Who wrote the Epistles of John? They are not signed, but they appear to be connected to one another, and what we call John’s First Epistle seems to be related to the fourth Gospel of John in the New Testament.

THE AUTHOR…

The Author identifies himself as the disciples whom Jesus loved John 21:20-24.

He loves us all equally, not one above the other. Scripture points out others whom Jesus loved.

For example, the rich young ruler, and Barnabas whom Jesus loved.           

Why do you think that John mentioned that Jesus loved him? Was it that John was more worthy of His love?

No, I believe that John was secure in His love and knowing that… gave him the confidence to walk in that love and acceptance despite what others thought about him.

Does God love you? Do you have to earn His love by your actions or your personality? Do your failures and mistakes cancel out His love? NO!!

Knowing that He loves you unconditionally should give you confidence to step out in faith amongst those who make themselves your enemies to fulfil your mission for Him.

THE TIMES OF GREAT PERSECUTION.

This was when John wrote these letters to a persecuted Church in the Diaspora.   (when the people were being dispersed from their homeland into regions beyond).

These persecuted people were targeted by Annas, the High Priest, to bring them under his influence  of Judaism.

THE END TIMES.

The letters were written in the context of the end times, which include the seasons of their lifetime and also moves into our lifetime, where the Beast, named the Anti-Christ, will appear. 1 John 2:18.

John sadly mentioned those who were once part of them but left in opposition to them.

They denied that Jesus was the ‘True Messiah” and denied the Father, too, according to,

1 John 2:22.

PROSPERITY TEACHING.

This was the beginning of the …

Hyper prosperity doctrine!

Where people experiencing poverty were judged according to their lack of finances as being their own fault, and refused to help them out of poverty. So they stopped supporting them in their plight.

These teachers exalted themselves and lorded it over the flock of God. If anyone protested, they were quickly removed from the Church and suffered great persecution.

Today, these false teachers preach that if you give into their ministry, God will bless you with the opportunity to own houses and land beyond your wildest hopes and dreams.

Sadly, your gifts are not always used for the Ministry but for their personal gain.

The principle of giving is correct, as God blesses the giver, but He only truly blesses the pure in heart. (Giving with a pure motive.)

The problem in John’s day was that they had rebelled against the teaching of Jesus. He loved the poor, the broken, the tax collector, and the beggar.

BLESSINGS ALWAYS FOLLOW SACRIFICE.

“He became poor, so we may become rich.”

Always seek the Lord’s will concerning your giving.

Give cheerfully.

Give sacrificially.

Give expecting nothing in return

Give as He gave.

Give thanks.

Give yourself.

Be Heavenly minded.

He loved all the outcasts of society and certainly taught us not to accumulate treasures on this Earth but to give to the poor.

Seek His Kingdom first.

TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH RICHES!

If you have been blessed with riches.

Rejoice in His bountiful blessings; don’t feel guilty.

Pray for Godly Wisdom to use what you own for His glory and honour.

Remember people with low incomes. Remember Israel.

Love the Lord with all of your heart ❤️, constantly reminding yourself that the love of money is the root of all evil.

TO THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE POOR!

If you are one of those who are living in poverty, it’s not your fault, but the socioeconomic conditions in which you were born. Or the neighbourhood in which you live. Your drug addict parents or other reasons that have stripped people of their rights resulting in their oppression.

Though there are those who have squandered their money on the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life. They reap what they sow.

Rejoice, God has the power to make you rich.

Don’t Blame God.

Dont be Envious.

Don’t copy the wicked.

Don’t enter into get rich schemes.

Don’t Gamble.

Don’t Steal.

Be Honest.

Ask for Wisdom.

Ask for Protection.

Obey the Word of God.

Step out in Faith and Give Thanks.

My God is a miracle working God. Ask Jesus to save you from sin, sickness and poverty.  He loves you and desperately wants to save you.

He will lift you up out of the mirey clay and set your feet upon a rock…

THE ROCK CHRIST JESUS!!!

Please feel free to comment on these messages and to support this ministry. Heather Dalzell

0417 545 814.SMS.

Email address. heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com

To read more studies, Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

Bless you.

THE AUTHOR, THE APOSTLE PETER.

It was written just before his martyrdom. Peter requested that he be crucified upside down as he was unworthy to die as his master Jesus Christ.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF FAITH.

The faith that has been given to us must be added to, so it will grow into maturity.

Eight things added that will strengthen our faith making us partakers of the Divine Nature are:

1.  Faith.

2. Moral excellence. 

3.  Knowledge.

4.  Self Control.

5. Perseverance.

6.  Godliness.

7. Brotherly Kindness.

8. Love.

So that that we would escape the corruption in the world by lust.

Sexual sin was rife in Peter’s day, as it is today. It traps the sinner and Christian alike.

When a true believer has the Nature of God living in him by the Holy Spirit, lust cannot remain or entice him to indulge in sinful behaviour.

