sacrifice the Christian is called to give up their own life in order to be a light in the world.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Roman’s 12:1,2

A living sacrifice means giving up our life as an offering to God, representing him before the world.

Paul says that, “it is no longer I that live but Christ that lives in me and the life that I now live I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

As members of Christ’s body we are not out our own. “We are bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.” 1Corinthians 6:20

Won’t you surrender your life to Jesus today? Be a living sacrifice for his glory!

All to Jesus, I surrender
All to Thee I freely give
I will ever love and trust You
In Your presence daily live I surrender all, I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessed Savior
I surrender all All to Jesus, I surrender
Lord, I give myself to Thee
Fill me with Your love and power
Let Your blessing fall on me I surrender all, I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessed Savior
I surrender all All to Jesus I surrender
Now I feel the sacred flame
O the joy of full salvation
Glory, glory, to Your name I surrender all,
Robin Mark

Seek And You Will Find!

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

In John Chapter 4 is the story of the Samaritan women who encountered Jesus at Jacob’s well.

Now there are many symbolisms in this story but I am going to zone in on something in particular.

Notice how it was Jesus who approached the Samaritan woman first. It was he who sought her out.

Jesus got the attention of the Samaritan woman by asking her to give to him a drink of water.

The woman was flabbergasted. Why would this man be asking me for anything?

Jesus in effect did more than just approach a woman he did not know (which was not a common occurrence in Israel) but he also offered that woman to partake of his living water.

Notice how Jesus calls this woman going about her daily life. This woman probably had a whole bunch of things on her mind and was not exactly expecting to see the Messiah that day. She was however seeking him out and was just about to get her answer.

According to the gospel of John it was important for Jesus to go to Samaria.

“And he must needs go through Samaria.”

Jesus had an appointment.

The very first thing that Jesus does is go to Jacob’s well. There he meets the Samaritan women.

After the Samaritan women asked Jesus why he would ask her for anything Jesus replied, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that I am then you would have asked me for living water.”

Jesus was pointing out to the Samaritan women that he was the gift being sent to her. Coming along at a time in her life when she was not expecting it.

Jesus had a divine appointment with this Samaritan women. An encounter that was about to change her life.

Jesus watching the Samaritan women draw water asks her for a drink and then he offers to the Samaritan women his living water. He tells the Samaritan woman that if she drinks of his living water then she will never thirst again. Jesus also tells the Samaritan women that his living water would spring up for her into everlasting life.

Right away the Samaritan women replied. “Give to me this water so I don’t have to come here and draw water any more.“

Women had to walk a long ways sometimes to get water. Then they had to walk back home again carrying the heavy vessel filled with that water. In effect what the Samaritan women was asking is for Jesus to take her burden. She was worn out. Life for her had not been easy.

Knowing this Jesus asked her. “Give me to drink.”

Even in her own struggles this Samaritan women took the time to minister to the need of another.

Jesus then let the Samaritan women know that he understood her problems. He revealed her life story. This then caused the Samaritan woman to realize that Jesus had supernatural ability to help her.

When Jesus revealed to the Samaritan women that he knew her heart issue he also revealed to her the solution.

Jesus pointed out that all the husbands that the Samaritan woman had in her lifetime were a poor substitute for the need she really had which was to be loved and cared for.

One can only imagine the harsh life the Samaritan woman must have had. No body could have had that many husbands without some sort of hardship going on.

Jesus in effect was pointing out that if the Samaritan woman drank his living water then her heart’s need would be met.

The Samaritan women was looking for Messiah. She knew that Messiah was to come. She even acknowledged that Messiah had the answer to her problems.

“When Messiah comes he will tell us all these things.“

Jesus answered. “I am the one you are looking for.”

Jesus told the Samaritan women the answer to her life’s longing. What she needed was to worship God in the Spirit. She needed to come to him to have living water. Only his living water could satisfy the longing of her heart.

When the Samaritan women recognized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah she could not help but share the good news. She ran to tell everyone about Jesus and his ability to help them with their problems too. He was the Messiah they had been waiting for!

There is something important I would like to point out about this encounter at Jacob’s well.

