Tag: praise

The Girdle of Truth

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment
The Girdle of Truth
The Roman belt or the balteus was a part of the Roman soldier’s amour.

It was the belt that held the scabbard which in turn carried the soldier’s sword.

Scriptures tell us to be girded in our minds with the truth. Just like the scabbard our mind is called to carry God’s word so that at anytime we can pull it out and do battle against the enemy.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:11

Our mind is the carrier of God’s truth.

When God’s word is in our mind then we can have the mind of Christ.

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16

A transformed mind by the scriptures becomes a heavenly mind that thinks on those things that are above and not on the things of this world. A heavenly mind is a girded mind.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

God has promised to bring all things to our remembrance when we need it.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26

A Holy Spirit controlled mind that is filled with God’s word is able to cast down imaginations and every thing that exalts itself against the word of God.

All contrary ideas and mindsets which conflict with scriptures are to be cast down. We reject them as lies.

We are then able by the sword of the Spirit to bring captive all thoughts in the mind or the balteus to obey Christ.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5

Be girded in the mind today and always with God’s truth as set out in scriptures. When the devil comes with his lies and deception you can defeat him. Standing on God’s word that is above every other word will bring the victory! Satan hates the truth and cannot stand up to it.

That is what Jesus always spoke to the devil’s lies with IT IS WRITTEN!

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:13

A mind filled with God’s word cannot be shaken regardless of the group think of this world system which is inspired by the evil one!

Be girded today in your mind!



No Condemnation!

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Romans Chapter 8 says that those who are in Jesus Christ, (that is those born again and, in his salvation,) are not condemned by God if they are not walking after the carnal nature but are walking in the Holy Spirit.

What does it mean to be condemned? In English it means to have disproval. To criticize something or someone strongly.

The Greek word is katakrima which means to come under penalty. To pass judgement against.

Romans Chapter 8 goes on to tell us that if we are minding carnal things rather than spiritual things then we are in enmity with God. In other words, if we are living for the flesh (the body, which is living for the passions and sensual appetites) temporal, worldly, or secular things then we are in a hostile opposing position with God. This makes us under condemnation. God disproves of us and our life styles!

Living in the flesh or carnal nature has grave consequences for the Christian. Romans 8 tells us that it produces death in us.

Jesus died to set us free from sin, but we must cooperate with that spiritual position that he has provided. Living by the carnal nature brings only death. What is death? Failure, sickness, poverty, demonic oppression, depression. Any thing contrary to the abundant life which Jesus died to purchase for us.

Romans Chapter 8 tells us that if we live under the law in order to gain God’s approval then we will fail miserably in our lives. Also, we will still be in enmity with God anyway because the law has no power to conquer sin. All the law does is expose our sin. “You lied. Bad you!”

Jesus came to give a better way. He said to his disciples that when he went away, he would send the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness. The flesh is weak and cannot keep the law. Only God can keep the law.

Did you know that if you are born again that God lives in you? Yes, he does but many Christians who are ignorant of this reality are living still under the law. They don’t understand that the same power that lived in Jesus Christ, that performed miracles and raised Jesus from the dead, actually lives in them!

Romans 8 tells us to walk in the Spirit and we will not fulfill the desires of the sinful body. Which is going to be thrown into the trash heap one day and we will get a new one that is not subject to sin!

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? Well to walk is to take a journey. Our life in this world is a journey towards eternity! We are called to walk with God! Not walking in our own ways but walking in God’s way.

He hath showed thee, O man, what is good, and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do judgment and the love of mercy, and to humble thyself by walking with thy God? (Micah 6:8)

Holy Spirit who lives in us is our helper and teacher. We need to acknowledge Holy Spirit and depend on him for everything. Did you know that the Holy Spirit wants to help you? Yes, he does but you have got to ask him. He won’t impose on you.

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Luke 11:9

Romans Chapter 8 tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Don’t know how to pray effectively? Ask Holy Spirit. He will show you. Need comfort? Need revelation? Need wisdom? Need strength? Need provision? Just ask Holy Spirit and he will help you!

Jesus Christ provided for us a new covenant with a new and better way of living. The law can never conquer the sinful nature. The way to have victory over sin and the devil is life in the Holy Spirit!

If we walk with God on our journey to eternity we will not be under condemnation because we will not be fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. Rather we will be living our life under the control of the Holy Spirit!

Walking with God by the Holy Spirit is the abundant life promised to us by Jesus Christ.   

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24

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!