Choosing to live a Godly life will keep you from stumbling.  It takes obedience and self-control.  Don’t put yourself in the way of temptation by reading pornography, watching R-rated movies, or visiting Prostitutes.

Homosexuality is a sexual perversion that God will punish. Keep in mind what fate came upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

We must crucify the cravings of the flesh. You must not live with a woman or man, calling them your “Partner”, implying that God is ok with that. There  will be future punishment in this world, and finally, the eternal Lake of 🔥 fire.

The false teachers had eyes full of adultery, sleeping with any woman they saw.

Peter shares that their lives are barren as springs without water.

Mists driven by storms that cannot refresh your soul but leave you lost in total darkness, utterly depraved.

THE LAST DAYS.

Peter reminds them that the day is at hand; mockers will come and refute the soon-coming of Jesus. Peter demonstrated through nature that God’s Word is life-changing and factual.

Once, before, the world was created from water, it was destroyed by a flood.

Now, it is reserved to be destroyed by fire.

It will come like a thief in the night, in which the Heavens will pass away and the elements will melt with intense heat, and the Earth will be burned up.

We, who have a genuine relationship with Him, look toward, 

NEW HEAVENS and a NEW EARTH.

Today, the World is as it was in the days of Noah, totally depraved! Why is He delaying His return?

Because God does not view time as we do, and He wants more people to repent!

This is why we must live Godly lives. Spotless and blameless, like Christ! Increasing in knowledge and wisdom to counteract false teaching.

Please don’t look down on these people; instead love them into the Kingdom of God.

Dear reader if your life is caught up in the ways of the World, it is never too late to repent of your sin and turn to Jesus who wants to save. deliver and heal you.

You cannot turn over a new leaf and do it in your own strength.

Only Jesus can set you free from the bondage of sin. Only He can break the chains of darkness,  open the prison doors of addiction and set you free.

Everything you have been craving for will be found in Him.

Love, joy, peace. A life of satisfaction and purpose. A hope for the future and of course Eternal Abundant life.

This is yours immediately upon praying this prayer of Salvation.

“Oh my Lord Jesus, I am steeped in sin and cannot save myself. I believe you died for me and rose again. Please come into my life, cleanse me of sin and save my soul.

Fill me with the Holy Spirit, set me free fom all addiction so l can live my life for You.”

Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, tell someone about your new found faith.

Let me know so I can pray for you and encourage you in your new walk in Christ.

Heather Dalzell SMS 6104 17 545 814.

For financial support: Email address heatherdalzell777@gmail.com

To read more messages: Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com.

LIVING HOPE, LIVING WORD, LIVING STONE.

The Apostle Peter penned this book for those of the “Dispersion.” This was a common term for the thousands of Jews who lived during the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities recorded in the Old Testament.

They were scattered all over the region, and Peter wanted to encourage them in their acute trials.

As we read it, it definitely has a message for our time, as the end-of-age days are approaching.

The Lord has a special message for you in your troubles and trials.

Peter encourages them in their present trials but speaks of a “fiery trial” yet to come—i.e. Tribulation and persecution of grand proportions just before He returns.

“Beloved, don’t think it strange concerning the fiery trial yet to try you.”

He reminded them that they possessed a LIVING HOPE by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and to live in that hope and declare it.

We also must always keep that hope fixed in our minds. The very thought of it gives us future and a hope when things seem chaotic.

The resurrected Christ is the only hope for Salvation, Healing, and Deliverance from all powers of darkness.

No other religion has this hope, as no other leader has ever come back to life by rising from the dead—not Buddha, Mohammad, Joseph Smith, Mary White, or even the Pope.

         WE HOPE ONLY IN JESUS…WHO IS “THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE!

He said,  “I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.”

“No man comes to the Father but by Me.” John 14:6. This is our wonderful hope.

Jesus is the “LIVING WORD”

He is the WORD that was in the beginning with God and “was” God and He is also the WRITTEN WORD. God’s revelation to us  through the Bible.

I absolutely love these verses penned by Peter.

“SEEING THAT YOU HAVE PURIFIED YOUR SOULS IN OBEYING THE TRUTH THOUGH THE SPIRIT… ‘BEING. BORN AGAIN NOT OF CORRUPTIBLE SEED” ( That which is susceptible to eternal decay.)     BUT OF INCORRUPTIBLE SEED.

(Seed!) The Greek term for “Sperm.”

The “INCORRUPTABLE SPERM OF GOD” . Why am I so excited?

Because I have been born again by that which is INCORRUPTIBLE! 

Jesus … The LIVING WORD.

If you are genuinely born again by the Sperm of GOD!                                     Your Salvation is, INCORRUPTABLE!!

YOU CANNOT LOSE IT!!!

All you need to do is trust the “One” who has done good work for you, as:       

  “HE WILL PERFORM IT UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST.”     Philippians 1:6.

Trust Him and crave His Word as a baby craves milk.

