Tag: victory in Jesus

DO NOT BOW!

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

In Exodus Chapter 8 :14, We read about how the Amalekites attacked Israel at Rephidim.

This story has a spiritual application for us today.

Rephidim means a place in the dessert. 

The wilderness of Rephidim is where the Israelites camped out after the Lord delivered them from Egypt.

Rephidim had no water. The Israelites were thirsty and complained to Moses about it.

God heard their complaints and commanded Moses to strike the rock. When he did water came rushing out. The significance of this is that the rock was a representation of Jesus Christ, the Rock, beaten for our healing so that we could receive his living water.

The part I want to focus on in this story is what happened after that. In the Rephidim wilderness, out of the blue appears a band of marauders, looking to cause trouble for the Israelites.

If you go back to Exodus chapter 14 you will find that after the Lord delivered Israel from the Egyptians at the red sea, the Egyptians stood in awe. It actually says that the Egyptians had faith in the Lord.

And Israel saw the great work which Jehovah did upon the Egyptians, and the people feared Jehovah: and they believed in Jehovah, and in his servant Moses. Ex. 14:31

In Exodus 15:14-16 it says that all the nations around that area heard about how the Lord delivered Israel and they feared the Lord.

There was only one nation that did not fear the Lord. In fact not only did they not fear the Lord but they deliberately tracked the Israelites down, attacking them as they rested in Rephidim.

That nation was the Amalekites.

Because of what the Amalekites did, the Lord was very angry. He was so angry that he made a proclamation that he was going to fight against the Amalekites forever.

This sounds kind of harsh until you dig into the story a little deeper.

Amalek was a descendant of Esau, the guy who had no regard for God’s inheritance.

Amalek was the son of Esau’s son Eliphaz, by Eliphaz’s concubine Timna.

Timna was the sister of Lotan, the eldest son of Seir the Horite.

Seir the Horite became a general in Esau’s tribe. Esau developed into a nation which would be in conflict with Israel even up to this time. When Esau gave up his inheritance it had more significance than just material possessions. Esau actually gave up God’s blessing. This is a story in itself.

Seir the Horite was a person of high status in those times. This meant that his daughter was most probably considered to be in a noble position as well. Since Jacob the other son of Isaac was sold into slavery, this meant to the Amalekites that they were “better” than the Israelites.

Just as Esau did not regard the God of his father, neither did the Amalekites regard the Lord.

The Amalekites lived to the south of the Land of Israel, in what is known today as the Negev Desert. 

They were a tribal people who (according to some historians) became wayfaring looters. Hearing that the despised Israelites had taken Egyptian booty when they left Egypt, the Amalekites most probably had intention to rob Jacob’s seed.

Again we can see how Esau’s seed has no regard or respect for the Lord.

Going further into history is another story that ties into this one. When the Israelites were living in Persia they prospered under a foreign king.

Mordechai an Isrealite was in the king’s administration. When Mordechai was rewarded for his service by the king and became a significant person in the palace, Haman the prime minister of Persia, who was a descendant of Amalek became incensed.

(Esther 3:1 indicates that Haman was a descendant of Agag the king of the Amalekites.)

Haman in Persian means magnificent. 

Haman’s father’s name was Hammedatha, (Esther 3:1) meaning ‘overtop’ or one who aspires to be greater than all.

Haman who was the highest ranking guy in the king’s Court, did not like an Israelite showing him up. To the Amalekites the Israelites were beneath them. Haman was also mad because Mordechai would not bow down to him.

Haman the Agagite (Esth. 3:1) regarded as a descendant of Agag (I Sam. 15:8) the Amalekite king.

Esther 3:1-2, says After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. And all the king’s servants who were within the king’s gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage.

Tying in another story, in Numbers 24:7 Balaam prophesied that the Messiah to come would be greater than the king of the Amalekites, Agag. (Numbers 24:7)

Moving on in history we find another king of the Amalekites whose name was also Agag. In 1 Samuel 15:1-3 the Lord commands King Saul to get rid of all the Amalekites and everything associated with them.

King Saul does not obey the Lord but instead lets King Agag live. Due to this disobedient act the Lord removes Saul from being king. This is significant because it reveals the true state of King Saul’s heart. He had no regard or respect for the God of his father’s either.

Due to this act of disobedience we find the Amalekites fighting against David. (1Samuel chapter 30)

David however, is a true worshipper of the Lord. He does not let the Amalekites steal anything. In fact he gives them a good fight.