Self Importance

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

Lately I have been noticing that more and more Christians on social media are using spamming methods in order to be heard. At first it seems like just a little annoying factor but if you examine this phenomena in light of scriptures you will find a very problematic heart attitude being exposed.

Philippians 2:4-8

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Paul tells us that even though Jesus was God in the flesh he did not make a big deal of it. Jesus did not stand on the streets shouting out who he was nor did he bulldoze past the religious leaders and hijack their pulpits.

Rather Jesus made himself of no reputation. That means that he just did what the Father told him to do and then left the outcome to the Father.

Another interesting thing I have noticed is how some ministries confined to their homes due to the “plague” are now in order to stay relevant coming up with all kinds of new sensational methods in order to keep their followers.

All of a sudden a preacher is now a talk show host, a motivational expert, and a political analyst. Well what do you expect them to do? After all their whole livelihood is based on donations to their ministries! You really can’t blame them! They have to live some how!

Jesus preached on the street corners. He had no where to lay his head. He did not always have money to buy food, (he had to eat raw grains of wheat from a field on the Sabbath! ) He was almost thrown off a cliff . Yet some of his modern day followers today live in mansions and have a million bucks in the bank! It is very competitive in Holywood!

Self importance seems to lead Believers into using gimmick after gimmick. Raising money with sensationalism or manipulative tactics is becoming rampant on the internet.

I NEED TO BE RELEVANT!

Really?

Scriptures tell us that God so loved the world that he GAVE. Jesus did not come to take but to give. In fact, God gave his most precious Son so that whoever believes and receives him could inherit eternal life! (John 3:16)

God reveals his love for us by giving his Son. Scriptures tell us that if we abide in his love then God will abide in us. ( 1 John 4:16)

what is God’s love?

God’s love overcomes the world. ( Romans 8:37, 1 John 4:4)

God’s love does not fear in the time of trouble. ( 1 John 4:18)

God’s love lives by faith in God’s ability. (Galatians 2:20)

God’s love lays down one’s life for others. ( John 15:13)

God’s love reaches out to the unsaved. (Roman 5:8, Ephesians 2:4,5)

God’s love is humble. ( 1 Peter 5:6,7)

Gods love is patient and kind. It is not arrogant or boastful. (1Corinthians 13)

Gods love does not insist on having its own way. (1Corinthians 13)

It is a crazy time we live in where self importance is vying to be relevant!

Abide in God’s love !

Rest in God’s faithfulness!

Be still in his presence!

Wait on his timing!

Most of all humble yourself under God’s mighty hand for his word says:

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10

True Worship

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment


God desires his people to be worshipers in spirit and in truth. That means to bow down in the heart through surrender. To adore or praise the Lord for who he is and what he does according to truth which is laid down in scriptures.

The logos is who was manifest in the flesh. Jesus is his word.

Worship in the Greek means to bow down prostrate and adore God. (proskuneō)

There is however another form of worship which the Bible tells us about.

That worship is called service. ( latreia)

Sometimes these words are confused when translated into English so let’s take a look at the type of worship called service talked about in scriptures.

In Romans 12:1

This scripture uses the word latreia or service in the Greek in regard to worship. Let’s break it down.

Through God’s mercy yield your body (whole person) in surrender (quickened alive by the Spirit) as a sacrifice (to give up in exchange for another) holy (set apart consecrated for use) and pleasing to God. Which is your reasonable (based on justification for) service or divine worship.

In Philippians 3:3 the word divine worship is translated latreia or service.

We are those which worship in spirit. (We worship through sacrificial service in the Holy Spirit.) and have no confidence in the flesh or human ability.

Romans 1:9

I serve with my spirit in the gospel (Latreia)

Hebrews 9:14 says we have passed from dead works (deeds performed under the law through human endeavors and strength)

In order to serve or latreia worship. Which means sacrificial giving up of one self for another.

Hebrews 12:28 Tells us to serve well. That is by pleasing sacrificially with respect and reverence in that service.

While the Lord does want us to adore him through the lips of our mouth he does make it perfectly clear in his word that lip service is not enough. (Matthew 15:8)

What do I mean by that? By explanation it is that singing songs, falling prostrate on our face, kneeling or any other bodily form of worship is in and of itself not the whole equation. Lip service without action or deeds is really only an expression of worship but not action of worship.

Roman 12:1 explains worship as a service. A sacrificial laying down of our life for another.

Who is that other? God of course but in service to God we are called to serve others, sacrificially.