Looking to Jesus , THE LIVING STONE.    Rejected by men, but elect of God. You and I are now “Living Stones” to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to build up a SPIRITUAL HOUSE.

Your and my inheritance in Christ is our “Living Hope.” Hope that is flawless, fadeless, reserved in Heaven for us. IMPERISABLE … INCORRUPTABLE AND INDESTRUCTIBLE.

Oh my, let’s bring praise and honour to his Holy Name.

Amen.

After reading this, you may have discovered that you are not truly Born Again.

If you admit that you are a sinner needing a Saviour.

That you cannot save yourself.

You believe that Jesus Christ died and is risen  again to save you from the penalty of sin.( Spiritual death)

And you have invited Him to save you for all eternity.

Then you are saved by the Spirit of God.

Then you are Born Again!!

If not! Then take these steps now and make Him your Lord and Saviour. You’ll never regret when you open your heart’s door and let Him come in.

Bless you. Heather D.

To Comment about this study: Heather Dalzell. SMS 0417545814.

To support this ministry financially, Email address: heatherdalzell777@gmail.com.

To read more studies: Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

THE ROOT CAUSES OF IMPARTIALITY.

Last week we learned the consequences of favouritism and are saddened thereby.

Today, we will find some root causes of impartiality.

EXTERNAL FOCUS.

Often we can show favouritism because we focus our attention on the man and not upon God. We don’t want others to look at us and say,

Well, “look who she is hanging out with.” 

They did this to Jesus, criticising how He ate with Tax Collectors and sinners. He didn’t care what people said (Matthew 9:10-13.

Social pride will cause us to choose friends in order to appear acceptable to those who are watching.

Peter faced this problem,when he refused to eat with the Gentiles for the fear of the Jews.

Galatians 2:11-13.

DESIRE FOR PRAISE.

You openly do things so others will see your good works before men and publicly praise you. You already have your reward. Jesus tells us, “Don’t let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.”

THE RICH AND THE POOR.

James mentioned how we honour the rich above the poor. A person in a high position can do more for us, so we befriend them and avoid people experiencing poverty. God is interested in the heart, not the status.

Ask yourself. Why am I doing this? Is it to gain acceptance from people? I think so! It shows how insecure we are.

HOW TO AVOID THIS HAPPENING IN OUR CHURCHES.

• Don’t hang out in the same group and avoid other needy people.
• Don’t give special recognition to those who make large donations.
• Help the poor.
• Pay attention to newcomers.
• Welcome the Prostitute, the divorced, the single mother, sit with them.
• Don’t judge others by what they wear. Do not correct their lifestyle or choices that are unacceptable to your standards. Love them and allow the Holy Spirit to convict and convince them of sin.
• Invite the newcomers for coffee or a meal.  Encourage them to join in small group activities.   
• HOW TO STOMP ON FAVOURITISM.

We all could improve in this area of our lives. Let’s not focus on people’s positions in the world, whether they are rich or poor.

Jesus is our true example of whom we can follow. He was no respecter of people. 

He gave up all His rights to royal riches, honour, recognition, and popularity, and humbled Himself to become a mere man, a criminal who could relate to us in our poverty and sin. To die for us, pay the price for our sin, and exalt us to Kingdom living in all it offers. 

He loves you so much and has sent His beautiful Holy Spirit to live the abundant life in and through you in your home, church and your society.

SO LET HIS MIND BE IN YOU TO LIVE AN IMPARTIAL LIFE OF LOVING AND ACCEPTING OTHERS.

To comment: Heather Dalzell SMS 0417545814.

To support this ministry financially: Email Address: heatherdalzell777@gmail.com

To read other studies:Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com.

Hebrews,1:17.

“LEARN TO DO RIGHT, SEEK JUSTICE, DEFEND THE OPPRESSED. TAKE UP THE CAUSE OF THE WIDOW AND THE ORPHAN.”

Amen.

To comment:

S

FAVOURITISM IN THE CHURCH.

Today, we examine the sin of favouritism and the harm it causes. Favouritism is not only found in the Church; it is widespread throughout society, all races, and all countries. James addresses this problem in his Epistle of James.

THE OUTLINE.

We are commanded to show no partiality.

Do not honour the rich over the poor. See verses 5-7.

We must fulfil the Law by loving others.

Yet in today’s society, we still tend to show partiality to people whom we consider more worthy than ourselves.

In I Samuel 16:7 it reads:

“BUT THE LORD SAID TO SAMUEL, ‘DO NOT CONSIDER HIS APPEARANCE OR HIS HEIGHT, FOR I HAVE REJECTED HIM.             THE LORD DOES NOT LOOK UPON THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, BUT THE LORD LOOKS UPON THE HEART.”

From this passage, we learn not to judge by mere appearances but to judge the inner man correctly.

The singer who is auditioning for a talent quest, such as. THE VOICE, or AMERICAN IDOL, is judged not only by their voice but also by their “package”, which means how they appear or look in front of people.

