The devil is not afraid to go to church

 The devil is not afraid to go to church.  

Jesus was at the end of a 40-day fast when the devil came tempting Him, trying to make Him sin. (Luke 4:1-13).

The first place we find Jesus went after that was to church. But the people in Nazareth became angry at His words and kicked Him out. (Luke 4:16-30)

That didn't stop Jesus.  He left there and went to church in Galilee. Walking into the synagogue, he found a man hanging out inside that had an unclean (foul) devil. (Luke 4:33-37)

The Bible doesn't indicate what the devil possessed man was doing there. Was he causing trouble? Was he disrupting the worship or prayers? Perhaps the foul spirit was just quietly watching and observing, knowing he had some of those there bound as well. I have to wonder if anyone there even discerned and realized that the man was bound by an evil spirit? Was the man there wishing someone would see and set him free?

Jesus saw and knew!  I believe Jesus showed up with purpose! He had just been in Nazareth and taught that He was there to 'preach deliverance to the captives' (Luke 4:18).  And now He comes to where a man is being held captive by a foul spirit.

That foul spirit knew why Jesus was there and began to cry out to leave them alone. That devil said, "I know who You are!" After the encounter in the wilderness, the devils knew who Jesus is! Jesus silenced that foul spirit and commanded it to come out of the man. That foul spirit had to obey!

How many times have there been those that come to our Church services bound and we don't recognize or discern it? We recognize those bound by alcohol or drugs. What about those bound by nicotine? And too often we tend to just excuse poor behavior away or may even label the person as having a mental illness.  People are bound and yet we're not discerning it as we should.  

The devil is not afraid to come to church or say the name Jesus!

I have heard a woman possessed by devils say the name Jesus. That is why we must be discerning and full of the Holy Ghost. It takes more than just saying the name of Jesus to set the captives free.  We must walk in the power and authority of the Holy Ghost! 

Some of those bound are our loved ones or close friends. The devil has had them too long! It's past time for the Church to arise and take back what the enemy has stolen! We will see the victory and we will see the captives set free through the Blood of Jesus,  the power of His Holy Name Jesus,  and by the authority in the Holy Ghost! 

The devils know who Jesus is! They knew who Paul was! Do they know who you are? 

Jesus gave His Apostles power and authority over all devils.  (Luke 9:1) He's given that same power to those of us who have His Spirit in us. (Acts 1:8) Jesus promised these signs shall follow them that believe (Matk 16:17-18)

Are you walking in the power and authority of the Holy Ghost?

Repost from 1-27-22

What are you in love with? What are you treasuring?

What are you in love with?

What are you treasuring?

“Love not the world,
neither the things that are in the world.
If any man love the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.”
  — 1 John 2:15 (KJV)

“For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.”
  — Luke 12:34

What are you in love with?
What are you treasuring?
What is your heart desiring more....
The things of God?
Or the things of this world?
What are you drawing closer to?
What are you seeking after?

We are so close to the coming of the Lord
Yet many, too many, are asleep in the light and appear oblivious.

Where you spend Eternity will be determined by what YOU are doing....

Are you doing your part to draw closer to God?
Through daily prayer?
And Bible reading?

If you are not faithfully praying,  you are straying. 💔

Are you reading the Bible and obeying God's Words?
Whether it be His instructions on what we must do to be saved
Or His instructions on how to live holy and godly in this present world.

Are you keeping oil in your lamps and burning brightly?
Like the 5 wise virgins kept theirs trimmed and full?

Or has your prayer life grown cold and the light barely flickering and about to go out? Just as happened to the 5 foolish virgins?

Hell is real
Eternity is too long to spend it in the wrong place.

Where you spend Eternity will be determined by what YOU are doing.

What are you in love with?
What are you treasuring?

Teach Your Children

Teach your children to worship.

Teach your children to pray.
Example it to them.
The devil is pulling hard for your children through what they read and watch in movies and on social media apps, especially Tiktok.
Don't let him win!
Get those children to Church every time you can.
Jesus said to suffer (send, allow) the children to come to Him and forbid them not (don't stop or hinder them). Mt 19:14
Read the Bible to them and pray with them every day.
Teach your children how to love, live for, and serve Jesus.
In the end, that's what will truly matter.
(Not sure what church this picture is from but this is precious ❤️)

We Are Not "Sinners Who Sin Differently"

 ...And, let every one that nameth

the name of Christ

DEPART from iniquity.

2 Timothy 2:19

As Christians,  we are not "sinners who sin differently."  We are to DEPART from iniquity. This flesh can't do it on its own.  It comes by drawing closer and closer to Jesus through a daily walk with Him....pray, seek His face (throughprayer, Biblereading,  and fastings), turn from all wicked (sinful) ways. 