The Samaritan women was a seeker. She was thirsty for Messiah to come. She wanted to have his living water to ease the burdens in her life.

Jesus was sent to the Samaritan women. He sought her out because she was looking for him. She was thirsty for Messiah to tell her the things she needed to know. The Samaritan woman knew Messiah had all the answers!

Encumbered by her heavy load and searching for answers the Samaritan Women had the right heart condition to be open to the gospel message.

Jesus did this same thing with the people who were seeking him when they were hungry. He saw their need and wanted to meet their need. He asked the disciples. Do you have any bread? Mark 8:16

When a blind man sought out Jesus he asked him, “What is it you want me to do? “ Mark 10:51

Again when a crippled man wanted to be healed Jesus said. “Take up your bed and walk.” John 5:8

Notice the pattern?

Seek. Ask. Do. Miracle.

Are you seeking God for something? Are you thirsty? Heavy burdened? Sick? Hungry? In need of a miracle?

Then Jesus has an appointment with you today! He says I am the one you are seeking for. I am the Messiah. I am the one able to meet your need.

Give to me your heart. I am knocking. I am here to help you. I know your problems, struggles, life issues.

Come to me in faith. Believe that I am and that I am able to help you. Turn to me with all your heart. I will give you living water to drink that will spring forth into eternal life.

“For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:8

Seek. Ask. Do. Get your miracle.

The Helmet of Salvation

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments


Most of us know that the helmet of salvation is a covering for the head against onslaughts of the enemy but did you know that the head covering of a person symbolically represents who has athourity over them.

Head coverings while ascribed to women as an outward symbol of submission are also ascribed to men.

In Israel head coverings reveal what a person believes in. What truth they ascribe to.

Skull caps worn by many religious men in Israel are symbolic of certain sects or beliefs.

For instance the large black cloth kippa, are worn by ultra-Orthodox while a crocheted kippa represents basic traditional and small black kippot are worn by moderates.

Head coverings in western nations reveal the same thing. Rappers wear caps, sports people wear sports caps, and fedoras are won by the dapper.

The head covering one wears reveal who we are, what we believe in and whose athourity we are under.

The Roman helmet or galea was worn by soldiers as well as gladiators. It was a protection for the head against enemy attacks.

Often times these helmets had inscriptions on them which revealed what military unit they belonged to.

Paul tells Christians to put on the helmet of salvation. In other words be conscious of who you belong to. Salvation means to be delivered and set free. To be saved and rescued. Ephesians 6:17

The helmet of salvation signifies our submission to Jesus Christ, who is our captain and leader in the good fight of faith.

Jesus covers us in his salvation. His authority is over our mind. We now have the mind of Christ, being in him who is the head of all principality and power. The helmet of salvation is the spiritual covering that keeps the Christian safe from all demonically inspired attacks!

Put on the helmet of salvation. Be conscious of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the captain of your life!

https://kimbalogh.online/about-me/

Be Faithful

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

In Matthew Chapter 25 Jesus is talking to his disciples about the kingdom of God which was to come.

The disciples were so exited that they thought this was going to happen right away. Jesus, however, tells them a parable about a man who sets his servants in charge of his estate while he goes away for a while on a journey.

In the story the Lord gives each of his servants some talents to put to use on his behalf while he goes away. Before he leaves, he gives his servants this one instruction. “Occupy till I come”.

Occupy in the Greek is pragmateuomai which means to keep busy.

During Jesus’ time Roman servants or slaves were the property of their owners. Many slaves were educated, and some were even doctors and others were businessmen.

Roman culture had influence even in Israel and that is why some of Jesus’ parables drew from Roman analogies.

Jesus talked about giving servants talents to use to further the estate of their Lord. This was a common practice of the Romans. A Roman slave could hold property and actually use it as his own. However, the property belonged to the Lord or Roman Citizen. All credit from the business of the estate while run by a slave or servant was credited to the Owner. The servant was responsible to gain interest for his Lord.

 A servant could be trained in various business ventures like real estate, husbandry, or farming.  