Their weight, their hairstyles, and the clothes they wear. And how pretty or handsome and how sexy they appear. Many a modest woman must lower her standards to be acceptable in the sight of worldly Judges… The voice is secondary to appearance. How sad and cruel they are to bypass an excellent singer based on appearance.  The results are devastating, as some budding singers never sing again.

Sadly, this sin of judgmentalism is rife in the Church today, as it was in the time of James.

Ladies, ask yourselves, “Why do I dress up in something new and different each week?”

To gain compliments?

To follow the “Church fashions?”

To fit into the acceptable group?

Or to prove myself and to stand out in the crowd?

People have a bad habit of elevating people based upon external value.

It extends beyond our appearance and encompasses aspects such as race, skin colour, age, gender, wealth, status, where we live, and our employment. It’s called class level and is rated based on your intellectual achievement. A Doctor is honoured above the Council worker.

(I read about a Church that split over the colour of the carpet!)

Particularly in the Book of James, money takes precedence over where one can sit in Church. (How they dressed!)

If you were dressed in shabby old clothes they were considered as poor.

This included slaves, tax collectors, prostitutes, widows and orphans and the generally poor.

People in Churches have the bad habit of elevating a person based upon something external, such as we have previously mentioned: It may be Age, gender, wealth, skin colour, status, or position, the neighbourhood where we live, and family name.

Particularly in the book of James, money took priority over where a person could  sit in the Church.

The poor who dressed in shaggy or worn  clothes were discriminated against.

This disrespect included widows, orphans, the unemployed, and the generally poor.

Hitler in the early 20th Century massacred around 7 million Jews under Natzi Germany, in addition to countless mentally disabled people, older people and those who were not of the Aryan race.

Favouritism is not limited to one race or group of people. It’s a sin that any person from any race or country can struggle with, moreover it is very ugly when it rears its head.

It’s heinous, as it causes neighbours to turn against each other, the rich against the poor. Favouritism can stir up hate and bitterness even in your own family. Read about the story of Joseph and see the consequences of favouritism in that family due to jealousy brought on by the favouritism of one son over his brothers by Jacob, the father.

The Scribes and Pharisees. These teachers of the Law were so interested in keeping the Law and forcing their legalism upon others that they became religious without love and mercy. They caused the crucifixion of Jesus.

Yes, it was prevalent in the time of Jesus. The Jews themselves were extremely prejudiced against women, the Samaritans, tax collectors and all outsiders. Only the educated male Jews were acceptable.

They rejected Jesus, God in the flesh, who walked among them.

Closer to our times, we read of the Roman Catholic Church, which launched Crusades to slaughter Christians.

Then we note how many genocides the Muslims have committed against the infidel Jews to extend their territory by senseless murder.

Today, you can clearly see the antisemitism that is spreading worldwide, which is out to eliminate Jews from the map.

The slogan, “from the river to the Sea,” means that no Jew is worthy to live in their own country and all Jews should be utterly destroyed. Anti-Semitism has again become widespread across the World.

Some Christian Churches will not recognise Israel as God’s chosen people.

On a personal level, consider the current state of today’s churches. Some churches look down upon divorced people, the single mother, the prodigal child or the backslider. 

They shut their doors on Homosexuals instead of winning them to Christ, the One in whom they can truly find their true identity. How many people have left the church and never returned due to legalism and Pharisaical pride?

WHAT CAN WE DO TO STOP THIS DESTRUCTIVE ATTITUDE OF …

PARTIALITY? 

Next week we will look at the root Causes as to why we have allowed this thinking to infiltrate the Church and how we can illiminate it.

Amen.

 

To comment about this study: text…

Heather Dalzell SMS 6104 17 545 814

To support this ministry financially:

Email Address heatherdalzell777@gmail.com

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WHAT IS WISDOM?

We all need Godly wisdom to live powerfully in this challenging and sin-sick world.

God used wisdom to create the world and to sustain it. He was delighted to do so.

In this book, James offers us the same wisdom. Wisdom in the book of Proverbs is personified as Jesus Christ.

What is the interpretation of the Word Wisdom, what does it mean?

There are two kinds  of Wisdom.

WORLDLY WISDOM.

Another term  for it is, Earthly Wisdom.

Solomon the author of the book of Proverbs calls this wisdom…

WISDOM UNDER THE SUN.

This is when we are “Wise in our own eyes” doing things that please our selfish desires, and it is unproductive in personal success and does not lead to healthy relationships.               

This kind of earthly Wisdom is self-serving, focused upon material gain, and driven by pride and self-ambition.

It can lead towards conflict, deceit and a lack of concern for others.

It is definitely not from God!

HEAVENLY WISDOM.

Wisdom under THE SON!

This kind of Wisdom from a biblical perspective refers to, Wisdom that has originally come from God. It is associated with leading a Virtuous Godly life and has the characteristics of,

                                 PURITY                

PEACE. “Great peace have they that love God’s Law… And nothing shall offend them.” Psl 119: 165.

           MERCY

And a focus upon Godly living.