A living sacrifice unto God gives up all their rights in order to serve others. For their betterment. Just as Jesus laid down his life for us without cost he desires that kind of sacrificial service from his people.

In conclusion, true worshipers don’t just give lip service. True worshipers serve others by the Spirit enabling them. For the benefit and well being of others.

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Hang On To Jesus!

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

No matter how hard the battle is Christians must hold on to the hem of Jesus Christ’s garment until victory comes ! (Matthew 9:20)

Many times when we don’t see immediate results and heaven seems silent our flesh is tempted to panic but Jesus wants us to look to him, the originator and completer of our faith, and not at the storm around us. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

No matter how rough the waves, how deep the waters, or how hard the wind blows, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. (Mathew 14)

Satan knows his times is short and he is mad as hell. Knowing our weakness, and the weakness of others, the evil one will send forth those fiery darts but our faith in Jesus Christ is what will bring us through to victory every time. If we do not give up. (Ephesians 6:16, Galatians 6:9)

Faithful is he who has promised! So hang on, keep pressing through in prayer and having done all you are required in scriptures to do just keep standing. (Hebrews 10:23, Ephesians 6:13)

God’s power will be released to rescue you from your fiery trial. Jesus will turn your way and see your faith. He will lift you up out of despair and make you whole again. Jesus will turn your sorrow into joy once more! Do not be afraid! Do not doubt his love for you! Hang on with every last thread of your being to his garment!

Your victory is sure! Look up for help is on its way!

Continue to put your trust in Jesus Christ through the storm and you will not be disappointed! Remember that he has promised to come through for you and God never breaks a promise! (Roman’s 10:11 Psalms 25:3)

Continue in Prayer!

~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

Continue in prayer ! Colossians 4:2

The word continue according to the Greek definition means to persevere diligently, attend to in exercise, wait on, adhere closely to.

So in other words Christians are being admonished to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty (persevere) carefully with much effort (diligent) show up and engage in physical activity (godly exercise) attending with close attachment ( draw near) in immediate proximity. (up close and personal)

Sounds like a mouthful but you get the point when it’s broken down.

Prayer is not always a quicky petition. When we don’t get an answer right away many of us want to give up. We think that the Lord Jesus doesn’t care about our situation because he doesn’t show up immediately and meet our need.

Well, God just isn’t a fast food God. It doesn’t work that way. There are many variables (and that’s a different message ) as to why we don’t see immediate results to our prayers.

Suffice to say, constant prayer is needed. It’s called seeking and seeking is a prerequisite for answered prayer. We seek until the answer comes and sometimes it takes an extended period of time. (DANIEL 9)

Notice in Jeremiah 29 that the Lord Jesus says that if we seek him in prayer that he will hear us. The Lord says that if with our whole heart we seek him we will find him. Our answer will come! The Lord tells us that he will deliver us from our captivity and restore us. It’s a spiritual principle. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much scriptures tell us. (James 5:16)

Seeking the Lord Jesus requires fervency! Prayers that are passionate and intense. In other words heart felt seeking bordering on desperation is required in prayer.

If there is one thing irresistible to the Lord it is sincerity and persistence prayer. Why do you think that the woman with the issue of blood was commended by Jesus? She was so desperate that she was willing to humble herself and grab on to the hem of his garment. That’s diligent prayer! (Matthew 9:20)

The unjust judge according to Jesus’ story gave the persistent seeker her request and the Lord likened that case scenario to how persistence towards God gets answers to prayer. (Luke 18:1-8)

Do you have a desperate need?

Then continue in prayer till the answer comes. It will come!

Just keep seeking, keep knocking, keep praying and one day the door is going to open wide up for you! Jesus assured us of this in his word.

      Hyper Grace is for Hyper Sinners!

      ~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

      What is hyper grace?

      A phrase being thrown around in Christian circles today is “Hyper grace.”

      Grace can be “hyper” to Christians who are not in need of hyper grace but from my perspective I need all the grace I can get !

      Let’s examine the doctrine of grace in a hyper grace mode shall we?

      Hyper means to be really active with energy and grace (charis in the Greek) according to the Bible is the divine influence on the heart which is freely given not by merit but by God’s sovereign power.

      In other words grace is the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to help those born of God to be over comers of this world through faith since grace works through faith.

      Well, what do you know! Energetic active grace by God’s Holy Spirit enables Christians to be over-comers! What are we supposed to be overcoming? Scriptures tell us it’s the world, the devil AND the flesh or ungodly desires of the soul realm and body.