Paul continues admonishing Timothy in verse 21: 

If a man therefore PURGE HIMSELF from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified,  and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 

If we want to be a vessel unto honor that the Master can use, we must PURGE ourselves and DEPART from iniquity. 

Will You Be the One?

How many miss the old time prayer rooms and altars where you could hear the travail and cries unto God clear out in the parking lot and sometimes down the street?

Many miss it but how many that say they miss it are early to pre-service prayer and shaking the rafters with those fervent prayers? And having daily prayer meetings in their home that touches Heaven's Throne and shakes the gates of hell?

It can start with just one but it takes everyone uniting in fervent prayer to see the bands of wickedness loosed and chains fall off.  Will you be that one?

How many miss the prophets of old that would read your mail?  They are not the same as the ones who tickle your ear while telling your fortune and promising prosperity. A true prophet will not tell you what you want to hear; they will tell you what God wants you to hear whether it be a compliment or a rebuke. 

Of those that miss the old time prophets,  how many are trying to hear God's voice not just through daily prayer and Bible reading but are also sacrificing and denying the flesh often through fasting?

We reminisce about the old time miracles of healing.  I have experienced them myself and reminisce as well.  But why are we not seeing all this like we used to? Could it be that we're expecting someone else to rise up and be the one instead of looking in the mirror and thinking perhaps I am the one that God wants to use and is waiting on?

I'm talking to myself, too. God wants to use everyone who has His Spirit (the Holy Ghost) but it takes sacrifice and consecration.  

Will you be the one who allows God to use you? 

Are you willing to pay the price to become the man or woman of God that He can work through and use?

God is looking for willing vessels.  Will you be the one?

(Re-post from 1-18-22)

We Need Each Other

Two embers had fallen out of the fireplace a few days back.  They sat on the bricks until they grew cold.  As I stoked the coals in our fireplace, I noticed those 2 embers once again.  There was no fire, no glow, not even a spark left in them.  They were so cold that I could pick them up with my hands and not get burnt. 

I threw them back amongst the glowing coals in the fireplace and watched.  Slowly,  I could see one begin to revive.  A little glow began to slowly return.  Then, I noticed the other began to exhibit the same. Each began grow a little more red, a little more glow coming from them until finally they sparked and a fire began burn in them once again.  

These cold embers and blazing coals example to us how much we need each other and need the Church.  

Ecclesiastes 4 

⁹ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

¹² And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Maybe you are like those embers?  Maybe you have grown cold in your walk with God?  Maybe you feel the fire of the Holy Ghost isn't blazing as brightly as it once did in your heart?  Perhaps you no longer attend Church or never have? 

Get back to where the Fire is (the Church).  The more you are at Church worshipping together with fellow Believers, the more you'll begin to feel the warmth of the Holy Ghost begin to spark once again in your heart.  The more you are around those burning brightly with the Holy Ghost,  the more you'll begin to feel that old fire begin to rekindle within your heart as well.   

Pick up the Bible and begin to read it. Every day. Even if it's only a few verses, it's a start back on the right track.  Take a few minutes to talk to Jesus each day.  The more time you spend with Him, the more you'll grow in love with Him. Find a prayer partner. Attend Bible studies.  Be faithful to Church every time there are services.  Participate in the singing and worship. If you are one who is on Fire, reach out to someone who seems to be struggling or grown cold in their walk with God.

I need you.

You need me.

We do need each other.

We do need the Church. 

Keep Praying and Believing

As I listened to the heavy rain falling this morning,  a memory came flooding back to my mind.

My two youngest children were at school, and I was at work 20 minutes away.  It was pouring rain that day and I kept diligently praying that the rain would stop before my children were out of school.  The bus would drop them at the end of the drive but then they had a long, winding, couple minutes walk to where we lived.  They had already been through so much from their dad passing.  I didn't want them to get soaked adding misery to what they'd already gone through. 

As time drew nearer for school to be out and I saw no signs of the rain letting up, I pleaded multiple times with my boss to let me leave long enough to pick them up and take them home so they wouldn't get wet.  He refused (even though I worked a lot of required overtime without pay due to being paid salary).  I pleaded with God to stop the rain but it kept pouring down.  It came the time that I knew they would already be home, so I just asked God to help my children. 

When I arrived home, I asked if they got wet walking home after school?  Tasha told me no.  It had stopped raining right before they got out of school and didn't start raining again until they were inside the house.