It is the Righteousness of God lived out of your life.

What are the characteristics of Godly Wisdom?

First it is…

PURE:

It is free from ulterior motives and selfish desires.

Next it is …

PEACE-LOVING:          

It promotes harmony and reconciliation, rather than conflict.

Then it is…

GENTLE:

It is characterized by, kindness and humility and a willingness to yield.

It is also…

MERCIFUL:

It extends compassion and forgiveness mirroring God’s own mercy.

Then it is…

FULL OF GOOD FRUIT:  

That leads to actions that will benefit other people and reflect the character of God.

So it is…

IMPARTIAL:

It does not show any favouritism toward people or bias.

Yes it is …

SINCERE:

It generates without hypocrisy, for example, When you give a gift to someone you do not give it to obtain their acceptance, rather you give with the desire, just to bless!

Do not fall into the trap of wanting approval from men.

Finally it is…

SUBMISSIVE:

It recognizes and respects authority, both Divine and Human.

We respect and obey God given authority in His chain of command.                      

1. GOD.                

2. GOVERNMENT.

3. KINGS AND RULERS.

4.  HUSBAND AND WIVES.

5.  TEACHERS.

6.  POlICE, Traffic laws

OBEDIENCE BRINGS FREEDOM!

7.  CHURCH.

Pastors, Elders, Deacons and appointed leaders. Submitting to these God given authorities are for your protection, safety and good.

You and I have been placed under these authorities not to bind, but to bless and prosper us.

Be wise and trust that God knows what He is doing. He actually is freeing us to live like Jesus did when He was on this earth. It is a good idea to read Philippians chapter two to understand how He submitted to the authority of God.

“HE WAS OBEDIENT UNTO DEATH, EVEN THE HORRIFIC DEATH OF THE CROSS”

THEN GOD…..

EXALTED HIM!!

You see that true wisdom is being considerate of others. Jesus always had “you” on His mind  when He was obedient to God and not His own desires.

“NOT MY WILL BE DONE… BUT YOUR WILL BE DONE.”

My Concept of wisdom is not an accumulation of knowledge… It is the wise “use” of knowledge. You can be ignorant of worldly knowledge and make wise choices. Of course we need to learn new things every day, but not be puffed up with pride and lean unto you own understanding.

“THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE “

James instructs us.

If any man lacks wisdom… Ask the ALL- WISE- GOD.       for wisdom. He will be happy to pass it on to you and will not resent your asking.

Amen.

To comment… Heather Dalzell SMS 0417545814.

To support financially. Email…

heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.

I love the array of wild flowers. Thanks Creator God.

THE TONGUE! THAT UNRULY MEMBER! 

Some people possess nasty tongues they are bent upon destruction.

Your tongue possesses great power. It can totally destroy another person’s life and reputation. It also can be the instrument used of God to raise a person to great heights through wonderful words of encouragement.

James warn us, that we cannot tame our tongue. We can tame any wild creature but not our tongue.

It is not an ability that you and I possess in our own power. Your tongue is more powerful than you are.

James goes further by saying … Your words and how you say them are not only untamable but they are a “Restless Evil.” Have you suffered from the affects of a nasty tongue?

Your own tongue is also restless and you want to tear them apart with words. Have you impulsively “let them have it” and later regret what you said?

That is what I call a “restless tongue.”

The Greek word, he uses for restless comes from the word, ,”ARASTATOS” which means “UNSTABLE” and is also used to describe, “THE UNSTABLE MAN.” James 1:8.

Your tongue is an instrument of very powerful words. They will strike without focus or thought or clear intent.

When these snake- like words strike, they are full of deadly venom,(poison), someone who talks in a spiteful cruel and malicious way.

Do you possess a venomous tongue?

We all should face this as many people can be damaged by our words.

The Indians in the old western movies we used to watch would accuse the white man of speaking with a “falk tongue”

This means speaking one thing and meaning another. It is deceitful, dishonest, and hypocritical.

James spells out the same thing. You can’t drink sweet and bitter water from the same fountain!

You can say one thing and mean another thing contrary to the first thing. You can use your tongue for harm or good in one sentence. Positive and negative.

I hate to say it but, your and my tongue are uncontrollably hurtful and very powerful.

James is not suggesting that our physical tongue – the flap of muscle in your mouth, created by God, is evil.

We have a heart 💜 condition spiritually. See Luke 6:45.

“IT IS OUT OF OUR HEART THE MOUTH SPEAKS “

Your words reveal who you really are as a Christian.

So we must know that “only God” can control our tongues.

Just as your actions reveal your faith, so do your words reveal your heart.

You may wonder why you cannot tame your tongue. Because only God can tame your sinful nature by  His Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The horse can be tamed by a “Bit” laced in it’s mouth.

The bit is a piece of metal that fits into the mouth of a horse and aids communication betweeen the rider and the horse. It can direct the horse to turn, change it’s gait sideways or stop altogether.