 We find through out scriptures that the nature of the Amalekites is to disrespect the Lord. The Amalekites constantly fight against his inheritance, they always try to steal from them, and are high minded against them.

The Amalekites operate in the spirit of jealousy. They believe they are the rightful heirs of the land. They also believe that the true worshippers of the Lord need to be eradicated because they stand in the way of the Amalekite agenda. Which is to be magnificent rulers.

The Amalekites are so arrogant that they will not bow to the King of kings. They will not submit to his rule or to his word. They regard not the God of their fathers. If you look in Daniel 11: 37 you will find that the prince of darkness to come will not regard the God of his fathers either.

It is interesting to note that the Hebrew numerical value of Amalek  is 240 which is the same as the value of the Hebrew word for “doubt.”

All the nations feared the Lord when he delivered the Israelites from Egypt expect the Amalekites.

The Amalekite spirit is anti Christ in nature. Opposing all that is of God. Having no regard for spiritual things. The Amalekite spirit prefers the things of this world over the things of God’s kingdom.

Amalek represents, rebellion, disrespect, unbelief, doubt, arrogance, and pride.

All these characteristics are personified in the Amalekites. God said that he would continually oppose the Amalekites until they are completely eradicated. Balaam prophesied that God’s kingdom would be greater in the future. The king of all kings will rule in the earth and every knee will bow to him!

Although the Amalekites do not exist as a people today, the same characteristics exist in the sin nature.

Disregarding of God’s awesome power, disrespectful of his glory, attacking his people, rebelling against his ways, arrogant and proud. The Amalekite spirit doubts God’s word.

The spirit of the Amalek resides in the hearts of those who are in rebellion to God. The Lord is still in a battle today with the Amalekite spirit. He wants us to war against the flesh. Completely destroy the Amalekite spirit! Bring down pride, arrogance, love of the world, jealousy, deception, disregard for things holy.

Jesus wants a no compromising church! One who will not bow to the Amalekite spirit.

Remember that if God’s people will not destroy the Amalekite spirit, that spirit will rule them!

Do not bow to the king of the Amalekites! Like Ester and her people, take up the sword of the Spirit that the Lord has given to you, and fight the good fight of faith! Lay hold on eternal things!

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 1 John 2:15

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The Lord Our Helper

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

Psalm 18 gives us insight into how we can achieve victory over all our troubles. The first part of the Psalm David declares that the Lord is the one who gives him help. The Lord is able to deliver him from trouble.

This proclamation assures us how mighty the Lord’s power is towards us. When we declare God’s sovereign power over all things then our faith level rises. We are reminded where our help comes from. Not in man or any other source but in the Lord our God.

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:1

David then declares, “I will call upon the Lord who is my strength, my deliverer, my power, my shield and my high tower.” 

From declaring who the source of our help is, David then proclaims that when we call on the Lord in our trouble he is able to save us. It is important to note that calling on the Lord to enter our situation is when he is able to intervene. The Lord will never intervene without our request or the request of an intercessor.

This spiritual principle is seen throughout scripture.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11:24

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

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 1:6

David gives the Lord praise. “I will praise the Lord who is worthy.” 

Praise is an important part of spiritual warfare. Praise is different than worship. Praise declares the Lord’s sovereign power over all things including the devil’s plans and schemes.

O Lord, thou art my God;
I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name;
for thou hast done wonderful things;
thy counsels of old
are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:25

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?
and why art thou disquieted within me?
hope thou in God:
for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:11

Next David declares what the Lord is able to do for him. How he is able to deliver! By faith David declares what God is going to do!

I shall be saved from my enemies. I shall be saved from the floods of adversity and sorrow. (depression) I shall be saved from snares and obstructions. The Lord shall silence my accusers. The Lord shall hear me when I cry for justice. He will take vengeance on my enemies and make them bow the knee under the authority of the Lord our God. 

David then sees with the eye of faith what is happening in the spiritual realm as he prays. David sees the angelic realm ushered in by the wind of the Spirit. He sees the darkness and waters of affliction flee before the Lord’s majesty. David hears the voice of the Lord speaking in the heavenlies with the fire of authority. 

David watches in the Spirit as the Lord sends forth his arrows against the enemy. He hears the Lord rebuke the enemy and expose the evil one’s strongholds. 

