Prayer With Purpose - THIS IS THAT

This is that ...

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came...

Many Jews were confused and marveled, “Whatever can this mean?”

Then Peter standing up raised his voice and began to speak. “These are not drunk as you suppose...but this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel...” (Acts 2:16)

This is that... is a resource to reveal, and give light to scripture...by comparing scripture to scripture. Only God can reveal God. Only His Spirit can “guide us into all truth.” (John 16:13)

These shorter Bible Lessons (scroll down,) are written for you to meditate or to launch you into further study.

For a more comprehensive study into the glorious Word of God see: The Library (Formerly Tuesday Bible Study.)

Be sure and check this resource often, along with Current Events for new updates.

When you act on God's Word it will illuminate your purpose and put a fire in your bones and a two-edged sword in your mouth!

This is that...

11/9/2018

This is that…11.9.18
The Professor began His teaching this morning telling His students to walk in love and to walk in the Spirit, for when you do that you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Let’s study Galatians 5:14-26 to understand how it relates to us in the year 2018.

If you don’t “love your neighbor as yourself” and walk in the Spirit, you will have constant challenges because the flesh will continually challenge you. Your spirit and the Holy Spirit within you are to dominate the flesh. “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” That means that now you are under grace and can dominate the flesh by walking in the Spirit.

Josh, come up and write "the works of the flesh" on the board.

Adultery
Fornication
Uncleanness
Lewdness
Idolatry
Hatred
Contentions
Jealousies
Outbursts of Wrath
Selfish Ambitions
Dissensions
Heresies
Envy
Murders
Drunkenness
Revelries

What happens if you practice such things?

Josh answered, “You will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Yes, that’s right. The following verse says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love…”

When you were born again your spirit became alive with love because the Holy Spirit took up residence in you. He is God the Spirit and He is love. “But he who is joined to the LORD is one Spirit with Him.” (1 Corinthians 6:17)

Now Josh, write for us the fruit of the Spirit/spirit.

Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self Control

Josh, please read verse 24.

“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Thank you, Josh.

Students, does this mean that because you are under grace that you can watch movies and listen to music that is immoral and think it will not affect you?
Can you use foul language like the world uses?
Can you participate in sexual behavior outside of marriage?
Can you have close fellowship with ungodly people?
Can you hold unforgivness toward people who have hurt you?
Can you avoid attending church?
Can you despise your neighbor?

WATCH OUT!
A lifestyle of any of the above will take you into the strong current of being worldly, going back to what you were delivered from! “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:22)

Returning to the world can be very subtle. The Holy Spirit will prompt you before making a wrong choice, but if you ignore Him continually, your heart will become callous and deaf to His voice. That's dangerous!

The ball is in your court!

Paul writes in Romans 6:12-20:
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

This is that…which bears fruit to everlasting life!
“What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” (Romans 6:21-22)

Recommended Video
E.W. Kenyon Audio Book: The Hidden Man of the Heart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUI5EwimvGI

This is that...

10/30/2018

This is that…10.30.18
The Professor began the days teaching writing the following on the board:

Everything Satan has…
He stole.

He was able to persuade the first Adam to sin against God’s will, and so gained access to man and the earth.

JESUS CHRIST: The Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45)
Satan tried his best to persuade Jesus in the desert, offering Him the kingdoms of the world and all their glory.

“All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” (Matthew 4:9-10)

Resistance was required for Jesus to overcome His enemy…words needed to be spoken. Jesus spoke scripture!

He did not start begging Father for deliverance.

THE GOSPEL AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER
The Church of the LORD Jesus Christ is empowered with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

The Holy Spirit raised Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is within you.

Resurrection power, power that makes alive something dead, dwells in your spirit — right now!

THERE’S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN!
You have been deputized with power and given armor, weapons, and use of the name above all names: Jesus Christ! You are to enforce your rights as a citizen of God’s Kingdom against the enemy.

Use your Sword…the living, powerful Word of God against him. Release words!

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38)

“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” (1 John 2:20)

WAKE UP CHURCH!
Most Christians gather together every week, hear a sermon, and then go home not knowing anything about their authority over the enemy. They keep begging God to help them with this or that, but God will not do what He told YOU to do.

That doesn’t mean we go to the other extreme and think we have to depend on ourselves. No!