It was never meant to punish him, rather to help and to guide him.

Proverbs 18:21,

“THERE IS LIFE AND DEATH IN THE POWER OF THE TONGUE. “

LIFE WORDS!

DEATH WORDS!

It is a study in itself to note the positive and negative words that we speak over ourselves and over others. The affects can be devastating.

Listen to yourself, as you speak, please don’t run yourself down. You will become that person  you speak into being.

OVER-TALKING SOMEONE!

Nothing irritates me more when a person will not allow me to speak in a two-way conversation. It is a selfish controlling relationship that squelches the other person’s personality.

Or when a person talks incessantly about themselves and cannot shut up, all you hear is, “I”, “ME” “MY.”

Or when they gossip about others, or complain about their illnesses constantly.

Or when they look away from you when you try to communicate.

Or the person has something against you and dresses you down in front of others.

They have no evidence or facts to back up their accusations. They speak from the top of their head without a  thought of your feelings or reputation. You cannot defend yourself as you cannot get a word in at all.

I used to tolerate it… But not any more… l walk away!  If I apologize for myself and be nice just to have peace. I am still under their control and give them the chance to manipulate me again.

Of course we have to forgive but we do not bow to narcissism.

How destructive our tongues can become if we do not surrender them to the Lord.

A good thing to do to with all those negative words is to replace them with the Word of God. Memorize verses that will reprogramme your mind so when you are verbally attacked you have an answer of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

“A SOFT ANSWER TURNS AWAY WRATH.” 

If there is no response, then as I said before…

WALK AWAY!!

We are instructed, “Don’t  keep company with an angry man.”

Live in freedom and find godly friends who will love and treat you with respect.

You don’t have to tread on glass around people, so you don’t offend them. Walk away!

Choose wisely your friends and enjoy one another. That is a relationship that is ordained by God. 

WHAT WOULD IT DO TO YOUR FAITH IF JESUS AND GOD COULD NOT GET ON?

Be wise in all your choices, always seeking God’s Will and  your life will flow without conflict.

Let’s pray together now and ask the Lord to change us into His likeness and image.

“Father,  I now give you my unruly, abrupt tongue. Please forgive my harsh and hateful words. Please let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be accountable in your sight, oh God.”

Amen.

“Love one another with a pure heart fervently”

I pray that  as a result there will be Broken relationships mended. That unrighteous behavior ceases in the Name of Jesus. That the Church will be a place of refuge for the hurting unloved person.

If you need advice or counsel for a difficult marriage, contact me on my Email address. heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com

Feel free to encourage someone with a comment.  Heather Dalzell SMS 0417 545 814.

To financially support this ministry contact me on email or SMS . Heather Dalzell SMS

0417545814.🌺

      Oh so pretty!

A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR ALL BELIEVERS.

This Epistle of James is a practical guide for all believers, urging them to live out their faith in practical ways. This emphasises the vital balance between faith and works.

We learn that true faith leads to action and the transformation in our daily lives.

James urges us to demonstrate our faith through the obedience of God’s Word.

This becomes evident in how we treat people.

It’s all about being wise in all areas of life. There are several wisdom speeches in this short book to teach us how to make wise choices before we act. Wisdom is better used this way than learning from our mistakes after the fact.

We choose to live our lives based upon the life of Christ and His teachings.

THE KEY THEME.

1. FAITH AND WORKS.

In James 2:17, James stresses,

“FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD”

Non existent!

Your and my faith must be demonstrated by our actions and not just by the words we speak. I meet some very religious people in my Christian walk, but I do not see a heart change!

Where is the fruit of the Spirit  such as love, joy and peace? They are carnal and living by the flesh, they do not bear any fruit of the Spirit and the love of God is not spread abroad in their hearts.

Faith without good works is like a corpse, dead and lifeless and unproductive.

Your faith and works should complement each other. You can’t have one without the other.

How do we accomplish this?

We believe in the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary. Faith in the fact that he paid the price for our sin.

Faith in His unconditional love and forgiveness to cleanse us from all sin.

Faith that we are healed, spiritually, mentally and physically and delivered from all the powers of darkness.

As wonderful as this realisation is, it is insufficient if we do not incorporate good works into our daily walk. They (the unsaved people will know we are Christians by our lives.)

FAITH, A INTEGRAL PART OF OUR DAILY LIVING.

Here, James who I think would have been a very nice person to have as a friend provides practical ways to live our Christian lives.

FACING TEMPTATION.

GOING THROUGH TRIALS.

HOW TO CONTROL THAT DEADLY MEMBER CALLED OUR TONGUE.

HOW TO PERSEVERE  IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE WISDOM OF GOD.

You and I can have victory over each and every one of these circumstances.

FACING TEMPTATIONS.

Count it all joy!!

This is “Not easy,” as our emotions get in the way.

Don’t you dislike going through difficulties? We all love to rest in the comfort of a life free from difficulties.

Why would dear James say, “Be joyful in the middle of trials and tribulations?”