David declares the victory. “The Lord took me out of my trouble. He drew me out of affliction unto himself. The Lord is my rock. My security. He brought me from bondage to freedom. He delivered me because I belong to him and he loves me. The Lord sees me clothed in his righteousness and knows that I have put my trust in him. Therefore the Lord honours me and shows his mercy by becoming my light in the darkness. ” 

David’s faith is now raised to a new level. “With my God I can run right through an army of the evil one. I can by my God leap over all obstacles. The Lord gives me strength and victory. He sets me above all my enemies. ” 

David has learned the art of warfare. He is taught that the strongholds of the enemy have to come down when he trusts in the Lord to battle for him. David learns that God’s protection is given when he wears the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. David is kept from falling and delivered from all the enemies attacks when he declares God’s greatness and majesty. The devil is put under the feet of the Lord’s righteous, David learns this because the Lord who is a mighty warrior has maintained his cause. 

Then David boasts in the Lord. He declares to everyone that the Lord girded him with strength in the battle. The Lord dealt with those who rose up against him. The Lord has destroyed the avenger and silenced the tongues of his accusers. David is now the head. He is the victor while the enemy is the tail.

David tells others that they too can have this victory. He says to all,  “Blessed is the Lord who does marvelous things ! The Lord will bring the lost out of darkness. He will deliver the captives. He will bring them from darkness to light. He will set the sinner free! The Lord will show mercy to all who call upon him.” 

We learn from Psalm 18 that when we call on the Lord in trouble he girds himself like a mighty warrior ready to fight on our behalf. When we declare the Lord’s greatness and declare what he will do for us then our faith is released and the Lord begins to battle on our behalf. 

As we see by faith what God is doing in the spiritual realm we will see those results in the natural realm. Our victory is sure. We are then able to declare to others what great things the Lord has done for us. When we give our testimony others can also be set free! They can be victorious over all the works of the evil one too. 

“He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.” PSALM 18: 17-19 

For who is God save the Lord? Who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. “He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. PSALM 18: 31-39

Steps to victory

  1. Declare that the Lord is the one who can give you help. The Lord is able to deliver you from trouble.
  2. Call upon the Lord to intervene in your circumstance.
  3. Declare that he is able to deliver you!
  4. Praise the Lord. Declare his power, his ability, his greatness!
  5. Declare by faith what the Lord is going to do for you!
  6. Declare by faith what the Lord is doing for you!
  7. Declares your victory!
  8. Boast in the Lord! Tell others what great things the Lord has done for you!
  9. Tell others how they too can have victory in Jesus!

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Persevering Prayer

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

      

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The devil opposes anything that will bring the Lord glory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The parable of the persistent widow. Luke 18:1

David pleads in prayer every day! Psalm 88:13

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

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

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

 Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17  

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Walk in the Spirit

~ Kim Balogh ~ 2 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Departing From The Faith

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

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

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

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

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Timothy 4:1

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

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

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

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

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

It is written.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9,10

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The God of All Grace

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

 Sometimes the trials of life can be so difficult we don’t know how we can make it through, but the Lord never breaks a promise. He tells us that if we put our hope in him, we will never be disappointed. The God of all grace will comfort, strengthen, restore, and establish us after we have suffered for a while. In his kindness, God has called us to share in his eternal glory through the mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The key to endurance in a trial is prayer. Through prayer, the supply of the Spirit is given. God gives us the strength to hold on. To be patient and trust in him.

“Because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance.“ Philippians 1:19

  Through prayer, we cling to Jesus, and he will come through for us in our affliction.

“And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well.” But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.”

Through prayer, faith enters our hearts. Faith is trust in God’s provision and deliverance.

“When you pray believe you receive,” Mark 11:24

Prayer will give us our miracle!

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. James 5:17-18

For with God nothing shall be impossible! James 5:17-18

After having done all the Bible says, we stand. Ephesian 6:13

   Stand and see the salvation of our God! He is working all things together for our good! Romans 8:28

What seems grievous now is working a far greater eternal weight of glory! 2 Corinthians 4:17

In other words, the trial will lead to eternal benefit!

The Lord always has our eternal life in mind. He sees what we do not see. He knows what we do not know. Sorrow lasts for only a night. Only a small fraction of time on this earth, but joy comes in the morning!

Joy unspeakable and full of glory!

“For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the LORD, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10

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THE BREASTPLATE

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

The Bible tells us to be strong IN THE LORD and stand in his mighty power . We are then told to put on the full armour of God in order to stand against the trickery of the devil.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10

That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5

Paul uses the analogy of the Roman armour because in his day the Romans had an advanced system of warfare.