We rely on speaking scripture and we depend upon the power of the Holy Spirit within us to take authority over the enemy.

Heal the sick! Cast out devils!
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Everything the devil has — he stole! That means someone allowed it.

If you came into your house and saw a snake in your room, would you allow it to take up residence there…ignoring it day in and day out? Of course not! Then DO something about it!

DELEGATED AUTHORITY
“Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” (Luke 10:19 AMPC)

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” (Matthew 28:18) See also: 1 Peter 3:22.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith…” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Therefore, students, fight the good fight of faith. This is the victory that overcomes the world!

This is that…which has power…when YOU speak!
“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11:23)

Video for you: Faith Sees the Invisible…2002 — Gloria Copeland
Powerful teaching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zUy-BNxFOA

This is that...

10/17/2018

This is that…10.17.18
The Professor asked His students to read 1 Peter 1:23 out loud.

“… having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever ….”

Then, He walked over and stood behind a small wooden table that had three bowls on it, small, medium, and large, stacked on top of each other. Next to them was a large pitcher of water. (See John 4:14)

Today, I will give you a visual example of the Father’s “order of life.”

LIVING LIFE IN THE SPIRIT: Not the Fast Lane!
Believers are not like other people on earth. You are born of God’s Word!

You have learned that you are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body.
(1 Thessalonians 5:23) Each of these three bowls represents the three-part being of a Believer in Christ.

The small bowl illustrates your spirit.
The next bowl illustrates your soul. (The mind, will, emotions.)
The larger bowl represents your body.

A Believer must discipline the soul and body, in order to sit, study, and pray every day. Fellowship with Father is the most important part of the day.

This is where you receive your download of grace, love, and faith that fill your spirit man, just like when I take this pitcher of water and begin pouring water into the small bowl (spirit). As you can see, as I continue to pour the water it overflows, filling up the second bowl (soul). Your soul enters into rest as it is blessed with light and life. And lastly, as I continue to pour the water it overflows into the larger bowl (body). God’s Word produces health, strength, and medicine to all the flesh. ((See Proverbs 4:20-23) This Believer will be salt and light to the world!

DISCIPLES ARE DISCIPLINED
Students, this is an illustration of a true, mature disciple who has been born of the Word, the incorruptible SEED, which has every provision residing within it to meet every need you will ever have.

Provision was made for you before you came into existence. (Ephesians 1:1-5) And when you were born from above, you were given a Kingdom purpose to fulfill. Your life is a magnificent plan, born in Father’s heart before the earth was created! Those that remain connected to “the Vine” every day will experience adventures in the Spirit. “Christ in you, the hope of glory!” (Colossians 1:27)

But what would happen if that flow of water begins to diminish and cease to flow?

STEPS TO UNREST
“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God…” (Hebrews 3:12)

“BUT, I AM SO BUSY.”
If time with Father becomes less and less because a Believer is too busy with work, children, ministry, TV, etc. — the small bowl, your spirit, will become depleted of life, leaving an opening for doubt, discouragement, and weariness to come in. This will have a nasty effect on the soul and functions of the body.

Have you ever seen the effects of drought on a large oak tree? It’s a slow death!

“BUT I’M SO CONCERNED ABOUT ALL THAT’S GOING ON.”
If the small bowl goes dry, the soul will start moaning and groaning about everything! Why? Your FAITH tank needs re-fueling!

The true source of life only comes from the incorruptible SEED. Remember our opening scripture? You were born of the living Word of God! Receive the Word, receive rest for your soul! (Isaiah 26:3)

SATAN IS AFTER THE SEED
Days, weeks, and months of distractions can cause a Believer to be an open target for Satan’s influence and destruction. Lack of water produces dryness, and dryness can send a Christian looking for satisfaction in dark places.

You are a spirit, you have a soul, you live in a body. All three have needs. All three require time with Father…the Eternal source of LIFE!

This is that…which satisfies.
"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)

Study assignment:
Write these verses in your journal every day for the next seven days.

Isaiah 12:3
“Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.”

Psalms 19:7- 8
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes…”

Romans 1:17
“The just shall live by faith.”

Romans 8:11
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

This is that...

10/5/2018

This is that…10.6.18
The Professor was asked to speak to a large group of intercessors, curiously most were women who are praying for the United States and the November election.