Because adverse things, stir up your faith. Faith needs to be exercised!

Think of it this way… I am  exercising in the Gym of faith, and if I do not get on the treadmill of trial, then my muscles  of faith  aphotrate: ( waste away and become thinner and unusable.) We could call it weak faith!

Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulations, but be if good cheer!

There it is again, “rejoice” For I have overcome the world.”

You can’t lock yourself away from people and expect to grow in faith; it is not possible.

The unsaved person will try to cope. without Him, by finding comfort in: Food, Alcohol, Sleeping tablets, Antidepressants such as Valium or other drugs, and never looking to Jesus. These drugs may help, but soon they become addictive.

As Christians, we turn to Jesus, our healer and allow Him to lead us to the proper treatment when necessary. Don’t always expect instant results; recovery takes time.

Dear believer when your faith is tested you allow it to stir up God’s power to endure all things… And yes! You can laugh and cry at the same time as you wait on Him to work in you and for you.

Then there is nothing missing or lacking.

Next week we will learn how to obtain Wisdom. So keep reading this book to remind you that James lived what he preached and is now receiving his reward.

Thank you for reading these mini Bible studies. I pray that you are encouraged by them. Please feel free to share them with others by pressing the Share button or sending me their phone number on messages and I will text them each week to their SMS.

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PERSEVERING FAITH.

“A Strong belief often without proof in something or someone.”

We pick up where we left off last week.

THEY WERE WRETCHED, POOR, HUNGRY.

People wandered about in Sheepskins and Goatskins. They were compelled to dress in such an uncomfortable manner, which caused various skin irritations.

“BEING DESTITUTE, AFFLICTED AND TORMENTED.”

OF WHOM THE WORLD IS NOT WORTHY.

These despised and persecuted people, who lived as outcasts and wanderers, were of a character far above that of the world, being in total contrast to the wickedness of mankind.

“THEY WANDERED IN DESERTS.”

Scorched by the desert sun, scratched by angry thorns, and scrawny from lack of food were forced from their homes and wandered in the wilderness from place to place trying to to find a place of refuge.

Alone, lost, hopeless and helpless in an antagonistic world of sin.

YET! I SAY, YET! THEY POSSESSED INVINCIBLE FAITH, being…

“Strong in the Lord and in the power of His Might.”                         

“Owning nothing, but possessing all things.”

“Praying always.”                    

“Rejoicing in hope.”         

“Patient in tribulation.”

“Content in all things.”

“Assured of a future and a hope.”

Every one of them being worthy of praise and honour. Of these brave heroes, the World is not worthy. But in God’s sight, they were as precious gold tried in the fire.

They, despised  by the World obtained an excellent report from God. Oh that we all would be worthy to hear the Lord say,

“Well done, you good and faithful servant.”

How did these wretched people survive?

Through, and By Faith. Because of faith in the God of the impossible.

Knowing this, they did not see the fulfilment of His promises in their time. Because they understood that there was a “better promise.”

“GOD HAVING PROVIDED A BETTER PROMISE FOR THEM.”

Dear reader, if your prayers seem unanswered, do not give up. He has heard your prayers and seen your tears. He has something more in mind for you. Something far richer, far better, beyond your wildest dreams.

So, give praise and honour for the glorious victory that is yours through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Those dear people knew in their hearts that the future promises outweigh their present circumstances.

We of today have the privilege of looking back and seeing that God has included us.

His whole plan was incomplete in their generation because it required you and me to fulfil it, to bring it to completion.

Just as we need them, they needed us to complete God’s Divine plan for all time.

In the next chapter, 12, we see that there  is a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us today. These are those who were martyred for Christ, and they are cheering us on, saying,

“Go for it! You will also receive the promise.”

These promises are still in progress, dating back to the first and second coming of Jesus. What Heaven will be like and our part in it.

Those precious souls could not see the end from the beginning… Praise God, we can!

By faith, they persevered, and so must we must…

“NEVER GIVE UP.”

This amazing chapter of Hebrews was written to sustain us in the hard times, the times of despair, loss and severe pain, to remind us what God has accomplished in the past and what He can do today and in the future.

We must be warned that severe persecution of Christians is operating across the World in many countries. In fact, 3,ooo,ooo are already being persecuted for their faith in Christ.

So, dear Christian, strengthen yourself in your Christian walk by…

Staying in the Word of God. Read it and pray every day. Memorise the Scriptures, for soon your Bibles will be confiscated and all Christian literature will be obsolete.

Be bold in sharing your faith and share the Gospel.

Ask God for a mighty Anointing to withstand your enemies and the courage to remain faithful. 

The Trinity is interceding for you. Just as Jesus prayed for Peter that his “Faith would not fail.”

YOU WILL TRIUMPH!

Because…

HE NEVER FAILS!

HE KEEPS HIS PROMISES!

HE FULFILS THEM!

THE RESURRECTED JESUS IS WELL AND ALIVE IN YOU, HIS FAITH IS AT WORK THROUGH YOU.