The Romans perfected a light, full torso armour which provided protection for vital areas. With this armour they could advance towards the enemy being protected from any retaliatory weapons.

In the same way soldiers in the Lord’s army need to be dressed in spiritual military armour in order to battle the powers of darkness.

The breast plate of righteousness is one part of the armour of God.

The Roman soldier’s breastplate was called a cuirass. It was molded to fit over the chest with another part for the back.

The breast plate was protection for the vital organs. One being the heart.

The breastplate of righteousness is to be worn to protect the heart.

In Hebrew the Old Testament word for heart heartlêbâb, lêb, lêbâb,
is the intellect, emotions, and understanding.

In Greek the New Testament word for the heart is kardia which also refers to the mind. (thoughts, feelings)

The breastplate or protection for the mind is a breastplate of righteousness. In other words the Christian mind must be protected by the Lord’s righteousness.

What is righteousness?

In the Old Testament righteousness tsedâqâ is moral virtue and justice.

The New Testament defines righteous dikaiosunē as equity or justification.

To be justified dikaioō is to render innocent, to free.

The heart or mind must be covered in righteous, (rendered innocent )to be protected from enemy onslaughts.

This is done by putting on the breast plate of righteousness. Being conscious of our justification provided by Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 4:23 tells us to keep or guard nâtsar our heart. lêb

That is to put a watch over our mind like a prison guard or gate keeper. To watch over.

With the breast plate of righteousness our minds are guarded from enemy attacks.

When the devil came to Jesus to tempt him with lies Jesus referred to the word of God as his defense. “It is written.”

Out of the heart or mind are the issues or source of our life. Proverbs 4:23

As we put on the breastplate of righteousness we can see ourselves clothed in Jesus Christ’s righteous. Our minds filled with God’s word will keep us from the trickery of the devil.

Negative thinking contrary to the Bible are arrows of the evil one. The purpose of the evil one is to kill, steal, an destroy.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. john 10:10

Scientific Studies confirm the Bible. A mind not guarded can result in negative effects.

Studies on negative thinking.

https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/alz.12116

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200607195008.htm

Keep your heart with all diligence! Put on the breastplate of righteousness! Be a watchman over your thoughts! Then you will be sure to walk in victory!

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:7

“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 5:8

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The Good Fight of Faith!

~ Kim Balogh ~ 4 Comments

The Bible tells us to “fight the good fight of faith.” (1 Timothy 6:12)

According to the Greek translation this scripture actually means ; to contend for with your adversary and labor fervently in your battle for good, virtuous, honest and moral convictions of the truth concerning Jesus Christ for salvation.

The Lord is telling us to lay hold of or seize eternal values. To strive to attain God’s abundant life.

In another scripture we are told that we wrestle with the evil darkness of this world who we are called to resist steadfast in the faith. (Ephesians 6:12, 1 Peter 5:9)

In other words the Lord wants his people to oppose the darkness and wage war against the gates of hell. We have been given according to scriptures everything that pertains to life and godliness. All we need to accomplish this command is laid out for us in the word of God. (2 Peter 1:3)

The weapons of our warfare according to scriptures are not natural human weapons. They are mighty powerful Holy Spirit empowered weapons! These weapons are used to pull down demonic strongholds which Satan tries to build up in the mind.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

The mind is where the real battle is. When Satan can create a false narrative by using circumstance then he is able to bring disillusionment, fear and unbelief.

In order to counter act Satan’s deception we are told in the scriptures to take up our mighty Holy Spirit empowered weapons and fight.

What are these weapons? In Ephesians Chapter 6 the Lord tells us to gird ourselves with truth. God’s word, the Bible is the truth. All his promises are yes and amen! (2 Corinthians 1:20)

We are told to put on righteousness like a breast plate. We are made right or justified by the blood of Jesus if we have been born of God. We are called to wear that victory acquired for us as a sign of godly status! Let the devil know who we are in Jesus Christ! Redeemed! Bought and paid for by the blood of the lamb!

When we do fail we can ask God to forgive us. The blood of Jesus will continually forgive us as long as we acknowledge our sin and turn from it. (1 John 1:9)

When our feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace what that means is that we are always prepared, always ready to give an answer for our faith in Jesus Christ. Always ready to bring the good news of reconciliation between God and man where ever we go. (1 Peter 3:15)

Preaching the gospel is a powerful weapon against the evil one. Declaring the word of God into the darkness of this world brings God’s light and faith to all who have been given ears to hear.