The Professor began by encouraging them to continue in prayer and not lose heart as the Master taught in His parable in Luke 18:1-8.

Just then a young man asked, “Professor, some mornings when in prayer I just feel like my prayers are flat and going nowhere. And lately, when I listen to news reports about our nation, well, I get discouraged, not seeing many results.”

Sometimes intercessors spend too much time watching the world’s news which can affect their feelings. "Take heed what you hear." (Mark 4:24)

Some intercessors who are so dedicated to “The Call” mistakenly let other things slip. Don’t let the call get ahead of your fellowship time with Father! You can't burn the candle at both ends. That means, don't overdo it. Be led of the Spirit in your commitments to prayer.

ARE YOU EATING YOUR DAILY BREAD?
Every Believer, but especially intercessors, must put God’s Word first place in their life every day. That means — sit and study!

Your spirit man must have strength in order to persevere. Spiritual callings require spiritual food. Why?

An intercessor stands in two realms:
the place that needs change — and the future “there it is!” Faith is the requirement.

Your body requires food every day, right? So does your spirit!

STANDING IN THE GAP
All ministries have one objective to complete — a call to fulfill:
“Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”

INTERCESSION
Jesus is the Chief Intercessor who works through His Holy Spirit within the Believer. (Hebrews 7:25)

POWER
Praying in tongues can bring you into unity with the Holy Spirit to pray what He desires. You are to follow Him...not the other way around.

Intercessors know there is a pushing forward that is taking place in their prayer to establish God’s kingdom in our nation. As we each take our place, we are all participating in this advancement, with the result that strength and momentum is taking place for the entire Body of Christ.

OVERCOMING RESISTANCE
The disciples experienced resistance many times when they were sent out to do God’s will. One evening Jesus told them to get in the boat and go to the other side while He went to the mountain to pray.

Mark 6:47-52
“Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them.

“Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.”

Notice: “Straining at rowing for the wind was against them.” Even though they were obedient to do what Jesus said, they were in distress, becoming fatigued.

Straining — Greek definition (Strong’s): basanizó: battered; to vex with grievous pains (of body or mind); to be harassed, distressed. Interesting that one definition is: the pain of childbirth.

There are different fundamentals and purposes in the ministry of intercession. One aspect that many students don’t practice in prayer is The Authority of the Believer!

Sarah raised her hand. “Sir, I remember when you taught us about another event when the disciples were on the sea and Jesus was asleep in the boat. A hurricane-force wind came up and they were about to capsize. They woke Jesus and said, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ Jesus then spoke peace to the sea and to the wind He said, 'Be still!' Then Jesus asked them, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?' (Mark 4:40)

“Professor, when a disciple’s heart is hardened with fear and unbelief, is it hard for him to walk in faith? And, does Jesus want us to use our faith against obstructions that come to hinder or block our assignment?”

Absolutely yes, Sarah, to both questions! Walk in faith with authority. We can back this up with four scriptures.

Your assignment this week: Write these four scriptures in your journal every day for the next seven days and see the effect they will have when you pray.

This is that…
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12)

“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:14)

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God…” (Hebrews 3:12)

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19)

This is that...

9/21/2018

This is that…9.21.18
The Professor asked His students to recite the LORD’S prayer.

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”…and so on. (Matthew 6:9-10)

Students, what are you asking the Father for when you say, “Your kingdom come?” What is it that you desire in your heart?

Beth answered, “I am asking that there will be peace in our nation.”

That is a godly request, Beth.

We can only have peace in our cities if people will treat their neighbors with kindness and respect, obeying God’s laws. Since God has given to man a free will and the right to choose, our nation suffers violence.

We are in the season, a prophetic time on God’s calendar called the end of the age. Two-thousand years ago, Jesus said nation will rise against nation, and lawlessness will abound because the love of many will grow cold. It is similar to the days of Noah when he was building the ark.

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy:
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Now students, you know that these things are all around us.

But the exciting thing is that you were chosen and anointed to live at the end of the age when God is going to show Himself strong.

How?
Through you, His body, The Church! That means, Beth, that every time you share the gospel with an unbeliever or speak kindly to an angry cashier, you are releasing God’s love, the very kingdom of God on this earth.

WHAT IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
What does the Word of God say?
“Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:16-17)

Beth, you are so full of joy!
Your peace and gracious ways are opposite from many who are full of evil and walking in darkness.

