Tag: worship

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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“I Have Seen the Lord!”

~ Kim Balogh ~ 4 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abide in the Vine

~ Kim Balogh ~ 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heavy pruning of the vine provides the best fruit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. John 15:7-9

http://kimbalogh.online/2021/07/26/father-god-is-waiting-for-your-return/

The Door

~ Kim Balogh ~ 2 Comments

There are natural doors that open to allow entrance and close to prevent entrance. In the Kingdom of God a door represents entrance or access from the natural realm to the Spiritual realm.

In Hebrew door is pethach. An opening, gate, entrance way. It is more than just an ordinary natural door. The root word for pethach is pâthach which means to open or loose.

God lives in the spiritual realm. The only way to enter into the realm of the Spirit of God is through the DOOR. Jesus is that door.

In Jesus’ time the sheepfold was a rock wall built of stones. This wall provided protection from predators. The enclosure also had a door which was an opening for the sheep to come in and go out.  The Shepherd would lie at the door in order to protect the sheep.

 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. John 10:1-5

In Genesis 18:1 Abraham had a visitation of the Lord at the door of his tent. You will find many references in scripture where the Lord dialogues with his people at the door. The Door represent Jesus Christ the Messiah in which we must enter to have fellowship with God.

Blood was sprinkled on the door. The Lord passed over the door so that the destroyer would not destroy. Ex. 29:32

The door of the tabernacle is where the Lord met with Moses to speak to him. Ex. 33:9

The offerings were put at the door of the tabernacle. Ex 40:29 Leviticus. 1:5, 4:18 Numbers 6:10

Prophets or Nazerites were dedicated to the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. Numbers 6:13

The Israelites repented at the door of their tents.  Numbers 11:10

The Lord came down in a pillar of the cloud and stood at the door of the tabernacle to speak. Numbers 12:5

The Israelites put incense at the door of the tabernacle. Numbers 6:18

God’s glory appeared at the door of the congregation. Numbers 16:19

The law was to be written upon the door posts of the Israelites houses and gates. Deuteronomy 11:20

A bondservant’s ear was to be pierced on the door. Deuteronomy 15:17

The Lord appeared at the door of the tabernacle in a pillar of cloud over the door of the tabernacle. Ezekiel 10:19

The cherubim stood at the temple door and the glory of the Lord was above them. Deuteronomy 31:15

Prophecy of giving Israel a door of hope. Jesus is that door. Hoses 2:15

The 5 virgins who were prepared went in with Jesus and the 5 not prepared had the door shut on them. Matthew 25: 10

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

In Revelations 3:20 Jesus says I stand at the door and knock.

Jesus knocks on the door or entrance to our heart, he calls us by his Holy Spirit. If we hear his voice and come through the door he will have fellowship us.

When we come to Jesus by responding to his voice we can go in through the door to the realm of the Spirit and then out through the door to the natural realm with our needs met.

Commune or fellowship with the Lord gives us access into the holy realm of God’s Kingdom.

In Revelation 4:1

A door was opened in the heavenly realm for John and the word of the Lord came to him.

Once we come through the Door we have access into the Holy of holies. We can now come before God’s throne with our praise, worship, prayers and intercession. We can even come to receive instruction in righteous, get revelation of the word of God and simply just hang out in God’s presence.

In Matthew 7 Jesus tells us to ask, seek and knock. These 3 words hold different meanings.

To ask is to petition, to seek is to diligently look for or inquire and to knock is to request entrance.

In Revelations 3:20 Jesus is talking to his church.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

When we knock on the door, we are requesting access to the realm of the Spirit where God resides.

“Whoever knocks the door will be opened.”

We are gaining access to this realm of the Spirit when we come through the door. Jesus is that door into the presence of God.

There we can commune with the Lord. It’s a spiritual experience with God that takes us from this natural realm to the realm of the Spirit. It is our spirit fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit. Communing together in one accord. 

Not every Christian knocks on the door or comes through the door as made evident in the Lord’s plea in Revelations 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Either they don’t know they have this access to the place where God resides or they don’t believe it. Scriptures tell us that we have a better covenant based on better promises.

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Hebrews 8:6

Our access to the realm of the Spirit is based on our having gone through the Door. The veil to the Holy of Holies is now removed. We can like the high priest did once a year, enter into God’s presence. We can come every day!

The heavenly realm of communion in the Holy Spirit is available to those who knock on the door. That is through Jesus Christ we can come into the throne room of grace. It is much more than petition. It is much more than intercession. 

It is having intimacy with the King of Kings in the realm of the Spirit of God. Dwelling in his very presence !

Knock and the door will be opened unto you for he who comes to me will never be refused. John 6:37

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Occupy Till I come

~ Kim Balogh ~ 4 Comments

In Luke Chapter 19 Jesus is talking to his disciples about the coming kingdom of God.

The disciples were excited about the Kingdom of Messiah being established in the earth. They thought that it was going to be realized in their day.  While Jesus taught principles of the kingdom of God, he told the disciples that his earthy kingdom was coming in the future.

In the meantime, Jesus told his disciples to occupy until he comes back to establish his kingdom in the earth. Jesus relayed a parable about a man who sets his servants in charge of his estate while he goes away on a journey. In the story the Lord gives each of his servants some money to put to use on his behalf while he goes away. Before he leaves, the Lord gives his servants this one instruction. “Occupy till I come.”