God heard and answered even though I wasn't aware that He had answered! ❤️

Sometimes, it may feel like we are praying fervently but to no avail.  Our human eyes may not see the prayer being answered. But keep praying,  keep knocking,  keep going back and asking God again.  Just because you don't see it happening or changing doesn't mean He's not working on it.  He may just be moving in ways you nor I can see.

In a Martha World, Be A Mary

 Luke 10 

³⁸ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

⁴⁰ But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

⁴¹ And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

⁴² But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Many find their worth and feeling of importance in what they DO for Jesus,  but more important than what you DO for Jesus is how much TIME you spend in His Presence.   

Mary sat at the feet of Jesus,  listening,  and learning. She was in the posture of one being discipled.  Disciples begin as followers then mature into teachers of the Word and disciple others. 

While ministry of helps is needful, Jesus desires our spiritual service above that.  Take time and make time to spend in His presence through prayer and Bible reading.  Time with Jesus is priority above all else.

Set A Guard

During this fast, as we begin with repentance and humbling ourselves before The Almighty:

GUARD YOUR THOUGHTS - what you think and dwell on in your mind. Think on GOOD things.  Think about the goodness of the Lord.  Meditate on His Word.

GUARD YOUR WORDS - be careful what you speak. Let the Holy Ghost be our filter and a guard over our lips. God hears and we will one day give account for every idle word. (Mt 12:36)

GUARD YOUR EARS - be selective on what you listen to for what enters your ears will get into your heart and mind.  Don't give ear to negative speaking or gossip.  Listen to music that will draw you closer to God.  Fill your home with an atmosphere of worship.  

GUARD YOUR EYES - what you allow your eyes to see and read can affect your heart. (Lam 3:51) Turn off and avoid watching or reading anything that is ungodly whether it's on social media, a book, or elsewhere. Take time to read God's Word. 

GUARD YOUR HEART - (Prov 4:23) don't allow the devil even a foothold into your heart through your feelings.  Recognize the tactics of that sly ol' fox and cast them out.  

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

  — Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Psalms 15

 Psalms 15 (KJV)

¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

¹ LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? 

who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

² He that walketh uprightly, 

and worketh righteousness, 

and speaketh the truth in his heart.

³ He that backbiteth not with his tongue, 

nor doeth evil to his neighbour, 

nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

⁴ In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; 

but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. 

He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

⁵ He that putteth not out his money to usury, 

nor taketh reward against the innocent. 

He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

A New Year & Resolutions

 A New Year & Resolutions

As the New Year is approaching, many ponder as to what their New Year Resolution(s) will be:
- diet
- pay off a debt
- travel to (destination)
and the list goes on.

The definition of Resolution means:
* A firm decision to do or not do something
* The quality of being determined

While resolutions can be good, very rarely does anyone  make a Resolution to....
* draw closer to God
* Read their Bible not only daily but even more
* Pray more each and every day
* Fast more
* Go to Church more
* Invite more people to Church
* Tell more people about Jesus
* Win a soul to Jesus

☝️ THESE should be our top resolutions above all others.

Jesus is coming soon. 

We want to be ready for His coming, but we have to do our part to draw closer to Him.
If our mind and our time are filled with everything else with little or no time spent in God's Word and His Presence, we won't be ready when He returns.

We want others to be ready for His coming,  but we have to do our part to reach out and sow seeds of the Gospel. 
There is a law of harvest.  If I do not sow seeds into the ground, I will not reap the fruit from it in due season. If you don't sow seeds concerning the Word of God into hearts and minds,  you will not see the fruit of harvest.

Jesus gave the Great Commission: GO and TEACH.

Action is required on our part.
In order to teach effectively what the Word of God instructs you must study and learn what the Bible teaches.

Make the resolution (the quality of being determined) in this New Year to:
* draw closer to God
* Read your Bible not only daily but even more
* Pray more each and every day
* Fast more
* Go to Church more
* Invite more people to Church
* Tell more people about Jesus (sowing seed)
* Win a soul to Jesus (the harvest)

Modesty

I once heard it said, "When you're dressing or sitting in a way to try to attract the attention of the cute boy across the aisle, you may also be attracting the attention of his perverted uncle or grandpa."

Modesty is not bad.

Modesty is not anti-women.

Modesty is a fence to guard and protect us. 

Modesty is Biblical....for women and for men.

Further study concerning what the Scriptures teach about modesty can be viewed here.....

https://youtu.be/zJbomLONvjs?si=5CFCecuv5mHWmY9W

What you think on affects you...

 For as he thinketh in his heart, 

so is he....

  — Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)

What you think on affects and molds who you are and who you become. 

Are you thinking good thoughts?

Or are you thinking negative thoughts?