When you spend time with your Father in the morning and study scripture, He makes a heavenly deposit in you. Because of your desire to do what is right before God, you display godly values of faithfulness and truthfulness wherever you go.

The quality of holiness is displayed in the decisions you make to live a life apart from sin. People who are in the world see your righteousness, your peace, and your joy. You are a living manifestation of the kingdom of God.

JESUS CHRIST
The Messiah was conceived in the womb of a virgin. His coming to earth was a manifestation of God’s kingdom. His teaching and preaching, His miracles, signs and wonders brought correction to what original sin had manifested in man and in nature.

“Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, ‘The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say,’ “See here!” or “See there!” ‘For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.’ (Luke 17:20-21)

The kingdom of God was already in the midst of them at the very time when they were asking when it would appear.

Definition of Kingdom: kingship, sovereignty, authority, rule, especially of God, both in the world, and in the hearts of men. A kingdom always requires a king – as the kingdom of God does with King Jesus!

THE CHURCH ON EARTH
Students, the kingdom of God is within you!
This kingdom does not appear, here or there, but rather where Christ’s Body is in operation. That kingdom operation in a believers' heart should be followed with demonstrations of the Holy Spirit. (See Acts 5:12-16)

After the seven years of tribulation, during The Millennium, the kingdom of God will be in manifestation everywhere on earth as Jesus will reign from Jerusalem.

Then, Beth, there will be peace in the nations!

2018 — END DAYS
How does The Church bring the kingdom of God to earth?
By Spirit-filled believers walking in holiness and fulfilling the call of God on their lives…every day.

Begin your day praying for the nation. Intercession opens the way for God to bring His kingdom to earth. Then ask the LORD to help you release God’s kingdom wherever you go and with whomever you meet.

The Holy Spirit in you does the work through you!

This is that…
“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” (Read Mark 16:15:20)

This is that...

9/10/2018

This is that…9.10.18
The Professor began His class with this question.

How many of you looked at yourself in the mirror before coming to class this morning?

Of course, everyone raised their hand. Then He said:

There is another mirror that we will study about today. That book that is sitting on your desk with your notebook is called a mirror. Why? This mirror when looked into, and studied and received into your heart, has the potential to transform not only your soul, but every aspect for success in life.

James 1:22-24
“But be doers of the word,
and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word
and not a doer,
he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
for he observes himself,
goes away,
and immediately forgets
what kind of man he was.”

MIRROR
Greek: Esoptron; an object for looking into
Mirrors in Biblical times were not made of glass but rather made of highly polished metal. For a person to get a more accurate picture of himself he had to view himself from different angles. This can have profound implications for us today as we study and look into The Old and New Testament Scriptures.

Another definition for the word mirror is — an example, a pattern for imitation. “She is the very pattern of honesty, integrity, and virtue.”

What is the reason that someone would forget what kind of man he is according to scripture? Did he hear the Word?

Kyle raised his hand and answered. “Well, yes, that person did hear the Word but he had no intention of doing what it said to do. As soon as he goes off about his daily routine, he disconnects from God’s Word and he goes back to his old ways. Is that right Professor?”

Yes, that’s correct Kyle.
In order for scripture to penetrate the soul and be planted in the heart, there must be humbleness of spirit and mind. That will produce an inward desire to obey what is written. This is why someone who is not submitted to God immediately forgets what kind of man he is. This is an example of self-deception.

Self-deception is the act of lying to yourself or making yourself believe something that isn't really true. Throughout your life, the truth of God’s Word will reveal hidden sins to you that need to be dealt with. It is a part of your life as a Believer. All scripture is profitable for reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) Just as we honor God, so too His Word should be honored.

The true disciple, say the Rabbis, learns in order that he may do, not in order that he may merely know or teach.

If a teacher or preacher is resting on hearing only, he flatters himself.
But the truth of God’s Word flatters no man. God’s Word should always be carrying us into a deeper communion with the LORD. The man who never receives conviction and correction will not please God and will eventually suffer unwanted circumstances.

The Sadducees and Pharisees studied the scriptures — “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

They were self-deceived in their relationship with God, so much so that when their Messiah came to earth, they thought Him the deceiver and a blasphemer. They looked into the perfect Law of Liberty, yet were prideful and legalistic because their hearts were not right.