      So if anybody ever needed hyper grace it would be the hyper sinner! True grace is active with God’s energy. Just so you know all life operates by energy and even scientists don’t fully understand it.

      As Christians we know that scriptures tell us that all things are held together by God’s power or energy.

      Grace is activated by faith so if you need God’s grace to over come in this life then call on him to extend his grace to you. God’s grace will energize your heart to trust him to do what he has promised in his word to do.

      If scriptures say that there is no power that can take you out of the Lord’s hand then that’s a fact. If scriptures say that you are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who strengthens you then that’s a fact. If scriptures tell you that grace abounds to the sinner then that’s a fact!

      Next time some one tells you that you belong to the hyper grace camp just smile and nod because God’s grace is the active power of his Holy Spirit that will give you victory over every sin and every demonic attack. All you have to do is believe through faith in that fact and God will work his grace into your life!

      Hyper grace for hyper sinners!


        The Salt Of The Earth!

        ~ Kim Balogh ~ 2 Comments

        Why Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt?

        I think the Lord was trying to make a statement like, “I have now cleansed the land.”

        Repentance will often lead to tears of sorrow. The salt in our tears are heart cleansing so after a good heart wrenching cry of repentance the soul is cleansed by God.

        Our tears also have a physical effect on our body. Scientific studies have shown that tears help the body recover from stress by excreting excess proteins and the cortisol hormone which can be damaging to the body in excess. Emotional tears also release endorphins responsible for reducing pain and improving mood.

        Salt cleanses from disease. Our bodies have a perfect balance of salt and water. If we don’t have enough salt in our system then disease may rear it’s ugly head. It’s the same with sin. Sin is a deadly disease. Not only can it kill physically but it can kill spiritually.

        That is why the Lord calls his church to be the salt of the earth. As long as God’s people are here there is healing and salvation. But what happens if the salt looses its saltiness? Sin creeps into society and the world becomes perverted. Only salt purifies and preserves.

        The ungodly can trod all over the world when there is an unsalty church and that is why we are exhorted by the Lord to be like salt. Be life preserving. Bring the salt to a sin infected world. Bring to others the cleansing of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

        Be the salt of the earth.

        Distractions!

        ~ Kim Balogh ~ Leave a comment

        Many of us know that the seed of God’s word falling on thorny ground does not grow properly because of being choked out by the desire for this world’s goods.

        What we don’t take a closer look at is that the seed of God’s word gets drown out also by the cares of this life or merimna in the Greek that translates as distractions.

        While we may not be trying to climb the ladder of success in order to get rich or living to gratify our bodily appetites what we do a lot of is let distractions get in the way of our spiritual life.

        Yes, this seems to be the big issue we face day to day in trying to maintain a close walk with the Lord.

        Satan is a clever rascal. He knows that we probably are not going to buy into get rich quick schemes or raid the fridge to eat all of the left over birthday cake, (after all we have some restraint) but what he does and does a lot is distract us.

        Distractions come in various forms. Talking too long on the phone when we are supposed to be praying, watching too many videos instead of reading the word, spending too much time in fellowship with people instead of in communion with the Holy Spirit.

        We all do it and then we wonder what happened ! Where is God? Where is his presence? Did I do something wrong?

        Well, yeah! We just ignored the Holy Spirit who was tugging at our heart and continued to get carried away with distractions.

        Alright! I get it Lord Jesus! Losing a sense of God’s presence is like the hammer that has to fall on my head before I come to my senses.

        Now, I’m listening Lord. Distractions! That’s what it is! Dialing heaven for self control!

        It’s all a matter of priorities. Do we want to be a vessel ready for the Lord’s use ? Then it means giving up more than just pursuing worldly affairs. It means not letting distractions of life drown out God’s voice. Not letting even seemingly harmless things become more important than our time with God.

        Unless we draw from the Holy Spirit in our prayer closet and fill our hearts with his word we will end up being only spiritual duds. All talk and no action. All religion and no anointing.

        Distractions drown out the word of God sown by the Holy Spirit into our heart and that’s what we have to be on guard for. Old slew foot knows that distractions are his most powerful weapon against a Christian pursuing after God.

        So we just have to say no to his sneaky agenda and ignore those distractions when they come our way. If there is one thing that Satan is afraid of it’s a prayed up filled with the word of God daily Christian.

        With the Lord’s help we can make those distractions take a back seat and wait for us.

        Don’t let distractions choke out your spiritual destiny!

        Luke 18:14


        Continue reading “Distractions!” →