Human nature wants to think and dwell on the negative but the Bible instructs us to think on these things...

whatsoever things are TRUE, 

.....there's a difference between truth and perceived truth or opinions 

whatsoever things are HONEST, 

.....free from deceit, honorable

whatsoever things are JUST, 

.....righteous, holy

whatsoever things are PURE, 

.....clean, without sin

whatsoever things are LOVELY, 

......friendly,  kind, pleasant 

whatsoever things are OF GOOD REPORT; 

.....good news that is shared with a good intent

if there be any VIRTUE, 

.....doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong

and if there be any PRAISE, 

.....the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something

THINK ON THESE THINGS.

  — Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

To Teach or Not To Teach?

The recurring common reason I'm hearing for not teaching holiness and separation from the world is to "wait until they ask". 

Do you wait until a baby or child asks before you instruct them not to bite, or hit, or steal, or pull hair, etc?

No, you work to teach and correct a bad behavior they're exhibiting.  

Do you wait until a baby asks before you teach it how to say words, how to walk, or what 'No!' means?

Do you wait before a child asks before you begin teaching it the ABCs, how to put letters together to make words, and how to write? 

Do you wait until a child asks before beginning to teach him or her reading,  writing,  arithmetic, history, geography, art, music, etc?

No,you begin trying to teach and instruct things you know they need to learn, increasing the knowledge and lessons needed as they grow and grasp what they've previously been taught. 

Did God wait for His people to ask before He gave them the 10 Commandments and extensive instructions in the Law concerning the governing and ordinances of right and wrong?

No, He gave them rules to follow, instructing and correcting bad behavior and the sin nature that are contrary to God's ways. 

God gave them instructions on how to dress, how to live, what was ok or not ok to eat, things that were an abomination to Him, what was right and what was wrong. 

Did Paul wait for the saints in the Churches to ask questions before sending letters of instruction on how to live as a Christian and the sins they needed to shun and avoid?

In a few instances yes, but for the most part, No.  Paul sent them letters instructing them how to live Godly in this present world. 

His letters included instructions for all...men and women....concerning clothing,  hair, alcohol,  submission,  things that will send a person to hell, and the need for the Fruit of the Spirit besides just the Gifts of the Spirit. 

Paul in his letter to Timothy instructed him to.....

2 Timothy 4:2 - 

* Preach the word; 

* be instant in season, out of season; 

* reprove, ( means reprimand, tell a fault, admonish)

* rebuke, (means express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or actions.)

* exhort  (means to try to encourage or strongly urge someone to do something)

* with all longsuffering and doctrine.  (Use patience and the Word of God)

As for me, I will not wait until someone asks before teaching Biblical Truths that are contained within the Bible.  Because.... (2 Timothy 3)

[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable 

* for doctrine, 

* for reproof, 

* for correction, 

* for instruction in righteousness: 

[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Our study compilations are available for free on YouTube....

https://youtube.com/@livingwaterapostolicpentec3855?si=D_820oYbSMwxaESD

Or if you prefer written, we have compiled the studies into a book and kept the price as low as possible....

https://www.amazon.com/Bought-Price-Charles-Deonna-Gregory/dp/B0CCCVQJ4T/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2E3SW128JCQQL&keywords=the+way+of+holiness+deonna+gregory&qid=1701875088&sprefix=the+way+of+holiness+deonna+gregory%2Caps%2C312&sr=8-1

First posted to fb Mar 7, 2022

What Makes A Good Marriage?

Memory Post from fb Dec 3, 2013 concerning what makes a good marriage....

Someone asked the question on what makes a good marriage so I thought I'd share my thoughts on what made our marriage good with a love that has lasted beyond the grave....

A good marriage is not perfect, it will have it's ups and downs, and yes you will get angry with each other at times.

A good marriage is not giving up on each other and never letting the word 'divorce' proceed out of the mouth in the bad times.

A good marriage is one that endures because you love each other unconditionally, overlooking faults, or failures.

A good marriage realizes love is not a feeling but an action.

A good marriage endures through sickness and in health, in the good times and in the bad, loving and enduring even when it seems you've seen more of 'the poorer' than 'the richer' because you realize it is not money that makes you rich but the love you share so even if you don't have a lot of money, you are rich in what really matters...love, a true love, that has lasted far beyond the grave. A love that death could not kill. That is a good marriage and one I wouldn't trade for anything.

**Disclaimer, no offense intended for those who have been divorced. Some circumstances are beyond your control and I meant nothing negative toward anyone by my words. My reference is meant that when the going gets tough, the tough do not get going but stick together through it and grow stronger in their unity and love.