The shield of faith is important to withstand Satan’s attacks. When those fiery arrows are sent to try to destroy us we can stand on God’s word. What the Lord has promised he is able also to perform. (Romans 4:21)

Then with the sword of the Spirit we can make an offensive attack against the evil one.

Has God really said? IT IS WRITTEN !

The sum of Your word is truth,And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting. (Psalm 119:160)

You can’t do that! IT IS WRITTEN !

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13.)

You are not important! IT IS WRITTEN !

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6)

Then finally we turn always to prayer. Presenting our needs to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ the Son.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Fight the good fight of faith! Lay hold and seize on to eternal life, for in Jesus the Savoir abundant life is manifest to all who believe and to all who receive.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-17)

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

The Law of Faith

~ Kim Balogh ~ 5 Comments

According to scriptures faith is a law. (Romans 3:27)

That means that the law of faith is a regulation or principle.

Natural laws describe natural phenomena but spiritual laws describe spiritual phenomena.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (HEBREWS 11:3)

The principle of faith produces results in the natural realm.

God created the natural realm by faith. He spoke into existence what was not there.

In other words God had confidence in his word that what he said or commanded would be done.

Faith requires an action just like natural principles require an action.

The law of motion requires something to move. If it doesn’t move it is in a state of inertia and goes no where.

It is the same with faith. If it doesn’t move it goes no where!

Faith must be acted upon. Without works faith is dead. (James 2:14-26)

God’s Holy Spirit moved upon the face of the deep. God performed action. Then he said, “Let there be light and there was light.” Genesis 1: 1-3

Action is required in order for faith to be true faith. Intellectual belief is not faith. The devils believe in Jesus Christ. (James 2:19)

Faith is an attribute of God. Originating from him and finishing from him. (Hebrews 12:2)

All men do not have God’s kind of faith. They may have intellectual belief but not faith. (2 Thessalonians 3:2)

God’s faith trusts and relies upon him regardless of what natural circumstances say. (Hebrews 11:1)

Examples of faith and action in work are when Jesus told a sick man to take up his bed and walk, the roof was opened to bring the sick man in his bed to Jesus for prayer and the woman pressed through the crowd to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment to receive a healing. (John 5:8, Luke 5, Matthew 9)

The Bible tells us that faith works by love.
Love is the spiritual principle that activates faith. God is love. Every thing we pray for must be out of love or our prayer request will not be answered. (James 4:3)

Love from God’s perspective is unselfish. It desires for other people to be blessed with salvation, healing, deliverance, and provision.
(1 Corinthians 13)

We need to examine why we are praying.

Do we want financial success to consume on our lusts or to benefit others?

Do we want to be healed so we can sit on the couch and continue to watch TV or is it to be in health to do work in the kingdom of God?

You see many times we don’t get our prayer answered because they are actually selfish prayers. It’s to benefit us. To boost our ego in some way. We need to examine our hearts when we pray. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Unless the word of God is mixed with faith, God cannot perform any miracles. Jesus could not do any mighty works in Nazareth because of their unbelief. It does not say that Jesus would not do but rather he could not do. (Matthew 13: 58)

Hebrews 4:2 tells us that the word of God did not bring the Israelites any profit because it was not mixed with faith. (Hebrews 4:2)

You can hear the word of God but not receive the benefits of that word because of lack of faith in that word.

Faith is a spiritual principle which needs to be activated in order to receive anything from God.

Hope is not faith. Wishful thinking is not faith, intellectual belief is not faith.

Faith is an attribute of the Holy Spirit and must be given. (2 Corinthians 4:13)

When we receive a living word from the Holy Spirit (rhema in the Greek) by meditating or thinking on the (logos written word of God) then
faith will come. God’s word has the answer to every problem!

God will give us direction on what he requires us to do and as we are obedient to act on what he tells us to do then he will release our need from his heavenly throne of grace.

By patience and faith we will inherit the promises of God. (Hebrews 6:2)

As we draw near to God with full assurance of faith he will supply all our needs. (Hebrews 10:22)

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Whoever comes to him must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Have faith in God the Bible says. (Mark 11:23,24)

Trust him to honor his word. Wait on his timing.He will never disappoint those who trust in his word! (Psalm 25:3, Romans 10:11 )