Finally dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

Deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Him.

Crucify your flesh and walk in resurrection power.

With the Apostle Paul, count yourself as dead indeed unto sin and alive in Christ.

SATAN CANNOT KILL A DEAD MAN!!!

Amen.

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Amen.

 

Heather Dalzell

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THE BETTER RESURRECTION.

Last weeks challenging message leaves us to ask,

How did they suffer such persecution?

How could they endure such pain and suffering?

THE REASON.

So they may obtain a BETTER RESURRECTION.

When a person was tortured, they were looked upon as “dead” If at any time they would relent,  they were, in a sense,  “resurrected.”

But if they refused to relent, it was because they had a,

BETTER RESURRECTION in mind.

It was a far more noble, permanent and honourable resurrection, which is far better.

It was a SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION.

Knowing that their bodies would be restored to immortal vigour and raised to eternal  life to a place where they were not susceptible to such pain and suffering anymore.

That is called…

THE BETTER RESURRECTION.

It took great faith to believe that!

They endured so much opposition.

OTHERS HAD CRUEL MOCKINGS. (Making fun in a cruel way.)

Today, we call it Bullying!

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when men persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely on my account.”

“Rejoice” and be “Exceedingly glad” For great is your reward in Heaven.”

Remember, when you take the first step, God will do the rest.

FAITH IS A GIFT OF GOD.  Yes it is God’s faith at work in you.

He has given you Power and Authority to…

Save souls.             Heal the sick.   Deliver from demons, and raise the dead.

You take a risk and step out and do it. You are possessed with miracle-working faith, and God will come through for you.

Look at this!                          “WOMEN HAD THEIR DEAD RAISED TO LIFE.”

There was the Woman of Zerapath’s son whom Elijah raised to life.

The Shunamite’s son was restored by Elisha.

Today, the true faith of Jesus is at work in you. All Christians possess His faith, but many refuse to use it. 

Others were TORTURED.                   The Hebrew word for torture is “Typanum,” meaning “to stretch.” As you would stretch the skin of a Timbrel or a drum.

They would bend the victim in such a manner to extend his skin so that the exposed gashes would increase their excruciating pain.

How utterly cruel.

But, they would not accept deliverance and refused to renounce their faith in God.

THIS IS THE VERY NATURE AND SPIRIT OF A TRUE MARTYR.

“THEY WERE SCOURGED.”

That is the punishment of using a whip to cause significant pain. A standard mode of punishment before the martyr was put to death. The Lord Jesus under Pilate endured such punishment.

The whip they used had large, sharp metal pieces entwined in the straps, known as the “Cat o’nine Tails.”

It flayed the skin from off the body exposing organs in bare sight.

“Oh, thankyou my dear Jesus.”

“IMPRISONMENT.”

They were imprisoned in crowded, filthy, vermin-infested prisons, beaten and starved.

There was Joseph in Egypt. Daniel in Babylon. In the New Testament we read of the imprisonment and torture of Jesus’ disciples. Most dying as martyrs.

How could we not mention Paul and Silas, who sang praises to God for the privilege of suffering for His sake?                                   They possessed “Resilliant Faith”

“THEY WERE STONED.”

Zechariah and the Apostle Stephen, who revealed “Forgiving Faith.”

They were.

“SAWED USUNDER.” Tradition has it that the Prophet Isaiah was executed in this manner. Though rare, it was practised.

The victim was placed in a wooden box or coffin or a hollowed-out tree, and they would saw, beginning from the head, as a piece of wood was sawn.    

“THEY WERE TEMPTED.”

They were offered life instead of great suffering. Sometimes, when a father was about to be put to death, his wife and children were personally placed before him. Their cries of fear and anguish of soul would tempt him to relent and renounce his faith in Jesus.

“WERE SLAIN WITH THE SWORD.”

In the case where 85 priests were slain by Doeg because they protected David and his men from King Saul.

Does this scare you?   It does me.                                Except that we are not alone,

We have Jesus living in us. The Holy Spirit will teach us what to say. Angels to strengthen us as they did Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Also, the tremendous promise that God will not allow us to be tempted above what we can bear.

As a young person, I read an old book called “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.” It was a horrific, illustrated book of martyredom covering various waves of persecution in previous centuries.

It took some time for me to shake off some of the images I saw.

Yet one story gave me hope. I had made up my mind that I would not survive such cruelty and death and deny Jesus.

This saint of God was torched to death at the stake. As the flames leapt upon him, and the ropes that kept him bound were consumed in the flames, his voice was heard above the cheers of the crowd saying…

“NO PAIN, NO PAIN!” Then he went to be with the Lord.

So if you feel as l do, take heart, because God has promised…

“LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS EVEN TILL THE END OF THE AGE.”

Today, there are 3,000,000 people all over the world under severe persecution for their faith.

The return of  Christ is imminent. Will you be found faithful?

More next week!

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Amen!