Occupy in the Greek is pragmateuomai which means to keep busy. To carry on with business.

To occupy is also a military term. It means to control and possess a hostile territory in order for the invading Kingdom to establish a military government against an enemy within the enemy’s own territory.

The Romans were in occupation in many different nations including Israel. During Jesus’ lifetime the Romans occupied Israel. The disciples were anxious to see this occupation come to an end. Jesus however uses as an analogy the term occupy to explain to his disciples that in the same way that the Romans were occupying their land they too were called to occupy in the world’s system or the kingdom of Satan until Jesus would return to rule and reign over the earth.  

Satan’s kingdom is organized in much the same way as the Roman empire. It has a system of hierarchies, military, and clergy. These principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world control behind the scenes the worldly affairs of men. They are busy trying to organize and implement the anti Christ system ruled by the satans under their leader Lucifer, who will manifest in earthy form in the near future as the “man of sin”.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

Today the Roman empire is still ruling in the world but under a different title. It is now called globalism. The ruling class within globalism are the elites, the military class which have their armies stationed in almost every nation, and the Roman religion.

The Roman religion consists of all apostate organizations which have a unified coalition in which they are knowingly and some even unknowingly furthering the interfaith universalistic movement which will and is headed up by the false prophet as foretold in scripture.

https://www.oikoumene.org/member-churches

One World Religion to Rule Them All

Jesus’ instruction to his disciples was to occupy until he comes back to establish his kingdom in the earth. Does that mean take up arms and fight with carnal weapons? No, it does not!

In fact, Jesus condemned the use of carnal weapons to battle spiritual realties.  

We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 2 Corinthians 10:4

Ephesians Chapter 6 gives us the weapons of our warfare. We are to put on the full armor of God to fight the good fight of faith.

Our assignment is to occupy till Jesus comes back. That is to restrain evil by the Holy Spirit in us through prayer, exposing darkness, setting captives free and declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ to all people. Occupation is spiritual warfare against spiritual realities.  

Have nothing to do with the deeds produced by darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:11

When the powers of darkness are restrained by prayer the gospel can go forth, evil will be restrained, and the light of God’s glory will be made evident through his disciples!

Occupy till he comes!

 We will always praise your glorious name. Let your glory be seen everywhere on earth. Amen and amen. Psalms 72:19

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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

Be Diligent!

~ Kim Balogh ~ 3 Comments

The Bible says that God rewards those who diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

Diligent is one of those English words that have a deeper meaning than at face value.

To be diligent is to be busy working and engaged in active labor.

It is to be in a constant effort to accomplish something. To be attentive and persistent in it.

Diligent in the Hebrew language can be translated as châphaώ which means to seek or search for. To find something that is hidden.

Diligent can also be translated as mâhîyr. To be eager, diligent, and determined.

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of everyone that is hasty only to want. Proverbs 21:5

The Greek word for diligent is spoudaioteros or spoudazō

It means to be earnest or diligent. To endeavor to labor.

Hebrews 11:6 says to diligently seek the Lord.
The word used is ekzēteō which means to seek out, seek after, and seek carefully.

This is significant because the scriptures exhort us to seek after God with diligence.

When one is diligent in an effort to do something it is a spiritual principle for success.

Are you seeking God for something? Then seek him with diligence! You will be rewarded for it!

Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men. Proverbs 22:29

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He is My Shield

~ Kim Balogh ~ 2 Comments

The Bible says to take up the shield of faith in order to extinguish all the fiery (ignited, inflamed, angry, burning) spears, darts or missiles against you that are evil; hurtful, calamitous, diseased, derelict, corrupt, malicious, grievous and wicked.
Ephesians 6:16

A Sheild is a protective covering against the blows, risks, and weapons of an enemy.

The Roman shield was called the scutum. It was a large rectangular curved shield made of sheets of wood that were glued together and covered with canvas and leather.

Although it was lightweight the shield was large enough to cover the entire soldier. This made it difficult for an enemy to penetrate. Not only that but the shield had a metal round piece of material called an umbo in the center.

The umbo was used to deflect blows from the enemy by making a punching motion towards the blow.

Attacks were prevented from penetrating by pivoting the shield about the body to resist the oncoming blows from an enemy.

Genesis 15:1 “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”

God says in his word that he is a shield and a buckler to those who put their trust in him.

In other words the Lord protects us from enemy attacks if we trust him to be our shield in times of trouble.

Faith in God thwarts all enemy attacks against us. When we put our trust in the Lord as our deliverer then he delivers us.

The Lord tells us in Genesis 15:1 I am thy shield. I am your protector and defense.

The Lord also tells us in his word that he is our shield. We are saved by his help. Deuteronomy 33:29

The Lord says that he is our shield that goes before us in battle. 1 Samuel 17:41

He is our shield of salvation. 2 Samuel 22:36

The Lord will compass us about like a shield. Psalm 5:12

The Lord will break the arrows of the blow by his shield. Psalm 76:3

His truth is our shield of defense. Psalm 91:4

He is our help and our shield. Psalm 119:9

The Lord is our hiding place. Our shield as we hope in his word. Psalm 119:14

Have faith in God. Trust him in times of trouble. He will surround you as a sheild of defense. No weapon formed against you will alight. The Lord is your protector. He is your sheild!

Psalm 144:1, 2

Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

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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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