Jesus said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29)

“Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ” (Matthew 15:6-9)

TAKE AN INVENTORY
Students, how’s your heart? What kind of an inner attitude do you have during your Bible Study? Are you open to being corrected? Does God's Word remain with you through the day? Do you plan to obey what you read?

Ask the LORD if you have any sin and ungodliness taking root within you. If so, repent and get back on course. Meditate on James 1:21-25 for a few days.

Always remember, Beloved, your mirror must never be the world and its ways!

THE BLESSING: HEARING AND DOING
“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25)

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

This is that…which Jesus prayed for you.
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

This is that ...

8/31/2018

This is that…8.31.18

As the students took their seats, the Professor was writing on the board:

H Y P O C R I T E

An unexpected hush quickly hit the room as each student waited to hear what the Professor would say next.

What do you think this word means?

“Doesn’t it mean to be two-faced, Professor?”

What does two-faced mean to you?

“Well, it’s someone who you can’t trust. Sometimes they are one way, sometimes they are another way, like being two people.”

The Greek word for hypocrite is hupokrites, meaning one who is like a stage actor or performer acting under a mask. Yes, it means a two-faced person, or someone who says one thing but does another. Someone who is a hypocrite is pretending to be someone they are not.

Dictionary definition of a hypocrite:
1. a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
2. a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings

“Sir, doesn’t everyone do that at one time or another?”

Jesus didn’t.

But yes, Believers and the unsaved both fall into this trap.
Some people live their whole lives as a hypocrite.

“Why is that?”

Lots of reasons.
Some of this sinful behavior is passed down from generation to generation. Being fearful of what others think of them and trying to measure up to someone else’s expectations can cause one to become dishonest. All deception is based on a lie and all lies can be traced back to the fall of man when satan lied to Adam and Eve.

“Did God really say…?”
And, “You will not surely die.” (Genesis 3:1-5)

Now, let’s look at a conversation between Jesus and the religious leaders of His day.

“Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, ‘Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?’ He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

‘For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do. All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.’” (Mark 7:5-9)

Notice, the hypocrite is accusing the One who is standing in truth, along with His chosen disciples. Hypocrites desire to control, desiring for others to follow them.

Jesus went right to the root of their hypocrisy. Their hearts were far from Him and had no desire for truth. They were fleshly, carnal people who were very prideful and felt threatened by Jesus.

When humility and a desire for truth are cast aside, the heart becomes hardened seeking other things for satisfaction. Lies and the doctrines of men naturally fill the void. Their dignity and self-worth were not from God but rather from other people. They were willing to adapt themselves to a lie to get approval. Hypocrites put on different masks and play many roles to gain acceptance and gain praise from others.

Unbelievers live their lives this way…empty inside.

But when a Believer goes against his core beliefs, a sense of condemnation can take root. As a result, his spirit man can be repressed by the demands of trying to please others as that "stage actor," putting on different masks for different people. The result is compromise.

For a Christian to hide his true beliefs and try and be someone else will have negative results that will affect his stability and confidence. Furthermore, it becomes difficult for him to hear from God.

Definition of Truth: the manifested, veritable essence of a matter, facts, authenticity, accuracy, exactness, trueness, reliability, real, ideal, genuine, proven principle, law

Jesus said, “…when He the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth …”
(John 16:13)

Beloved, repent of hypocrisy. Don't be like the world around you.
Ask the LORD to help you to always be true and speak the truth.
He has given you The Helper to help you, no matter who you are with.
Read the Who I am in Christ Scriptures every day for two weeks.
It will root truth in you.

This is that… which God desires of you.
“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25)

This is that...

8/20/2018

This is that…8.20.18
The Professor asked His students to write Ephesians 1:3 in their notebooks.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…”

Any questions?

“Professor, what are the heavenly places?”

What is the date of your birth, Emma?

“November 28, 1998.”

That is the day that you were born on earth. You entered into a new realm…the realm of the natural physical world where the five-senses are known.

What is the date of your new birth, the day you received Jesus into your heart?

“April 5, 2010.”

That is the day when you became a new creation, a beloved child of God, a citizen of heaven, an Ambassador for Christ. You were given an assignment to complete while here on earth. You are alive and operating in two kingdoms, or two realms. You are to dominate the physical natural realm by making access into the realm of the Spirit--continually!