The servant was expected to get increase or profit from the business. A servant who failed to do this could be beaten or even killed.

Jesus likened his kingdom in the same way. He gives his servants each a certain amount of talents. A talent can be a natural aptitude or a skill. Not just monetary. In fact, the word talent is from the Latin. Jesus used a Latin term to explain a spiritual principal. A talent was a unit of weight. Today we use the word to convey a natural skill or gifting but in effect it is the same thing. With out a skill you will not be able to get monetary increase.

Notice how Jesus gives each person a different amount of talents. In other words, one is responsible for what they have and not for what they do not have.

 What Jesus said in Matthew 25, is this. (my paraphrase) “I have given you a gift or gifts as my servant. Keep busy while I am away. Give to me when I return increase on the talent (s), I have given you.”

Are you being faithful with your gifts? Remember that the Lord rewards those who gain or add to those gifts that he has given. To the one who fails to use their gift(s) they are not rewarded when Jesus returns according to this parable.

For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. Matthew 25:29

Let us use all that the Lord had given us for his glory! Occupy or keep busy till he comes back!

Walking Wise

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

David walked wise before the Lord and he was blessed with God’s favor.

And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him. Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them. 1 Samuel 18:14-23

That was until David fell into temptation.

And it came to pass in an evening, that David arose from off his bed, and walked on the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look on. 2 Samuel 11:2

What happened to cause this change? Lets take a look at what it means to walk wisely with the Lord.

Wisely in Hebrew is ώâkal and it means to make or act circumspectly with intelligence, prudence and understanding, skillfully, considerately and self controlled.

What triggered David to sin and fall away from the Lord? What caused him to behave so foolishly?

Was it really his lust for Bathsheba or was it something even deeper?

The manifestation of our sin is only a symptom of a deeper heart problem that we have. So we need to take a closer look at our heart. Lets look at David’s sin a little deeper.

When David had all the women he could ever ask for why did he want this one? Being beautiful is not really why David was tempted. He was surrounded with beautiful women. He could have any virgin in the land and even in another land.

Was David’s sin really a pride issue? After all why should a Hittite have something that he didn’t? That guy is only a Hittite not a King like me! He doesn’t deserve a beautiful woman like that! I’m the king of Israel for goodness sake! That woman ought to be mine!

Wasn’t there someone else who said that?

Blinded by his gifting. Wanting more than he was given? Jealous because a mere mortal was given stewardship over the garden of God? Wanting to change the order of things? Who was God to tell him that he didn’t deserve a higher place?

I will ascend up high!
I will walk on the mountain of God!
I’m just as gifted as that guy! Why look at how beautiful I am?

Yes, I’m inclined to think that it was really pride that caused David to fall.

Pride comes in many forms but if there is one thing that will make us fall flat on our backsides its self exaltation.

Thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think! (Romans 12:3, Proverbs 3:7)

Envy is the rottenness of the bones. It will eat away at the heart like a cancer. (Proverbs 14:30)

Godliness with contentment is great gain the Bible tells us. (1 Timothy 6:6)

But I am so gifted! You might be inclined to say. I have a theology degree after all and not to mention a powerful anointing!

I deserve to be promoted! I worked hard to be where I’m at!
Why should that guy have a higher position than me?

That’s just the point! Our gifts can blind us to our real position in the Kingdom of God. One of being a servant to the most high God!

Do you really think God needs us to get his work done? Do we see our importance as being essential in the big scheme of things?

When David walked wisely before the Lord he was blessed. When he submitted to doing God’s work God’s way he prospered.

That’s where the blessing lies! Being small in our own eyes and great in faith towards the one who deserves all the glory and the honor! Pride will always lead to a fall! (Proverbs 16:18)

Pride is the root of discontentment. Not being joyful in where we are at!

Sometimes it takes a fall like David had to make us see our foolishness. God is gracious however because when we recognize our sin and confess our pride to him, he will restore us. (1 John 1:9)

The Lord restored David and he wants to restore us too.

Then like David we can be content and say. “The Lord is my portion says my soul and my cup.” Psalms 16:5

Be content and walk wise before the Lord then you will be blessed in all you do!