“Through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” (Ephesians 2:18)
“…in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” (Ephesians 3:12)

ACCESS INTO THE HEAVENLY PLACES
Your spirit is where Holy Spirit and His anointing lives and empowers you to live a holy life unto God and accomplish your assignment. That is how you enter into the supernatural realm, through your spirit first.

Starting your day renewing your mind to the spiritual realm by studying God’s Word, praying in the Spirit, intercession for others, worship and praise, and confessions of who you are in Christ make access into those heavenly places in Christ. As we attain spiritual blessings from our fellowship with Him early, we set the order of the day ahead.

COVENANT RIGHTS—WHAT ARE THEY?
“… as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)

Your Bible is your Covenant Document loaded with all of your rights and benefits.
Those benefits are withdrawn by faith in what God said.

PROVISION
Just like your parents painted your room and bought new furniture and baby clothes before your arrival, so your Father and Jesus prepared for you every provision to meet every need you will ever have.

Similar to an earthly bank account, you as God’s heir and joint heir with Jesus (Romans 8:17) are expected to receive your heavenly benefits. As banks have many security measures to protect assets, so too, spiritual blessings are protected.

These benefits can only be accessed by following the guidelines of faith, hope, and love.

Since you are a spirit, you are expected to walk and live your life every day “in the spirit,” not in the ways of the flesh. (See Galatians 5:16-26)

"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” (John 6:63) Can you see the two realms and their operation?

And take note, dear heart, you must never seek to do things apart from Jesus, or on your own. You are to be totally dependent upon Him just as the branch depends upon the vine for existence and to bear fruit. (John 15:4)

So, Emma, what are the heavenly places in Christ Jesus?
“It is where every spiritual blessing is located.”

How do you get those blessings?

“I submit my will to do my Father’s will. I desire to live in His presence being a doer of His Word. I can see that abiding in Him, partaking of His promises, is really to my benefit and will open the way for God’s goodness to come upon me every day. I can trust in Him.”

That’s right, Emma.
And remember, God’s Spirit is living within you to help you.
Pray in the Spirit often.

This is that…which is “the heavenly place.”
“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17:22-23)

This is that...

8/10/2018

This is that…
8.10.18
Last week our lesson was on Purpose and Potential. Both have great impact on your reason for living.

In 2011, Prayer with Purpose ministry started with this purpose: to pray for three groups of people that impact the nations: The Church—The Lost—Elected Leaders.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
For a born again Believer in Jesus Christ, everything begins and ends with scripture.
We not only receive knowledge from scripture, we also receive life, for God’s Word is our daily bread that has many nutrients, especially faith, which produces answered prayer. (See Mark 11:22-24)

Last week we looked at the Centurion soldier who went to Jesus on behalf of his servant who was very sick. The soldier told Jesus He didn’t have to come to his home, but rather speak the word and his servant would be healed. Jesus said this man had great faith. This is a picture of intercessory prayer: going to Jesus on behalf of another…in faith.

In Isaiah 62:6-7, Father called for His chosen people to intercede for the city:
“I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
They shall never hold their peace day or night.
You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,
And give Him no rest till He establishes
And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”

JESUS CHRIST—INTERCESSOR ON THE CROSS
“He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:11-12)

JESUS CHRIST—OUR HIGH PRIEST
“But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:24-25)

JESUS CHRIST—HEAD OF THE GLORIOUS CHURCH
Father has put all things under the feet of His Son and placed Him as Head of the Church. (Ephesians 1:22-23) He is the vine, we are the branches.

Jesus is at work through His church changing nations. Jesus and His Body are one. As the Chief Intercessor He works through His Spirit who is abiding in each member to intercede for The Church, for the lost, and for elected leaders; to bring all things under subjection to Himself in our cities, our states, our nation, including nature itself.

“For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.” (1 Corinthians 15:25)

YOU
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)

THE CALL TO PRAYER
Whether alone with Father, or gathering with other pray-ers, your voice, being connected to your heart, has abilities that can bring forth mighty changes.
Your work is an inside job, as it is coming forth from the place that Holy Spirit resides.

“The Kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21)

Don’t think you can fulfill your purpose without the Word of God.
Your heart will be void of God’s anointing, like a balloon lying flat on a table.

HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US WHEN WE PRAY (Romans 8:26-27)
Don’t think you can maximize your divine potential in prayer without the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”
A few days later, the Holy Spirit made His glorious entrance through the heavens into the upper room and sat upon each of the disciples, and they spoke in tongues. (Acts 2:1-6) Wow!

Speaking in tongues is necessary for effective praying, otherwise the LORD would not have given it to us.

When we pray in the Spirit we are speaking mysteries to God. (1 Corinthians 14:2)
As we grow, we can develop our ability to interpret what we are speaking.

Tongues come out of the heart to quiet the mind and to give voice to what God wants spoken or disclosed. We don’t know everything! He does! Rely, trust, depend, on Holy Spirit while praying. If you venture off into self will, you will enter into error.

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit…” (Jude 20)

Knowing who you are in Christ will help you to pray more effectively.

This is that…which affects answered prayer.
“Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 AMPC)

This is that...

7/31/2018

This is that…7.31.18

The Professor stood at the door and handed each student a piece of paper that was folded in half and told them not to look at the contents. After everyone was seated, the Professor said they could now open the paper and answer the following question:

WHAT ARE MY REASONS FOR LIVING?

(Child of God, take some time and answer this question today. Write from your heart.)

After a little while, the Professor began to teach.

Many of you will have different answers to my question according to your interests, your goals, and those things that are important to you. The goal of this exercise is to reveal those things that are in your heart. Now let’s take a brief look at two words that have a major impact on your life: PURPOSE AND POTENTIAL.

P U R P O S E
Definition: the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.; an intended or desired result, end, aim, or goal; determination; resoluteness.

Examples:

The purpose of a screen door is to keep bugs out. (objective; function; point; intention; meaning; reason; design)
The students purpose is to graduate medical school and become a doctor. (goal; aim; ambition; intention; mission; target; resolution; desire; hope; expectation)
He purposed to be a great musician. (intend; aim; decide; persist; propose; persevere; plan; determine; endeavor; choose; commit oneself; have a mind to accomplish

Antonym: purposelessness, aimlessness; inconstancy; apathy

P O T E N T I A L
Definition: latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness; having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future

Examples:

He is a potential candidate for president. (possible; conceivable; latent; concealed; hidden; covert; unapparent; dormant; passive; unexpressed)

THREE ORDINARY PEOPLE THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE
Certainly Moses saw the potential leadership abilities in Joshua.

He was chosen to be one of the twelve leaders to spy out the land of Canaan that God wanted His people to occupy. Sadly, only Joshua and Caleb had faith to take the land, but that was not enough to persuade the people. However, forty years later, Joshua would lead the next generation in to take the land of Canaan and occupy what God had given them forty years before. (Joshua Chapter 1)

Joshua came into the fullness of his purpose and potential as God led him to conquer and settle the Promised Land.

“So the Lord gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it. The Lord gave them rest all around, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers. And not a man of all their enemies stood against them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand. Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” (Joshua 21:43-45)

Esther saved her people, the Jews, from a plot to annihilate them. God had a purpose for this young woman who became Queen after her marriage to the Persian King, Xerxes. With great tact and skill, she exposed Haman’s evil plot.

Her purpose for living unveiled the great courage and potential that this young woman had within her as she laid her life down to save the Jewish people.

Remember her uncle’s statement? “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Jesus said of the Centurion soldier, “I have not seen such great faith, not even in Israel.”
He asked Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant, not to lay hands on him, but rather “speak a word, and my servant will be healed.”

This Roman soldier’s great desire was that his servant would be healed of a tormenting disease. His purpose, his intercession of love, brought him to Jesus.

His potential for “great faith” was in demonstration as he did not ask Jesus to come to his servant, but rather to “send the word.”

“And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

Joshua, Esther, and an Officer in the Roman army—three ordinary people at birth but born with a purpose. What was it that made them aware of their own potential?

MISSION AND VISION
When purpose is accompanied with a God-breathed mission, an ordinary hum drum life is propelled to unleash the power of potential!

Christian, when you were born again, God put Himself in you. The Holy Spirit in you is the power of God.

He is the potential to do extra-ordinary things for the Kingdom of God. (See Acts 1:8)

So, what are your reasons for living?

This is that…which God said about you before you were born!
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Recommended For You
Bill Winston video: 30 minute teaching "Empowered in Purpose"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5AapoIE_n8